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 18 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

CORRIGENDA

OFFICE OF THE FIRST MINISTER AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER

Aging in an Inclusive Society

Mrs M Bradley asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to provide an update on 'Aging in an Inclusive Society'.

(AQW 2121/08)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister (Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness): Work is currently on-going within the department on this issue. We are intending to submit a paper to colleagues in the Executive seeking agreement to adopt the strategy on “Ageing in an Inclusive Society”, including underlying principles, objectives and an Action Plan in the near future.

Pension/Gratuity Payments to Royal Ulster Constabulary Reservists

Mr D McNarry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether or not it has obtained the additional information it was seeking from the Northern Ireland Office in relation to pension/gratuity payments to Royal Ulster Constabulary reservists.

(AQW 2358/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We have not yet received the additional information we requested about aspects of the Northern Ireland Office’s assessment of the economic viability of a pension scheme for Royal Ulster Constabulary Part-time Reservists. We approached the Northern Ireland Office to seek an update on our request and were advised on 31 December that they have written to the Government Actuaries Department for further information. We will write to the Member as soon as this information is received.

Capital Investment Projects

Mr R Beggs asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to list all (i) current; and (ii) proposed, capital investment projects by the department; and to detail the costs or estimates for each project scheduled in (a) 2007/08; (b) 2008/09; (c) 2009/10; and (d) 2010/11.

(AQW 2433/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: As Assembly Questions number 2433/08 and 2585/08 request similar information, this response deals with both questions together.

OFMDFM has three main capital investment projects. These are: the demolition and remediation of the Maze/Long Kesh; the demolition, remediation and infrastructure costs of the Ebrington site under Ilex; and the regeneration of the Crumlin Road Gaol.

OFMDFM has two proposed capital projects in addition to its three main projects: the fit out costs for new accommodation for the North South Ministerial Council Joint Secretariat; and, the North Belfast City of Learning (Boys/Girls Model School). Funding for fit out costs for the new accommodation for the North South Ministerial Council Joint Secretariat will be bid for through the in-year monitoring process and has not been included in budget allocations as stated in the Draft Budget for the years 2008-11. The approximate cost of this project is £0.5m - £0.75m.

The Department also incurs capital spend in relation to capital grants, and the acquisition of office and IT equipment.

The following table sets out the Department’s current and proposed capital investment projects and detail the costs or estimates for each project scheduled in 2006/07, 2007/08, 2008/09, 2009/10 and 2010/11.

	Total		1.44	2.47	12.4	23.1	20.1
	Project	Description	2006/07 (£m)	2007/08 (£m)	2008/09 (£m)	2009/10 (£m)	2010/11 (£m)
Current Projects	Maze Long Kesh	Regeneration and redevelopment of site works	0.46	1.18	0	0	0
	Crumlin Road Gaol	Regeneration and redevelopment of site works	0.28	1.0	3.1	15.4	14.3
	Misc Capital	Purchase of miscellaneous office and IT equipment	0.08	0.15	0.2	0.2	0.2
	Capital Grants	Capital Grants to Community Groups	0.62	0.14	0.3	0.3	0.3

Proposed Projects	Ebrington Barracks	Demolition/remediation and infrastructure			8.4	7.2	5.3
	North Belfast City of Learning	Boys/Girls Model School			0.4	0	0

Sustainable Development Strategy

Mr D Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the progress that has been made by the Executive in relation to the delivery of the targets set out in the Sustainable Development Strategy.

(AQW 2499/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Of the 63 targets in the Sustainable Development Strategy, 24 have been achieved or are on track for achievement during 2008. Thirty-one are long-term targets scheduled for achievement in a longer timeframe. Eight other targets are the subject of delays or have measurement difficulties.

OFMDFM is currently working to review and refine where necessary the targets in light of these findings and to ensure alignment with the Programme for Government. We intend to make the precise status of all targets clear in the new Implementation Plan.

Child Poverty

Mr S Hamilton asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to estimate the number of children living in poverty in each (i) district council area; and (ii) parliamentary constituency.

(AQW 2544/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: In response to the Member’s question, the estimated number of children living in poverty in each (i) district council area; and (ii) parliamentary constituency is as shown in the attached tables (1) and (2).

These numbers are based on the relative income poverty indicator.

Table 1: Number of Children in Relative Income Poverty by District Council for 2003/2004, 2004/2005 and 2005/06 combined

Number of Children in Relative Income Poverty by District Council for 2003/2004, 2004/2005 and 2005/06 combined

Source: Households Below Average Income Northern Ireland (HBAI NI) 2003/2004, 2004/2005 and 2005/2006
Notes1. Two LGDs combined due to sample size requirements.
2. As with any sample survey there is a degree of error attached to the estimates.

Table 2: Number of Children in Relative Income Poverty by Parliamentary Constituency for 2003/2004, 2004/2005 and 2005/06 combined.

Source: Households Below Average Income Northern Ireland (HBAI NI) 2003/2004, 2004/2005 and 2005/2006
Notes 1. As with any sample survey there is a degree of error attached to the estimates.

North-South Ministerial Council

Mr R Beggs asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the expenditure committed to the North South Ministerial Council 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 2557/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Details of the budget allocated from the Northern Ireland block grant to the North South Ministerial Council Joint Secretariat in each financial year since 1999 and the proposed expenditure outlined by the draft budget in May 2007 are set out in the table below:

North/South Ministerial Council Joint Secretariat (North)
Year	Budget Allocation £	Actual Expenditure £
2000/2001	905K	795K
2001/2002	820K	899K
2002/2003	735K	619K
2003/2004	642K	603K
2004/2005	602K	577K
2005/2006	612K	612K
2006/2007	695K	694K
2007/2008	851K	-
2008/2009 (Proposed)	808K	-
2009/2010 (Proposed)	882K	-
2010/2011 (Proposed)	977K	-

Capital Investment Projects

Mr R Beggs asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the nature and cost of each of its capital investment projects under the following categories: (i) actual expenditure during 2006/2007; (ii) expenditure plans for 2007/2008; (iii) draft Budget proposals for 2008/2009; (iv) draft Budget proposals for 2009/2010; and (v) draft Budget proposals for 2010/2011.

(AQW 2585/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: As Assembly Questions number 2433/08 and 2585/08 request similar information, this response deals with both questions together.

The Department also incurs capital spend in relation to capital grants, and the acquisition of office and IT equipment.

	Total		1.44	2.47	12.4	23.1	20.1
	Project	Description	2006/07 (£m)	2007/08 (£m)	2008/09 (£m)	2009/10 (£m)	2010/11 (£m)
Current Projects	Maze Long Kesh	Regeneration and redevelopment of site works	0.46	1.18	0	0	0
	Crumlin Road Gaol	Regeneration and redevelopment of site works	0.28	1.0	3.1	15.4	14.3
	Misc Capital	Purchase of miscellaneous office and IT equipment	0.08	0.15	0.2	0.2	0.2
	Capital Grants	Capital Grants to Community Groups	0.62	0.14	0.3	0.3	0.3

Proposed Projects	Ebrington Barracks	Demolition/remediation and infrastructure			8.4	7.2	5.3
	North Belfast City of Learning	Boys/Girls Model School			0.4	0	0

Ministerial Code

Mr M Storey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister for its assessment of whether or not the Minister of Education adhered to the Ministerial Code in the way she informed the Executive of her statement in relation to post primary education.

(AQW 2587/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: There is no statutory requirement for Ministers to advise the Executive of their intention to make statements to the Assembly, though it is normal for them to do so in the interests of good order. Officials within the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister were informed of the Minister of Education’s intention on the afternoon of 3 December and the information was subsequently conveyed to us in the USA. A letter was received by the department at 10.51 on the day the Minister made her statement.

The Minister is 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 for consideration and comment in due course.

Ministerial Statement on Post Primary Education

Mr M Storey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline the process by which the Minister of Education informed the Executive of her statement on post primary education.

(AQW 2588/08)

Post Primary Education

Mr M Storey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister how the Executive will process the proposals relating to post primary education brought before the Assembly by the Minister of Education.

(AQW 2589/08)

Shared Society

Mr T Lunn asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what is its assessment of the part which a shared society will play in achieving the Executive's sustainability targets.

(AQW 2672/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: When published in 2006 the Sustainable Development Strategy for Northern Ireland identified A Shared Future, the previous administration’s policy for improved good relations and community cohesion, as integral to the delivery of quality public services.

The Executive is currently considering a new Implementation Plan for the Sustainable Development Strategy. This strategy will reflect forthcoming proposals for a Programme for Cohesion, Sharing and Integration which will be presented to the Assembly in the immediate future.

Good Relations Commitments

Mr T Lunn asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to make a statement on the new good relations commitments contained in the draft Programme for Government.

(AQW 2673/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The draft Programme for Government, including the key goals and associated PSA framework, was developed with a focus on addressing the key challenges and seizing the opportunities to deliver a better and more sustainable future. The goals outlined in the Programme for Government are not, therefore, framed along departmental lines but rather are presented as goals for the entire Executive.

The objective of improving “societal relations” is specifically addressed within the PSA framework. By contributing to the Executive’s aim of building a peaceful, fair and prosperous society in Northern Ireland, with respect for the rule of law, all of the key goals outlined in the draft Programme for Government can be seen to set the context for the promotion of good relations.

As stated previously, 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, sharing and integration. Key objectives, actions and targets will be developed in the context of these proposals.

'A Shared Future'

Mr T Lunn asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to make a statement on the status of the document 'A Shared Future' and the associated Triennial Action Plan in the context of the draft Programme for Government.

(AQW 2674/08)

Planning Appeals

Mr J Wells asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what steps have been taken to reduce the backlog of appeals awaiting a decision by the Planning Appeals Commission.

(AQW 2688/08)

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 December 2007 the backlog was 3,208 and our projected output for the current financial year is 1,117. 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 140 per month.

The Commission made a bid for additional resources in December 2006 and provision has been made in the draft budget for extra funding. 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 under way to deliver a competition for commissioners.

We have recently made a number of appointments to the Commission.

AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Flooding in the Glens of Antrim

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what progress she is making in relation to solving the flooding problem which occurred in the Glens in July 2007.

(AQW 2762/08)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms M Gildernew): Following the July 2007 flood event DARD Rivers Agency undertook limited emergency maintenance on the undesignated Glenaan River. However, it is considered that this work would not enable the river channel to contain river flows of the magnitude and severity of the July event. Rivers Agency has commissioned a feasibility study of flood defence improvements at the locations at Tromra Road that were affected by flooding. This commission will take into account not only watercourse related flooding but also flooding from roads and overland flows aimed at providing an integrated solution.

This report is scheduled for completion in July 2008. Any improvement proposals will of course have to be viable and be subject to availability of resources.

Foreign Nationals

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail what responsibility her department has in relation to monitoring the number of foreign nationals residing in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 2887/08)

Ms M Gildernew: My Department has no responsibility in relation to monitoring the number of foreign nationals residing in the North of Ireland.

CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE

Museums Policy

Mr T Lunn asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline the anticipated timeframe for the completion of the museums policy.

(AQW 2671/08)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr E Poots): My Department had been considering the development of a museums policy 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.

In September 2007 I met with the Northern Ireland Museums Council and they offered that they could develop a museums policy with minimal additional resources and I tasked them with producing a paper outlining how this could be done. I have recently received their paper and will be giving it due consideration.

Community Festival Funding

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail (i) the budget for community festival funding for each district council area, following the transfer of delivery of this fund to councils in April 2008; and (ii) how the level of funding is determined for each district council.

(AQW 2763/08)

Mr E Poots: The following table details the Community Festivals Fund allocations to each district council:

DISTRICT COUNCIL	DCAL ALLOCATION (£)
Antrim	12,300
Ards	18,000
Armagh	13,700
Ballymena	15,600
Ballymoney	6,800
Banbridge	10,600
Belfast	77,300
Carrickfergus	9,700
Castlereagh	15,800
Coleraine	14,200
Cookstown	8,500
Craigavon	22,600
Derry	31,200
Down	1,600
Dungannon	12,800
Fermanagh	15,000
Larne	8,000
Limavady	8,900
Lisburn	28,400
Magherafelt	9,900
Moyle	4,400
Newry & Mourne	25,400
Newtownabbey	20,400
North Down	18,600
Omagh	13,100
Strabane	12,400
	£450,000

The allocations are determined on the basis of population distribution, with a 10% weighting applied for deprivation as measured by the Noble Multiple Deprivation Measure. It is expected that each district council will match the amount allocated by DCAL.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what consideration he has given to initiating a police investigation into the deficit accumulated by the Northern Ireland Events Company.

(AQW 2792/08)

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. If at any time evidence of criminal activity emerges then this matter will be referred to the police. I will consider any further relevant actions following the completion of the review.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what instructions were given by his department to the Northern Ireland Events Company after 20 September 2007, in relation to future trading, when it was known that the organisation was in financial difficulty.

(AQW 2881/08)

Mr E Poots: On 1 October 2007 and on 4 December 2007, the Department instructed the Northern Ireland Events Company that it should not enter into further commitments pending resolution of the Company’s financial difficulties.

EDUCATION

False Addresses

Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Education what steps she will take to address the situation whereby families resident in the Republic of Ireland are using false addresses, in order for their children to attend schools in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 785/08)

The Minister of Education (Ms C Ruane): The Department issued comprehensive guidance on this issue on October 11. This guidance advised all schools and pre-schools of the implications for them of the judgment in a recent Judicial Review: that they now may be covered by a “duty to verify” information within applications where a problem with false information is suspected. This guidance gave all schools and pre-schools practical recommendations for requesting verifying documents from applicants within the admissions process.

Notwithstanding this I believe that the way forward for education is that children attend local schools regardless of which side of the border they are on. I will therefore be reviewing the requirements in primary legislation on all schools and preschools to prioritise all applicants resident in the North of Ireland before those who are not resident in the North of Ireland, and this review will take account of a possible conflict with EU legislation.

Contracting and Sub-Contracting Process for New Build Schools

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Education to outline the policies relating to, and the process of, contracting and sub-contracting for new build schools within the North Eastern Education and Library Board area.

(AQW 1685/08)

Ms C Ruane: The current practice for procuring new schools within the North Eastern Education and Library Board area is through an open advertisement for main contractors who wish to be included in a select list of contractors. All contractors who respond to this are then evaluated against the criteria identified in the advertisement and a short list of contractors is prepared.

Sub-contractors (mechanical, electrical and, on occasions, structural steelwork contractors) are procured through the same process of open advertisement and evaluation.

Classroom Assistants' Dispute

Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of schools at which educational facilities are currently being disrupted due to the ongoing classroom assistants' dispute.

(AQW 1983/08)

Ms C Ruane: During the week ending 23 November 2007 there were 25 special schools disrupted to varying degrees due to the strike action by classroom assistants. Currently there are no schools subject to disruption since the strike action has now ended.

Promotion of Community Pride

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education to outline the steps she is taking to improve the self-concept of children in inner-city and large resettlement estate-based schools through developing a pride in their own community background.

(AQW 2019/08)

Ms C Ruane: I agree that it is important that all of our young people have an opportunity to learn about and celebrate the identity of their own community as well as an understanding and appreciation of the culture of other communities on this island. Through the revised curriculum, we are offering teachers greater flexibility in responding to the needs of those in their classrooms and in creating a culture of aspiration and achievement and providing young people with the opportunity to develop their self-esteem and preparing them to play a positive role in their local community and as contributors to wider society and our economy. Through our extended schools programme, we are also facilitating those schools which draw their intakes from the most disadvantaged sections of our community in providing after-school activities which meet the needs of the communities they serve.

Additionally, my Department’s Community Relations Policy is aimed at promoting and developing community relations in the education and youth service sectors in the age range 3 to 25. To enable this, the Department encourages and provides opportunities for young people from different backgrounds and cultures to meet so that they can learn about each other, to respect each other’s beliefs and backgrounds whilst at the same time, recognising and learning to appreciate the common ground they share. Through the community relations various funding schemes organisations work with young people to help them become more secure in their own personal sense of identity whilst at the same time, becoming more understanding and sensitive to those who are different.

Integrated Education

Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Education to make a statement on the failure to include any reference to integrated education in the Programme for Government; and to confirm whether or not this omission will have an impact on the future of Priory Integrated College.

(AQW 2341/08)

Ms C Ruane: The draft Programme for Government reflects the careful consideration that the Executive have given to its priorities. When education is referred to in the draft Programme for Government, it refers to all sectors. There is also a statutory duty placed upon the Department of Education to encourage and facilitate the development of integrated education.

The draft Programme for Government does not impact on the specific issues under consideration regarding Priory Integrated College’s capital scheme.

Exemptions Under Article 18 of the Education and Libraries ( Northern Ireland) Order 1986

Mr T Lunn asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the total number of primary schools that have been issued with an exemption under Article 18 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986, in relation to premises that her department is satisfied would not conform to the published standards; and (ii) the number of grant-maintained integrated primary schools that received an exemption.

(AQW 2453/08)

Ms C Ruane: As far as the department is aware no primary schools have been issued with an exemption under Article 18 of the Education and Libraries ( Northern Ireland) Order 1986. This includes grant maintained integrated primary schools.

Primary School Capital Build Programmes

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQO 885/08, to detail the primary school capital build programmes that have been approved in the East Antrim constituency, in each of the last ten years.

(AQW 2494/08)

Ms C Ruane: Schools requiring capital build projects have been identified in the first instance by the relevant education authorities. There has been one major primary school project approved for funding in East Antrim in the last ten years. This was a replacement school building for St MacNissi’s Primary School, Larne. Construction work on this new school was started in April 1999 and completed in July 2000.

Extended Schools Programmes

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Education, further to the draft Budget, to detail (i) all extended schools programmes that will no longer be funded; (ii) the location of each of these schemes; (iii) the number of children involved in each scheme; and (iv) what consideration she has given to the value and viability of the schemes that will no longer receive funding.

(AQW 2503/08)

Ms C Ruane: Draft Budget proposals were published on 25 October, and I am currently considering the implications of these for Education budgets, including extended schools programmes. Final decisions on the budgets for services, including Education, will not be taken until after the public consultation period, which ends on 4 January.

School Sprinkler Systems

Mr M Durkan asked the Minister of Education whether or not a sprinkler system is installed as standard during the construction of a new school.

(AQW 2513/08)

Ms C Ruane: All schools must comply with the fire regulations. There is no requirement under the regulations to provide sprinkler systems and I understand that no schools currently have sprinkler systems installed.

School Sprinkler Systems

Mr M Durkan asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of primary and secondary schools that do not have a sprinkler system installed, broken down by parliamentary constituency.

(AQW 2515/08)

Wi-Fi in Schools

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Education what consultation she has undertaken with parents and local communities in relation to the setting up of Wi-Fi in schools.

(AQW 2603/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has responsibility for providing advice on protecting people from radiation hazards, including exposure to electromagnetic fields. It continues to assure us that there is no reason why schools should not use WiFi systems. This is consistent with advice issued by other bodies such as the World Health Organisation and an Expert Group established and funded by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in the south of Ireland. In light of this advice, no consultation has been undertaken with parents and local communities on the use of WiFi in schools.

The HPA has, however, recently announced that while there is no scientific evidence to date that WiFi adversely affects the health of the general population, it will carry out a systematic programme of research which will include measurements of exposures from WiFi. It also states that it has good scientific reasons to expect the results of this research to be reassuring. The health and well-being of children and young people in our schools is always paramount and my Department will await the findings of this research.

Astroturf Facility at Limavady Grammar School

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Education to provide an update in relation to community use of the astroturf facility located at Limavady Grammar School.

(AQW 2618/08)

Ms C Ruane: I am advised that officers from the Western Education and Library Board together with the Board’s solicitors met with Limavady Council’s Director of Development and the Principal of the school on 12 December to discuss and agree the terms of the lease for use of the Astroturf pitch and it is proposed that a draft lease will be issued to the Council for agreement and approval at the beginning of January 2008.

Pending the completion of the legal agreement the school is continuing to allow the use of the pitch by community groups that have appropriate insurance.

Wi-Fi Health Concerns

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Education to detail what information was requested from her department, and from whom, in relation to health concerns about the installation of Wi-Fi in schools.

(AQW 2621/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department of Education has received requests for information in relation to health concerns about the installation of Wi-Fi in schools from the following:

Request from	Number of requests	Subject
MLAs	4	Requests for information about the installation of Wi-Fi in schools; what research has been carried out on possible health effects; what health advice the Department sought prior to authorising the installation of Wi-Fi technology in primary schools (AQW 871/08); the Education Minister’s assessment of a statement of the Chairperson of the Health Protection Agency about the radiation exposure levels of a Wi-Fi unit (AQW 1377/08); and the Education Minister’s plans to monitor the health of children in schools that have Wi-Fi installed (AQW 2620/08).
Assembly Education Committee	1	Request for the Department of Education’s comments on an e-mail sent to the Education Committee.
Principals/staff of schools	2	Request for advice on a reply to an enquiry from a parent about the use of Wi-Fi in the school; and a request for an interview with the Education Minister to hear the Minister’s views on Wi-Fi.
Members of the Press	1	Request for answers to questions about the use of Wi-Fi in schools.
Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People	1	Request on behalf of a private individual for answers to questions about the installation of Wi-Fi systems in schools.
Private individuals	1	Request for a meeting with the Education Minister to discuss the promotion of Wi-Fi in schools.

Statementing Process

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education what action she is taking to harmonise the statementing process across all Education and Library Boards.

(AQW 2638/08)

Ms C Ruane: The 5 Education and Library Boards follow the same statementing process which is laid down in the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1996, the Special Educational Needs and Disability (Northern Ireland) Order 2005, the Education (Special Educational Needs) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005, the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs (1998) and the Supplement to the Code (2005).

The Department commenced a review of special educational needs (SEN) and inclusion in April 2006 to address a range of issues associated with the current SEN framework, a key feature of which is the statementing process. I am presently giving consideration to draft policy proposals which have emerged from this review. Subject to my approval the draft policy proposals will be made available for public consultation in the usual manner.

Financial Resources Allocated to CCEA

Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Education to detail the financial resources allocated to the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessments (CCEA) in (i) 2006/2007; and (ii) 2007/2008, in relation to financing the current 11 plus transfer tests, from design to the issuing of results; and to outline the proposed allocation for 2008/2009.

(AQW 2639/08)

Ms C Ruane: The information requested is detailed below.

Financial Resources allocated to CCEA

2006/07 – SCHOOL YEAR

Transfer Procedure Development
£142,000

Transfer Procedure Processing
£177,170

Total
£319,170

2007/08 – SCHOOL YEAR

Transfer Procedure Development
£142,000

Transfer Procedure Processing
£208,688

Transfer test – test unit
£ 25,500

Total
£376,188

The Department is currently considering CCEA’s proposed Transfer Procedure allocation for 2008/09.

Strategic Plan for Transfer at 14 Years

Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Education whether or not she will immediately publish her detailed strategic plan for transfer at 14 years.

(AQW 2640/08)

Ms C Ruane: I made a statement in the Assembly on 4 December of my vision for education in the North which explained that young people will enjoy equal access to their post-14 educational pathway in a number of ways. The detail of how this will operate in each area will be determined through area based planning mechanisms. I will be making a further statement to the Assembly in the new year on progress towards the establishment of area based planning mechanisms, and on negotiations with key stakeholders on the detail of arrangements for transfer in September 2010.

Transfer Procedure

Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Education what consideration she has given to establishing an alternative body to provide a procedure for post-primary transfer; and to detail such plans.

(AQW 2641/08)

Ms C Ruane: I consider the current system of academic selection to be both unjust and unnecessary. I have no plans to establish an alternative body to provide a procedure for post-primary transfer.

Transfer Procedure

Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Education to (i) detail the expected savings from the abolition of the 11 plus procedure; and (ii) outline how savings will be re-allocated.

(AQW 2642/08)

Ms C Ruane: The information requested is detailed below.

Estimate of Savings from the abolition of the 11 Plus procedure

CCEA costs (Estimate)
£376,188

Cost of ELB Invigilation:
(Estimate) £ 84,814

Invigilation cost for 2007/08 is an estimate as the information is not yet available from the Education and Library Boards.

The Education and Library Boards do not record separately other costs in respect of Board Staff involved in the operation of the transfer tests or the cost of issuing results to schools and parents.

The Department has overall responsibility for the transfer procedure policy but no staff are involved in operating the test.

Based on the estimated expenditure for the 2007/08 year, it would appear that savings from the abolition of the 11 plus procedure will be in the region of some £461k.

As no financial bid will be made following the abolition of the transfer tests, there will be no re-allocation of funds.

Transfer Procedure

Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Education to detail the cost of restructuring the school system to accommodate transfer at 14 years in relation to (a) capital investment; (b) staff re-training and transfer; and (c) transport and other ancillary costs; and if she will publish these details.

(AQW 2643/08)

Ms C Ruane: In my statement to the Assembly on 4 December I explained that young people will enjoy equal access to their post-14 educational pathway in a number of ways. The detail of how this will operate in each area will be determined through area based planning and therefore it is not possible at this stage to detail the financial and human resource implications. With dramatically falling pupil numbers, the need to make all our schools sustainable already requires structural change in order to avoid continuing inefficiency, failure and cost.

Ministerial Statement

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail what consideration she gave to the explanatory notes to the Northern Ireland (St. Andrews Agreement) Act 2006, paragraph 20, in preparing her Assembly statement on the schools transfer system.

(AQW 2645/08)

Ms C Ruane: I have made clear that I want a legislative underpinning of my proposals for future transfer arrangements, I want Executive and Assembly approval, and I am confident that a consensus can be achieved which will facilitate that.

Education System

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to confirm that efforts to improve the education system will prioritise those parts of the system that show the highest failure rates.

(AQW 2646/08)

Ms C Ruane: I want every young person to have the same opportunity to succeed, regardless of socio-economic background, gender or race. A key priority is to narrow the gap in achievement that exists between the most advantaged and most disadvantaged in our community while at the same time raising overall levels. This will involve working with all schools but focussing, in particular on those schools where performance is lower than expected.

Funding for the Commission for Catholic Education

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail the cost to her department in funding the Commission for Catholic Education since it was established.

(AQW 2647/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Commission for Catholic Education in the north of Ireland has not received funding from the Department of Education since it was established.

Transfer Procedure

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail what measures she is taking to ensure that her proposals for a schools transfer system receive cross-community support in (i) the Executive; and (ii) the Northern Ireland Assembly.

(AQW 2648/08)

Ms C Ruane: My proposals will be welcomed by many within the education system, and I believe there is already broad support for them across communities in the North. The meetings that I am currently holding with key stakeholders are intended to achieve a consensus on the detail of post-primary transfer arrangements for 2010 and beyond. Once achieved, I believe I will be in a strong position to gain cross-community support in the Executive and Assembly behind proposals that are widely supported across communities and by education professionals.

Transfer Procedure

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education, in relation to those schools wishing to implement a transfer procedure separate to that planned by her department, to confirm whether or not her statement that she is under no obligation to provide funding applies (i) to pupils, capital costs and administration costs; or (ii) only to the costs of operating a separate transfer procedure.

(AQW 2649/08)

Ms C Ruane: I can confirm that core education funding will not be withdrawn from any school seeking to operate independent admissions arrangements. The Department will not however be obliged to fund the cost of any aspect of the setting up or administering of independent admissions arrangements that lie outside of Department of Education approved processes.

Post-Primary Education in Maghera

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education what plans she has for (a) the future of Maghera High School; and (b) the provision of post-primary education in Maghera and its surrounding areas.

(AQW 2676/08)

Ms C Ruane: Maghera High School falls within the remit of the North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB) which is consulting locally on the future for post‑primary provision in the area. The NEELB has indicated that a Board decision on the way forward is likely to be taken in February or March.

New Builds

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education what (a) new builds are proposed for post-primary education in (i) Moyle District Council area; (ii) Ballymoney Borough Council area; and (iii) Ballymena Borough Council area; and (b) the commencement dates for these new builds.

(AQW 2677/08)

Ms C Ruane: A new build school is currently being planned for Ballymoney High School, which is in the Ballymoney Borough Council area. The proposed new school is at Outline Business Case stage. It is estimated that construction work would start in early 2010.

There are currently no other post-primary new build projects in the Moyle, Ballymoney or Ballymena Council areas.

Post-Primary Transfer Procedure

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to outline the work undertaken by her department, since her announcement on 4 December 2007, in relation to new arrangements for the transfer procedure.

(AQW 2678/08)

Ms C Ruane: A series of meetings have taken place with stakeholders representative of post-primary schools to ascertain views on suitable transfer arrangements for 2010 and beyond. A series of follow-up meetings have been arranged which will be used to establish the basis for a consensual approach to new arrangements. Progress is being made on the establishment of area based planning mechanisms, preparations are being made for the launch of the Every School A Good School policy, and meetings have been held with the education spokespersons of all the Executive political parties.

Carlane Primary School, Toomebridge

Mr M McLaughlin asked the Minister of Education what the current position is in relation to the future of Carlane primary school, Toomebridge.

(AQW 2703/08)

Ms C Ruane: Carlane is a maintained primary school and as such its’ future is a matter for consideration by the school Trustees and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) in the first instance.

Whilst I am aware that the Trustees and CCMS have been in discussion on the schools’ future, no firm proposals have as yet been formulated and submitted to my Department for consideration.

New Technology in Education

Mr M McLaughlin asked the Minister of Education if she is aware of the innovative use of technology in education that the Nerve Centre in Derry/Londonderry is developing; and what policy she will persue in promoting the use of new technology in education, including the introduction of vocational qualifications into the school curriculum.

(AQW 2705/08)

Ms C Ruane: I am aware of the Nerve Centre’s well-earned reputation for its work on promoting the moving image, music and innovative digital technologies and the creative opportunities it has provided for young people.

Ensuring that young people acquire the necessary skills to use ICT effectively and safely is a key priority for the Department of Education and this is reflected in the central role which ICT plays in the revised curriculum. Since 2000, the Department has made a significant investment in the ICT infrastructure in schools through Classroom 2000 (C2k). This includes the current renewal of primary schools’ ICT equipment, offering enhanced functionality and flexibility, as well as the provision, during this school year, of 5,000 laptops to primary schools for computer-based pupil assessment and 20,000 laptops to all types of schools. The Department has also recently issued a circular to all schools which set out the actions necessary to further the development of ICT as a teaching and learning tool.

The emPowering Schools Strategy of 2003 set out a broad vision for enhancing teaching, learning and leadership in schools through the use of educational technology. The Department is about to embark on a review of the strategy to ensure that it remains appropriate to emerging educational needs and facilitates the use of the new technology in innovative and creative ways. This will include consideration of how best new technology can support the development of a new framework of 14-19 provision for our pupils, a key aspect of which will be a guarantee of access to a greater range of applied/vocational subjects.

Primary and Preparatory School

Mrs N Long asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to the answer to AQW 1845/08, to detail for each primary and preparatory school (i) the number and percentage of P7 pupils sitting the Transfer Test; and (ii) the percentage of pupils attending the school who are in receipt of free school meals, for the academic year 2007/2008.

(AQW 2725/08)

Ms C Ruane: No detailed data regarding the current Transfer Test are available until the process has been completed and the results issued to the Education and Library Boards. These data will be available in February 2008 and will be provided to you as soon as they become available for release.

Free school meal entitlement data for each primary and preparatory school are currently available for the 2007/08 academic year. These data have not been provided but as soon as the Transfer Test data become available, free school meal entitlement data will also be provided.

School Leavers

Mr F Cobain asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of school leavers who obtained 5 or more GCSE passes A* to C in (i) 2005; (ii) 2006; and (iii) 2007, broken down by parliamentary constituency.

(AQW 2736/08)

Ms C Ruane: The number and percentages of school leavers who obtained 5 or more GCSE passes A*-C in 2005 and 2006 are detailed in the following table. Data for 2007 are currently being collated and will be published in May 2008.

Number and percentage of school leavers achieving at least 5 GCSE’s grades A*-C (or equivalent qualifications) by parliamentary constituency of residence 2005 to 2006.

	2006		2005
Parliamentary Constituency	Number	Percentage	Number	Percentage
BELFAST EAST	532	59.6	555	58.4
BELFAST NORTH	632	51.9	628	52.4
BELFAST SOUTH	632	69.1	656	69.0
BELFAST WEST	790	52.4	797	49.4
EAST ANTRIM	762	63.8	786	64.5
EAST DERRY	787	59.7	790	60.0
FERMANAGH AND SOUTH TYRONE	993	69.2	955	66.3
FOYLE	1147	64.0	1063	59.9
LAGAN VALLEY	941	67.5	911	67.4
MID ULSTER	1032	66.7	989	63.3
NEWRY AND ARMAGH	1145	66.1	1120	65.5
NORTH ANTRIM	980	63.3	929	62.7
NORTH DOWN	735	70.4	785	72.1
SOUTH ANTRIM	891	72.6	907	65.9
SOUTH DOWN	1227	66.6	1099	63.5
STRANGFORD	903	66.3	866	64.5
UPPER BANN	1057	64.1	1023	64.2
WEST TYRONE	964	65.8	829	72.3
MISSING POSTCODES	244	54.7	248	55.2
TOTAL	16394	64.2	15936	63.0

Approximately 2% of pupils’ residential postcodes were missing.

GCSE Passes

Mr F Cobain asked the Minister of Education to detail the percentage of school leavers, entitled to free school meals, who obtained 5 or more GCSE passes A* to C in (i) 2005; (ii) 2006; and (iii) 2007.

(AQW 2738/08)

Ms C Ruane: The percentage of school leavers entitled to free school meals who obtained at least 5 GCSE’s A* to C (or equivalent) in 2005 was 35.6% and in 2006 was 37.6%. Data for 2007 are currently being collated and will be published in May 2008.

Post-Primary Transfer

Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Education whether or not her department has determined an effective method of post-primary transfer that will avoid (i) pupils simply transferring to the nearest school; (ii) a postcode lottery; and (iii) over-subscription to certain schools; and to provide details of this method.

(AQW 2748/08)

Ms C Ruane: The process of area based planning will ensure that provision of sufficient scale and diversity is available to facilitate young people’s preferred educational pathways. That may result in children transferring to their nearest school, but not necessarily so.

Under the proposed arrangements all children will transfer at age 11, with some children making a further transition at age 14, either because they have attended a 11-14 school, or because their preferred pathway can be better accommodated by an alternative educational institution.

Some popular schools will continue to be oversubscribed, but the detail of what admission criteria may be used, and in what way, has yet to be determined, although I have made clear that I favour community, family and geographical criteria.

11+ Transfer Test

Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Education what is her assessment of the savings to be made from the abolition of the 11+ transfer test; and to detail (i) the amount of anticipated savings; and (ii) where she will re-allocate these savings.

(AQW 2749/08)

Ms C Ruane: I would refer the member to the reply I gave to AQW 2642/08.

Compensation for Grammar Schools

Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Education to indicate what plans she has to provide financial compensation for grammar schools, during the transition period, for devising and implementing an alternative procedure to the current transfer test; and if she will set out the relevant details.

(AQW 2756/08)

Ms C Ruane: Any costs involved in developing and administering transitional arrangements for grammar schools, which I intend placing on a statutory basis through the making of admissions criteria regulations, will be met by the Department of Education. Any grammar schools that choose to operate outside arrangements governed by regulation will not be assisted with funding to develop or administer a common entrance examination or alternative form of academic selection.

Special Needs Assessment

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Education to detail for each Education and Library Board (i) the number of pupils that are currently waiting for special needs assessment; and (ii) the waiting time for such assessments.

(AQW 2773/08)

Ms C Ruane: I would refer the Member to my reply to AQW 1308/08 and AQW 1314/08, submitted by the Member for Strangford, Michelle McIlveen, which were placed in Hansard as a written answer on 23 November 2007 and 9 November 2007 respectively.

Efficiency Savings

Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) what reductions, due to efficiency savings, are being applied annually in each of the next 3 years to primary schools in the Strangford constituency; and (ii) the level of reductions allocated to each of these schools.

(AQW 2788/08)

Ms C Ruane: Budgets for schools have yet to be determined for 2008-09, and will be subject to the outcome of the Final Budget process. Budgets for schools for the two subsequent years will be determined prior to each of those years.

Ministerial Statement

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail the input that her departmental officials provided in the drafting of the statement she made to the Assembly on 4 December 2007.

(AQW 2808/08)

Ms C Ruane: The statement which I made on 4 December 2007 was prepared in a similar fashion to any other Ministerial statement: substantial content and drafting was provided by officials, working with myself and my Special Adviser.

Phoenix Integrated Primary School

Mr I McCrea asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of pupils that have attended Phoenix Integrated Primary School, Cookstown, since it opened.

(AQW 2822/08)

Ms C Ruane: The information requested is as follows:

Year	Enrolment
2004/05	18
2005/06	41
2006/07	54
2007/08	79

Source: NI school census.

Post-Primary Transfer

Mrs M Bradley asked the Minister of Education what steps she is taking to ensure that her proposals for future post-primary transfer will (i) protect rural communities; and (ii) ensure that pupils do not travel excessive distances.

(AQO 1311/08)

Ms C Ruane: Children in rural areas are entitled to access a quality education just as much as those in urban areas. In planning future post-primary provision, we will certainly be taking account of the needs of different areas and different communities and seeking to ensure that pupils are not expected to travel excessive distances as this is neither environmentally nor educationally desirable.

Once children have chosen their post-primary school, we will also be ensuring that young people have access, through the Entitlement Framework, to a broad and balanced range of curriculum pathways. To accommodate the needs of rural areas and smaller schools, there will be flexibility in how the Entitlement Framework will be delivered, including, for example, through co-operation between schools and with local further education colleges. The proposals will allow for different solutions for different areas. The educational interests within areas will be involved in developing local provision that best meets the needs of their children.

I am also committed to ensuring that the planning of provision is done in a way that promotes equality and good relations and has regard to the principles behind rural proofing.

Reading Recovery Scheme

Mr T Lunn asked the Minister of Education to provide a guarantee that the Reading Recovery scheme will continue to receive funding, to at least the level it currently does, over the budgetary period 2008-2011.

(AQO 1277/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department is currently finalising a review of the Literacy and Numeracy Strategy and this review, alongside proposals for the way forward, will issue for consultation in the coming weeks.

The revised strategy will outline how we propose to support approaches such as Reading Recovery. However, until the strategy and the Department’s budget for the period 2008-11 are finalised, I am unable to make any announcements surrounding long-term funding for the Reading Recovery programme.

Post-Primary Transfer

Mrs M O'Neill asked the Minister of Education to provide a breakdown of the percentage of pupils, in each Education and Library Board area, who were accepted into the grammar school of their choice in 2007.

(AQO 1373/08)

Ms C Ruane: The table below records the percentage of pupils by Board area (and denominational and non-denominational grammar schools) who expressed a first preference for a grammar school and were admitted to the grammar schools concerned in September 2007.

Board Area	Total 1st Preference Applications	Total 1st Preference Admitted	% 1st Preference Admitted
BELB	2518	2014	80%
WELB	1739	1468	84%
NEELB	2247	1921	85%
SEELB	1772	1427	81%
SELB	1410	1300	92%

Introduction of Modern Languages into Primary Education

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Education to outline her plans for the introduction of modern languages into primary education; and to detail (i) the resources to be allocated; (ii) the pedagogical model to be employed; (iii) the training to be provided, including at what level and by whom; and (iv) the teaching and learning materials to be used.

(AQO 1310/08)

Ms C Ruane:

I believe that introducing children to a second language at an early stage can have huge benefits for them individually and longer term for the society and economy. In some parts of the world this is common practice and that is why I am putting a new programme in place to support those primary schools who wish to offer Spanish and Irish on an optional basis.

£330,000 has been made available for the programme in the 2007/08 school year. This will provide for the employment of a network of peripatetic tutors to work alongside teachers in delivering the programme in schools. The Partnership Management Board is setting up a regional group to provide programme support, training and resource materials for the tutors and participating teachers. The purpose of this approach is to develop skills and confidence within schools so after a period of time this will no longer be necessary.

I am also awaiting recommendations, expected in March 2008, from the joint University of Ulster-Queen’s University Belfast Subject Centre for Languages, Linguistics and Area Studies, which will inform an ongoing strategic approach to language teaching and learning, including modern languages in primary schools.

Post-Primary Transfer

Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Education to provide details of the legislative programme and framework through which she intends to introduce the changes to the education system announced to the Assembly on 4 December 2007.

(AQO 1394/08)

Ms C Ruane: The details of the legislative programme entailed by my Assembly statements on 4 and 11 December will be finalised following completion of discussions with schools and key stakeholders on future transfer arrangements in which I and my officials are currently engaged. I intend to be in a position soon to prepare draft admissions criteria regulations that will govern school admissions from September 2010 onward. These will be issued for appropriate consultation following which I will seek to place these draft regulations on a statutory footing.

Educational Needs in West Belfast and Greater Shankill

Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Education to outline the levels of educational need in the area defined by the West Belfast and Greater Shankill Taskforce Report 2002.

(AQO 1384/08)

Ms C Ruane: The latest figures available for levels of educational need in areas defined in the West Belfast and Greater Shankill Taskforce report of 2002 are for 2005/06.

Pupils resident in the area leaving with at least 5 or more GCSE’s A* - C or equivalent

West Belfast 42.6%
Greater Shankill 43.0%
Average in the North 64.2%

Percentage of Pupils leaving school with no GCSE’s

West Belfast 8.6%
Greater Shankill 7.1%
Average in the North 4.5%

Percentage of Pupils leaving with at least 2 or more A levels at Grade A-E (including equivalencies)

West Belfast 29.5%
Greater Shankill 25.8%
Average in the North 44.7%

Autism Centre of Excellence in Middletown

Mr C Boylan asked the Minister of Education to provide a timescale for the opening of the autism centre of excellence in Middletown; and to detail the age groups it will provide for.

(AQO 1382/08)

Ms C Ruane: I am pleased to report that the Middletown Centre for Autism is open. The operating company was formed in March of last year with the appointment of the Board of Directors. The Chief Executive and the three Heads of Division are all in post and the first training courses were held on site in December.

In August and September 2007 stakeholder consultations were held at the Centre to canvass opinion from statutory and voluntary agencies about the building and refurbishment project.

The Centre is currently consulting with all those involved with children and young people with autism across venues North and South regarding how the proposed services can best be delivered by the Centre.

The Centre will generally provide for children aged 4 - 19 years but may consider younger children if appropriate.

School Closures in the Coleraine Borough Council Area

Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister of Education to outline her plans for school closures in the Coleraine Borough Council area, in the next five years.

(AQO 1392/08)

Ms C Ruane: The planning of the controlled schools’ estate in the Council area is the responsibility of the North Eastern Education and Library Board in the first instance. The Board have confirmed that they currently have no proposals for school closures in the Coleraine Borough Council area. In regard to the maintained sector, the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools are considering the possible amalgamation of Crossroads Primary School and St. Columba’s Primary School, Kilrea.

North-South Education Sector

Mr A Attwood asked the Minister of Education to detail the new projects she has initiated in the North-South education sector since the restoration of devolution.

(AQO 1308/08)

Ms C Ruane: Under the auspices of the North/South Ministerial Council there is existing education cooperation across a range of issues: education for children with special needs; educational underachievement; teacher qualifications and superannuation issues; school, youth and teacher exchanges.

I met with Mary Hanafin, TD Minister for Education and Science, in Dublin in November last year to review progress in these areas and to initiate further work on the full range of matters. We agreed to develop proposals to tackle educational underachievement, including ongoing work by the Literacy and Numeracy Working Group, and to undertake a formal review of co-operation on educational exchanges and supporting mechanisms, including the North South Exchange Consortium. Following the significant progress made so far to establish a Centre of Excellence for Autism at Middletown, we endorsed the plans to provide training, advisory and research services and education, learning and support services once building work is complete. Other joint projects are currently underway in the field of special education needs, such as the “ Cross Border School and Parent Community Partnership Programme”, and we plan to hold a joint Autistic Spectrum Disorder conference this year. Through the Teachers Qualifications Working Group, progress is being made on improving teacher mobility.

In December 2007, Conor Lenihan TD, the Irish Minister for Integration and I jointly launched a Toolkit for Diversity in the Primary School sector. The Toolkit will develop cross-border collaboration to assist children whose language, culture and ethnicity are not Irish and to allow us all to benefit from this rich diversity.

As part of my desire to raise awareness of the important role science and technology in our schools, I have supported the all-Ireland BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibitions, attending the formal opening of the most recent event in Dublin last week.

I will be hosting the next North South Ministerial Council meeting in Education Sectoral format in the Spring and will report back to the Assembly on progress made on these and other issues in due course.

Priory Integrated College

Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Education when she plans to announce her decision in relation to the new build at Priory Integrated College, Holywood.

(AQO 1389/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department wrote to the South Eastern Education and Library Board concerning the viability of Priory and it has confirmed it considers the school viable. I am awaiting further information from the Board on how it will ensure that the school continues to be viable in the longer term. I can assure you that once that information is received and assessed, I will not delay my decision.

Post-Primary Transfer

Ms C Hanna asked the Minister of Education what measures she is taking to ensure that the post-primary transfer criteria of Community, Geographical and Family will be applied in a way that will avoid becoming a postcode lottery.

(AQO 1307/08)

Ms C Ruane: The process of area based planning will ensure that provision of sufficient scale and diversity is available to facilitate young people’s preferred educational pathways post-14. The people involved in local educational sectors are best placed to arrange provision at a local level.

Additionally, following the making of new admissions criteria regulations, the Department will issue statutory admissions guidance to schools, which they will have a legal obligation to have regard to, and this will cover the appropriate use of admissions criteria.

New Curriculum

Mr K McCarthy asked the Minister of Education what is her assessment of the cost to parents of the introduction of the new curriculum and, in particular, the emphasis on independent living and developing life skills, for special needs children.

(AQO 1391/08)

Ms C Ruane: The revised curriculum is more flexible and inclusive than before so it will give teachers more scope to meet the individual needs of every young person in their classroom, including any additional support needs they may have. It does not follow, however, that there should be any additional costs for parents to bear beyond the time we all want to see parents giving to support and encourage their children throughout their education.

In support of the emphasis on independent living and developing life skills for children with special needs, the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment has been working closely with teachers in the special education sector to develop teacher guidance for all areas of the curriculum.

Education and Library Boards provide Life Skills Training Programmes to young people with SEN to support them in self-help and independent living. Boards also have Education Transition Co-ordinators in post to support these young people and their parents.

Post-Primary School Enrolment Numbers

Mr T Gallagher asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the total number of post-primary schools; and (ii) the number of these schools with a present enrolment of less than 500 pupils.

(AQO 1352/08)

Ms C Ruane: There are 226 post-primary schools in 2007/08. Of these, 81 have an enrolment of less than 500 pupils.

In-Year Spending Review

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the amount of money returned under the latest in-year spending review.

(AQO 1275/08)

Ms C Ruane: In the December 2007 in-year monitoring round, from a resource budget of £1,755.9 million, the Department surrendered £5.1 million or 0.3% of the resource budget to DFP for reallocation. In addition, from a capital budget of £221.9 million, the Department surrendered £28.6 million or 12.9% of the capital budget.

Scoil an Droichid, Belfast

Mr A Maskey asked the Minister of Education to outline what plans she has for the provision of a new build at Scoil an Droichid, Cooke Street, Belfast.

(AQO 1343/08)

Ms C Ruane: Discussions are currently underway between the Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta, Iontaobhas na Gaelscolaíochta and my Department about the provision of a permanent new build for Scoil an Droichid. It is not yet at a stage where there are any firm development plans.

Stalemating

Mrs N Long asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to address the process of stalemating in relation to children with special educational needs, in order to provide more detailed guidance on the child's individual needs and therapy requirements.

(AQO 1388/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs (DE, 1998) introduced detailed guidance for all professionals working with children with special educational needs (SEN). The Code of Practice sets out a 5-stage SEN framework for ELBs and schools to follow. A Statement of Special Educational Needs is provided at Stage 5 and it is at this stage that the ELB becomes responsible for ensuring that the child’s SENs are met.

The Special Educational Needs and Disability ( Northern Ireland) Order 2005 (SENDO) came into effect on 1st September 2005 and strengthened the rights of all children with SEN to a mainstream education. In 2005 the Department of Education issued, for schools and ELBs, a Supplement to the existing Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs, in order to support the new SEN provisions of the SENDO and to provide updated guidance.

The review of special educational needs and inclusion which commenced in April 2006 aims to address a range of issues associated with the current SEN framework, a key feature of which is the current statutory assessment process and statementing.

As recommendations about a child’s therapy requirements are the responsibility of the health sector, ELBs take advice from local Health and Social Services Trusts about the level and type of therapeutic interventions required.

EMPLOYMENT AND LEARNING

Higher Education Role Analysis Analytical Job Evaluation Scheme

Mr M Durkan asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail (i) the amount; and (ii) the date, of any funding provided to (a) Queen's University, Belfast; and (b) the University of Ulster, in order to carry out the Higher Education Role Analysis Analytical Job Evaluation Scheme.

(AQW 2659/08)

The Minister for Employment and Learning (Sir Reg Empey): My Department has not provided specific funding to the universities for the purpose of carrying out the Higher Education Role Analysis Analytical Job Evaluation Scheme.

The Department has however, with effect from 2001/02, provided funding to both universities under the Rewarding and Developing Staff Initiative for the implementation of human resource strategies. One of the priorities for the Initiative, which also applies to higher education providers in England, is that institutions should ensure equal pay for work of equal value using institution-wide systems of job evaluation. The universities are therefore free to use this funding towards meeting the costs arising from implementation of their human resource strategies, including those arising from job evaluations. The amount of funding provided to each university under the Rewarding and Developing Staff Initiative is provided in the table below;

Academic Year	2001/02 £000	2002/03 £000	2003/04 £000	2004/05 £000	2005/06 £000 (*)
QUB	1,211	1,817	2,574	788	1,844
UU	1,269	1,903	2,697	842	1,967
Total	2,480	3,720	5,271	1,630	3,811

* From 2006/07, Rewarding and Developing Staff funding was absorbed into core grant allocations.

New Deal for Musicians Programme

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail what pastoral care (i) is required in the criteria for the New Deal for Musicians Programme; and (ii) has been provided to students on this programme who are based in the North West region, in the last three years.

(AQW 2742/08)

Sir Reg Empey: There is no requirement within any of the New Deal programmes for contracted providers to provide pastoral care to participants.

New Deal for Musicians Programme

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline the contractual basis for the provision of the New Deal for Musicians Programme, for people domiciled in the North West, by the South Eastern and Regional College.

(AQW 2743/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The South Eastern Regional College currently hold the contract to deliver the New Deal for Musician programme throughout N. Ireland. Due to an ongoing review of contracts to deliver adult return to work provision, the contract has recently been extended to cover the period up to 31 August 2008.

Student Fees

Mr T Gallagher asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to confirm whether or not he was advised by Queen's University, Belfast, and the University of Ulster, in advance of the Assembly debate on the Student Fees (Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007 on 10 December 2007, that they may reduce student bursaries to make up reduced fees income, in the event that the regulations were annulled.

(AQO 1318/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The Department was aware that reducing student bursaries was a possibility and it would not have been unexpected for Universities to consider this, given that they pay more than the minimum bursary requirement. Higher Education Institutions charging variable fees must have an Access Agreement, approved by my Department. This requires them to pay a minimum bursary of £300 per annum to students on the maximum DEL maintenance grant. Both QUB and UU are paying access bursaries of up to £1,000 per annum. Bursaries are funded from fee income. The issue was first raised with the Department in the context of the Comprehensive Spending Review as it might affect Higher Education.

Budget Negotiations

Dr A McDonnell asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to provide an update on progress made in relation to budget negotiations to address (i) the provision of 300 PhD research posts for students by 2010; (ii) the participation by Northern Ireland Universities in the all-Ireland Science Foundation; (iii) the creation of additional adult apprenticeships and extra monies for ICT as a third essential skill; (iv) critical sector initiatives; and (v) essential skills, in response to the Leitch Review.

(AQO 1320/08)

Sir Reg Empey: All of these areas are important to the growth of a dynamic, innovative economy here in Northern Ireland and are key priorities for my Department. I am awaiting the outcome of the Budget for the three years from April 2008 which will be recommended by the Executive and debated by the Assembly in the near future.

Adult Apprenticeships

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to give his assessment of the significance of the funding gap for adult apprenticeships, given the reduced allocation of funding in the draft Budget in comparison to the DEL bid for adult apprenticeships under the Comprehensive Spending Review; and to outline the impact this will have on indigenous and inward investment projects.

(AQO 1322/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The current allocation in the draft budget will have an impact on the number of apprenticeships that can be provided. They are a key part of upskilling the indigenous workforce. Providing a skilled workforce is also crucial to attracting inward investors so any limit on the number is bound to have an impact on economic growth.

In the first year, the indicative budget would enable around 200 adults to be enrolled in apprenticeships in addition to the 104 already taking part in pilot programmes. The Department will target these places in priority skill areas.

Ards Campus of the South Eastern Regional College

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline the future plans for the Ards campus of the South Eastern Regional College.

(AQO 1304/08)

Sir Reg Empey: My Department has committed to provide a £5m capital grant to develop new facilities for construction, engineering and motor vehicle maintenance for the Ards campus. Other plans in relation to management issues are handled directly by the South Eastern Regional College.

Northern Ireland Students in Great Britain

Mr J McCallister asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the percentage of Northern Ireland domiciled university students that have gone to study in universities in Great Britain, in each of the last five years.

(AQO 1410/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The percentages of Northern Ireland domiciled university students that have gone to study in universities in Great Britain for each of the last five years are:

In year 2002/03 – 22%
In year 2003/04 – 21%
In year 2004/05 – 23%
In year 2005/06 – 22%
In year 2006/07 – 24%

Lifelong Learning

Mr K McCarthy asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what is his assessment of the future of lifelong learning, in relation to the proposed ending of funding for the Workers' Education Association, the Ulster People's College, and the Educational Guidance Service for Adults.

(AQO 1405/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The Department remains committed to Lifelong Learning and, through the Further Education colleges’ main campuses and 876 Outreach Centres, will continue to meet the needs of learners throughout their lives. Each year some 240,000 people enrol on further education courses from Entry Level upwards.

The conclusion of the Department’s present contractual arrangements with the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA), the Ulster Peoples’ College (UPC) and the Educational Guidance Service for Adults (EGSA) will not affect this commitment.

North Down and Ards Institute

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to (i) provide a timescale for the proposed changes to courses and staff reductions in the North Down and Ards Institute branch of the South Eastern Regional College; and (ii) detail the consultation process in relation to this matter.

(AQO 1349/08)

Sir Reg Empey: Following the merger of further education colleges in August 2007, the South Eastern Regional College, in keeping with other further education colleges in Northern Ireland, is organising its provision and structures to meet business needs. Any consequent changes to the provision of courses and the number of staff are matters for College management. The College is consulting with staff unions regarding possible redundancies, in accordance with the Employment Rights ( Northern Ireland ) Order 1996.

Essential Skills Courses

Mr J Spratt asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of people that have registered an interest in Essential Skills courses for 2008.

(AQO 1278/08)

Sir Reg Empey: Information regarding the number of people that have registered an interest in Essential Skills courses for 2008 is not available. Initial enrolments in Essential Skills courses for academic year 2007/08 are 11,531, as at 30 th November 2007.

Teachers' Premature Retirement Compensation Scheme

Mr M Durkan asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline the implications of changes to the Teachers' Premature Retirement Compensation scheme for Further Education employers and employees.

(AQO 1314/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The changes to the Teachers’ Premature Retirement Compensation Scheme, from 1 st April 2008, will make employers responsible for all costs associated with the enhancement of pensions under the Scheme. Any enhancement of pension is a discretionary element of the Scheme, and will be subject to affordability.

University Drop-Outs

Mr J Dallat asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of first-year students at university who have dropped out in the last five years; and to outline what action he is taking to reduce the number of drop-outs.

(AQO 1397/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The latest year that statistics are available is 2004/5. In the five years up to then, the number of first year, full-time, undergraduate students who dropped out was as follows:

2000/01	585
2001/02	740
2002/03	850
2003/04	1,020
2004/05	955

Both Queen's University and the University of Ulster have in place a comprehensive range of measures which seek to ensure that all students optimise their potential and leave University with the best possible academic qualification.

At Queen's University the ‘Supporting Student Attainment Working Group’ takes active measures to promote greater retention and attainment rates.

Also at Queen’s, in 2008-09, a new Employability and Skills Policy will be implemented, taking forward active measures for portfolio planning, mentoring and personal tutoring for all undergraduate students.

Similarly, at the University of Ulster, a major study has just been completed on student retention, which will inform the University's revised Teaching and Learning Strategy.

Teachers' Premature Retirement Compensation Scheme

Mr P Butler asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the arrangements in place for employees in further education and higher education colleges who are seeking early retirement.

(AQO 1401/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The Teachers’ Premature Retirement Compensation Scheme is operated at the discretion of the employer. Through this scheme, employers can initiate the retirement of lecturers as a result of organisational or curricular changes, rationalisation or falling enrolments.

Skills Strategy and Development

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what action he is taking in relation to the involvement of the Open University in skills strategy and development, as highlighted in the Programme for Government.

(AQO 1323/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The Open University has been actively involved throughout the development and subsequent implementation of Success through Skills – the Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland . The University was a key respondent in the original consultation process and it continues to be involved in the delivery of three key themes: raising the skills of the workforce; enhancing the quality of those entering the workforce; and addressing the employability skills of those not in employment.

The Open University is also involved at individual project delivery level within the Strategy, for example, through its participation on a working group set up to provide advice to the Department on the development and delivery of Foundation Degrees in Northern Ireland. This working group informed the content of a consultation document “ Review of Higher Education in Further Education policies, including Foundation Degrees” which the Department issued in November 2007.

Success through Skills is due for review in 2008. As part of this process, my Department will be consulting with all of our major stakeholders, including the Open University, to seek their views on how the Strategy should be taken forward.

PhD Places

Mr T Lunn asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what action he is taking to implement his commitment to provide 300 more PhD places, as outlined in the draft Programme for Government.

(AQO 1276/08)

Sir Reg Empey: This issue is important to the growth of a dynamic, innovative economy here in Northern Ireland . I am awaiting the outcome of the Budget for the three years from April 2008 which will be recommended by the Executive and debated by the Assembly in the near future.

'Further Education Means Business'

Mr S Neeson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what is his assessment of the future of lifelong learning under the strategy 'Further Education Means Business'.

(AQO 1406/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The future of lifelong learning is assured. Under “Further Education Means Business”, the further education sector will continue to be at the heart of lifelong learning in order to strengthen economic and workforce development, to enhance social cohesion and to advance the individual’s skills and learning.

Skills Development in the Hospitality and Tourism Sector

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what plans he has to consider the model in the Republic of Ireland, where Failte Ireland is active in the skills development of staff working in the hospitality and tourism sector.

(AQO 1321/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The structures in place for skills training in Northern Ireland differs from those in Ireland. Here, People 1st is the Sector Skills Council that covers the hospitality and tourism sectors working with employers, stakeholders and providers. My Department has entered into a Sector Skills Agreement (SSA) with People 1 st that has taken into account their views on the needs of the sectors and the education and training available. The SSA has been influenced by skills developments nationally in the UK and internationally, including Ireland.

ENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT

Development of Businesses in Rural Areas

Mr B McElduff asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he has met with, or plans to meet with, the Minister of the Environment with regard to the removal of planning hurdles that frustrate the development of businesses in rural areas.

(AQW 2701/08)

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Mr N Dodds): I meet the Minister of the Environment regularly at the Executive's Subcommittee on Rural Planning Policy, which she chairs. This enables me to ensure that the interests of businesses are taken into account as rural planning policy is developed. The most recent meeting of the Sub committee was on 14 January 2008.

Northern Ireland Film Industry

Mr J Spratt asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what plans are in place to encourage and further develop the Northern Ireland Film Industry, in light of the success of 'Closing the Ring'.

(AQW 2707/08)

Mr N Dodds: In April 2007, the Northern Ireland Screen Commission (NISC) launched its second three year strategy integrating industrial, educational and cultural policies and actions to support the local industry.

Invest NI provided £10.7 million over four years (2003 – 2007) to support the Commission’s first strategy. A further £12.4 million has been approved over three years (2007 – 2010) to support the current strategy. This represents a 54% increase in the average annual support to the commission from £2.7 million to £4.1 million a year.

Of the £12.4 million in support of the current strategy, £8.1 million is available to target inward investment. This would be in the form of high value productions, film, television and digital content, to shoot on location in Northern Ireland. ‘Closing the Ring’ is one such example.

In addition, £750,000 is available to support the marketing activities of the NISC where the majority of this expenditure is again targeted at attracting inward investment.

The success of the Commission’s strategy is demonstrated not just by securing Lord Attenborough’s ‘Closing the Ring’ but by securing a total of 20 productions to date including ‘City of Ember’. ‘City of Ember’ is a $50 million Hollywood feature film from the Tom Hank’s owned production company Playtone . This film was shot in the Paint Hall in the Titanic Quarter of Belfast and is due for release in October 2008.

Hotel Development

Mr F McCann asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to provide a breakdown, by parliamentary constituency, of public money allocated through his department to hotel development in each of the last 5 years.

(AQW 2714/08)

Mr N Dodds: From 1 April 2002 to 31 March 2007, the breakdown by parliamentary constituency of public money allocated to hotel development in each of the last 5 years is detailed in the table over.

Financial Year Ending	Constituency	Assistance

31 March 2003	Belfast South	£47,329
	Belfast East	£79,800
	Fermanagh & South Tyrone	£803,000
	South Down	£13,990
	Strangford	£60,388

31 March 2004	Belfast South	£368,270
	Fermanagh & South Tyrone	£154,100
	Foyle	£29,168

Friday 18 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

CORRIGENDA

OFFICE OF THE FIRST MINISTER AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER

Aging in an Inclusive Society

Pension/Gratuity Payments to Royal Ulster Constabulary Reservists

Capital Investment Projects

Sustainable Development Strategy

Child Poverty

Table 1: Number of Children in Relative Income Poverty by District Council for 2003/2004, 2004/2005 and 2005/06 combined

North-South Ministerial Council

Capital Investment Projects

Ministerial Code

Ministerial Statement on Post Primary Education

Post Primary Education

Shared Society

Good Relations Commitments

'A Shared Future'

Planning Appeals

AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Flooding in the Glens of Antrim

Foreign Nationals

CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE

Museums Policy

Community Festival Funding

Northern Ireland Events Company

Northern Ireland Events Company

EDUCATION

False Addresses

Contracting and Sub-Contracting Process for New Build Schools

Classroom Assistants' Dispute

Promotion of Community Pride

Integrated Education

Exemptions Under Article 18 of the Education and Libraries ( Northern Ireland) Order 1986

Primary School Capital Build Programmes

Extended Schools Programmes

School Sprinkler Systems

School Sprinkler Systems

Wi-Fi in Schools

Astroturf Facility at Limavady Grammar School

Wi-Fi Health Concerns

Statementing Process

Financial Resources Allocated to CCEA

Financial Resources allocated to CCEA

2006/07 – SCHOOL YEAR

2007/08 – SCHOOL YEAR

Strategic Plan for Transfer at 14 Years

Transfer Procedure

Transfer Procedure

Estimate of Savings from the abolition of the 11 Plus procedure

Transfer Procedure

Ministerial Statement

Education System

Funding for the Commission for Catholic Education

Transfer Procedure

Transfer Procedure

Post-Primary Education in Maghera

New Builds

Post-Primary Transfer Procedure

Carlane Primary School, Toomebridge

New Technology in Education

Primary and Preparatory School

School Leavers

GCSE Passes

Post-Primary Transfer

11+ Transfer Test

Compensation for Grammar Schools

Special Needs Assessment

Efficiency Savings

Ministerial Statement

Phoenix Integrated Primary School

Post-Primary Transfer

Reading Recovery Scheme

Post-Primary Transfer

Introduction of Modern Languages into Primary Education

Post-Primary Transfer

Educational Needs in West Belfast and Greater Shankill

Autism Centre of Excellence in Middletown

School Closures in the Coleraine Borough Council Area

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