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 25 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
Foreign Nationals
Mrs I Robinson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the responsibility it has in relation to monitoring the number of foreign nationals residing in Northern Ireland.
(AQW 2310/08)
The First Minister and deputy First Minister (Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness): Immigration and related issues are excepted matters [under the Northern Ireland Act 1998] and responsibility rests with the Home Office. OFMDFM has no formal responsibility for monitoring the numbers of foreign nationals that reside here.
The Office recognises, however, the importance of figures for the number of people coming to live and work here for planning and policy making. Accordingly the Office works closely with the DE, DEL, DHSSPS, DETI and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (and the Home Office among others) to ensure that we consider all of the relevant statistical information available.
Backlog of Planning Appeals
Mr C Boylan asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what plans it has to deal with the backlog of planning appeals.
(AQW 2856/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Planning appeals are decided by the Planning Appeals Commission, a Non Departmental Public Body which is sponsored by the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister. Your question has therefore been re-directed from Department of Environment to OFMDFM for response. Given the independent tribunal status of the Planning Appeals Commission, it is appropriate for its 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 2008-2011 for extra funding. 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
Bill of Rights
Mr D McNarry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to clarify its position on a Northern Ireland Bill of Rights.
(AQO 1294/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Human Rights Commission will report directly to the Secretary of State in the development of proposals on a Bill of Rights. We look forward to considering these proposals once they become known.
Investment Conference
Mr M Storey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to confirm whether or not areas such as Ballymoney, Ballymena and Ballycastle will benefit economically, following the recent visit to the United States of America, and as a result of the proposed investment conference in May 2008.
(AQO 1447/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: One of the key aims of this Executive is to promote and facilitate economic growth, across all areas, including of course Ballymoney, Ballymena and Ballycastle. In particular, we are determined that the investment in our networks and roads infrastructure will increase the attractiveness of the wider region as a destination for business investment and will enhance the competitiveness of businesses based outside the Greater Belfast area. The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment will also take the lead in encouraging economic growth through a range of policies supported by other Ministers.
Our visit to the US at the invitation of President Bush before Christmas received a very positive reaction. As well as an extensive range of meetings with politicians and the media, we met with over 150 Chief Executives of companies in the financial services, information technology and manufacturing sectors. They were all very supportive of our new message that we are open for business and good for business. We made many new friends and potential business partners during the visit and we look forward to them visiting us and investing with us, for the benefit of all our constituencies.
Further follow up with a targeted group of US companies is now taking place with a view to confirming their attendance at the Investment Conference planned for May.
Central Consultation Register
Mr P Ramsey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what monitoring measures are in place to ensure that all consultations by Northern Ireland departments are listed on the central consultation register.
(AQO 1448/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The original purpose of the Central Consultation website was to create a central register for the public to access consultations carried out by public authorities. The reality is that NICS departments use their own web-sites to convey such information, and the register is rarely used by other public authorities outside the departmental network. Consequently, we intend to cease the use of the database with effect from 1 April 2008.
Our Department will develop a consultation zone as part of our website to ensure that the public is aware of proposed OFMDFM consultations. This is in line with the arrangements other departments have put in place.
Victims' Commissioner
Mr A Maginness asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to provide an update on the recruitment of a Victims' Commissioner.
(AQO 1378/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The appointments process is now reaching completion and we hope to make an announcement shortly.
Budget and Aministration of the Children's Fund
Mr T Burns asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline how the budget for the Children's Fund will proceed; and to detail how the Fund will be administered post 8 May 2008.
(AQO 1451/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: As we have stated in our earlier answers to the questions from Ms Hanna and Mrs Bradley, all allocations in respect of the Priority Funding Packages initiated by Direct Rule Ministers and other ring-fenced items have been removed from departmental baselines.
This was on the basis that if the individual projects supported are considered to be of significant value then the funding stream should be in the departments’ programmes, rather than continuing to be managed through central funds.
The Children and Young People’s Funding Package was announced in March 2006 and was for a period of 2 years. This package therefore no longer exists beyond March 2008.
Over the last number of months the Junior Ministers have been undertaking a series of meetings to make the case for significant funding for children’s services in pre-budget discussions and have succeeded in securing an allocation of £26 million to the departments of Education, Health, Social Services and Public Safety and Culture, Arts and Leisure to facilitate the continuation of projects previously funded by the Children and Young People’s funding package in addition to a range of mainstream programmes.
Junior Ministers will continue to urge ministerial colleagues to mainstream and protect funding for children and young people within their departmental budgets.
Community Confidence Building Measures Pre-Devolution
Mr D Burnside asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what plans it has to provide community confidence building measures, prior to the devolution of justice and policing powers.
(AQO 1264/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: It will be a matter for the political parties to decide when the circumstances exist for the Assembly to request the devolution of justice and policing.
Programme for Government
Dr S Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the outcomes and baselines to be used to measure the effectiveness of the programme to improve societal relations, as mentioned in PSA 7, Objective 5 in Annex 1 to the draft Programme for Government 2008-11.
(AQO 1445/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: A robust monitoring tool – the Good Relations Indicators Baseline Report published in January 2007 – provides the core measurements against a range of indicators to assess the impact of work being undertaken at central and local level to improve societal relations. The indicators referred to above will support monitoring progress against targets and outcomes and this process will be an integral part of detailed proposals for a programme of cohesion and integration which will be brought forward by OFMDFM shortly.
Gender Equality Unit
Ms J McCann asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what steps it will take to ensure that the Gender Equality Unit will be appropriately resourced and financed in order to carry out its aims and objectives.
(AQO 1446/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: This Unit is part of the Equality, Rights and Social Need Division of OFMDFM. In November 2007 the capacity of the Unit was increased at middle management level to specifically address Gender Equality issues. OFMDFM are committed to ensuring sufficient resources to work towards our agreed aim of eliminating remaining gender inequalities.
Victims' Commissioner
Mr D Simpson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what plans it has to make a statement on the appointment of a Victims' Commissioner.
(AQO 1357/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We hope to make an announcement shortly.
Commissioner for Older People
Mr M Brady asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the terms of reference and employment criteria for the new Commissioner for Older People; and to provide a timetable for this appointment.
(AQO 1454/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: On 18th December 2007 we announced our intention in principle to establish an Office of a Commissioner for Older People in Northern Ireland. The terms of reference and employment criteria have not yet been finalised.
The establishment of an Older People’s Commissioner will require appropriate legislation to specify the powers and duties of the office. We intend to consult further before bringing forward such legislation.
Only after the legislation is in place can we proceed to make an appointment with criteria which will reflect the agreed statutory remit.
The appointment is a key priority for OFMDFM. The legislative process will take some time to complete and we are currently looking at proposals for an interim arrangement.
Commissioner for Older People
Rev Dr R Coulter asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline the timetable for the appointment of an Older People's Commissioner.
(AQO 1293/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: On 18th December 2007 we announced our intention to establish an Office of a Commissioner for Older People in Northern Ireland.
The establishment of an Older Peoples Commissioner will require appropriate legislation to specify the powers and duties of the office. We intend to consult further before bringing forward such legislation.
Only after the legislation is in place can we proceed to make an appointment with criteria which will reflect the agreed statutory remit.
The appointment is a key priority for OFMDFM. The legislative process will take some time to complete and we are currently looking at proposals for an interim arrangement.
Programme for Government
Ms A Lo asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the methodology behind the production of the draft Programme for Government.
(AQO 1442/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: On 25 May the Executive agreed the focus and overall approach to the development of the Programme for Government for 2008-2011. The Executive decided that the PfG should be a more strategically focused document, identifying the key high level priorities for the Executive and supported by a framework of cross-cutting, rather than departmental, Public Service Agreements (PSAs). To further ensure a strategic focus and a clear direction, the Executive agreed that the PfG should operate on a three-year timeframe to be reviewed annually, with closer integration across the PfG, Budget and Investment Strategy.
In line with the Executive’s decision, officials in OFMDFM and DFP engaged with departments over the summer to clarify thinking on priorities and identify areas where associated Public Service Agreements might be appropriately developed.
Informed by that work, on 6 September, Executive Ministers met to discuss and agree the key strategic priorities and actions for inclusion in the Programme for Government. Work was then taken forward, as agreed by all Executive Ministers, to develop a draft Programme for Government and Public Service Agreement Framework for formal consideration by the Executive.
On 27 September, the Executive considered a draft text of the Programme for Government which had been developed in consultation with departments. On 8 October, the Executive also considered the draft Public Service Agreement Framework, which had been developed following extensive engagement with departments.
Both documents were subsequently refined and developed in consultation with departments and Ministers. On 23 October, the Executive unanimously agreed the final text of the draft Programme for Government and the associated Public Service Agreement Framework, which forms an Annex to it, for publication. The draft Programme for Government was subsequently launched on 25 October in conjunction with the draft Budget and draft Investment Strategy.
Creation of a Shared Future
Mr D Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what its assessment is of the creation of a shared future in relation to the draft Public Service Agreements of the draft Programme for Government.
(AQO 1441/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The draft Programme for Government states that we must continue to address the divisions within our society and has been developed with a focus on addressing the key challenges and seizing the opportunities to deliver a shared and better future. Progress has been made but sectarianism, racism and intolerance are still too evident. They mar our reputation, blight our economic prospects and have a corrosive effect on our society.
As stated previously 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 and a prosperous, peaceful and settled society. It is a key priority of the Executive to dramatically increase budgets to resource work to achieve these objectives.
We will bring forward these proposals for consideration to the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister in the immediate future. Key objectives, actions and targets will be developed in the context of these proposals.
Endorsement of Shared Future Policy
Mr J Dallat asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to confirm whether or not it endorses the Shared Future policy.
(AQO 1453/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: A Shared Future policy and strategic framework for good relations for Northern Ireland is an inherited policy from the previous administration. However, 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.
Therefore, it is a key priority of the Executive to dramatically increase budgets in order to resource these objectives. Having considered progress made, we are currently working on detailed proposals for a programme of cohesion and integration, which we will bring forward to the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister for consideration. Key objectives, actions and targets will be developed in the context of these proposals.
AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Rural Development Fund
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide the figures, in percentage terms, of the financial input to the Rural Development Fund by (i) the Treasury; (ii) the European Union; and (iii) the Northern Ireland farming industry.
(AQW 2693/08)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms M Gildernew):
The expected financial input to the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 is as follows:
Northern Ireland Executive (Treasury) |
52.3% |
European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EU) |
11.5% |
Compulsory and Voluntary Modulation (NI Farming Industry) |
36.2% |
Financial input is subject to the finalisation of the Comprehensive Spending Review and exchange rate fluctuations.
Rural Development Fund 2007-2013
Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the level of funding that will be made available, under the Rural Development Fund 2007-2013, to assist the development of rural businesses.
(AQW 2695/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 contains several measures intended to target rural business. Axis 1 of the programme is aimed at improving the competitiveness of agriculture and forestry through support for restructuring, development and innovation, while Axis 3 is designed to improve the quality of life in rural areas and encourage diversification in economic activity.
There are four measures in Axis 1 to assist the development of the rural business sector. Their main target groups are the farmer and farm family together with micro-, small, medium and intermediate enterprises. The total budget for the four measures in Axis 1 is £45.7 million. The measures are: vocational training and information actions; adding value to agricultural and forestry products; the modernisation of agricultural holdings; and the supply chain development programme.
Axis 3 of the programme includes measures to promote diversification into non-agricultural activities, and support for business creation and development. The former aims to help farm households diversify into non-agricultural activities and, as a consequence, maintain or increase their income and create employment opportunities, while the latter is designed to create employment opportunities through promoting entrepreneurship and developing economic infrastructure in rural areas by providing support to existing micro-enterprises or to persons wishing to set up a new micro-enterprise in a non-agricultural sector. A further relevant measure focuses on the encouragement of tourism activities in rural areas, including tourism-related businesses.
A financial overview of the measures is contained in the appended table. In the case of the Axis 3 funding, the exact breakdown will be decided by the local action groups constituted to deliver the programme, and the figures are estimates.
Measure |
Title |
Available funds in millions of pounds |
1.1 |
Vocational Training and Information Actions |
8.4 |
1.2 |
Adding Value to Agricultural and Forestry Products and Improving Marketing Capability |
23.6 |
1.3 |
Modernisation of Agricultural Holdings |
10.9 |
1.4 |
Supply Chain Development Programme |
2.8 |
3.1 |
Diversification into Non-agricultural Activities |
20 |
3.2 |
Support for Business Creation and Development |
20 |
3.3 |
Encouragement of Tourism Activities |
12 |
Total |
97.7 |
|
Removal of Hedges
Mr J Wells asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of applications that have been (a) received ; and (b) approved, in relation to the removal of hedges under the cross-compliance regulations.
(AQW 2729/08)
Ms M Gildernew: Since January 2005 Countryside Management Branch, DARD have carried out 728 farm visits to assess field boundaries as required as part of Cross Compliance.
982 field boundaries (predominately hedges but also stone walls, rows of trees and open sheughs) have been assessed.
743 field boundary removal approvals have been issued.
Use of Battery Cages for Hens
Mr J Wells asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline her plans to phase out the use of battery cages for hens.
(AQW 2731/08)
Ms M Gildernew: Under the Welfare of Farmed Animals (NI) Regulations 2002, ‘unenriched’ or ‘battery’ cages will be banned from 2012. From January 2003, it has been illegal for producers to bring such cage systems into use for the first time.
All poultry keepers should be acquainted with the DARD Code of Recommendations for the Welfare of Laying Hens, which sets out that hens should not be kept in such cages from 1 January 2012. The Code was sent to all flock keepers in 2005 and is available on the DARD internet site. Further publicity is planned.
I welcome the recent publication of the EU Commission’s long-awaited Report on the welfare of laying hens, which recommends that this deadline should be maintained. I am committed to meeting this deadline, which has received significant public support and will clearly improve animal welfare.
I have asked my officials to give careful consideration to the EU Report, and its likely impact on local egg industry. My Department will of course, work closely with industry to ensure compliance of the legislation.
Dangerous Dogs Legislation
Ms M Anderson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, in relation to her review of the dangerous dogs legislation, whether or not she has requested and secured a meeteing with the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
(AQW 2754/08)
Ms M Gildernew: In my statement to the Assembly on 20 November, I announced a review of dangerous dogs and dog fighting legislation.
As enforcement of the legislation is crucial to this review and many of the issues that have been raised to date are about public safety, there have been calls for the PSNI to have a greater role in enforcement of dog control legislation.
I therefore wrote to the Chief Constable on 31 October 2007 to request a meeting to discuss the role of the PSNI in enforcement of dog control and dangerous dogs legislation. As a result, I met senior PSNI representatives on Tuesday 22 January. I will now take time to consider the outcome of this meeting as part of my wide-ranging review.
Biodiversity Action Plan 2010
Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development whether or not her department will meet the targets of the Biodiversity Action Plan 2010 in relation to (i) maintaining the extent of 8380 hectares of native woodland; (ii) the restoration of 180 hectares of planted ancient woodland; and (iii) the expansion of woodland by 460 hectares.
(AQW 2801/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The targets to which you refer correspond to targets in Habitat Action Plans (HAP) for Upland Oakwoods, Mixed Ashwoods and Wet Woodland published by the Department of Environment in 2003. The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has shared responsibility for delivering HAP targets in conjunction with other Government Departments under the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy. Significant contributions to targets in relation to woodland biodiversity are delivered by DARD through the activities of Countryside Management Branch and the Forest Service agency.
The target to maintain 8380 hectares of native woodland was reported at UK level as having been achieved in 2005, based on a partial survey by the Environment and Heritage Service of the Department of Environment. Results of the current Northern Ireland Countryside Survey will assist in providing an estimate of the extent to which the target will be achieved in 2010. However I am confident that this target will be achieved.
The target to restore 180 hectares of planted ancient woodland by 2010 is likely to be met through the Forest Service’s Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites Restoration Strategy. By 2006, restoration had commenced on a number sites with a total area of 146 hectares. The strategy has identified a number of candidate restoration areas and it is likely that the target of 180 hectares will be achieved by 2010.
The target to expand the area of native woodland by 460 hectares has already been exceeded. Since the launch of the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy in September 2002, up to 2006, Forest Service has contributed to an estimated increase in the area of native woodland of 755 hectares, through Forest Service planting and by supporting private landowners to plant native woodland under the Woodland Grant Scheme.
Knock-Na-Moe Bungalows Area of Killyclogher
Mr P Doherty asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to confirm that she is giving immediate priority to major drainage improvement works in the Knock-Na-Moe bungalows area of Killyclogher, Co. Tyrone in order to avoid future flooding of property at this site.
(AQW 2804/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The culverted section of the watercourse known as the Killyclogher Burn Branch B affecting the Knock-Na-Moe Bungalows is to be surveyed to determine the extent of any defects. The survey is expected to be complete by mid February 2008. Any remedial works identified from the survey will be assessed and prioritised in the Rivers Agency works programme.
Tuberculosis; Brucellosis and Johne's Disease in Cattle
Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of cases of (i) tuberculosis; (ii) brucellosis; and (iii) Johne's Disease in cattle, by parliamentary constituency, in each of the last 4 years.
(AQW 2819/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The Department does not hold this information on the basis of parliamentary constituency but on the basis of Divisional Veterinary Office (DVO) areas. This information can be found below.
Number of cases 2004 |
|||
Division |
Brucellosis |
TB |
Johnes |
Armagh |
17 |
186 |
5 |
Ballymena |
1 |
143 |
3 |
Coleraine |
1 |
339 |
2 |
Dungannon |
6 |
296 |
1 |
Enniskillen |
49 |
319 |
1 |
Larne |
8 |
113 |
4 |
Londonderry |
1 |
36 |
0 |
Newry |
18 |
285 |
6 |
Newtownards |
10 |
270 |
2 |
Omagh |
14 |
337 |
0 |
125 |
2324 |
24 |
|
Number of cases 2005 |
|||
Division |
Brucellosis |
TB |
Johnes |
Armagh |
6 |
155 |
2 |
Ballymena |
3 |
105 |
3 |
Coleraine |
5 |
258 |
2 |
Dungannon |
7 |
256 |
2 |
Enniskillen |
28 |
217 |
4 |
Larne |
6 |
83 |
2 |
Londonderry |
2 |
53 |
0 |
Newry |
18 |
241 |
5 |
Newtownards |
3 |
205 |
7 |
Omagh |
10 |
219 |
0 |
88 |
1792 |
31** |
|
Number of cases 2006 |
|||
Division |
Brucellosis |
TB |
Johnes |
Armagh |
44 |
164 |
5 |
Ballymena |
1 |
82 |
1 |
Coleraine |
8 |
172 |
6 |
Dungannon |
3 |
172 |
3 |
Enniskillen |
19 |
199 |
2 |
Larne |
4 |
76 |
3 |
Londonderry |
0 |
60 |
0 |
Newry |
26 |
244 |
7 |
Newtownards |
8 |
189 |
5 |
Omagh |
5 |
155 |
2 |
118 |
1513 |
38** |
|
Number of cases 2007 (*to end November) |
|||
Division |
Brucellosis* |
TB* |
Johnes |
Armagh |
39 |
128 |
4 |
Ballymena |
3 |
65 |
1 |
Coleraine |
7 |
123 |
4 |
Dungannon |
9 |
138 |
6 |
Enniskillen |
15 |
152 |
4 |
Larne |
7 |
39 |
1 |
Londonderry |
2 |
28 |
5 |
Newry |
36 |
191 |
8 |
Newtownards |
5 |
147 |
3 |
Omagh |
4 |
129 |
14 |
127 |
1140 |
56** |
|
Note: ** in the Johnes total indicates that there are cases where the information submitted is not sufficient to be certain that they have been allocated to the correct DVO.
For Tuberculosis and Brucellosis the number of cases reflects the number of herds that have had at least one reactor (animal) in an official test and no other reactors in the previous 12 months. The number of Johnes cases is based on the number confirmed laboratory submissions.
Single Farm Payments
Mr W Irwin asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development whether or not the movement from Single Farm Payments to area payments will take place before 2013, following the proposals regarding the Common Agricultural Policy 'Health Check'.
(AQW 2858/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Health Check process is at a very early stage. The EU Commission’s communication document of 20 November 2007 contains a suggestion that Member States may be allowed to move towards a flatter rate of SFP during the period 2009-2013. I would stress that this is simply an option that is being mooted and is not being proposed as a requirement.
If such an option was provided in the final agreement on the CAP Health Check, which is not anticipated until late 2008, I would need to consult widely with stakeholders thereafter before making any decision.
Closure of Local Departmental Offices
Mr W Irwin asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, in light of the proposals to close 23 of the existing 33 local Departmental offices, (i) to confirm the locations of the 23 offices that are being considered for closure; (ii) to detail her reasons for considering such proposals.
(AQW 2863/08)
Ms M Gildernew: Currently no decisions have been taken on the location of DARD Direct offices and which local Departmental offices will close. My officials have recently completed a pre-consultation exercise with key stakeholders and section 75 groups. They are currently preparing a report on the outcome for the Agriculture Committee. Following this, a full EQIA/public consultation on the DARD Direct roll out proposals will be undertaken. It is only when this process has been completed that I will be in a position to confirm the location of DARD Direct offices and which local Departmental offices will then close. The only exception to this is Inishkeen House, Enniskillen, as it has already been modified to test the new DARD Direct service delivery model, and the Lisnaskea and Irvinestown sub offices have already closed.
The reasons for considering such proposals follow the successful piloting and positive evaluation of DARD Direct. Independent feedback on the Inishkeen House pilot was very good with farmers welcoming the new approach to customer service. DARD Direct is a new way of working that aims to provide a ‘one stop shop’ service to our customers and it is designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our services. It also aims to provide more choice in how, when and where customers access our services and it will provide a better service to our customers.
'Chicken Litter' Power Plant in Glenavy
Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail any discussions her department has had with (i) Rose Energy; (ii) Moy Park; and (iii) O'Kane's Poultry, in relation to the proposed 'Chicken Litter' power plant in Glenavy.
(AQW 3066/08)
Ms M Gildernew: An Expert Group on Alternative Uses of Manures (EGAUM) was established by DARD in March 2005 to examine alternatives to landspreading of manures. The Northern Ireland Poultry Federation was represented on this group.
In March 2006 the Group concluded its work and made recommendations to the DARD Minister. In respect of the poultry industry, the group reviewed and endorsed the technical approach proposed by Rose Energy to develop a single poultry-litter fired generator.
In November 2007, DARD officials attended a meeting with a delegation from Rose Energy hosted by Ministers Dodds and Foster. Officials from DETI, InvestNI, DOE, DARD, EHS and Planning Service also attended. Representatives from Rose Energy outlined their project proposal and progress to date
CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE
National Sports Stadium
Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to give a timescale within which he will make public his recommendations on the venue for the new National Sports Stadium.
(AQW 2826/08)
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr E Poots): My Department is currently reviewing the Outline Business Case (OBC) for the proposed Multi-Sports Stadium. I expect this to be completed within the next week, after which the OBC will be passed to the Department of Finance and Personnel for the normal scrutiny and approval process. I would expect to bring the OBC to the CAL Committee when my colleague, Minister Robinson has had an opportunity to review it.
Gaelicising the Names of Members
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure whether or not the practice by Sinn Fein of gaelicising the names of Members from a Unionist background, during exchanges in the Assembly, contributed to his conclusion that an Irish Language Act could prove divisive.
(AQW 2857/08)
Mr E Poots: Gaelicising the names of members from a unionist background during exchanges in the Assembly did not influence my approach to handling the issue of an Irish Language Act. This is a matter for the Speaker and Standing Orders. However such incidents do not assist in developing the language in a depoliticised manner.
Edwin Poots MLA
Public Money Paid to the Ulster Branch of the IRFU
Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to the answer to AQW 2483/08, 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, for the financial years (a) 2000-2001; and (b) 2001-2002.
(AQW 2928/08)
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 public money provided to the Ulster Branch of the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) for building projects at Ravenhill over the financial years 1999/00, 2000/01 and 2002/02, and the main contractors in each case:-
Year |
Amount |
Date of SNI Offer |
Main Contractor |
1999/00 |
£100,784 Lottery funding |
9/7/99 |
HJ O’Boyle Ltd |
2000/01 |
£25,000 Exchequer funding |
27/11/00 |
Pulse AV & Design & Construction |
2001/02 |
- |
All of these projects were required to satisfy accountability and value for money requirements of public funding.
Edwin Poots MLA
Motocross Events
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to his answer to AQW 2651/08, to confirm (i) the date of the Board meeting at which the decision was taken to go to contract for the Motocross events; (ii) if the minutes of the Board's discussion of this decision are available; (iii) the date on which the acting CEO signed the contract with Youthstream; (iv) the date on which the acting CEO finalised contracts with Guiseppe Luongo of Motocross; and (v) if his department was aware that the Northern Ireland Events Company was entering into these contracts.
(AQW 2947/08)
Mr E Poots: I have been informed by the Northern Ireland Events Company that the decision to go to contract for the Motocross events was not put to a Board meeting, but that a Paper was circulated to Board Members for verbal comment.
I have further been informed by the Company that its Acting Chief Executive signed the contracts with Youthstream on 12 September 2007 and that Youthstream then signed the contracts on 28 October 2007.
The Department was not aware that the Northern Ireland Events Company had entered into these contracts, but was aware that the Company had been negotiating to bring the Motocross of Nations to Northern Ireland.
Internal governance and control arrangements with the Company and between the Company and the Department is subject to review, as are a number of related matters surrounding the deficit accumulated by the Northern Ireland Events Company.
In my statement to the Assembly on 26 November 2007 I said that I would report back to the House at the earliest opportunity on the findings of this review. It would be inappropriate for me to comment further in detail until his review is completed.
Edwin Poots MLA
Northern Ireland Events Company
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail (i) the number of suppliers of the Northern Ireland Events Company that are currently taking legal action against the company over unpaid debts; (ii) the number of debtors that have not been paid since he announced that all outstanding monies would be covered by his department; and (iii) the total sum of money owed by the Northern Ireland Events Company.
(AQW 2948/08)
Mr E Poots: I have been informed by the Northern Ireland Events Company that one supplier is currently taking legal action against the Company over unpaid debts.
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. This review will include an assessment of the number of creditors and the amount of money owed by the Company.
I am sure the Member will agree that it would be inappropriate for me to comment further in detail until this review is complete.
Edwin Poots MLA
N.I. Events Company
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to confirm whether or not his department received monthly accounts from the Northern Ireland Events Company, on the date they were due, for (i) September 2006; (ii) October 2006; (iii) November 2006; (iv) December 2006; and (v) January 2007; and, if they were not received by the due dates, what action did his department take to obtain the relevant accounts.
(AQW 2949/08)
Mr E Poots: The Department did not receive monthly accounts from the Northern Ireland Events Company.
Accountability arrangements between the Department and the Northern Ireland Events Company is one of the subjects being considered in the independent review of all the circumstances surrounding the deficit accumulated by the Northern Ireland Events Company.
In my statement to the Assembly on 26 November 2007 I said 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 in detail until this review is complete
Edwin Poots MLA
Tennis Legends Event
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to his answer to AQW 2411/08, to (i) detail the amount of money the Northern Ireland Events Company invested in the Tennis Legends event, which was contracted into after 20 September 2007; (ii) confirm whether or not his department was aware of this contract; and (iii) confirm whether or not his department gave approval to the event.
(AQW 3055/08)
Mr E Poots: The Northern Ireland Events Company (NIEC) invested up to £40,000 in the Tennis Legends event under the NIEC Branding scheme. NIEC had issued a letter of offer to Tennis Legends on 20th June 2007 which was accepted. NIEC sought approval from the Department in October 2007 to officially sign the contract. This approval was given on the basis that there was a legal obligation on NIEC to honour its agreement with Tennis Legends. The Department reiterated to NIEC that no further funding commitments should be undertaken without prior Departmental approval.
EDUCATION
Special Schools
Mr P Doherty asked the Minister of Education to provide a list of special schools that cater for the needs of children who have severe and profound hearing impairment.
(AQW 2768/08)
The Minister of Education (Ms C Ruane): Special schools that currently cater for the needs of children who have severe and profound hearing impairment are as follows:-
Belfast Education and Library Board
Fleming Fulton
Glenveagh
Greenwood House
Harberton
Mitchell House
Oakwood
North Eastern Education and Library Board
Jordanstown
Kilronan
Riverside
Roddensvale
Rosstulla
Sandelford
Hillcroft
Castle Tower
South Eastern Education and Library Board
Clifton
Knockevin
Parkview
Tor Bank
Southern Education and Library Board
Rathore
Ceara
Donard
Lisanally
Sperrinview
Western Education and Library Board
Foyleview
Arvalee
Elmbrook
Public Private Partnership in Schools
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Education to detail the (i) names; and (ii) locations, of all schools, where a Public Private Partnership is being considered.
(AQW 2777/08)
Ms C Ruane: Details of schools which were announced in previous years to be taken forward through a Public Private Partnership and are currently at a PPP procurement stage are shown in the following table.
SCHOOLS |
LOCATION |
St Mary’s College St Cecilia’s College |
Derry Derry |
Lagan College Tor Bank Special School |
Castlereagh Dundonald |
St Patrick’s Grammar School Our Lady and St Patrick’s College St Mary’s Primary School St Joseph’s Primary School |
Downpatrick Knock, Belfast Portglenone Carryduff |
Ashfield Girls’ High School Belfast Boys’ Model School Belfast Model School for Girls Grosvenor Grammar School Orangefield Primary School |
Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast |
Ballymoney High School Rainey Endowed School |
Ballymoney Magherafelt |
Holy Trinity College Loreto Grammar |
Cookstown Omagh |
Coleraine College had also been announced previously to be taken forward through a PPP project though the scheme was put on hold last year pending a further assessment of the project.
Details of schools which have been built and operated under Public Private Partnerships or are currently in the construction phase are shown in the table below.
SCHOOLS |
LOCATIONS |
Balmoral High School |
Belfast |
Wellington College |
Belfast |
Drumglass High School |
Dungannon |
St Genevieve’s High School |
Belfast |
Holy Cross College ( estimated completion autumn 2008 ) |
Strabane |
Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College (estimated completion spring 2008) Nendrum College (estimated completion date spring 2008 ) |
Bangor Comber |
Schools Built and Operated Under PPP
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Education to detail the (i) names; and (ii) locations, of all schools built and operated under Public Private Partnerships.
(AQW 2778/08)
Ms C Ruane: Details of schools which were announced in previous years to be taken forward through a Public Private Partnership and are currently at a PPP procurement stage are shown in the following table.
SCHOOLS |
LOCATION |
St Mary’s College St Cecilia’s College |
Derry Derry |
Lagan College Tor Bank Special School |
Castlereagh Dundonald |
St Patrick’s Grammar School Our Lady and St Patrick’s College St Mary’s Primary School St Joseph’s Primary School |
Downpatrick Knock, Belfast Portglenone Carryduff |
Ashfield Girls’ High School Belfast Boys’ Model School Belfast Model School for Girls Grosvenor Grammar School Orangefield Primary School |
Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast |
Ballymoney High School Rainey Endowed School |
Ballymoney Magherafelt |
Holy Trinity College Loreto Grammar |
Cookstown Omagh |
Coleraine College had also been announced previously to be taken forward through a PPP project though the scheme was put on hold last year pending a further assessment of the project.
Details of schools which have been built and operated under Public Private Partnerships or are currently in the construction phase are shown in the table below.
SCHOOLS |
LOCATIONS |
Balmoral High School |
Belfast |
Wellington College |
Belfast |
Drumglass High School |
Dungannon |
St Genevieve’s High School |
Belfast |
Holy Cross College ( estimated completion autumn 2008 ) |
Strabane |
Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College (estimated completion spring 2008) Nendrum College (estimated completion date spring 2008 ) |
Bangor Comber |
Cost of Restructuring the School System
Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Education to detail the cost of restructuring the school system to accommodate transfer at 14 years, in terms of (i) capital investment; (ii) staff retraining and transfers; and (iii) transport and other ancillary costs; and whether or not she intends to publish these figures.
(AQW 2784/08)
Ms C Ruane: Implementation of the vision for new post-primary arrangements outlined on 4 December 2007 will require a certain amount of structural change, though the exact nature, and therefore cost, of that change can not be accurately predicted until area planning mechanisms are operational. The important point is that structural reform is required in any case due to the number of surplus places that exist across the schools’ estate, and it makes sense to design flexible new transfer arrangements that make full use of spare capacity in the first instance, and which are in harmony with curriculum reform and delivery of the Entitlement Framework.
Strategic Plan for Transfer at Age 14
Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Education whether or not she will immediately publish her detailed strategic plan for transfer at age 14.
(AQW 2785/08)
Ms C Ruane: Further detail on my proposals for new transfer arrangements will be made available once discussions with key education stakeholders are completed, and I have engaged with the Executive Committee and Education Committee.
Schools in Strangford that are Under Threat of Closure
Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Education to list the schools in the Strangford constituency that are under threat of closure.
(AQW 2794/08)
Ms C Ruane: There are currently no proposals with my Department for the closure of a school in the Strangford constituency.
Irish Medium Schools
Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of Irish medium schools that are (i) to open; and (ii) under consideration for opening, in the Strangford constituency.
(AQW 2796/08)
Ms C Ruane: There are no grant-aided Irish-medium schools opening, or proposals for new Irish-medium schools under consideration for opening, in the Strangford constituency.
Strangford Schools Applying for Integrated Status
Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Education to list the schools in the Strangford constituency that are currently applying for integrated status.
(AQW 2797/08)
Ms C Ruane: There are currently no proposals either to establish a new grant-maintained integrated school, or for transformation of an existing grant-aided school to integrated status, in the Strangford constituency.
Drugs and Alcohol Awareness in Schools
Mr J O'Dowd asked the Minister of Education to detail the resources she is directing towards drugs and alcohol awareness in schools and youth clubs.
(AQW 2837/08)
Ms C Ruane: Education and Library Boards receive funding as part of their overall block grant to enable them to employ drugs and alcohol education officers to provide training and support to teachers in delivering drugs and alcohol education as part of the Personal Development strand of the revised curriculum in schools. Additional funds have been provided to support the curriculum roll out which includes teacher training and guidance materials for the delivery of drugs and alcohol education. Funding is also provided to each of the five Education and Library Boards and the Youth Council to support youth provision which includes addressing drugs and alcohol awareness sessions for young people.
Ministerial Meetings
Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Education whether or not she has met with her counterpart in the Scottish Executive; and to detail what issues were discussed.
(AQW 2865/08)
Ms C Ruane: I travelled to Edinburgh on 12 December and met with Fiona Hyslop, the Education Minister for Scotland. We discussed the following issues –
- OECD Peer Review;
- Family Resilience/Disadvantage;
- Teacher Recruitment and Induction including funding for this;
- Gaelic Medium Education; and
Parental Involvement in Education
Procurement of Local Produce
Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Education to detail the outcome of her meeting with Ministerial colleagues in relation to the issue of procurement of local produce.
(AQW 2892/08)
Ms C Ruane: I had a useful meeting with the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to discuss the possibility of increased procurement of local foods. Although Education and Library Boards already procure much of their requirements locally, especially fresh produce, we acknowledged the benefits to be gained from sourcing more food locally. It was agreed that officials would continue working together to progress this issue.
Neo-Natal Hearing Screening Programme
Mrs M O'Neill asked the Minister of Education what action she is taking to prioritise inter-departmental and inter-agency work to provide wraparound services, for children assessed as deaf through the Neo-Natal Hearing Screening Programme.
(AQW 2899/08)
Ms C Ruane: The Department of Education (DE) has continued involvement with the Newborn Hearing Screening Programme (NHSP) Steering Group. Under the auspices of this group DE commissioned an Audit of existing provision in relation to the impact of the NHSP on Educational Services for the Hearing Impaired. Some of the key findings of the DE Audit, which was completed in March 2006, indicate that existing Education and Library Boards Hearing Impaired Services can cope with an increased demand and are already dealing with young children and their families. Extensive networks of multi-disciplinary contacts and working arrangements are in place and existing response times to new referrals are extremely rapid.
In addition, DE provided funding to the Education and Library Boards to enable a training package to be delivered, in December 2007, to enhance the skills of the peripatetic teachers of the deaf so that they will be better prepared to contribute to the Newborn Hearing Screening Programme.
The December Monitoring Round
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail the reasons why £0.6m for school projects was returned to the Department of Finance and Personnel, in the December monitoring round.
(AQW 2912/08)
Ms C Ruane: In accordance with DFP guidance all reduced requirements above £500k must be returned to DFP for reallocation. This reduced requirement from the Children and Young People Funding Package was made up of 3 components:
An in-year delay in the independent counselling service operating to full capacity in post-primary schools across the North of Ireland; a lower than anticipated claim for substitute teaching costs to allow designated teachers to attend child protection training; and falling pupil enrolment numbers resulting in reduced costs in the Extended Schools project.
Underspend
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail the reasons why £16.7m of the Education and Library Boards' capital funding was returned in the December monitoring round; and to provide a breakdown of the amount returned by each Education and Library Board.
(AQW 2913/08)
Ms C Ruane: An examination of progress on major capital schemes in 2007-08 identified where progress on schemes had slipped. As a result, the schemes’ funding needs were recalculated and £16.7m was declared as a reduced requirement in the December monitoring round as this funding could not be spent in the 2007-08 financial year. However, this funding will be available in future years as the schemes progress and this has been taken account of in finalising the Investment Strategy.
The breakdown for each Education and Library Board is as follows:-
Belfast Education and Library Board £3.3m
North-Eastern Education and Library Board £3.0m
South-Eastern Education and Library Board £9.9m
Southern Education and Library Board £0.1m
Western Education and Library Board £0.4m
TOTAL £16.7m
Priorities for Money Returned
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail her priorities for the money allocated to her department as a result of the December monitoring round.
(AQW 2914/08)
Ms C Ruane: The Department of Education was allocated £15.3m resource and £1.3m capital in the December monitoring round. The capital allocation of £1.3m is to correctly align the Department’s capital profile in the schools sector. This was offset by a corresponding transfer of £1.3m from the youth sector.
The £15.3m resource received will be utilised in the following ways:-
£12.0m – This will be allocated to Education and Library Boards to enable them to meet the in-year pressure arising from the resolution of the Classroom Assistants Job Evaluation dispute.
£0.8m – This will be allocated to Education and Library Boards to enable them to meet the increased non-teaching staff redundancy costs associated with the rationalisation of the schools estate.
£0.5m – This also will be allocated to Education and Library Boards to allow them to continue the work they commenced last year to further develop potential rationalisations, amalgamations and identification of surplus accommodation.
£2.0m – This will be used to meet the costs of implementing teacher redundancies as a result of rationalisation measures to address declining pupil numbers. From this allocation, £1.2m will be allocated to Education and Library Boards, with the balance of £0.8m being allocated to and Voluntary Grammar Schools.
Meetings in Scotland and Republic of Ireland
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 2549/08, to detail the meetings that she has attended in (i) Scotland; and (ii) the Republic of Ireland, since assuming office.
(AQW 2920/08)
Ms C Ruane: Since assuming office, I have attended one meeting in Scotland and three meetings in the South of Ireland.
Specialised School for Children with Autism
Mr D Hilditch asked the Minister of Education to detail whether or not she has any plans to build a specialised school that will cater exclusively for children with autism.
(AQW 2937/08)
Ms C Ruane: It is for the Education and Library Boards or the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools to consider the special educational needs of children in their area and develop an infrastructure that will meet those needs. The Department will then consider any proposals submitted by Education and Library Boards in accordance with the normal Development Proposal process. At present no Development Proposal with regard to a school catering exclusively for children with autism has been submitted to the Department.
Literacy and Numeracy Strategy at Key Stage 3
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education to confirm (i) whether or not one-to-one intervention will be part of the revised literacy and numeracy strategy at Key Stage 3; and (ii) if this intervention will be in the form of reading recovery.
(AQW 2951/08)
Ms C Ruane: The Department is in the process of finalising the review of the literacy and numeracy strategy which will be designed to ensure that, long before Key Stage 3, children will have developed their reading, writing and number skills to the appropriate levels. When completed the strategy will outline how we propose to support a number of approaches, including in post-primary schools and the role of interventions such as Reading Recovery and the teaching of reading through phonics. It will also highlight the particular role that teachers of English and Mathematics can play in post-primary schools as champions of literacy and numeracy. We do need, of course, to recognise that teachers will continue to need flexibility in determining which approaches best meet the needs of their pupils and the strategy will not therefore prescribe particular approaches but will rather give teachers more scope to use their own professional judgement. It is intended that this review and proposals for the way forward will issue for consultation very shortly.
Schools in West Tyrone
Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Education to list the funding allocation to each primary and post-primary school in West Tyrone, in each of the last three years.
(AQW 2988/08)
Ms C Ruane: The funding allocation delegated to each primary and post primary school in West Tyrone in each of the last three financial years is set out in the following table:
School Type |
School Name |
Delegated Funding Allocation 2004/05 £ |
Delegated Funding Allocation 2005/06 £ |
Delegated Funding Allocation 2006/07 £ |
Nursery |
Ballycolman |
£113,899 |
£123,908 |
£167,831 |
Nursery |
Academy |
£151,027 |
£173,726 |
£204,010 |
Nursery |
Omagh North |
£134,373 |
£162,377 |
£175,517 |
Primary |
Ardstraw |
£173,832 |
£192,974 |
£208,530 |
Primary |
Artigarvan |
£373,128 |
£405,585 |
£445,945 |
Primary |
Bready |
£238,016 |
£237,815 |
£251,437 |
Primary |
Bridgehill |
£163,437 |
£174,310 |
£197,001 |
Primary |
Denamona |
£199,545 |
£221,010 |
£252,177 |
Primary |
Donemana |
£261,024 |
£281,645 |
£321,427 |
Primary |
Dromore |
£169,669 |
£186,281 |
£176,834 |
Primary |
Drumlegagh |
£161,797 |
£161,610 |
£163,560 |
Primary |
Dunmullan |
£143,880 |
£181,320 |
£203,031 |
Primary |
Edwards |
£464,440 |
£515,604 |
£595,317 |
Primary |
Erganagh |
£187,816 |
£203,890 |
£208,406 |
Primary |
Gibson |
£842,369 |
£888,780 |
£886,901 |
Primary |
Gillygooley |
£174,472 |
£187,791 |
£185,348 |
Primary |
Gortin |
£199,206 |
£196,972 |
£193,220 |
Primary |
Killen |
£222,268 |
£260,733 |
£296,848 |
Primary |
Langfield |
£142,019 |
£145,302 |
£154,204 |
Primary |
McClintock |
£238,222 |
£275,165 |
£292,444 |
Primary |
Newtownstewart Model |
£213,847 |
£221,059 |
£249,231 |
Primary |
Omagh County |
£842,658 |
£903,176 |
£940,934 |
Primary |
Queen Elizabeth II |
£112,429 |
£110,294 |
£133,901 |
Primary |
Sion Mills |
£604,640 |
£677,689 |
£709,159 |
Primary |
Strabane |
£451,580 |
£488,102 |
£571,134 |
Primary |
Trillick |
£105,655 |
£122,223 |
£124,599 |
Primary |
Cooley |
N/A |
£379,586 |
£396,340 |
Primary |
All Saints, Tattysallagh |
£152,226 |
£132,593 |
£147,875 |
Primary |
Altishane |
£134,109 |
£137,263 |
£152,170 |
Primary |
Barrack Street Boys', Strabane |
£491,279 |
£575,788 |
£606,737 |
Primary |
Christ The King |
£413,879 |
£460,227 |
£485,263 |
Primary |
Drumduff |
£179,627 |
£196,962 |
£214,752 |
Primary |
Drumlish |
£135,341 |
£155,224 |
£176,943 |
Primary |
Drumnabey |
£160,334 |
£169,322 |
£196,792 |
Primary |
Envagh |
£102,828 |
£116,219 |
£118,013 |
Primary |
Evish |
£160,286 |
£186,628 |
£207,178 |
Primary |
St Joseph's, Glenmornan |
£126,043 |
£127,541 |
£138,048 |
Primary |
Gortnagarn |
£168,178 |
£196,613 |
£202,521 |
Primary |
St Mary's, Killyclogher |
£816,347 |
£895,641 |
£913,642 |
Primary |
Magheralough PS, Kilskeery |
£111,700 |
£116,588 |
£129,263 |
Primary |
Knocknagor |
£146,074 |
£163,481 |
£181,401 |
Primary |
Loughash |
£110,581 |
£116,919 |
£133,049 |
Primary |
Loreto Convent |
£476,200 |
£552,759 |
£570,545 |
Primary |
Our Lady of Lourdes |
£271,433 |
£296,185 |
£313,051 |
Primary |
Recarson |
£304,194 |
£326,461 |
£321,569 |
Primary |
Roscavey |
£140,773 |
£133,186 |
£135,966 |
Primary |
Sacred Heart, Tattyreagh |
£181,580 |
£212,612 |
£222,861 |
Primary |
St Davog's, Castlederg |
£87,620 |
£109,160 |
£108,648 |
Primary |
St Anne's Strabane |
£625,417 |
£676,374 |
£705,215 |
Primary |
St Brigid's, Altamuskin |
£195,546 |
£228,078 |
£224,230 |
Primary |
St Brigid's, Cranagh |
£124,374 |
£133,344 |
£147,499 |
Primary |
St Brigid's, Mountfield |
£144,202 |
£135,518 |
£145,109 |
Primary |
St Caireall's, Castlederg |
£254,966 |
£286,625 |
£299,869 |
Primary |
St Colmcille's, Omagh |
£473,333 |
£469,700 |
£521,117 |
Primary |
St Columba's, Clady |
£230,877 |
£281,153 |
£319,250 |
Primary |
St Columba's, Dromore |
£110,705 |
£115,300 |
£100,053 |
Primary |
St Columbkille's Carrickmore |
£630,631 |
£691,406 |
£722,291 |
Primary |
St Conor's, Omagh |
£879,108 |
£990,085 |
£1,024,245 |
Primary |
St Dympna's, Dromore, |
£226,883 |
£232,115 |
£245,539 |
Primary |
St Eugene's, Tyrcur |
£122,914 |
£143,209 |
£145,557 |
Primary |
St Eugene's, Victoria Bridge |
£142,529 |
£159,376 |
£165,196 |
Primary |
St Joseph's, Drumquin |
£233,661 |
£239,486 |
£278,508 |
Primary |
St Lawrence's, Fintona |
£550,913 |
£612,008 |
£656,535 |
Primary |
St Macartan's, Dromore |
£119,059 |
£118,111 |
£137,706 |
Primary |
St Mary's Boys',Strabane |
£941,383 |
£976,949 |
£1,011,167 |
Primary |
St Mary's Girls', Strabane |
£890,878 |
£948,847 |
£914,045 |
Primary |
St Mary's, Cloughcor |
£390,100 |
£433,782 |
£490,193 |
Primary |
St Mary's, Laught |
£99,170 |
£72,603 |
Closed August 2005 |
Primary |
St Matthew's, Garvaghey |
£106,858 |
£117,660 |
£124,816 |
Primary |
St Oliver Plunkett, Beragh |
£312,284 |
£337,196 |
£330,172 |
Primary |
St Patrick's, Creggan |
£142,883 |
£130,866 |
£124,196 |
Primary |
St Patrick's, Castlederg |
£523,793 |
£567,860 |
£599,687 |
Primary |
St Patrick's, Donemana |
£168,818 |
£177,859 |
£196,757 |
Primary |
St Patrick's, Eskra |
£188,958 |
£197,998 |
£209,602 |
Primary |
St Patrick's, Gortin |
£276,990 |
£302,697 |
£343,055 |
Primary |
St Patrick's, Newtownstewart |
£348,661 |
£372,776 |
£431,569 |
Primary |
St Patrick's, Seskinore |
£109,153 |
£121,700 |
£95,196 |
Primary |
St Peter's, Plumbridge |
£245,486 |
£259,459 |
£282,771 |
Primary |
St Scire's, Trillick |
£193,667 |
£221,046 |
£260,649 |
Primary |
St Teresa', Loughmacrory |
£269,056 |
£308,991 |
£323,627 |
Primary |
St Theresa's, Glebe |
£337,884 |
£358,454 |
£440,624 |
Primary |
Tummery |
£177,858 |
£199,452 |
£212,606 |
Primary |
Gaelscoil Ui Dhochartaigh |
£254,434 |
£305,128 |
£333,589 |
Primary |
Gaelscoil na gCrann |
N/A |
N/A |
£82,826 |
Primary |
Omagh Integrated |
£553,886 |
£635,147 |
£720,843 |
Secondary |
Castlederg High School |
£1,304,190 |
£1,470,079 |
£1,639,820 |
Secondary |
Omagh High School |
£1,332,204 |
£1,535,949 |
£1,761,815 |
Secondary |
Strabane High School |
£1,042,275 |
£1,106,581 |
£1,113,513 |
Secondary |
Dean Brian Maguirc College |
£1,513,586 |
£1,657,690 |
£1,693,687 |
Secondary |
Our Lady Of Mercy High School |
£1,323,552 |
£554,378 |
Closed August 2005 |
Secondary |
St Colman's High School |
£2,827,860 |
£1,179,468 |
Closed August 2005 |
Secondary |
St Eugene's High School |
£683,514 |
£710,875 |
£754,699 |
Secondary |
St. John’s Business & Enterprise College |
£879,799 |
£885,559 |
£862,990 |
Secondary |
St Joseph's High Plumbridge |
£743,649 |
£747,369 |
£741,209 |
Secondary |
Sacred Heart College |
£3,005,596 |
£3,347,454 |
£3,620,339 |
Secondary |
Holy Cross |
N/A |
£3,426,769 |
£5,712,425 |
Secondary |
Drumragh Integrated College |
£2,124,284 |
£2,160,459 |
£2,129,750 |
Grammar |
Omagh Academy |
£2,096,972 |
£2,329,829 |
£2,379,684 |
Grammar |
Strabane Grammar |
£1,307,130 |
£1,438,577 |
£1,599,761 |
Grammar |
Christian Brothers’ Grammar Omagh |
£3,422,417 |
£3,641,315 |
£3,648,538 |
Grammar |
Loreto Grammar Omagh |
£3,426,453 |
£3,600,426 |
£3,643,310 |
Notes: |
N/A = school opened after this financial year |
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IT Support to Pupils with Dyslexia
Mr D McClarty asked the Minister of Education to confirm whether or not she will provide additional funding to the 5 Education and Library Boards, to help them provide increased specialised IT support to pupils with dyslexia.
(AQW 3004/08)
Ms C Ruane: In September 2007, the Department advised the 5 Education and Library Boards (ELBs) that additional funding for initiatives involving children with dyslexia had been secured. The Department invited them to submit business cases outlining their priorities for how best to utilise this additional funding to support pupils with dyslexia.
Following receipt of all the business cases and subsequent consideration by the Department approval to expenditure of an additional £89,000 per ELB, in the 2007/08 financial year, was issued in December 2007. The Belfast, Southern and Western Education and Library Boards’ business cases identified the provision of specialised IT support for dyslexic pupils as a priority and the North Eastern Education and Library Board business case referred to the provision of "appropriate resources" for dyslexic pupils, which may include specialised IT support. The South Eastern Education and Library Board’s business case made no specific reference to IT support.
Youth Service Provision in the Colin Area
Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Education to detail what measures her department is taking to maintain and develop youth service provision in the Colin area of West Belfast.
(AQW 3048/08)
Ms C Ruane: The South Eastern Education and Library Board (SEELB) has responsibility for securing the provision of adequate youth service activities in the Colin area of West Belfast.
In 2007/08, the SEELB allocated some £400,000 from a budget of nearly £4 million for youth services in the greater Colin area. I have been advised by the Chief Executive of the SEELB that this funding was spent on maintaining existing youth centre provision and running youth projects targeting identified needs in partnership with the voluntary/community sector and other statutory bodies. The funding was also used to develop non-centre-based provision through detached outreach work, targeting the more hard to reach young people; to deliver summer intervention programmes; and fund small voluntary/community groups.
To ensure its resources were effectively targeted in the area, the South Eastern Board developed a Colin Area Strategy for 2007 to 2010 which aims to improve the range, quality and accessibility of youth provision in the area. This strategy was informed by a body of research into need and deprivation in the area. The Board worked with a range of fora and agencies to identify and assess need, including the Colin Neighbourhood Partnership, the Colin Youth Worker's Council, the South Eastern Board Practitioners Forum and the Colin Youth Forum. To address the identified needs, youth services are delivered in a number of ways-through direct Board delivery mechanisms, through service level agreements with the voluntary/community sectors; and through partnerships between the voluntary, community and statutory sectors. To ensure effective monitoring of youth activities, quality assurance and/or self assessment arrangements have been put in place to assess performance, and to inform and drive forward further development.
The Department has commenced a review of youth services, and will be developing ‘Priorities for Youth’ over the next year. Key stakeholders including those in the Greater Colin area will be given an opportunity to engage with policy makers in the development of these priorities.
EMPLOYMENT AND LEARNING
New Deal for Musicians Programme
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning whether or not students on the New Deal for Musicians Programme, domiciled in the North West region, are required to travel to North Down to undertake 'Pro-tools' training as part of their course.
(AQW 2744/08)
The Minister for Employment and Learning (Sir Reg Empey): The South Eastern Regional College, who currently deliver the New Deal for Musicians programme throughout Northern Ireland, offers participants the opportunity to undertake a voluntary 40 hour Electronic Music Production course. This was previously known as PRO-tools training, which is delivered in the Bangor college campus.
I am advised that the course will be delivered twice yearly dependent on participant uptake, with the time and delivery model for the programme tailored to accommodate participants preferred model of attendance i.e. evenings, day release or block delivery. Assistance towards the cost of t