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 01 February 2008
Written Answers to Questions
Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister
Agriculture and Rural Development
Culture, Arts and Leisure
Education
Employment and Learning
Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Environment
Finance and Personnel
Health, Social Services and Public Safety
Regional Development
Social Development
Assembly Commission
OFFICE OF THE FIRST MINISTER AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER
Strategic Investment Board
Mr A Attwood asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the role of the Strategic Investment Board in the preparation of the Executive's spending plans.
(AQO 1492/08)
The First Minister and deputy First Minister (Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness): The Strategic Investment Board (SIB) has made a significant contribution towards the preparation of the Executive’s spending plans through its work in developing the Investment Strategy. Working in conjunction with departments on their capital investment plans the SIB has advised the Executive on the most appropriate programmes of capital investment needed over the longer-term to support the priorities set out within the Programme for Government, making best use of available resources.
The SIB’s advice has been informed by a programme of detailed research and analysis, including engagement with key stakeholders, to help ensure the strategy meets the needs of the region.
This work of the SIB has enabled the Executive to take a holistic view of infrastructure needs enabling more joined up thinking in the planning and delivery of projects and move beyond the traditional three-year budget planning process.
Expenditure Pressures
Mr D McNarry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what representations it has received from the Minister of Finance and Personnel in relation to securing additional money from HM Treasury to ease expenditure pressures arising from the draft Budget.
(AQW 2791/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We held a number of meetings and discussions with the Finance Minister in relation to easing budgetary pressures for the NI Executive and given the importance of the matter the meetings continue on a regular basis.
A number of budgetary issues have been resolved including securing access to our full stock of "End Year Flexibility" over the next 3 years. In terms of resource this represents £190 million over the next period. We also obtained an improved Comprehensive Spending Review resulting in £440 million more being made available than reached in the context of the Chancellor’s Package in 2007.
A particular focus for our meetings was the Varney Report. Ministers made a robust case for reform of the corporation tax but were disappointed at the outcome. We have pressed the Chief Secretary that a further review is required over the next few months, involving and including direct input from our officials.
In addition, as is normal practice, on behalf of the Executive and following discussion and agreement with us, the Finance Minister and his officials continue to directly press the case for additional resources for Northern Ireland from HM Treasury on a range of issues.
Irish Language
Mr D McNarry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the proportion of time that is set aside at Executive meetings, for translations of the Irish language into English.
(AQW 2828/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: No time is set aside at Executive meetings for translations of the Irish language into English
Maze Prison
Mr N McCausland asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the number of visits to the former prison buildings at the Maze that took place in (i) 2005; (ii) 2006; and (iii) 2007; and to detail the dates on which such visits took place.
(AQW 2916/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Limited access by elected officials, the media, key stakeholders, potential developers and those with an interest in the regeneration of the Maze/Long Kesh site, which includes a number of former prison buildings which are listed and the World War II aircraft hangars which are scheduled as historic monuments, has been available since the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister took ownership in 2004.
The number of visits during the calendar years 2005, 2006 and 2007 was as follows:
2005: 164 2006: 549 2007: 639
Details of the dates on which these visits took place have been placed in the library.
EU Gender Directive
Dr S Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the discussions that took place within the Executive in relation to the decision to leave action on the EU Gender Directive on Goods and Services to Westminster.
(AQW 2921/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: When we were advised that UK Ministers had decided to legislate to implement the EU Gender Directive on a UK-wide basis, we wrote to Ministerial colleagues on 19 December 2007 to advise them of this decision. To date, there has been no discussion within the Executive on this matter.
EU Gender Directive
Dr S Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail at what level of government the decision was taken to refer the EU Gender Directive on Goods and Services to Westminster.
(AQW 2922/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Once it had been confirmed that the First Minister had concerns about the content of the Regulations and, in particular, the explicit inclusion of reference to transgender or gender reassignment, we agreed that officials should inform the Government Equalities Office and the Northern Ireland Office that there was high risk that Northern Ireland would not being able to meet the Directive’s deadline for implementation by 21 December 2007. When UK Ministers were made aware of this, they decided to legislate to implement the Directive on a UK-wide basis.
Sexual Orientation Strategy
Dr S Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister if it will give a timescale within which a final Sexual Orientation Strategy and Action Plan will be produced.
(AQW 2923/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Work on the Sexual Orientation Strategy and Action Plan was undertaken in line with commitments by previous Direct Rule Ministers. It will be a matter for the Executive to consider and decide on the future direction of policy.
Programme of Cohesion and Integration
Dr S Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to its answer to AQW 2306/08, to provide an update on the timetable for producing detailed proposals for a programme of cohesion and integration.
(AQW 2925/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: OFMDFM are fully committed to building a shared and better future. As previously stated, we will bring forward proposals in the immediate future for a programme of cohesion and integration for a shared and better future to the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister.
In the meantime, work is currently ongoing funding a wide range of projects aimed at increasing cohesion and integration.
Commissioner for Victims
Mrs D Kelly asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the number of applicants, for the post of Commissioner for Victims and Survivors, that had also submitted applications for this post when previously advertised earlier in the year.
(AQW 2940/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Four people submitted applications in response to both the original advertisement of the post in January 2007 and the extended process announced in October 2007. There were therefore 38 new applicants in the second process in October 2007.
Commissioner for Victims
Mrs D Kelly asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail, in relation to the first recruitment campaign, the dates on which candidates were interviewed for the post of Commissioner for Victims and Survivors.
(AQW 2944/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Those called to interview following the original advertisement for the post of Commissioner for Victims and Survivors were interviewed on 12, 13 and 20 March 2007.
Sustainability Development Strategy
Mr D Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to the answer to AQW 2499/08, and in relation to Sustainability Development Strategy targets, to detail (i) the targets that were met on time by the end of 2007; (ii) the targets expected to be met during 2008 and their completion dates; (iii) the targets that are subject to a longer timescale, stating the original target date for completion and the current expected completion date; (iv) the targets that are the subject of delays, and by how long; and (v) the targets that have measurement difficulties.
(AQW 2962/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: A review of progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Strategy targets was completed in October 2007. Based on information gathered during the progress review, this written answer encloses details of:
- Table 1 - targets that were achieved/are on track to be achieved by the end of 2007;
- Table 2 - targets expected to be achieved during 2008;
- Table 3 - targets that are subject to a longer timescale, outlining the original target date for completion and the current expected completion date;
- Table 4 - targets that are the subject of delays and by how long (where new dates are known); and
- Table 5 - targets that have measurement difficulties.
Table 1: Targets achieved/on track to be achieved by end 2007
No |
Target |
|---|---|
| 13 | Develop a policy and legislative framework for protecting the marine environment by 2007. |
| 42 | Prepare an Northern Ireland specific Climate Change Impacts report by February 2007 and update every 5 years. |
| 44 | SD to be formally incorporated into the Northern Ireland school curriculum from 2007. |
| 45 | Trainee Educators to be trained in SD by 2007. |
| 46 | Promote the use of the ESD Good Practice Guidance to schools by 2006. |
| 48 | To support by 2007 the implementation of agreed action points as defined by the HEFCE SD publication across the Higher Education Sector. |
| 51 | Develop a SD Communications Strategy by 2007. |
| 54 | By 2007 introduce a statutory duty on relevant public bodies to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development. |
| 55 | By 2007 ensure that all policy development actively considers sustainable development. |
| 56 | By 2007 link sustainable development objectives to the Priorities and Budgets and CSR Processes. |
| 57 | By 2007 ensure all Departments have a sustainable development Action Plan in place. |
| 62 | Agree the way forward on the review of environmental governance in respect of sustainable development by Summer 2007. |
Table 2: Targets expected to be achieved during 2008
No |
Target |
|---|---|
| 3 | By 2008 ensure that all public sector procurement is channelled through recognised Centres of Procurement Expertise (CoPE’s). |
| 4 | By 2008 ensure that SD principles guide capital investment decisions on all major publicly funded building and infrastructure projects. |
| 5 | By 2008 produce a Sustainable Procurement Action Plan for NI. |
| 6 | By 2008 produce a Sustainable Consumption Action Plan for NI. |
| 7 | By 2008 put in place measures which optimise the flexibility of retained and refurbished public buildings. |
| 37 | By 2008 establish a renewables centre of excellence (Agri Food and Biosciences Institute) at Hillsborough. |
| 38 | By 2008 provide an exemplar of biomass Combined Heat and Power in Stormont estate. |
| 39 | By 2008 complete research into grid constraints and investment needs to support 2020 vision for renewables. |
| 40 | By 2008 research potential of NI geology to store energy / underpin renewables. |
| 47 | By 2008 school development plans should incorporate the promotion of ESD. |
| 49 | By 2008 implement revised guidance for the restructured FE Sector that embraces all aspects of Sustainable Development including the estate and curriculum. |
| 59 | By 2008 strengthen and modernise environmental regulation. |
Table 3: Long term targets (outlining original target completion date and current expected completion date)
Target |
Original Target Date |
Expected Completion Date |
|---|---|---|
| Target 2 - Stabilise Northern Ireland ecological footprint by 2015 and reduce it thereafter. | 2015 |
2015 |
| Target 8 - Complete the review of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and programme of designation by 2016. | 2016 |
2016 - Those designated closer to the 2016 deadline are likely to have implementation periods that extend the 2016 deadline. |
| Target 11 - Meet the environmental objectives of the Water Framework Directive by 2015 | 2015 |
2015 |
| Target 12 - 90% compliance with Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 consent standards. | N/a |
2009 |
| Target 14 - Minimise the number of properties at risk from flooding. | N/a |
N/a |
| Target 15 - Complete permitting of existing installations subject to the current Northern Ireland Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations. | N/a |
N/a |
| Target 16 - Meet the health based objectives for the seven key pollutants in the Air Quality Strategy by 2010. | 2010 |
2010 |
| Target 17 - Advance the Second Survey of Buildings of Architectural and Historic Interest: to increase our knowledge of the built environment and to identify structures worthy of protection by listing by 2016. | 2016 |
2016 |
| Target 18 - Rescue at least 200 structures on the Built Heritage at Risk in Northern Ireland Register by 2016. | 2016 |
2016 |
| Target 19 - Complete survey records of 1500 historic monuments by 2010. | 2010 |
2010 |
| Target 20 - Significantly reduce biodiversity loss by 2010. | 2010 |
2010 |
| Target 21 - Halt biodiversity loss by 2016. | 2016 |
2016 |
| Target 24 - Invest in modern infrastructure to support the needs of the people of Northern Ireland. | N/a |
N/a |
| Target 25 - By 2009 ensure planning policy and guidance fully reflects the sustainable communities approach, integrates health objectives, incorporates greater consideration of crime prevention and permits development only within local environmental capacity. | 2009 |
2009 |
| Target 26 - By 2010 implement the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy – People and Place. | 2010 |
2010 |
| Target 27 - By 2020 all major towns and cities in Northern Ireland to have developed regeneration master plans based on sustainable development principles. | 2020 |
2020 |
| Target 28 - Address the demand for housing in line with the Regional Development Strategy targets to 2015. | 2015 |
2015 |
| Target 29 - Ensure that all social housing meets the Decent Homes Standard by 2009. | 2009 |
2009 |
| Target 30 - Improve health and life expectancy of the population overall, and reduce health inequalities. | N/a |
N/a |
| Target 31 - Work in partnership to achieve improvements in health and reduction in neighbourhood crime and antisocial behaviour by developing and implementing a "Cleaner, Safer, Greener Communities" agenda. | N/a |
N/a |
| Target 32 - By 2009 strengthen the involvement of communities and better reflect local views through community planning powers. | 2009 |
2009 |
| Target 33 - Modernise the voluntary and community sector to strengthen the service delivery role of organisations. | N/a |
N/a |
| Target 34 - Build capacity in disadvantaged communities to develop the active participation of local people in achieving positive change. | N/a |
N/a |
| Target 35 - Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% below 1990 levels by 2025. | 2025 |
2025 |
| Target 36 - Make the Government estate carbon neutral by 2015. | 2015 |
2015 |
| Target 43 - Develop and implement changes to Government policies and strategies to address adaptation issues. | N/a |
N/a |
| Target 50 - By 2009 25% of NI schools to achieve Eco-Schools accreditation. | 2009 |
2009 |
| Target 52 - Use current research into behavioural change to identify short and long-term behavioural targets and appropriate indicators by 2009. | 2009 |
2009 |
| Target 53 - Determine the barriers to behavioural change for sustainability and identify opportunities for appropriate drivers for change by 2009. | 2009 |
2009 |
| Target 58 - By 2009 ensure that community planning is implanted within the revised local authority system. | 2009 |
2009 |
| Target 63 - By 2009 build capacity to enable meaningful civic participation and identify participatory mechanisms for decision-making. | 2009 |
2009 |
Table 4: Targets that are subject to delays
No. |
Target |
Status |
Revised Target Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Introduce enabling legislation for the designation of national parks by 2009. | 2009 target for introducing enabling legislation is no longer achievable. | To be determined |
| 41 | By 2008 complete a pilot assessment of tidal stream turbines in Strangford Lough. | 2008 target date for competing pilot assessment is no longer achievable. | To be determined - work ongoing |
| 60 | By 2006 finalise appropriate monitoring and reporting arrangements for sustainable development and establish an implementation role for the Ministerial- Led Group. | 2006 target date has not been met. | 2008 |
| 61 | Agree the role of a Sustainable Development Forum by 2006. | 2006 target date has not been met. | To be determined |
Table 5: Targets that have measurement difficulties
No |
Target |
|---|---|
| 1 | Northern Ireland economy will achieve 85% resource efficiency by 2025. |
| 10 | Increase Northern Ireland’s forested area by at least 500 hectares per annum in line with Northern Ireland Forestry Strategy – A Strategy for Sustainability and Growth. |
| 22 | Reduce the productivity gap (I) between Northern Ireland and other UK regions; and (2) between the Northern Ireland average and the most deprived communities. |
| 23 | Reduce the skills gap between Northern Ireland and other UK regions and between the Northern Ireland average and the most deprived communities. |
Bill of Rights
Mr I McCrea asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what consideration it has given to moving the deadline for community engagement on the Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland from March 2008 to 2009, to ensure effective engagement and consultation with the Protestant community.
(AQW 3095/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Responsibility for the Bill of Rights rests with the NIO. The Bill of Rights Forum will make recommendations on a Bill of Rights to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and it in turn will make recommendations to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. The Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister has no direct role in the development of proposals on a Bill of Rights.
Assets Transferred
Mr R Beggs asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the estimated value of additional assets transferred from the Northern Ireland Office to the Executive in each year since 1998.
(AQW 3164/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The following table sets out the value of additional assets transferred from the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) to the Executive in each financial year of transfer since 1998. The figures provided relate to the value of the asset at the time of transfer to OFMDFM.
| Description | 2003/04 (£m) |
2004/05 (£m) |
2006/07 (£m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crumlin Road Gaol | 1.3 | ||
| Maze Prison | 6.2 | ||
| Crisis Management Centre | 0.2 |
AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Red Meat Taskforce Report
Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail what progress has been made by her department in responding to the Red Meat Taskforce report.
(AQW 2817/08)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms M Gildernew): Implementing the strategy will have major implications for the industry as a whole, requiring the main players to take on increasingly important roles for the industry. The Report identified actions for each of the main players and DARD is actively playing its part in implementing the Report’s recommendations.
I recently met with Commissioner Fischer Boel and took the opportunity to bring the findings of the Red Meat Task Force report to her attention. The difficulties facing the North’s red meat industry make it all the more important that we have a level playing field when it comes to competition by ensuring full decoupling of support across the EU and by ensuring that imports meet the same high standards as domestic production.
I have met with the three of the major retailers with plans to meet another very soon, and wrote to them about the issue of rising costs for producers. I have no direct influence over retail prices, however I believe that lower prices for consumers should not mean lower prices for local producers.
The Report identifies models of production that could form the basis of sustainable production. The Task Force recently established two Working Groups, both led by DARD officials to consider (a) how best to target efforts to develop commercially viable models of beef production and (b) to scope practical options, linked to broader social and environmental considerations, which might support suckler beef and hill sheep farmers.
My Department is also looking at ways of assisting processors in identifying new and niche markets and working with them to identify and secure efficiency savings which can be passed along the supply chain to benefit all involved, including producers.
We will continue to play an active role in the work of the Task Force in developing more constructive relationships within the supply chain and I will continue to engage fully with all parts of that chain. The continuation of the Task Force work is vital in developing a cohesive plan for the future sustainability of our industry.
Consultants Employed
Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (i) the number of consultants employed by her department; (ii) the names of consultants employed; (iii) the purpose of the employment of consultants; and (iv) the fees charged by consultants, in each of the last 4 years.
(AQW 2820/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The information requested has been placed in the Assembly library.
Staff Illness
Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, pursuant to her answer to AQW 2325/08, what comparison she has made of (i) the totality of disciplinary cases resulting from unacceptable sickness records across all Government departments, including Executive agencies; and (ii) the percentages of total staff across all departments, including Executive agencies, who fall within the scope of her reply.
(AQW 2850/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development does not routinely make comparisons across all Government Departments in respect of either (i) the totality of disciplinary cases resulting from unacceptable sickness absence records, including Executive agencies or (ii) the percentages of total staff across all departments including Executive agencies. However, the Department does closely monitor its own level of disciplinary action.
Advertising Spend
Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the amount her department has spent on advertising in each of the last five years.
(AQW 2854/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The following table details the amount spent on advertising by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in each of the last five years
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
£121,907 |
£223,820 |
£352,974 |
£226,541 |
£198,766 |
APHIS Database
Mr W Irwin asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to comment on the APHIS database; and to explain how the database benefits the Northern Ireland agriculture industry.
(AQW 2860/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The Animal and Public Health Information System (APHIS) is a computerised system for recording cattle movements, disease and post mortem data and has been in operation since November 1998. It replaced the earlier Animal Health computer system that operated for the previous ten years.
APHIS delivers a wide range of support to many sections of the agricultural community. Cattle traceability, a major component of APHIS, enables the industry to meet its EU responsibilities on animal identification and movement and provides marketing support for the meat industry and an invaluable customer assurance to purchasers of the North’s products. It is used to determine animals eligible for the export trade such as calves to the continent. Cattle in the North do not require passports because APHIS is recognised by the EC Commission as an ‘operational database’,
APHIS provides the structure for all of DARD’s disease control programmes, including direct access by private vets for tuberculosis (TB) testing.
APHIS assists DARD’s Grants and Subsidies Division in paying the LFA Compensatory Allowance payments and for CAFRE’s Beef and Suckler Quality Initiatives.
In addition to meeting this wide range of current needs, APHIS has been designed to provide a springboard for future developments. For example, over 7,500 farmers are already able to access the system directly from a computer in their own farm office, can register cattle births and deaths, and obtain up to the minute herd lists and authorisations for new or replacement ear tags.
They can also electronically notify cattle movements to markets or meat plants, obtain details of herd tests and post mortem data on slaughtered cattle. Industry staff in markets and beef processing plants have recently begun to use APHIS to record and confirm cattle movements onto their premises.
Overall this will lead to a considerable increase in information availability and flexibility, improved data validation, and a reduction in paper and bureaucracy.
Aphis on-Line also allows farmers to update their annual Sheep Inventory on line; and the compilation of herd and flock data through this and other channels has reduced significantly the amount of information farmers had to submit by other means for Farm Census purposes.
There is every expectation that APHIS’ capabilities will increase still further as the system and industry demands on it continue to evolve.
Rural Development Programme
Mr W Irwin asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to give a timescale within which funding from the 2007-2013 Rural Development Programme will be available to rural groups; and to detail whether or not agreement has been reached between Councils, in relation to clustering, to deliver Rural Development funds.
(AQW 2867/08)
Ms M Gildernew: Clustering work is progressing well. Of the 7 proposed Clusters 5 have now been approved by their respective Councils to form Joint Clusters and the other two are to be agreed at full council meetings before the end of January. The 5 agreed clusters are:
- Antrim, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey
- Ballymena, Ballymoney, Coleraine, Larne and Moyle
- Ards, Banbridge, Down and North Down
- Armagh, Craigavon, and Newry & Mourne
- Magherafelt, Cookstown, Dungannon and Enniskillen
The remaining two clusters (already passed by sub committee) are:
- Belfast, Castlereagh and Lisburn (Castlereagh not agreed yet – Lisburn Lead); and
- Omagh, Strabane, Derry and Limavady (Derry not agreed yet – Omagh will Lead).
Programme funding (called ‘animation’ funding) for the express purposes of the competitive selection of Local Action Groups and for the development of Local Development Strategies is available now to Joint Clusters agreed by full Council. The Antrim, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey cluster will shortly receive animation funding and an invitation to submit an application for the animation funding will issue this week to Ballymena, Ballymoney, Coleraine, Larne, Moyle and the Ards, Down, North Down and Banbridge clusters.
Farming Penalities
Mr W Irwin asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what is her assessment of the penalties imposed on farmers who had duplicate fields on their Integrated Administration and Control System forms in each of the last 3 years.
(AQW 2869/08)
Ms M Gildernew: Under the 2005 Single Farm Payment scheme, financial penalty was applied in 1,163 cases. The total value of the penalties applied to 2005 payments was 3.073 million euro. In 531 cases, a further 0.415 million euro is recoverable from payments due over the following three scheme years.
For the 2006 scheme year, financial penalty was applied in 59 cases. The total value of the penalties applied to 2006 payments was 95,000 euro. In 18 cases, a further 19,000 euro is recoverable from payments due over the following three scheme years.
Information in respect of relevant penalties under the 2007 SFP scheme is not yet available.
Dairy Farmers
Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of advisors, employed by her department, who offer advice to dairy farmers in Northern Ireland.
(AQW 2889/08)
Ms M Gildernew: My Department currently employs 90 front line staff to provide advice / support, albeit not exclusively, to dairy farmers.
In addition, Veterinary Service employ 283 staff who may on occasions provide advice to dairy farmers. However this is not their sole role or function.
Rural Development Fund
Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail what percentage of the Rural Development Fund 2007-2013 will be used for technical aid by the Local Action Groups.
(AQW 2890/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 is two-pronged, aiming to improve rural areas’ economic competitiveness while strengthening them socially, objectives dealt with in Axes 1 and 3 of the programme, respectively. Axis 4 deals with the local action groups to be constituted to deliver Axis 3.
A total of £145 million will be available for Axes 1, 3 and 4, with funds provided on an equal basis by the European Union and the British Exchequer. Some £45 million, including administration costs, will go on the Axis 1 measures to improve the competitiveness of the agricultural and forestry sector. Axis 3 quality-of-life measures will receive £80 million, with funding of up to £20 million — 20% of the total — for the local delivery mechanisms stipulated under Axis 4.
The Axis 4 implementation structures are intended to maximise the programme’s social and economic benefit through effectively targeted local delivery and the nurturing of a local skills base. The 20% figure is an upper limit, and the local action groups may also be used to deliver certain Axis 1 measures.
It is important to stress that the inclusive local structures envisaged for delivery of the RDP are themselves an integral aim of the programme and as such are compulsory from an EU perspective.
Rural Development Programme
Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the progress that has been made in establishing Local Action Groups to deliver Axis 3 of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013.
(AQW 2891/08)
Ms M Gildernew: This work has progressed well and of the 7 proposed Clusters 5 have now been approved by their respective Councils to form Joint Clusters and it is expected the other two to be agreed at full council meetings this month. The 5 agreed clusters are:
- Antrim, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey
- Ballymena, Ballymoney, Coleraine, Larne and Moyle
- Ards, Banbridge, Down and North Down;
- Armagh, Craigavon, and Newry & Mourne;
- Magherafelt, Cookstown, Dungannon and Enniskillen;
The remaining two clusters (already passed by sub committee) are:
- Belfast, Castlereagh and Lisburn; and
- Omagh, Strabane, Derry and Limavady.
The next step is for Clusters to work with all the representative groups in their areas as a precursor to competitively selecting a Local Action Group (LAG) and funding is being made available to Joint Clusters for the express purposes of doing this, and also for drawing up of Local Action Groups; and for the development of Local Development Strategies.
The Antrim, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey cluster (now called GROW) is now in receipt of animation funding and an invitation has issue to the Ballymena, Ballymoney, Coleraine, Larne and Moyle cluster to submit an application for animation funding.
Climate Change
Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail what plans she has to integrate climate change into agricultural policies; and to detail the funds that will be allocated for this purpose.
(AQW 2926/08)
Ms M Gildernew: Climate change is integrated into my Department’s policy-making at the highest level. The DARD Strategic Plan 2006-2011 has, among its strategic objectives, the adoption by the agri-food sector of environmentally sustainable farming methods, further conversion of farmland to woodland and forest, and the increased exploitation of renewable energy opportunities.
Under this overarching concern with climate change, a wide range of DARD-led policies can be expected to mitigate the impact of climate change, or to help local agriculture adapt to those impacts.
These include the agri-environment measure under the Rural Development Programme 2007-13 (with a total budget of £219 million), the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme (some £140m), and the Forest Service schemes (£16.5m.)
Other policies seek more specifically to address the challenges and opportunities presented by climate change in the farming and food processing sectors. The proposed £10m Energy from Agri-Food Waste Challenge Fund will encourage the adoption of sustainable energy technologies.
My Department has also secured £4.2m from the Environment and Renewable Energy Fund. This supports a range of research initiatives by AFBI, including the new Environment and Renewable Energy Centre of Excellence at Hillsborough, as well as CAFRE technology transfer programmes that will help reduce the carbon footprint of the local farming and food processing sectors.
Rivers Agency
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to explain why the Rivers Agency, who are responsible for the Newtownards Canal, do not cut the grass at the lip of the canal bank.
(AQW 2946/08)
Ms M Gildernew: A major section of the Newtownards Canal is designated within the terms of the Drainage (NI) Order 1973 and as such is subject to routine inspection and subsequent maintenance as required to maintain free flow of water, ensure adequate outfall for discharge of storm drainage and limit the risk of flooding. Cutting the grass at the "lip of the canal" is not necessary to achieve these objectives.
Maintenance Work
Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to confirm when maintenance work will be carried out on the roads and drainage infrastructure of Tollymore Forest Park, Newcastle.
(AQW 2950/08)
Ms M Gildernew: I can confirm that maintenance work on roads and drainage infrastructure within Tollymore Forest Park is planned in conjunction with significant forestry operations, such as the harvesting and haulage of timber. Currently, there are approximately 3 hectares of forest which have been recently harvested and will be replanted this Spring. Maintenance work to drains is planned to take place within the next few weeks. Any further requirements for maintenance of the roads and associated drainage will be undertaken following completion of the planned replanting work, expected to be later in the Spring.
Forest Service has an ongoing approach to remedial work on drainage and road infrastructure to deal with issues such as damage caused by severe weather conditions.
Newtownards Divisional Veterinary Office
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the reason for the closure of the Newtownards Divisional Veterinary Office.
(AQW 3085/08)
Ms M Gildernew: As the closure of Newtownards Divisional Veterinary Office and its relocation is a property related matter, this is a matter for DFP and not DARD.
Forestry Renewal
Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the schemes that (i) are currently in place; and (ii) are planned, for forestry renewal.
(AQW 3107/08)
Ms M Gildernew: (i) Under the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, my Department’s Forest Service can provide grant aid and advice to help farmers and other landowners create new woodland and manage existing woodland.
The Woodland Grant Scheme (WGS) supports the creation of conventional woodland and support is also available for establishment of Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) willow for an energy end use.
In addition, some farmers may be eligible for annual payments to compensate for agricultural income forgone by creating woodland under the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme (FWPS). Payments are made for 15 years for broadleaf woodland and 10 years for conifer woodland. Non-farmers may also be eligible for the FWPS, however the payment rates are less than those for farmers.
Support is also available for those with existing woodlands in the form of a Woodland Environment Grant which assists significant enhancement of biodiversity and a Sustainable Forestry Operations Grant which assists environmental improvements over a five year period.
(ii) The Woodland Grant Scheme and Farm Woodland Premium Scheme have only recently been revised under the new Rural Development Programme and there are no immediate plans to introduce new forestry grant schemes.
Bluetongue Disease
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail what actions she has agreed with her counterpart in the Republic of Ireland, to deal with any outbreak of bluetongue on the island of Ireland; and if she will undertake, in conjunction with her counterpart in the Republic of Ireland, to put in place an acceptable east to west zone arrangement on the island, to encourage flock and herd owners to vaccinate against the disease.
(AQW 3355/08)
Ms M Gildernew: My staff and I have been working closely with our counterparts in Dublin in relation to keeping Bluetongue out of the island of Ireland and about contingency arrangements should Bluetongue enter.
DARD and DAFF are employing similar preventative controls. Each jurisdiction has introduced post-import testing for all susceptible animals arriving on the island, with those animals being restricted until negative test results are received.
Staff in both Departments have also been working closely to consider the range of actions to be taken should Bluetongue arrive on the island. The precise method of dealing with any such disease incursion will depend on where the disease appears, its likely means of entry, the vector activity at that time, the availability of vaccine, etc. Various scenarios have been considered and discussions are continuing. Our Bluetongue Working Group, on which major local stakeholders are represented, have also been consulted on these issues.
Until disease is present in an area, the EU legislation does not allow vaccination for Bluetongue. However, we continue to work closely with colleagues in Dublin in relation to resolving the practicalities of any vaccination programme and updating our contingency plans
CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE
Fishing
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail (i) the 14 Northern Ireland Water Company reservoirs whose fishing rights leases are managed by his department; (ii) the names of the respective fishing clubs/representative bodies, with whom his department has agreements to manage the fishing rights at any of these sights; (iii) the date upon which the most recent lease agreements expired; (iv) the date upon which the most recent leases were signed; (v) the names of the individuals who signed each respective lease agreement; and (vi) the length of the current lease agreement.
(AQW 2917/08)
- The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr E Poots): The Department lease the fishing rights at the following 14 reservoirs from Northern Ireland Water Limited under a Service Level Agreement.
| Name of Reservoir |
|
|---|---|
| 1 | Copeland (Marshallstown) |
| 2 | Dungonnell |
| 3 | Killylane |
| 4 | Lough Bradan |
| 5 | Lough Cowey |
| 6 | Lough Lee |
| 7 | Lough Mourne |
| 8 | Portavo |
| 9 | Spelga |
| 10 | Stoneyford |
| 11 | Woodburn North |
| 12 | Woodburn Upper South |
| 13 | Woodburn Middle South |
| 14 | Woodburn Lower South |
(ii) Under a Management Agreement with the Department, Ards District Fly Fishing Club manages the fishing rights at Lough Cowey. The Department manage the fishing rights at the other reservoirs.
(iii) The current Service Level Agreement between the Department and Northern Ireland Water Limited and the current Management Agreement between the Department and Ards District Fly Fishing Club both expire on 31st March 2008.
- The current Service Level Agreement between the Department and Northern Ireland Water Limited was signed on 29th March 2007.
The current Management Agreement between the Department and Ards District Fly Fishing Club was originally signed retrospectively on 17th November 2005 and then due to a change of personnel in the Club was revised and signed on 17th November 2006.
- The current Service Level Agreement between the Department and Northern Ireland Water Limited was signed by Mr M J Cory, on behalf of the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and by Mr Philip Barker on behalf of the Department of Regional Development Water Service.
The current Management Agreement between the Department and Ards District Fly Fishing Club was signed by Mr M J Cory on behalf of the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure. As you are aware the Data Protection Act restricts the disclosure of personal details in certain circumstances and the Department has in this instance withheld the personal details of the representatives who signed the Management Agreement on behalf of Ards District Fly Fishing Club.
(vi) The current Service Level Agreement between the Department and Northern Ireland Water Limited is for a period of one year. The current Management Agreement between the Department and Ards District Fly Fishing Club is for a period of five years expiring on 31st March 2008.
Infrastructure Costs
Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail whether or not his department has responsibility for infrastructure costs, including roads and transport facilities, for a new National Sports Stadium, or if these costs are incorporated into other departmental budgets.
(AQW 2930/08)
Mr E Poots: While my Department has lead responsibility for progressing the development of the Multi-Sports Stadium it does not have responsibility for the infrastructure costs, which rest primarily with OFMDFM.
NI Events Company
Lord Browne asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to confirm whether or not a business case was made for each event sponsored by the Northern Ireland Events Company.
(AQW 3103/08)
Mr E Poots: The Northern Ireland Events Company’s assessment of applications to its funding programmes 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.
Recording Studios Association
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the financial assistance provided by his department to the Northern Ireland Recording Studios Association, in the past three years.
(AQW 3144/08)
Mr E Poots: The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure has not provided any financial assistance to the Northern Ireland Recording Studio Association.
EDUCATION
Integrated Children's Services
Ms D Purvis asked the Minister of Education to detail, by constituency, the distribution of the Renewing Communities monies for Integrated Children's Services; and to confirm if any annual allocation or capital monies remain to be allocated, and the relevant amounts outstanding.[R]
(AQW 2087/08)
The Minister of Education (Ms C Ruane): The funding under Renewing Communities for Integrated Children’s Services was not distributed on a constituency basis. All recurrent and capital funds have been allocated.
School Admission
Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Education to confirm whether or not grammar schools will be entitled to use academic criteria for admission purposes, following the implementation of the new transfer procedures.
(AQW 2755/08)
Ms C Ruane: It is my firm belief that academic criteria, central to a system of academic selection, are unnecessary to the achievement of academic excellence in our post-primary schools and unjust to the 10 and 11 year olds who must be put through the tests academic criteria necessitate. I am therefore committed to achieving consensus for a new system of post-primary transfer which ensures children have access to both academic and vocational education but does not involve either academic or vocational selection. I am committed to achieving the support of the Executive and Assembly to place my proposals on a statutory basis.
Aghavilly Primary School
Mr C Boylan asked the Minister of Education to confirm whether or not Aghavilly primary school, Milford, Co Armagh, will be receiving funding for the implementation of the P1 curriculum for the 2008/2009 school year.
(AQW 2834/08)
Ms C Ruane: Census data for the school, as verified by the Education & Library Board for the area, show that there are no pupils enrolled in the primary 1 class for Aghavilly primary school for funding in the incoming year. The school, therefore, did not qualify to receive a share of the £3m allocated in the current school year to support the statutory implementation of the Foundation Stage in Year 1 classes in that year.
The school will continue to receive its share of delegated formula funding under the Common Funding arrangement for all schools covered by the Scheme. The Department is also looking, in the context of the Comprehensive Spending Review outcomes once finalised, at providing support to all schools for the implementation of the Foundation Stage curriculum for Years 1 and 2 in 2008/09.
Neo-Natal Hearing Screening Programme
Mrs M O'Neill asked the Minister of Education what action she is taking to prioritise services for children assessed as deaf through the Neo-Natal Hearing Screening Programme, in recognition of the importance of early intervention, and continuing communications support, for deaf children.
(AQW 2901/08)
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 hearing impaired children. 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. The following figures have been supplied by the Chief Executives of the Education and Library Boards in relation to 2007.
| BELB | SEELB | NEELB | SELB | WELB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average age of referral | 4 days (Only one child was referred during 2007) | 3-4 months | 7-8 weeks | 4 months | 1yr |
| Number of 0-3yrs regularly seen | 10 | 22 | 21 | 19 | 5 |
| Time between referral and contact with family | Initial contact within 1 week and visit within 1 week after referral | Initial contact within 48 hrs and initial visit within 4 days | Initial contact within 48 hrs and initial visit within 1 week | Initial contact within 48 hrs | Initial contact within 48 hrs |
All the Boards recognise the importance of early intervention for babies and young children and the need to avail of relevant training to help develop skills and knowledge in this area to lead to improved delivery of Support Services. As a result of the audit, DE also provided funding to the five 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. Further training on the audiological needs of young children is due to take place in February 2008.
School Amalgamation
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education if she will give an update on the review of the amalgamation of St Joseph's and St Patrick's Primary Schools.
(AQW 2919/08)
Ms C Ruane: My department continues to have contact with the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools on issues relating to the proposed amalgamation so that the position can be confirmed shortly.
Sudden Cardiac Death
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education what discussions she has had with the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in relation to introducing a form of screening to help detect symptoms which might lead to sudden cardiac death in the young.
(AQW 2983/08)
Ms C Ruane: I have talked with Minister McGimpsey about this matter and as a result officials from Department of Education have been engaged with colleagues in the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in planning a workshop on the issue of Heart Defect Screening. Officials from both departments have attended an initial planning meeting led by the Senior Medical Officer to examine research evidence on heart screening. The proposed workshop will be held on 10 March 2008 at the Island Civic Centre, Lisburn and will bring together leading health experts, government departments, Public Health Bodies, some schools and Sport NI and Voluntary Organisations.
My Department will cooperate fully with the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in the planning of any new health checks and programmes for schools.
Post-Primary Transfer
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education to detail how her proposed arrangements for post-primary transfer will apply to the situation in Newry, where there are four grammar schools, two secondary schools, a high school, and where some catchment areas have an average radius of twenty miles.
(AQW 2984/08)
Ms C Ruane: It would be entirely inappropriate for me to speculate on the future structure of post-primary provision within a particular area. I am committed to making a further statement in February on progress towards achieving consensus on new transfer arrangements. That statement will include comment on the establishment of area based planning arrangements, which will ultimately determine the best way of arranging provision within the Newry area.
Reading Recovery Co-Ordinators
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of reading recovery co-ordinators that have been trained in Northern Ireland; and (ii) how many are currently working in that role outside of whole class teaching.
(AQW 2985/08)
Ms C Ruane: I have been advised by the Chief Executives of the five Education and Library Boards that between 1998/99 and 2007/08, 650 teachers have been trained in Reading Recovery in the North of Ireland. Of these, 160 are currently working in a Reading Recovery capacity outside of whole class teaching.
In addition a total of 11 Reading Recovery tutors were trained and 8 remain in position across the Education and Library Boards.
Access to Schools
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education what action she is taking to ensure equality of access to schools, under her proposals for transfer at ages 11 and 14.
(AQW 2986/08)
Ms C Ruane: Equality considerations will underpin all the component parts of my proposals. I am committed to fulfilling my obligation to assess the equality implications of my policy on transfer to ensure that the overall effect is compatible with the promotion of equality and social inclusion. It is incontrovertible that only when educational pathways are genuinely chosen (as under my proposals), will social and economic background no longer compromise equality of access.
Modern Languages
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education (i) how many teachers will be involved when modern languages are introduced into primary schools; (ii) the length of their contracts; (iii) whether or not preference will be given to teachers who are on the substitute teachers' roll, and who have not yet been in full time employment in education; and (iv) what financial resources will be allocated to the project.
(AQW 2987/08)
Ms C Ruane: I believe that introducing children to a second language at an early stage can have huge benefits which is why I am putting a new programme in place for primary schools who wish to opt-in.
I am providing up to £330,000 for the programme in the current school year and am considering what further support can be provided in 2008-09. This will provide for the employment of a network of 50 peripatetic tutors to work alongside teachers, delivering the programme in around 500 schools and focusing on Spanish and Irish. The Boards are managing the recruitment of peripatetic tutors and will set up a call-off list to match them to participating schools. Tutors will be fluent linguists and therefore the programme will provide additional opportunities for unemployed newly-qualified teachers who are fluent in one of the featured languages. Contractual terms will be a matter for the Boards, as the employers, to determine as they work with the participating schools.
Pupil Enrolment
Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Education to detail, in relation to each primary and post-primary school in West Tyrone, (i) their enrolment capacity; (ii) the current pupil enrolment; and (iii) the enrolment forecast for the next 2 years.
(AQW 2989/08)
Ms C Ruane: The following table relates actual enrolments, taken from the latest school census, to enrolment capacity, expressed in terms of approved enrolment numbers which the Department of Education sets for each school.
Schools are legally obliged to remain within their approved enrolment number, however, the table includes a number of examples where this is not the case. This is explained by the fact that the census figures include pupils enrolled who have a statement of special educational need. The approved enrolment number may legitimately be exceeded if the excess relates to such pupils, due to the fact that they lie outside the open enrolment process, their placement being determined by the content of the statement.
The Department of Education does not routinely forecast school enrolments. Forecasts do form part of the consideration of specific proposals involving capital expenditure, but such forecasts are long-term in nature, spanning 6-7 years from the date of calculation.
| Primary and post primary schools in West Tyrone constituency 2007/08 | |||
| Post Primary | |||
| School Reference | School Name | Enrolment at October 2007 | Approved Enrolment 2007/08 |
| 2230111 | ST EUGENE'S HIGH SCHOOL | 147 | 310 |
| 2210065 | CASTLEDERG HIGH SCHOOL | 434 | 450 |
| 2210164 | STRABANE HIGH SCHOOL | 271 | 550 |
| 2230301 | HOLY CROSS COLLEGE | 1369 | 1830 |
| 2230148 | ST JOHN'S HIGH SCHOOL | 157 | 450 |
| 2410096 | STRABANE GRAMMAR SCHOOL | 398 | 400 |
| 2420065 | LORETO GRAMMAR SCHOOL | 917 | 914 |
| 2230298 | SACRED HEART COLLEGE | 968 | 950 |
| 2420064 | CHRISTIAN BROTHERS' GRAMMAR SCHOOL | 941 | 950 |
| 2410066 | OMAGH ACADEMY | 664 | 660 |
| 2260283 | DRUMRAGH COLLEGE | 607 | 580 |
| 2210125 | OMAGH HIGH SCHOOL | 443 | 530 |
| 2230138 | DEAN BRIAN MAGUIRC COLLEGE | 458 | 440 |
| Primary | |||
| 2012344 | McCLINTOCK PRIMARY SCHOOL | 104 | 109 |
| 2012378 | DUNMULLAN PRIMARY SCHOOL | 68 | 78 |
| 2012392 | DRUMLEGAGH PRIMARY SCHOOL | 44 | 69 |
| 2012617 | ERGANAGH PRIMARY SCHOOL | 59 | 107 |
| 2012638 | EDWARDS PRIMARY SCHOOL | 165 | 203 |
| 2012641 | KILLEN PRIMARY SCHOOL | 102 | 106 |
| 2012648 | GILLYGOOLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL | 64 | 98 |
| 2012660 | DENAMONA PRIMARY SCHOOL | 88 | 131 |
| 2012669 | QUEEN ELIZABETH II PRIMARY SCHOOL | 38 | 61 |
| 2012671 | LANGFIELD PRIMARY SCHOOL | 43 | 83 |
| 2012674 | BRIDGEHILL PRIMARY SCHOOL | 49 | 105 |
| 2012691 | OMAGH COUNTY PRIMARY SCHOOL | 302 | 393 |
| 2012707 | DROMORE PRIMARY SCHOOL | 44 | 91 |
| 2012708 | STRABANE CONTROLLED PRIMARY SCHOOL | 232 | 231 |
| 2012709 | TRILLICK PRIMARY SCHOOL | 35 | 41 |
| 2012711 | DONEMANA PRIMARY SCHOOL | 106 | 162 |
| 2016068 | ARTIGARVAN PRIMARY SCHOOL | 146 | 175 |
| 2016089 | GIBSON PRIMARY SCHOOL | 280 | 436 |
| 2016127 | MAGUIRESBRIDGE PRIMARY SCHOOL | 83 | 104 |
| 2016262 | NEWTOWNSTEWART MODEL PRIMARY SCHOOL | 81 | 145 |
| 2016376 | ARDSTRAW PRIMARY SCHOOL | 64 | 108 |
| 2016395 | GORTIN PRIMARY SCHOOL | 48 | 106 |
| 2016442 | SION MILLS PRIMARY SCHOOL | 258 | 333 |
| 2016645 | BREADY JUBILEE PRIMARY SCHOOL | 86 | 145 |
| 2016663 | COOLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL | 124 | 174 |
| 2032473 | MAGHERALOUGH PRIMARY SCHOOL | 27 | 51 |
| 2032510 | BARRACK STREET BOYS' PRIMARY SCHOOL | 137 | 285 |
| 2032537 | LORETO CONVENT PRIMARY SCHOOL | 215 | 448 |
| 2032573 | ST BRIGID'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 68 | 80 |
| 2032600 | DRUMNABEY PRIMARY SCHOOL | 48 | 104 |
| 2032603 | TUMMERY PRIMARY SCHOOL | 72 | 95 |
| 2032607 | ST MARY'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 378 | 406 |
| 2032612 | ST MATTHEW'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 32 | 81 |
| 2032628 | KNOCKNAGOR PRIMARY SCHOOL | 58 | 65 |
| 2032631 | ENVAGH PRIMARY SCHOOL | 24 | 75 |
| 2032639 | DRUMDUFF PRIMARY SCHOOL | 51 | 74 |
| 2032662 | ST BRIGID'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 40 | 94 |
| 2032664 | ST DAVOG'S SCRAGHEY PRIMARY SCHOOL | 19 | 57 |
| 2032676 | ST PATRICK'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 80 | 142 |
| 2032677 | DRUMLISH PRIMARY SCHOOL | 55 | 52 |
| 2032679 | ST COLUMBA'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 17 | 69 |
| 2032681 | ST PATRICK'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 31 | 95 |
| 2032682 | ST EUGENE'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 54 | 97 |
| 2032683 | ST JOSEPH'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 33 | 72 |
| 2032684 | ST LAWRENCE'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 208 | 243 |
| 2032685 | ST BRIGID'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 31 | 58 |
| 2032687 | ST MACARTAN'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 31 | 70 |
| 2032688 | ST EUGENE'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 40 | 48 |
| 2032689 | ST MARY'S BOYS' PRIMARY SCHOOL | 403 | 552 |
| 2032694 | ST CAIREALL'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 86 | 190 |
| 2032700 | ST JOSEPH'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 92 | 175 |
| 2032702 | EVISH PRIMARY SCHOOL | 63 | 69 |
| 2032704 | RECARSON PRIMARY SCHOOL | 127 | 131 |
| 2032705 | ST PATRICK'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 62 | 86 |
| 2032712 | GORTNAGARN PRIMARY SCHOOL | 68 | 66 |
| 2032716 | ST PATRICK'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 17 | 90 |
| 2032721 | SACRED HEART PRIMARY SCHOOL | 84 | 92 |
| 2032722 | ALTISHANE PRIMARY SCHOOL | 41 | 48 |
| 2032723 | ROSCAVEY PRIMARY SCHOOL | 34 | 91 |
| 2032724 | LOUGHASH PRIMARY SCHOOL | 36 | 56 |
| 2032730 | ST COLUMBA'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 104 | 142 |
| 2032731 | ST TERESA'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 133 | 176 |
| 2032737 | ST COLUMBKILLE'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 257 | 273 |
| 2036008 | ST PATRICK'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 160 | 159 |
| 2036053 | ST COLMCILLE'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 185 | 523 |
| 2036094 | ST PATRICK'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 203 | 259 |
| 2036095 | ST MARY'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 194 | 197 |
| 2036096 | ST MARY'S GIRLS' PRIMARY SCHOOL | 296 | 645 |
| 2036097 | ST PETER'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 97 | 140 |
| 2036116 | ST CONOR'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 397 | 408 |
| 2036153 | ST SCIRE'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 87 | 143 |
| 2036186 | ST DYMPNA'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 88 | 145 |
| 2036291 | ST OLIVER PLUNKETT PRIMARY SCHOOL | 96 | 145 |
| 2036387 | ST PATRICK'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 50 | 106 |
| 2036389 | ST ANNE'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 266 | 295 |
| 2036415 | OUR LADY OF LOURDES PRIMARY SCHOOL | 108 | 134 |
| 2036449 | CHRIST THE KING PRIMARY SCHOOL | 122 | 337 |
| 2036459 | ST THERESA'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 143 | 165 |
| 2036557 | ALL SAINTS PRIMARY SCHOOL | 32 | 111 |
| 2046638 | GAELSCOIL UI DHOCARTAIGH | 130 | 130 |
| 2046677 | GAELSCOIL NA GCRANN | 45 | 58 |
| 2066552 | OMAGH INTEGRATED PRIMARY SCHOOL | 274 | 276 |
| Source: School census Note: Figures for Primary schools include children in reception and Year 1 - 7 classes only. | |||
Common Funding Formula
Mr T Gallagher asked the Minister of Education to (a) state the amount of money available in the Common Funding Formula for each school to support children whose first language is not English; and (b) detail the basic level of support that he would expect to be provided to each child for whom schools claim this allowance.
(AQW 2990/08)
Ms C Ruane: It is not possible to confirm allocations for these pupils for the 2008/09 financial year as final Budget allocations for schools have yet to be determined.
Under Common Funding Formula arrangements each full-time pupil, whose first language is not English, generates an additional allocation for the school; equivalent to 0.5 of the basic Age Weighted Pupil Unit cash value. Part-time pupils are weighted at 0.25.
In 2007/08 schools were allocated £942.64 for each qualifying full-time pupil, and the total amount distributed to all schools under this factor within the common formula amounted to £3,602,785.
In addition to receiving funding as part of their Common Funding Formula allocation, schools can ask for the assistance of the Inclusion & Diversity Service, operated by the Education and Library Boards.
The Inclusion & Diversity Service offers the following:
- Diversity Co-ordinators who facilitate capacity building by working with the schools on whole school and classroom issues;
- Interpreters and translators that schools can use when speaking to the children, and their parents;
- A North/South toolkit for primary school teachers, with plans to produce toolkits for nursery and post-primary schools in the future; and
- A multi-lingual website to help newcomer parents with EAL children and young people.
Furthermore, teacher training programmes are also being organised. No charge is levied for these services. Schools can therefore use their Common Funding Formula allocation to support EAL children directly.
Post-Primary Transfer
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education to outline the alternative options in relation to post-primary transfer, if current proposals fail to achieve consensus in the Asssembly.
(AQW 3033/08)
Ms C Ruane: I have made clear my desire to achieve consensus on my proposals, and I remain of the view that this is possible. My focus is on that goal and I am therefore working tirelessly with educational stakeholders and political representatives to try and achieve a consensual way forward.
Sustainable Schools Policy
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education to detail the viability quotas for (i) primary schools; and (ii) secondary schools, under the new Sustainable Schools Policy.
(AQW 3034/08)
Ms C Ruane: The Sustainable Schools Policy consultation document proposed six criteria to be used in replying to assess a school’s viability, including enrolments. The enrolment thresholds proposed were 105 and 140 pupils for rural and urban primaries respectively, 500 for post-primary schools (11-16) and 100 for sixth forms. I am currently considering the detail of the policy approach, including the issue of enrolment thresholds, in light of the consultation.
Increase Funding
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education to detail what action she is taking to increase funding for primary schools in the 2008-11 period.
(AQW 3035/08)
Ms C Ruane: I am currently considering the detailed distribution of the budget allocation for Education Services, including the level of funding for primary schools. I will be making an announcement on this shortly.
Pension Contributions
Mr T Gallagher asked the Minister of Education (i) what arrangements are in place for the transfer of pension contributions, for teachers who reside in Northern Ireland but work in the Republic of Ireland, when they commence teaching in Northern Ireland; and (ii) to confirm whether or not this issue has been raised at a meeting of the North-South Mnisterial Council.
(AQW 3077/08)
Ms C Ruane: There are currently no arrangements in place for the transfer of teacher pension contributions between the North and South of Ireland.
However, at the North-South Ministerial Council (NMSC) Institutional format meeting on 30 October 2007 Ministers agreed that the NSMC Joint Secretariat should convene a working group of relevant Departmental officials to explore options for the transfer of pension rights on a cross border basis (for public sector pensions). The first meeting of the Working Group was held on 10 January 2008 when options were discussed and a further meeting is due to be held during February 2008.
Educational Psychologist
Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Education for her assessment of the impact that delays in children being assessed by an educational psychologist is having on their future educational potential.
(AQW 3097/08)
Ms C Ruane: A review of special educational needs (SEN) and inclusion is addressing a range of issues associated with the current SEN framework. The review has been focusing on a number of key themes including the nature, quality and extent of provision and support relating to needs. In broad terms, proposals emerging from the review will aim to ensure that all children who face barriers to learning will receive the right support at the right time to allow them to develop their skills and abilities to their fullest potential.
The Chief Executives of the Education and Library Boards have informed me that while there have been no systematic studies that have looked specifically at this issue, delays can have a negative impact on children’s educational potential. This will vary depending on the child’s age, the nature and degree of their disability, the quality of teaching and parental support and the availability of community support. Each child’s individual education plan should be reviewed and revised, in consultation with the parents, on a regular basis to ensure that, pending any assessment by an educational psychologist; appropriate interventions can be identified and implemented to meet the child’s special educational needs.
Educational Psychologist
Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of children waiting to see an educational psychologist, in each of the Education Board areas; and what action she is taking to reduce these waiting lists.
(AQW 3098/08)
Ms C Ruane: With regard to the number of children waiting to see an educational psychologist, I would refer the Member to my reply to AQW 1308/08, tabled by the Member for Strangford, Michelle McIlveen, and published in the Official Report on 23 November 2007.
As part of Budget 2004 Spending Review, the Department provided additional resources to support 24 students training to be educational psychologists at any one time as opposed to the 12 students under the former arrangements.
A review of special educational needs (SEN) and inclusion has addressed a range of issues associated with the current SEN framework, including the effective use of educational psychology services, in meeting the needs of pupils with SEN. Proposals emerging from the review will be subject to public consultation later in the year.
I have been advised by the Chief Executives of the Education and Library Boards (ELBs) that all boards continually review procedures to try to maintain an effective service. For example most ELBs use the time allocation model of service delivery, whereby schools receive a guaranteed minimum number of annual visits from an educational psychologist on a pre-planned basis, which keeps waiting lists to a minimum. All boards also make determined efforts to recruit additional educational psychologists.
Development Proposal
Mrs M O'Neill asked the Minister of Education to provide a timescale for the approval of the development proposal for St Joseph's Grammar School, Donaghmore.
(AQW 3102/08)
Ms C Ruane: There is no Development Proposal for St Joseph’s Grammar School, Donaghmore. The Department has been in discussion with the Trustees about the long-term enrolment for the proposed new school and the Trustees have recently submitted a paper to the Department which is being considered.
Funding Allocation
Mr I McCrea asked the Minister of Education to detail the funding allocation to each (i) primary; and (ii) post-primary school in the Mid-Ulster constituency, in each of the last 3 years.
(AQW 3109/08)
Ms C Ruane: The funding allocation delegated to each primary and post primary school in Mid Ulster in each of the last three financial years is set out in the table below:
| School Name | Delegated Resources 2004/05 excluding carry over £ | Delegated Resources 2005/06 excluding carry over £ | Delegated Resources 2006/07 excluding carry over £ |
| Altayeskey Primary | £ 108,596 | £ 116,946 | £ 129,866 |
| Ampertaine Primary | £ 178,528 | £ 205,036 | £ 225,191 |
| Anahorish Primary | £ 450,509 | £ 454,921 | £ 465,245 |
| Aughamullan Primary | £ 144,492 | £ 174,218 | £ 186,802 |
| Ballylifford Primary | £ 168,479 | £ 185,271 | £ 190,369 |
| Ballytrea Primary | £ 219,175 | £ 251,247 | £ 277,104 |
| Bellaghy Primary | £ 124,923 | £ 129,955 | £ 138,067 |
| Castledawson Primary | £ 252,647 | £ 284,976 | £ 318,681 |
| Churchtown Primary | £ 120,808 | £ 130,123 | £ 133,619 |
| Coagh Primary | £ 206,460 | £ 203,320 | £ 220,873 |
| Cookstown High | £ 3,441,965 | £ 3,572,994 | £ 3,630,830 |
| Cookstown Primary | £ 1,124,762 | £ 1,132,443 | £ 1,128,311 |
| Crievagh Primary | £ 113,156 | £ 125,325 | £ 133,122 |
| Crossroads Primary | £ 222,704 | £ 267,799 | £ 295,738 |
| Culnady Primary | £ 142,839 | £ 161,559 | £ 167,001 |
| Derrychrin Primary | £ 279,261 | £ 313,620 | £ 327,374 |
| Desertmartin Primary | £ 142,321 | £ 155,178 | £ 167,052 |
| Donaghey Primary | £ 281,240 | £ 281,485 | £ 294,355 |
| Donaghmore Primary | £ 136,962 | £ 144,476 | £ 158,169 |
| Drumard Primary | £ 153,650 | £ 177,787 | £ 186,428 |
| Edendork Primary | £ 599,783 | £ 595,608 | £ 617,817 |
| Gaelscoil na Speirini | £ - | £ - | £ 61,660 |
| Gaelscoil Ui Neill | £ 229,197 | £ 278,287 | £ 317,452 |
| Glen Primary | £ 308,161 | £ 350,092 | £ 378,905 |
| Holy Family Primary, Magherafelt | £ 1,094,445 | £ 1,162,053 | £ 1,244,355 |
| Holy Trinity College | £ 2,748,526 | £ 2,957,316 | £ 3,101,581 |
| Holy Trinity Primary, Cookstown | £ 1,518,914 | £ 1,682,249 | £ 1,767,950 |
| Kilross Primary | £ 161,289 | £ 177,197 | £ 194,852 |
| Knockloughrim Primary | £ 160,176 | £ 164,506 | £ 178,149 |
| Knocknagin Primary | £ 154,277 | £ 164,220 | £ 171,921 |
| Lissan Primary | £ 208,352 | £ 248,831 | £ 249,930 |
| Maghera High School | £ 742,240 | £ 821,741 | £ 850,245 |
| Maghera Primary | £ 247,430 | £ 263,662 | £ 291,316 |
| Magherafelt High School | £ 1,689,676 | £ 1,873,943 | £ 1,866,437 |
| Magherafelt Primary | £ 707,341 | £ 751,195 | £ 801,897 |
| Moneymore Primary | £ 373,139 | £ 407,058 | £ 422,645 |
| New Row Primary | £ 334,796 | £ 377,944 | £ 398,952 |
| Newmills Primary | £ 156,860 | £ 169,195 | £ 182,306 |
| Orritor Primary | £ 395,527 | £ 456,934 | £ 490,887 |
| Phoenix Integrated Primary | £ 48,801 | £ 120,692 | £ 174,701 |
| Primate Dixon Memorial Primary | £ 1,178,070 | £ 1,305,986 | £ 1,397,838 |
| Queen Elizabeth II Primary, Pomeroy | £ 141,770 | £ 136,074 | £ 152,659 |
| Rainey Endowed | £ 2,532,566 | £ 2,714,337 | £ 2,808,664 |
| Sacred Heart Primary, Rock | £ 251,867 | £ 267,670 | £ 282,546 |
| Sperrin Integrated College | £ 497,492 | £ 792,567 | £ 1,160,140 |
| Spires Integrated Primary | £ 416,311 | £ 444,384 | £ 484,796 |
| St Brigid's Primary Knockloughrim | £ 354,595 | £ 380,024 | £ 423,428 |
| St Brigid's Primary Tirkane | £ 329,602 | £ 349,972 | £ 366,176 |
| St Brigid's Primary, Mountjoy | £ 297,355 | £ 312,144 | £ 329,194 |
| St Colm's High School | £ 1,151,294 | £ 1,294,053 | £ 1,393,431 |
| St Columba's Primary Straw | £ 251,780 | £ 278,620 | £ 319,376 |
| St Columb's Primary Magherafelt | £ 197,052 | £ 274,672 | £ 252,630 |
| St Eoghan's Primary | &poun |