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 29 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

CORRIGENDA

Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister

Anti-Poverty and Good Relations

Mr D Simpson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail how the £3.6 million, allocated in the draft Budget for anti-poverty and good relations, will be shared between these programmes.

(AQW 2339/08)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister (Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness):

The £3.6 million figure referred to within the Member’s question relates to the additional funding allocated to anti-poverty and good relations for 2010-11, the third and final financial year covered by the current draft budget.

The total additional sum allocated within the draft budget to poverty and good relations is £7.724m. The total allocation will be shared between the two work areas as follows:

Year	Anti-Poverty	Good Relations	Total
08/09	£100k	£974k	£1.074m
09/10	£100k	£2.950m	£3.050m
10/11	£100k	£3.500m	£3.600m

Whilst both allocations are under a Resource Heading the finance will be used by the Department in different ways.

OFMDFM has both the policy lead and the primary responsibility for funding good relations. The funds allocated to good relations will resource a programme for cohesion sharing and integration, the detail of which will be consistent with the pledge of office to ‘promote the interests of the whole community towards the goal of a shared future and a prosperous, peaceful and settled society.’

Detailed plans for a shared and better future are currently being prepared; building on the good and valuable work that has gone before.

OFMDFM has overall policy responsibility for poverty and social inclusion, however funding is primarily provided through other Department’s budgets. The £100k per annum Anti-Poverty allocation is to resource spending related directly to this policy remit. Individual Departments’ budget allocations include expenditure on programmes and actions which impact either directly or indirectly on the issue of poverty and social inclusion.

MLA Meetings

Mr A Ross asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the number of meetings it has held with Members of the Legislative Assembly since May 2007.

(AQW 3745/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Details of the meetings since May 2007 are shown in the table below:

Number of meetings First Minister and deputy First Minister (in an official capacity) have held with Assembly Committees or Chair/Vice Chair of Committees	3
Number of meetings officials have held with Assembly Committees	23
Number of meetings officials have held with MLAs (excluding meetings with Assembly Committees)	2

Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland

Mr G Savage asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, with specific reference to the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland 2, to outline which projects are running (a) on time; and (b) on budget.

(AQW 3889/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The information requested is attached. This provides details for projects specifically mentioned within the Investment Strategy Northern Ireland 2008-2018 as approved by the Assembly on 28 January. Details are provided in the form you requested.

Investment Strategy 2 – Projects in procurement or delivery – On Time

DEPARTMENT	NAME OF PROJECT
Health, Social Services and Public Safety	New Health and Care Centres at Shankhill, Andersonstown and Portadown
	New regional adolescent psychiatric unit at Forster Green,
	Phase A of the Ulster Hospital - includes maternity unit, renal unit , car parking, multi-storey block with critical care, CSSD, theatres and laboratories
	Second phase of the Royal Victoria Hospital redevelopment - multi-storey critical care building
	New Acute Hospital near Enniskillen,
	New local enhanced hospital at Omagh
	New local enhanced Downe hospital
Employment and Learning	North West Regional College , L/Derry
	Northern Regional College, Newtownabbey
	Belfast Metropolitan College , Springvale
	South Eastern Regional College, Bangor and Newtownards
Finance & Personnel	e-HR Programme (HR Connect)
Regional Development	Roads Service Design Build Finance Operate (DBFO) Package 1
	Roads Service DBFO Package 2
	An enhanced ferry service for Rathlin Island by 2009
	Completing the Belfast Sewer Project by 2010 in order to significantly reduce the risks of flooding in part of the City
	Upgrading water treatment and distribution infrastructure to comply with existing water quality regulations across the region by 2014. This will include service commencement of Project Alpha.
	Upgrading waste water treatment infrastructure to bring the region into compliance with current EU standards by 2014. This will include service commencement of Project Omega.
Social Development	Jobs and benefits Accommodation Project
Education Northern Ireland	Bangor Academy/ Nendrum College (Comber) PPP Project
	Holy Cross College (Strabane) PPP Project
	Drumragh Integrated College, Omagh
	Ballyholme Primary School, Bangor
	St Patrick’s Primary School, Saul
	Assumption Grammar School , Ballynahinch
	St Dominic’s High School, Belfast
	Convent Grammar School , Enniskillen (Final Phase)
	Maralin Primary School , Magheralin
	Killen Primary School , Castlederg
	Fourtowns Primary School , Ahogill
	Carnalridge Primary School , Portrush
	Moorfields Primary School , Ballymena
	Brookfield Special School
	St Peters Primary School , Cloughreagh
	Burnfoot, Largy, Dungiven Primary School
	St Colmans College, Newry
	Waringstown Primary School
	Ballymacrickett Primary School
	Abbey Grammar School , Newry
	Victoria Primary School , Ballyhalbert
	Ballinderry Primary School
	Pond Park Primary School , Lisburn

Investment Strategy 2 – Projects in procurement or delivery – On Budget

DEPARTMENT	NAME OF PROJECT
Health, Social Services and Public Safety	New Health and Care Centres at Shankhill, Andersonstown and Portadown
	New regional adolescent psychiatric unit at Forster Green,
	Phase A of the Ulster Hospital - includes maternity unit, renal unit , car parking, multi-storey block with critical care, CSSD, theatres and laboratories
	Second phase of the Royal Victoria Hospital redevelopment - multi-storey critical care building
	New Acute Hospital near Enniskillen,
	New local enhanced hospital at Omagh
	New local enhanced Downe hospital
Employment and Learning	South Eastern Regional College - Downpatrick, Ballynahinch and Newcastle campuses.
	South Eastern Regional College - Lisburn campus.
	Belfast Metropolitan College - Titanic Quarter
	Fermanagh Further Educational College
	North West Regional College , L/Derry
	Northern Regional College, Newtownabbey
	Belfast Metropolitan College , Springvale
	South Eastern Regional College, Bangor and Newtownards
Finance & Personnel	Workplace 2010
	Account NI
	e-HR Programme (HR Connect)
Regional Development	Roads Service Design Build Finance Operate (DBFO) Package 1
	Roads Service DBFO Package 2
	An enhanced ferry service for Rathlin Island by 2009
	Completing the Belfast Sewer Project by 2010 in order to significantly reduce the risks of flooding in part of the City
	Upgrading water treatment and distribution infrastructure to comply with existing water quality regulations across the region by 2014. This will include service commencement of Project Alpha.
	Upgrading waste water treatment infrastructure to bring the region into compliance with current EU standards by 2014. This will include service commencement of Project Omega.
Social Development	Jobs ad benefits Accommodation Project
Education Northern Ireland	Bangor Academy/ Nendrum College (Comber) PPP Project
	Holy Cross College (Strabane) PPP Project
	Derry Diocesan PPP Project (St Mary's and St Cecilia's Colleges)
	Down & Connor / De La Salle PPP Project (St Mary's Primary, Portglenone; St Joseph's Primary, Carryduff; St Patrick's Grammar, Downpatrick; Our Lady & St Patrick's College, Knock)
	Lagan College ( Belfast) / Tor Bank Special School (Dundonald) PPP Project
	Belfast Education and Library Board Strategic Partnering PPP Project - Phase 1 (Orangefield Primary School, Ashfield Girls High School, Belfast Boys Model School, Belfast Model School for Girls, Grosvenor Grammar)
	Drumragh Integrated College, Omagh
	Ballyholme Primary School, Bangor
	St Patrick’s Primary School, Saul
	Assumption Grammar School , Ballynahinch
	St Dominic’s High School, Belfast
	Convent Grammar School , Enniskillen (Final Phase)
	Maralin Primary School , Magheralin
	Killen Primary School , Castlederg
	Fourtowns Primary School , Ahogill
	Carnalridge Primary School , Portrush
	Moorfields Primary School , Ballymena
	Brookfield Special School
	St Peters Primary School , Cloughreagh
	Burnfoot, Largy, Dungiven Primary School
	St Colmans College, Newry
	Waringstown Primary School
	Ballymacrickett Primary School
	Abbey Grammar School , Newry
	Victoria Primary School , Ballyhalbert
	Ballinderry Primary School
	Pond Park Primary School , Lisburn

Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland

Mr G Savage asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, with specific reference to the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland 2, to provide a list of all Public Private Partnerships/Private Finance Initiatives across all sectors; and to detail (i) the projects which are delayed; (ii) the reasons for delays; and (iii) completion dates for delivering these projects.

(AQW 3890/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: AQW 3890/08 – PPP Projects – Investment Strategy 2008-2018

DEPARTMENT	NAME OF PROJECT	COMPLETION DATE	DELAYED Yes/No	REASON FOR DELAY
Health, Social Services and Public Safety	South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen	2011/2012	No
	Enhanced Local Hospital Complex, Omagh	2012/2013	No
Regional Development	Alpha - provision of water	October 2008	No
	Omega - Improvement in waste water treatment facilities	June 2009	No
	Roads Service Design Build Finance Operate (DBFO) Package 1	February 2009	No
	Roads Service DBFO Package 2	December 2010	No
Finance and Personnel	Workplace 2010	March 2009	Yes	The programme was delayed by a legal challenge issued by an unsuccessful bidder, which has now been resolved.
Employment and Learning	South Eastern Regional College - Downpatrick, Ballynahinch and Newcastle campuses.	April 2010	Yes	Financial failure of one of the bidders at Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) stage, which required them to be re-qualified.
	South Eastern Regional College - Lisburn campus.	April 2010	Yes	Financial failure of one of the bidders at Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) stage, which required them to be re-qualified, plus purchase of additional land to offer a better solution.
	Belfast Metropolitan College - Titanic Quarter	September2010	Yes	A number of complex negotiation matters. Securing an appropriate Head Lease for land Meeting Planning Conditions Finalising land values.
Education	Bangor Academy / Nendrum College (Comber) PPP Project	Nendrum-March 2008 Bangor-May 2008	No
	Holy Cross College (Strabane) PPP Project	October 2008	No
	Derry Diocesan PPP Project (St Mary's and St Cecilia's Colleges)	2009/10	Yes	Full business case delayed due to the need to ensure compliance with revised guidance on PPPs.
	Down & Connor / De La Salle PPP Project (St Mary's Primary, Portglenone; St Joseph's Primary, Carryduff; St Patrick's Grammar, Downpatrick; Our Lady & St Patrick's College, Knock)	2010/11	Yes	Full business case delayed due to the need to ensure compliance with revised guidance on PPPs.
	Lagan College ( Belfast) / Tor Bank Special School (Dundonald) PPP Project	2010/11	Yes	The need to resolve site issues at Lagan College.
	Belfast Education and Library Board Strategic Partnering PPP Project - Phase 1 (Orangefield Primary School, Ashfield Girls High School, Belfast Boys Model School, Belfast Model School for Girls, Grosvenor Grammar)	2010/11	Yes	Project is part of proposed partnering arrangement and proceeded more slowly than anticipated because of increased scale and complexity.

Communication Access

Mr P Ramsey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail (i) the facilities which allow hard of hearing and deaf people to access services provided by the department; (ii) the format or method of communication involved; and (iii) how deaf and hard of hearing people are made aware of the services available and how to access them.

(AQW 3990/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Within OFMDFM, the following facilities are available to assist those who are hearing impaired i.e. deaf or hard of hearing:

(i)	Facilities which allow hard of hearing and deaf people to access services provided by the department.	Text phone; Speech to text operators (electronic notetakers), provided for meetings and events when required and when the Department is made aware of the need in advance – this service is provided by Royal National Institute for the Deaf; British and Irish sign language translators. Similarly, British and Irish sign language translators are available for meetings and events as appropriate.
(ii)	Format or method of communication involved
(iii)	How deaf and hard of hearing people are made aware of the services available and how to access them.	The text phone number, located within the Equality Directorate, is printed on all publications issued by the department to facilitate participation and communication with officials; the number is also listed in the Government Offices section of the BT Phonebook and Yellow Pages (under Equality) and is listed under the Contact Us section within the Disability Unit pages on the OFMDFM website.

Children and Young People

Mr J Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail who will make up the Ministerial sub-committee on Children and Young People.

(AQW 4040/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: All Ministers in the Executive, as well as representatives from the NIO and the Northern Ireland Court Service, have been invited to the first meeting of the Ministerial Sub-Committee on Children and Young People, during which attendance at future meetings will be discussed. It is intended that the agenda would indicate the required attendance for future meetings although any Minister can attend if he or she so wishes.

Planning Appeals Commission

Miss M McIlveen asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the recommended length of time it will take for a decision, following the lodgement of appeal papers to the Planning Appeals Commission.

(AQW 4091/08)

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

“The Commission has various performance measures and targets relating to the timescales which have been set for the issuing of appeal decisions. The Commission aims to decide 80% of appeals by formal hearing within 34 weeks, 80% of appeals by informal hearing within 27 weeks and 80% of appeals by written representations within 24 weeks. The sheer volume of appeals, which the Commission has received over the 24 months, has made it impossible for the Commission to achieve these targets.”

OFMDFM is aware of the build-up of appeals in the Planning Appeals Commission and is fully committed to providing it with the resources required to address the backlog. The additional funding allocations for PAC in the 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.

Planning Appeals Commission

Miss M McIlveen asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the number of planning appeals received by the Planning Appeals Commission, in relation to the Ards Borough Council area, in each of the last 5 years.

(AQW 4092/08)

“I have set out in the following table, the total number of appeals received, determinations issued and the average length of time taken by the Planning Appeals Commission to issue a determination in each of the last five years, in relation to appeals received from the Ards Borough Council area.”

Year	Number of Appeals Received	Number of Decisions Issued	Average Time (weeks)
01/04/03- 31/03/04	31	31	27
01/04/04- 31/03/05	62	61	29
01/04/05- 31/03/06	49	49	44
01/04/06- 31/03/07	85	30	68
01/04/07- 18/02/08	18	0	N/A

Planning Appeals Commission

Miss M McIlveen asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, in relation to appeals received by the Planning Appeals Commission for the Ards Borough Council area, to detail: (i) the number that have had determinations issued; and (ii) the average length of time that elapsed between lodging the application and a determination being made, in each of the last 5 years.

(AQW 4093/08)

Year	Number of Appeals Received	Number of Decisions Issued	Average Time (weeks)
01/04/03- 31/03/04	31	31	27
01/04/04- 31/03/05	62	61	29
01/04/05- 31/03/06	49	49	44
01/04/06- 31/03/07	85	30	68
01/04/07- 18/02/08	18	0	N/A

Agriculture and Rural Development

Ministerial Meetings

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of meetings she has held with MLAs since May 2007.

(AQW 3829/08)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms M Gildernew): I have met MLAs on 12 occasions in my capacity as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development since May 2007.

Northern Ireland Produce

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the levels of investment in relation to the marketing and advertising of Northern Ireland produce in (i) Northern Ireland; (ii) Great Britain; and (iii) Europe.

(AQW 3873/08)

Ms M Gildernew: My Department is proactive in assisting the industry where it can. However, European Commission State Aid rules place severe constraints on the use of Government funds for the advertising of local agri-food products both here and across the EC.

In relation to the marketing of local produce, my Department administers the Regional Food Programme. This is designed to promote quality local produce, to develop profitable and sustainable markets here, in the South and in Britain and to increase co-operation and communication between all sectors of the agri-food industry.

Under the first phase of the programme, over £300,000 was awarded to representative groups. Activities included the new Food Pavilion at the Balmoral Show, the Loughshore Food Festival and a cross-sectoral recipe book which promoted the use of fresh local ingredients.

DARD provided marketing support to local agri-food companies under the EU Marketing of Quality Agricultural Products Grant Scheme. During the period 2000 to 2006 DARD awarded funding of £1.25m under this Scheme to enable companies to increase their marketing capability and develop new markets for quality local produce.

The Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) are responsible for the promotion of red meat and red meat products in domestic and international markets. Its current marketing budget is approximately £1.5 million. The LMC, in association with InvestNI, participates in trade missions to international food fairs such as SIAL in France and ANUGA in Germany.

Subsidy Payments

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what steps she is taking to enable farmers to receive their European Commission subsidy payments via the BACS service.

(AQW 3911/08)

Ms M Gildernew: From 16 October 2008 EC requirements oblige DARD to make all subsidy payments by Bankers Automated Clearing System (BACS). To help ensure a smooth transition it is intended that from 1 May 2008, no subsidy payment will be issued unless bank details have been provided by the farm business. On 11 February 2008 my Department wrote to the 20% of farm businesses who had not signed up for BACS requesting them to provide bank account details as soon as possible, and in advance of the Less Favoured Area (LFA) payments due to issue in March.

Written Questions

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of written questions received since May 2007, and the average length of time taken to publish a response.

(AQW 3976/08)

Ms M Gildernew: From May 2007 to January 31 2008 my office has received and answered 247 written assembly questions. The average length of time taken to publish a response has been 8 working days.

Development of Forests

Mr J Dallat asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the discussions she has had with Waterways Ireland on the future development of forests adjacent to rivers zoned for boating and other leisure/tourist-related development.

(AQW 3984/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I wish to advise that to date, I have not been engaged in any discussions with Waterways Ireland on the future development of forests adjacent to rivers zoned for boating and other leisure/tourist – related development.

I am aware however, that my officials in Rivers Agency continue to liaise with Waterways Ireland on matters around transfer arrangements of facilities on my Department’s land. The Forestry Strategy recognises the potential for forests to provide a wider range of tourist-related activities and I can confirm that Forest Service will be happy to consider projects that these forests can accommodate.

Communication Access

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (i) the facilities which allow hard of hearing and deaf people to access services provided by the department; (ii) the format or method of communication involved; and (iii) how deaf and hard of hearing people are made aware of the services available and how to access them.

(AQW 3993/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The Department recognises that some of our customers and staff may be either deaf or hard of hearing. In light of this we have instigated a number of physical changes to some Departmental buildings. Induction loops have been installed in key premises, such as college conference and training rooms which are used by customers, students and staff. Portable loop systems are also provided in some buildings. The international ear-T symbol is used in buildings indicating where a hearing loop is available.

Information boards and signage giving details of the main attractions are sited at Forest Parks and Recreation Areas. Computerised information kiosks are sited at Tollymore, Glenariff and Florencecourt Forest Parks.

Deaf Awareness training was provided to approximately 70 front-line staff during 2006/07. The aim of this training was to create an awareness and understanding of the communication needs and different methods of communication used by Deaf and Hard of Hearing people and also to enable participants to become aware of the need to acquire a basic ability to communicate with Deaf and Hard of Hearing people.

The Department has a Textphone installed to enable more effective communication between the Department and those with hearing difficulties . The Department’s Corporate Departmental notepaper also advises of textphone contact numbers for those who have a hearing difficulty.

Easy read versions of publications have also previously been suggested as helping people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The Department, as a matter of good practice actively encourages policy officials to produce easy-read versions of publications which use plain language and includes straightforward instructions for customers to follow.

Assistance for Fishermen

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail her strategy to assist fishermen in 2008.

(AQW 3998/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I am fully aware that the industry has faced difficult times recently due to lower prices for fish and higher operating costs. I want to see a fishing industry here that is both profitable and sustainable. Fishing opportunities are clearly an important factor in this and in the year ahead I will want to improve our scientific knowledge of fish stocks in the Irish Sea to ensure that fisheries management decisions are well informed and that our fishermen are able to benefit from fish quotas that are consistent with ensuring the long-term sustainability of these fisheries.

During 2008 I will continue to articulate the needs of our industry in meetings with my Ministerial counterparts in England, Scotland and Wales. I also intend to explore areas of mutual co-operation with Mary Coughlan TD, the Minister responsible for fisheries in the South. In April I will be meeting with Commissioner Borg to discuss with him the difficulties faced by our fishing fleet.

This year my Department will bring forward a draft Strategy for the Inshore Fisheries and legislative measures to improve conservation for species such as crabs and lobster and scallops. These proposals are and will be developed in close consultation with the industry and other marine stakeholders.

As you will be aware, I announced recently that the fishing industry would shortly benefit for some £25m of investment from the European Fisheries Fund. The EFF will be open to applications later in the year whenever the European Commission has approved the Operational Programme which is being developed jointly with fisheries administrations in England, Scotland and Wales.

Fishing Fleet

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (i) what strategy she has adopted in relation to understanding the fundamental problems faced by the Northern Ireland fishing fleet; (ii) what steps she intends to take in order to involve local fishermen in policy development; and (iii) what priority she is giving to assisting the industry, ahead of enforcing legislation.

(AQW 3999/08)

Ms M Gildernew: During my time as Minister I have met with fishermen and their representatives on a number of occasions. For example, last December I visited Kilkeel, Ardglass and Portavogie and had the opportunity to listen to fishermen and their representatives prior to the Fisheries Council in Brussels. Earlier this month I had a meeting with a delegation from the NI Trawlermens Trading Co. The industry has made me aware of the key issues and challenges it faces and I will be articulating these on their behalf when I meet with Commissioner Borg in April.

Fishermen are already involved in shaping policies. At the moment my Department is working with fishermen to bring forward a management plan for the Strangford Lough pot fishery. Fishermen have also suggested a package of conservation measures that can be deployed in the scallop fishery and my Department is drafting policy and legislation proposals to bring those into effect.

The Irish Sea Data Enhancement Pilot Project is an important area of collaboration between policy makers, scientists and fishermen. It will help provide data through about the extent and reasons for discarding and identify ways to minimise these. I welcome the involvement of fishermen in these projects and policy developments because of the insight they bring to those issues. I want to see more joint working so that we can together help develop a stronger, more sustainable fishing industry.

The fishing industry as with other industries must operate within a regulatory framework. In the case of fishing, much of this originates from the Common Fisheries Policy and the complex rules and regulations that have been established to control the exploitation of fish in European waters and control effort on vulnerable fish stocks. It is vital that the fishing industry comply with these rules to ensure its long-term sustainability. This year the Commission will be finalising its review of the Cod Recovery Plan and will introduce new measures to help build cod stocks. I will want to see that any new management regime for the Irish Sea is appropriate and that it takes full account of the fishing patterns of our fleet and the relatively low impact that the prawn fleet makes on cod mortality. I will be using my forthcoming meeting with Commissioner Borg to press home this point.

Fisheries Legislation

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the annual cost of enforcing fisheries legislation in relation to the Northern Ireland fishing fleet, broken down by costs for (i) the Ken Vickers; (ii) Royal Navy vessels; (iii) Royal Air Force (RAF) Nimrods; (iv) the RAF aircraft; (v) United Kingdom fisheries protection vessels; (vi) Isle of Man fisheries protection vessels; and (vii) her department's officials.

(AQW 4016/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The annual cost of enforcing fisheries regulations in relation to the North’s fleet is broken down as follows:

Ken Vickers: £38,806
Royal Navy vessels: £294,525
Royal Air Force Nimrods: £ nil
The RAF aircraft: £ nil
UK fisheries Protection Vessels: £ nil
Isle of Man fisheries Protection Vessel: £55782
My Department’s officials £743,294

It should be noted that only the costs for the Ken Vickers and this Department’s officials come directly from the North’s block. In addition the Isle of Man authorities are not able to distinguish costs attributable to the North’s vessels.

Meeting Requests

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of meeting requests she has received since May 2007.

(AQW 4027/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Since May 2007 I have received 432 formal requests for meetings. These include requests from MLA’s and other organisations.

Irish Sea Cod Fishery

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the amount of money that was allocated to the tie-up scheme for the Northern Ireland fishing fleet, during the closure of the Irish Sea Cod Fishery in 2004.

(AQW 4060/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Payments totalling £1.23m were made to vessel owners who participated in the 2004 Transitional Aid scheme.

Fisheries Scientist

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the current average annual salary of a fisheries scientist in her department.

(AQW 4061/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Scientists who specialise in fisheries research are employed by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) which is a Non Departmental Public Body sponsored by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The current average annual salary of the AFBI scientists engaged in fisheries research is £28,710.

Tuberculosis Reactor

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (i) the minimum; (ii) the maximum; and (iii) the average, time-scale for (a) the removal of tuberculosis reactor animals off-farm, following a positive test; and (b) the results of tests performed on tuberculosis reactor animals, following animal presentation at abattoir and post-mortem.

(AQW 4069/08)

(a) Ms M Gildernew: The average time for the removal of a tuberculosis reactor animal off-farm during the period 1/1/2007 to 30/11/2007 was 12.4 working days. The minimum and maximum times were 2.7 and 94.5 working days respectively.

(b) The average time for histopathology results following presentation at abattoir, during the period 1/1/2007 to 30/11/2007, was 16 working days. The minimum and maximum times were 7 and 41 working days respectively.

The average time for bacteriological results following presentation at abattoir was 52 working days. The minimum and maximum times were 24 and 114 working days respectively.

The information provided is based on the most recent results from the period 1/1/2007 to 30/11/2007, which allows the information on bacteriology to be considered in full. The bacteriology tests take approximately two months.

Farm Nutrient Management Scheme

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of (i) pre-enquiry; and (ii) full, applications submitted for the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme.

(AQW 4070/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The numbers ofapplications received, for the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme, were as follows:-

(i) 11,473 preliminary applications.

(ii) 4891 full applications.

Farm Nutrient Management Scheme

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of claims that have been submitted for completed Farm Nutrient Management Scheme projects.

(AQW 4071/08)

Ms M Gildernew: 1,134 claims for payment under the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme were received by 18 th February.

Single Farm Payment Scheme

Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of farmers who (i) are in receipt of a Single Farm Payment; (ii) received their Single Farm Payment on time; and (iii) are still awaiting receipt of their Single Farm Payment; and to further detail the reasons for the delay.

(AQW 4114/08)

Ms M Gildernew:

(i) A total of 39,039 applications were submitted under the 2007 Single Farm Payment (SFP) Scheme.

(ii) Payments have been processed for receipt by the end of February 2008 in 35,521 (90.9%) cases. At 21 February 2008, a further 159 applications had been assessed as being ineligible, bringing the total number of finalised claims to 35,680 (91.3%). These figures are ahead of the published schedule.

(iii) The 3,359 remaining cases either have queries which require correction as a result of, for example on-farm inspections or because of set aside conditions not being met , or cannot be paid as the farmer’s estate is in probate. A payment will not be due in some of the remaining cases because of ineligibility or the application of penalties under scheme rules. It is anticipated that at least 96.15% of the annual budget will be paid out by the end of June 2008 in accordance with European Union legislation.

Farm Nutrient Management Scheme

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of pre-work inspections for Farm Nutrient Management Scheme projects that have been carried out and have had no claim submitted.

(AQW 4241/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Since the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme (FNMS) opened on26 January 2005, some 4000 pre-approval inspections have been carried out. At 25 th February, approvals had been issued in 3088 such cases and, of these, 1,945 applicants have still to complete their work or/and submit their claims for payment.

MSc Communication Students

Mr B McElduff asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of MSc Communication students at Loughry College who have gained employment in the area of agriculture or the agri-food industry in the last five years.

(AQW 4283/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Over the last 5 years, from 2003 to 2007, a total of 56 students have completed the MSc in Communications. (38 of these studied on a full-time basis and 18 studied on a part-time basis).

22 of these students either were employed or have gained employment in the area of agriculture or the agri-food industry.

A further 10 graduates either were employed or have gained employment in rural businesses / voluntary.

The employment status of 2 students is unknown.

European Union

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for her assessment of (i) the implications of the Treaty of Lisbon in relation to the remit of her department; (ii) the latest proposals drawn up by the leaders of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agricultural Negotiating Committee; and (iii) the likely outcomes for Northern Ireland farming if the European Union Commissioner supports the WTO proposals.

(AQW 4299/08)

Ms M Gildernew: (i):

Within the remit of my Department, the main impact of the treaty of Lisbon, if ratified, is the extension of the ‘co-decision procedure’ to cover Common Agricultural Policy ( CAP) legislation and most Common Fisheries Policy legislation . This will mean that from 2009, the European Parliament as well as the EU Council of Ministers will need to approve changes to the CAP, compared with the present situation where the Parliament is required only to provide an opinion. This will give MEP’s a much greater say in the decision-making process on the future of the CAP from 2009 onwards, although the co-decision procedure may mean that changes will take longer to be agreed. Similarly MEPs will have a greater involvement in the process of making CFP legislation.

ANSWER (ii):

On 8 February 2008, the chair of the WTO agricultural negotiations, Crawford Falconer, published a revised draft modalities paper setting out a range of proposals covering domestic support, market access and export competition. There will need to be a significant amount of further negotiation before the gaps between the main negotiators can be narrowed and a final agreement reached. The proposed range of reductions in import tariffs, which may be countered to some extent by making use of the proposed options for nominating key product lines as “ sensitive products”, are likely to have the greatest impact within the EU. However, we need to know the details of any final agreement before a full assessment of the impacts can be made.

ANSWER (iii):

To obtain a WTO agreement, the proposals not only need to be supported by the European Trade Commissioner, but also by the EU Council of Ministers and other members of the WTO. In advance of a final agreement, it is not possible to project with any confidence what the possible impacts of a eventual WTO deal might be on agriculture in the North . However, my Department has an on-going research project which has looked at the possible impact of earlier WTO proposals. From this, we know that the magnitude of tariff cuts and the use of sensitive products status will be key issues in determining the effects of a WTO deal on the local industry. However, these issues remain under negotiation and it remains unclear if a WTO agreement will be reached in the near future and precisely what it might comprise.

Culture, Arts and Leisure

Waste Produced

Dr A McDonnell asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the percentage of waste produced by the department that is recycled.

(AQW 3948/08)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr E Poots): The Waste Management Strategy for Northern Ireland required Government Departments to have Departmental Waste Management Plans in place. This Department’s plan was published in 2005 and is updated annually.

Within DCAL significant streams of waste paper, toner cartridges, cardboard, aluminium cans, plastic bottles, furniture and light bulbs are recycled. The data is not available to provide the actual percentage of DCAL’s waste that is recycled.

Written Questions

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the number of written questions received since May 2007, and the average length of time taken to publish a response.

(AQW 3977/08)

Mr E Poots: Three hundred and thirty eight written questions have been received since May 2007 and the average length of time taken to respond was 8.6 days.

Communication Access

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail (i) the facilities which allow hard of hearing and deaf people to access services provided by the department; (ii) the format or method of communication involved; and (iii) how deaf and hard of hearing people are made aware of the services available and how to access them.

(AQW 3991/08)

Mr E Poots: Within the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Induction Loop systems are available at the Department’s premises for use as required by the deaf and hard of hearing. This is an electronic device which is used in conjunction with a hearing aid. At entrances to Departmental premises, signs are displayed to inform hard of hearing and deaf people that an induction loop system is available. Also within the Department’s Headquarters at Interpoint a Deaf Alerter is available to any deaf or hard of hearing visitor. This vibrates should the Fire Alarm activate. In addition, a number of staff within DCAL have received training in basic sign language skills.

Bangor Library

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail how much funding has been allocated for the completion of the new Bangor library.

(AQW 3996/08)

Mr E Poots: The current allocation of capital grant for the completion of the new Bangor Library is £2.221m. This includes construction costs and professional fees but excludes non capital grant monies for items such as book stock, furniture and fittings.

Meeting Requests

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the number of meeting requests he has received since May 2007.

(AQW 4026/08)

Mr E Poots:

I have received a total of 203 meeting requests, 36 of which were from MLAs.

Funding Applications

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the number of (i) successful; and (ii) unsuccessful, funding applications submitted by (a) music groups; (b) music organisations; and (c) members of the Bands' Association, since May 2007.

(AQW 4085/08)

Mr E Poots: The information requested is shown in the table below:

Funding organisation		No. successful	No. unsuccessful
Arts Council of Northern Ireland	Music groups	10	0
	Music organisations	10	3
	Members of the bands Association	40*	15*
Ulster Scots Agency	Music groups	2	0
	Music organisations	3	1
	Members of the bands Association	35*	13*

*These figures are the numbers of bands, rather than members of the Bands’ Association. The Arts Council and the Ulster-Scots Agency do not hold information to confirm whether the bands are members of the Bands’ Association.

Irish Rugby Football Union

Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to his answer to AQW 3535/08, to confirm that all documentation relating to the potential funding of the Irish Rugby Football Union by his department, to be placed in the Assembly library, will include documentation held by Sport NI.

(AQW 4136/08)

Mr E Poots: Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) is responsible for the documentation that it holds and for its placement in the Assembly Library. In light of your question, however, I am happy to bring this matter to the attention of the Chief Executive of SNI for his consideration.

Recruitment

Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to his answer to AQW 3563/08, to detail (i) the geographic area that these posts cover; (ii) the recruitment process used to fill these posts; and (iii) how the equality of the appointments was monitored.

(AQW 4137/08)

Mr E Poots: I apologise for the delay in replying to the member.

Pursuant to my answer to AQW 3563/08, the geographic area covered by those Ulster Branch, Irish Rugby Football Union (UB-IRFU) posts in receipt of Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) funding is as follows:

Post	Period	Geographic scope of posts
Domestic Rugby Development Manager	1.4.03 – 31.8.06	UB-IRFU province of Ulster.
Club/Volunteer Development Manager	1.4.03 – 31.3.06 1.9.06 – 31.3.09	UB-IRFU province of Ulster
Referees Development Manager	1.4.05 – 31.3.08	UB-IRFU province of Ulster
Registration Manager	1.4.05 – 31.3.08	UB-IRFU province of Ulster
All other posts	1.4.05 – 31.3.08	Northern Ireland only

All recruitment processes followed UB-IRFU recruitment procedures. SNI undertakes management audits of UB-IRFU which includes its equity policy and staff appointment processes.

Ulster Museum Building

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the location, within the redeveloped Ulster Museum building, that will be used to display and interpret the machinery associated with the linen and engineering industries.

(AQW 4138/08)

Mr E Poots: I will answer these four questions together. The displays in the re-designed Belfast Gallery will use the rich photographic collections of National Museums Northern Ireland to convey a strong sense of the lives and working conditions of the many thousands of men and women who were employed in the linen, engineering and other industries (for example the ropeworks and tobacco industries) which underpinned the city's industrial and commercial achievements. Allied to this the National Museums Northern Ireland (Ulster Folk and Transport Museum) is already responsible for the protection, preservation and retention of artefacts associated with both the aerospace industry and maritime history and holds considerable and significant collections in both areas. These include:

- Artefact Collections ranging from individual objects and paintings to full-sized craft;

- Technical Plans Collections, including, in the case of maritime

history, the Harland & Wolff Ship Plans Collection, the most

comprehensive of its kind in the world, and

Photographic Archives, including shipbuilding images and wartime
aircraft production

I readily accept that Museums make a key contribution to the achievement of Government priorities and goals, including tourism. The success of the Titanic - Built in Belfast exhibition at Union Station in Washington DC in June 2007 suggests there may be tourism potential associated with maritime material and artefacts, including vessels. It is worth remembering, however, that the viability and sustainability of such a dedicated museum are of paramount importance.

With regard to the above issues a display tower aimed at showcasing the quality and scope of the national collections, will be prominently and permanently positioned on the ground floor of the redeveloped Ulster Museum and will be the focal point for the display and interpretation of a number of iconic objects including a 19th century reeling machine used in the linen production process.

Finally In your final question you refer to a report produced by the Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee in 2002 in which the Committee outlined their support for a maritime and industrial museum in Titanic Quarter. I can report that discussions have taken place with National Museums on the possibility of revisiting their proposals for the interpretation of Belfast's maritime and industrial heritage, this to be taken forward within the context of the current plans for the regeneration of the Titanic Quarter. Officials will draw on the Committee's report "Cultural Tourism and the Arts” as appropriate.

Ulster Museum Building

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the action he has taken to ensure that artefacts associated with (i) the aero-space industry; and (ii) maritime history, are protected, preserved and retained in a dedicated museum; and to make a statement.

(AQW 4139/08)

Mr E Poots: The displays in the re-designed Belfast Gallery will use the rich photographic collections of National Museums Northern Ireland to convey a strong sense of the lives and working conditions of the many thousands of men and women who were employed in the linen, engineering and other industries (for example the ropeworks and tobacco industries) which underpinned the city's industrial and commercial achievements. Allied to this the National Museums Northern Ireland (Ulster Folk and Transport Museum) is already responsible for the protection, preservation and retention of artefacts associated with both the aerospace industry and maritime history and holds considerable and significant collections in both areas. These include:

- Artefact Collections ranging from individual objects and paintings to full-sized craft;

- Technical Plans Collections, including, in the case of maritime

history, the Harland & Wolff Ship Plans Collection, the most

comprehensive of its kind in the world, and

Photographic Archives, including shipbuilding images and wartime
aircraft production

Ulster Museum Building

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what his assessment is of the tourist potential of bringing together a critical mass of maritime material and artefacts, including vessels, that would form the nucleus of a museum dedicated to preserving and interpreting the nautical heritage of Northern Ireland, at a suitable location in Belfast.

(AQW 4140/08)

- Artefact Collections ranging from individual objects and paintings to full-sized craft;

- Technical Plans Collections, including, in the case of maritime

history, the Harland & Wolff Ship Plans Collection, the most

comprehensive of its kind in the world, and

Photographic Archives, including shipbuilding images and wartime
aircraft production

Ulster Museum Building

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what plans he has to take forward a report produced by the Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure, published on the 23 May 2002, which highlighted the tourist potential of a museum, bringing together the maritime history, aeronautical history and technological achievements of the previous centuries; and to make a statement.

(AQW 4142/08)

- Artefact Collections ranging from individual objects and paintings to full-sized craft;

- Technical Plans Collections, including, in the case of maritime

history, the Harland & Wolff Ship Plans Collection, the most

comprehensive of its kind in the world, and

Photographic Archives, including shipbuilding images and wartime
aircraft production

Language Funding

Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the funding for (i) Irish language; and (ii) Ulster-Scots, projects over the next 3 years.

(AQW 4180/08)

Mr E Poots: I would refer the member to AQO 1661/08 which was answered on 8 February 2008 and fully answers this question.

Funding to Feile an Phobail

Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail his plans to provide funding to Feile an Phobail over the next 3 years.

(AQW 4183/08)

Mr E Poots: The Community Festivals Fund is being devolved to the local councils with effect from 1 April 2008 and decisions on grants to specific festivals will be their responsibility.

At this point in time I have no plans to provide any direct funding to Community Festivals.

Public Records Office

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline whether the proposed location of the Public Records Office is consistent with the British Standard BS5454:2000, particularly in relation to humidity and moisture.

(AQW 4228/08)

Mr E Poots: I can confirm that the proposed location of the Public Record Office is consistent with the British Standard BS5454:2000 and the building will meet BS5454:2000 in relation to humidity and moisture.

Public Records Office

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline (i) the number of people working at staff officer level and above in the Public Records Office who are in post as a result of acting up from a lower grade and who did not undergo a competitive interview process; (ii) the number of people working at staff officer level and above who were formally interviewed in an open competitive process; and (iii) the process for career advancement through the various grades in the Public Records Office.

(AQW 4239/08)

Mr E Poots: At the 27 February, the Department has 8 people working at Staff Officer level and above in the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) who are in post as a result of acting up from a lower grade.
At the 27 February, the Department has 14 people at staff officer level and above in PRONI, who have been formally interviewed in an open competitive process;
There are staff employed in a number of disciplines within PRONI and, with the exception of curatorial staff, career advancement is by NICS promotion and trawl competitions. On occasion, posts may be advertised externally. Career advancement for curatorial staff is also by NICS promotion and trawl competitions, however at recruitment stage and again at promotion to Curatorial Grade D, straight through grading arrangements apply. When straight through grading arrangements apply, the criteria to be satisfied for promotion is fitness to perform the duties of the higher grade and the availability of work at the higher level.

Ulster-Scots Education

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline her policy for funding Ulster-Scots Education Summer Schools.

(AQW 4266/08)

Mr E Poots: My Department has no specific policy in relation to funding Ulster-Scots Education Summer schools.

The funding for Ulster-Scots Summer Schools is managed by the Ulster-Scots Agency on receipt of applications from Ulster-Scots groups within the community.

Ulster-Scots Education

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the amount of funding available for Ulster-Scots Education Summer Schools.

(AQW 4267/08)

Mr E Poots:

I refer to your previous question (AQW 4266/08) in which you ask about my policy on the funding of Ulster-Scots Education Summer Schools.

My Department does not fund Ulster-Scots Summer Schools. The funding is managed by the Ulster-Scots Agency on receipt of applications from Ulster-Scots groups within the community.

The Ulster-Scots Agency has “set aside” £200,000 for the project in 2008 and the closing date for applications is 17 th March 2008.

Written Questions

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the number of written questions he has answered in each month since May 2007.

(AQW 4268/08)

Mr E Poots: Since May 2007 the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure has received 338 Written questions for answer and the breakdown per month is as follows:

Month/Year	Number of questions
May 2007	2
June 2007	63
July 2007	56
August 2007	0 (due to recess)
September 2007	18
October 2007	41
November 2007	36
December 2007	57
January 2008	21
February 2008*	44

* up to 13 th February 2008

Public Records Office

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline the process and findings of the equality impact assessment preceding or subsequent to the announcement in relation to the relocation of the Public Records Office; and to outline any proposed mitigating actions in response to these findings.

(AQW 4281/08)

Mr E Poots: The policy to relocate the Public Record Office and the location of the new Record Office were both the subject of equality screening exercises.

As there was not f ound to be any equality implications with the policy or location, a full equality impact assessment was not required. There are therefore no mitigating actions.

Irish Language Events

Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to his answer to AQW 4045/08, to detail the reasons why he has been unable to attend an Irish language event since taking up office.

(AQW 4300/08)

Mr E Poots: While I would, diary permitting, be happy to attend events of a cultural nature, I am not a speaker of the Irish language and could not contribute in any meaningful way to an event conducted in Irish.

International Olympic Commission

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline what plans he has to liaise with the International Olympic Commission in order to encourage the incorporation of Gaelic games as part of the Olympics.

(AQW 4426/08)

Mr E Poots: The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) is the governing body of Gaelic games and is responsible for their development and promotion. Any plans to liaise with the International Olympic Commission in order to encourage the incorporation of Gaelic games as part of the Olympics would therefore be a matter for the GAA.

Education

Keeping Parents Informed

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQO 444/08, to outline how she expects (i) school principals; and (ii) boards of governors, to work with parents on requests regarding their children's education.

(AQW 1071/08)

The Minister of Education (Ms C Ruane): The Department recognises that there are real benefits when schools engage openly with parents and actively encourage them to have a say in how their children are educated. It also recognises that the means by which schools and parents should relate to each other are most effective when they are developed at local level by schools themselves, in consultation with parents and does not therefore prescribe any particular approach.

The new School Improvement Policy which issued for consultation on 21 January highlights the importance of constructive and regular communication between parents, pupils and schools and seeks views on proposals to harness more effectively the opportunities that extended schools provide for such communication and to provide additional resource material to help schools in developing and maintaining their links with parents.

Ghríosóinn gach páirtí leasmhar le páirt a ghlacadh sa chomhairliúchán seo agus a dtuairimí orthu seo agus ar mholtaí eile atá leagtha amach i Scoil Mhaith Gach Scoil a chur in iúl dúinn.

I would encourage all interested parties to take part in this consultation and to let us have their views on these and other proposals set out in Scoil Mhaith Gach Scoil a chur in iúl dúinn Every School a Good School.

Academic Selection

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Education to detail whether or not the principle of academic selection is safeguarded in legislation; and if she will bring forward proposals for the replacement of the transfer test that uphold this principle.

(AQW 1772/08)

Ms C Ruane: The principle of academic selection is not safeguarded in legislation. What the legislation does is make the commencement of the abolition of academic admissions criteria subject to an Assembly vote and it makes the introduction of new admissions criteria regulations contingent on resolution of the future of academic selection. Without this resolution and without these regulations there will simply be an absence of law and an unregulated system. A lapse into un-regulation would not, I believe, safeguard academic selection as independent and unregulated academic selection is a prospect fraught with administrative and litigious perils.

Sin an fáth ar chuir mé béim ar leith ariamh ar an riachtanas le comhaontú, nó creidim gur sin atá de dhíth orainn. Tá rún agam moltaí a chur chun tosaigh leis an suíomh seo a léiriú.

This is why I have always been clear on the need for consensus as I believe that is what the position requires of us. It is my intention to being forward proposals reflecting this position.

New Build Programme for Schools

Mrs D Kelly asked the Minister of Education to provide a timescale for the new build programme for schools in the Upper Bann constituency; and to detail any delays that have occurred, and the reason for these delays.

(AQW 3215/08)

Ms C Ruane: There are eight schools approved for new buildings in Upper Bann. Construction of Waringstown P.S. has already started on site. Planning is underway for the other schools. Planning of St Teresa’s P.S. and Tannaghmore P.S. has not progressed as quickly as anticipated due to the need for revisions to the designs previously submitted to the Department.

In the case of Banbridge Academy pre-tender costs have only recently been submitted to the Department for consideration. Revised Economic Appraisals for Lurgan College and Portadown College were required as a result of changes affecting the respective sites and this work has impacted on the planned timescales. These appraisals have recently been submitted by the Southern Education and Library Board to the Department for consideration. In the case of St Mary’s P.S., Banbridge planning remains on target and for St Patrick’s College planning has progressed more quickly than previously estimated.

Sa tábla thíos léirítear an chéim atá bainte amach ag na scoileanna faoi láthair. Tabharfar na scéimeanna ar aghaidh leis an údarás ábhartha oideachais agus beidh na hamscálaí chuige seo faoi réir na próisis riachtanacha pleanála agus tógála a bheith críochnaithe go sásúil agus infhaighteacht acmhainní in aon bhliain ar leith.

The table below shows the current stage which the schools have reached. The schemes will be progressed with the relevant education authority and the timescales for doing so will be subject to the necessary planning and building processes being completed satisfactorily and the availability of resources in any particular year.

SCHOOL	Current stage of project
St Teresa’s P.S., Lurgan	Revised Stage D submission under consideration (final design drawings and costs)
Tannaghmore P.S., Lurgan	Revised Stage D submission received and under consideration
St Mary’s P.S., Banbridge	Stage C submission approved Jan 08. Stage D submission awaited.
St Patrick’s College, Banbridge	Stage C submission approved Dec 07. Stage D submission awaited.
Waringstown P.S.	Construction work started August 2007.
Banbridge Academy	Pre-tender costs received and under consideration
Lurgan College	Revised Economic Appraisal currently being considered
Portadown College	Revised Economic Appraisal currently being considered

New Build Programme for Schools

Mrs D Kelly asked the Minister of Education to confirm whether or not her proposals for post-primary transfer will have an impact on the New Build Programme for schools.

(AQW 3263/08)

Ms C Ruane: Is éadóigh feidhm a bheith ag mo phleananna le hathstruchtú mór diomaite den mhéid atá riachtanach cheana féin ag an fheidhm le scoileanna inbhuanaithe. Sna deich mbliana seo romhainn, de thairbhe ár n-easpaí cóiríochta faoi láthair, beidh fiacha orainn méid mór den eastát iar-bhunscoile a atógáil, is cuma cad é a tharlóidh.

My plans are unlikely to require restructuring significantly beyond that already required by the need for sustainable schools. In the next ten years our current accommodation deficiencies mean that we have to rebuild a significant amount of the post-primary estate whatever happens.

Teachers with Criminal Convictions

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of teachers in Northern Ireland with criminal convictions.

(AQW 3392/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá sé curtha in iúl ag Príomhfheidhmeannaigh na mBord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne go bhfuil cúigear múinteoir i dTuaisceart na hÉireann a ciontaíodh, a bhfuil beirt acu fostaithe faoi láthair.

The Chief Executives of the Education and Library Boards have advised that there are five teachers in the North of Ireland with convictions of which two are currently in employment.

Ministerial Meetings

Mr N McCausland asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 2920/08, to detail (i) the date of the meeting (ii) who she met with; and (iii) the subjects that were discussed.

(AQW 3459/08)

Ms C Ruane: Chuaigh mé go Dún Éideann 12 Nollaig, áit ar bhuail mé le Fióna Hyslop, Aire Oideachais na hAlban. Phléigh muid na ceisteanna a leanas:

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.

Pre-School Provision

Mr D Kennedy asked the Minister of Education what is her assessment of the need for increased pre-school provision at St Brigid's school, Glassdrummond; and what plans her department has to deal with the increased number of applications for enrolment at the school.

(AQW 3518/08)

Ms C Ruane: Of the 20 pupils admitted to Year 1 at St Brigid’s Primary School for the 2007/08 school year, 10 were reception aged children.

Schools may only admit reception age pupils where there are places left after the school has admitted all those of compulsory school age applying for places from within their approved admissions number. Therefore the school has not turned down any application from children of compulsory school age.

The school authorities have not made an application to my Department for the provision of a nursery unit at the school but I understand that the level of provision in the immediate area is considered to be sufficient to meet current demand.

With regard to the overall enrolment at St Brigid’s, it is a matter for the school authorities to consider whether they wish to make a request for a temporary variation to the school's intake or enrolment number.

Bhreithneodh mo Roinn aon iarratas den chineál sin, i gcomhairle le Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Deiscirt agus Comhairle na Scoileanna Caitliceacha faoi Chothabháil.

My Department would consider any such application in consultation with the Southern Education and Library Board and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools.

Language at Schools

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education to give a timescale within which she intends to introduce (i) GCSE; (ii) 'AS' level; and (iii) 'A' level courses in Hindi, Mandarin and Russian into schools in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 3581/08)

Ms C Ruane: Responsibility for the delivery of specific courses at GCSE and A level rests with individual schools, in the context of the requirements of the revised curriculum. At Key Stage 4, schools are required to offer pupils access to at least one language course in an official EU language and many offer a wider range than that. Both Russian and Mandarin are available at GCSE and A level and may be offered by schools here.

Ní thairgeann na forais cháiliúcháin cúrsaí GCSE agus A-leibhéil í Hiondúch, ach tá cáilíochtaí eile ar fáil i gcomhthéacs an chreat cáilíochtaí atá ann idir Sasain, Alba agus Tuaisceart na hÉireann. Is féidir le scoileanna, mar sin de, na cáilíochtaí seo a bhreithniú.

Awarding bodies do not offer GCSE and A level courses in Hindi, but other qualifications are available within the context of the qualifications framework which is in place between England, Scotland and the North of Ireland and are therefore open to all schools to consider.

Modern Languages Provision

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail which modern languages will be provided at primary school level under the provisions of the new Northern Ireland curriculum.

(AQW 3582/08)

Ms C Ruane: I believe an early start to language learning is of benefit to our young people. Although languages are not compulsory at primary level, the revised curriculum gives primary schools greater flexibility to introduce a modern language of their choice.

Additionally, through my Primary Languages programme, support will be available to primary schools who want to introduce Spanish or Irish.

Tá mé ag fanacht fosta le moltaí do straitéis fhoriomlán teangacha don Tuaisceart ón chomhIonad Ábhair do Theangacha, Theangeolaíocht agus Staidéir Cheantair idir Ollscoil Uladh agus Ollscoil na Banríona, Béal Feirste. Cuimseoidh seo foghlaim teanga ag bunleibhéal.

I am also waiting for recommendations to inform an overall languages strategy for the North from the joint University of Ulster-Queen’s University Belfast Subject Centre for Languages, Linguistics and Area Studies. This will include language learning at primary level.

Modern Languages Provision

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the steps she is taking to provide the relevant training to primary school teachers (i) in post; (ii) in training; and (iii) on the substitute teachers' register, in those modern languages that will be introduced as part of the new Northern Ireland curriculum.

(AQW 3662/08)

Ms C Ruane: The revised curriculum gives primary schools greater flexibility to introduce a modern language of their choice but languages are not compulsory at primary level. As training must meet statutory requirements in the first instance, languages are not currently part of the specific curriculum training for primary teachers.

However, steps are being taken in this area. Stranmillis University College is offering two optional modules in languages for BEd (primary) students. In addition, I will, in the coming months, be receiving recommendations on a languages strategy for the North, which will include language learning at primary level and the associated training.

Sa scoilbhliain seo, tá mé ag cur Chlár Teangacha i mBunscoileanna in áit le tacaíocht a chur ar fáil do scoileanna ar maith leo Spáinnis nó Gaeilge a thabhairt isteach. Is príomhghné de mo chlár rannpháirtíocht an mhúinteoir ranga agus an fhorbairt ghairmiúil a bhaineann léi.

In this school year, I am putting in place a Primary Languages Programme to provide support for schools who wish to introduce Spanish or Irish. A key element of my programme is class teacher participation and associated professional development.

School Development Proposals

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of school development proposals in relation to (i) the closure of a school; (ii) the amalgamation of two or more schools; (iii) a change to integrated status; and (iv) any other development proposals, that have been submitted to her department (a) in each of the last 5 years; and (b) since May 2007.

(AQW 3680/08)

Ms C Ruane: The table below summarises the number of school Development Proposals submitted to the Department in each of the last five years and since May 2007 dealing with

the closure of a school
the amalgamation and merger of two or more schools
a change to integrated status
all other Development Proposals

Liostaíodh Moltaí Forbartha sa bhlian inar foilsíodh iad.

Please note that Development Proposals have been listed in the year in which they were published.

Development Proposals Submitted to the Department

	(i) the closure of a school	(ii) the merger or amalgamation of two or more schools	(iii) a change to integrated status	(iv) all other Development Proposals	Total by year
2003	5	9	2	29	45
2004	4	3	0	12	19
2005	12	3	1	18	34
2006	18	4	6	17	45
2007	7	3	3	25	38
Total by type	46	22	12	101	181
Since May 2007	4	0	2	14	20

Of the proposals detailed as submitted to the Department, decisions on fifteen Development Proposals are pending.

Irish Medium Schools

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of applications for the establishment of Irish Medium schools that (i) have been approved; (ii) have been rejected; and (iii) are still pending a decision, in each of the last 5 years.

(AQW 3683/08)

Ms C Ruane: Sna táblaí thíos, leagtar amach na Moltaí Forbartha a ceadaíodh, a diúltaíodh agus atá ar feitheamh go fóill d’earnáil an Ghaeloideachais i ngach ceann de na cúig bliana seo caite. Tá moltaí do bhunú Gaelscoileanna le deontas i gcabhair, aonaid Ghaeloideachais agus Gaelnaíonraí san áireamh.

The tables below set out the Development Proposal applications that have been approved, rejected and that are still pending for the Irish Medium sector in each of the last five years. Proposals for the establishment of grant-aided Irish medium schools, Irish medium units and Irish medium nurseries are included.

2003

Proposals Approved

ELB area	School	Date Published	Description of Proposal
WELB	St Colmcille's Primary School Carrickmore.	13/03/03	Establishment of an Irish-medium unit at St Colmcille's Primary School, Carrickmore.
SELB	St Mary's Primary School, Pomeroy	27/03/03	Establishment of a unit at St Mary's Primary School, Pomeroy for the education of children of primary school age through the medium of Irish.
SELB	St Patrick's Primary School, Crossmaglen	19/05/03	Establishment of a Unit at St Patrick's PS, Crossmaglen for the education of children of primary school age through the medium of Irish.
NEELB	Bunscoil an Chaistil	26/05/03	Proposal that Bunscoil an Chaistil, an Irish Language Medium Primary School in Ballycastle, Co. Antrim, should be given grant-aided status.
BELB	Gaelscoil an Damba	05/06/03	Proposal that a new Gaelscoil will open in September 2003.

Proposals Withdrawn

BELB

Bunscoil an tSléibhe Dhuibh

22/05/03

Establishment, within the school, of a twenty-six unit nursery offering full-time provision.

2004

Proposals Approved

BELB	Bunscoil Mhic Reachtain	20/11/03 Republished on 08/01/04	Recognise this school as a controlled Irish-medium primary school.
BELB	Gaelscoil na Mona, Turf Lodge	20/05/04	Establishment of a new Irish Medium Primary School in the Turf Lodge area.
WELB	Gaelscoil An Traonaigh, Lisnaskea	09/06/04	Establishment of a new Irish Medium Primary School in Lisnaskea.
NEELB	Gaelscoil na Speiríní, Draperstown	17/06/04	Establishment of a new Irish Medium Primary School in Draperstown.

Proposals Rejected

BELB

Gaelscoil an Lonnáin

22/04/04

That the school should be recognised as a grant-aided Irish-medium primary school.

BELB

Bunscoil Thaoilinn, Poleglass

11/05/04

Establishment of a new Irish Medium primary school in the Poleglass area.

2005

Proposals Approved

NEELB	Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach	14/02/05	Establishment of Grant-Aided Irish-Medium Primary School in Crumlin.
BELB	Gaelscoil an Lonnáin	17/02/05	Establishment of a new grant-aided, Irish-medium primary school at Falls Road.
WELB	Gaelscoil na gCrann	31/03/05	Establishment of a new grant-aided, Irish-medium primary school in Omagh.

School Development Proposals

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of school development proposals dealing with (i) the closure of a school; (ii) the merger of two or more schools; (iii) a change to integrated status; and (iv) any other development proposals, have been determined by the department since 8 May 2007.

(AQW 3688/08)

Ms C Ruane: The table below summarises the number of school Development Proposals submitted to the Department in each of the last five years and since May 2007 dealing with

the closure of a school
the amalgamation and merger of two or more schools
a change to integrated status
all other Development Proposals

Liostaíodh Moltaí Forbartha sa bhlian inar foilsíodh iad.

Please note that Development Proposals have been listed in the year in which they were published.

Development Proposals Submitted to the Department

	(i) the closure of a school	(ii) the merger or amalgamation of two or more schools	(iii) a change to integrated status	(iv) all other Development Proposals	Total by year
2003	5	9	2	29	45
2004	4	3	0	12	19
2005	12	3	1	18	34
2006	18	4	6	17	45
2007	7	3	3	25	38
Total by type	46	22	12	101	181
Since May 2007	4	0	2	14	20

Of the proposals detailed as submitted to the Department, decisions on fifteen Development Proposals are pending.

School Development Proposals

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of school development proposals dealing with (i) the closure of a school; (ii) the merger of two or more schools; (iii) a change to integrated status; and (iv) any other development proposals, that have been determined by the department in each of the last five years.

(AQW 3704/08)

Ms C Ruane: The table below summarises the number of school Development Proposals submitted to the Department in each of the last five years and since May 2007 dealing with

the closure of a school
the amalgamation and merger of two or more schools
a change to integrated status
all other Development Proposals

Liostaíodh Moltaí Forbartha sa bhlian inar foilsíodh iad.

Please note that Development Proposals have been listed in the year in which they were published.

Development Proposals Submitted to the Department

	(i) the closure of a school	(ii) the merger or amalgamation of two or more schools	(iii) a change to integrated status	(iv) all other Development Proposals	Total by year
2003	5	9	2	29	45
2004