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 07 March 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
West Tyrone Voice
Mr T Elliott asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to the answer to AQW 272/08, to detail the funding made available to 'West Tyrone Voice', in each of the last 10 financial years.
(AQW 3810/08)
The First Minister and deputy First Minister (Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness): Records show that funding available to West Tyrone Voice between April 1998 and March 2007 was £820,085. A year by year breakdown of these figures is not currently available.
In addition this group may also have applied for funding from other programmes or schemes, such as the District Council Community Relations Programme or European Union funding through the Local Strategy Partnerships, we do not hold this information.
Derry & Raphoe Action
Mr T Elliott asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to the answer to AQW 272/08, to detail the funding made available to 'Derry & Raphoe Action', in each of the last 10 financial years.
(AQW 3811/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Records show that funding available to ‘Derry & Raphoe Action’ between April 1998 and March 2007 was £347,229. A year by year breakdown of these figures is not currently available.
In addition this group may also have applied for funding from any other programmes or schemes, such as the District Council Community Relations Programme or European Union funding through the Local Strategy Partnerships, we do not hold this information.
Written Questions
Mr A Ross asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the number of written Assembly questions answered each month, since May 2007.
(AQW 4097/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The number of written Assembly Questions answered each month since May 2007 is as follows:-
Month |
Number |
May 2007 June 2007 July 2007 August 2007 September 2007 October 2007 November 2007 December 2007 January 2008 February 2008* |
1 29 26 14 10 27 22 32 30 38 |
TOTAL |
229 |
*This figure comprises replies up to and including 22 February 2008.
Planning Appeals Commission
Mr T Clarke asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the steps that are being taken to address the pressures on the Planning Appeals Commission.
(AQO 2320/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We are fully committed to addressing pressures on the Planning Appeals Commission and have committed within the Public Service Agreement to deliver increased resources to enable the Planning Appeals Commission to address the backlog of appeal cases. As a result additional funding has been made available both in year and through the Budget 2008-11.
The amount of receipts which may be retained by the Commission has been increased from £150,000 to £241,000 within the current financial year and the Commission’s budget allocation has been increased by over half a million pounds in each of the next three financial years resulting in a budget of £2.368m in 2008-09, £2.378m in 2009-10 and £2.396m in 2010-11. In addition the amount of receipts which the Commission may retain has increased from £241,000 to £376,000 per annum in each of these years. This will provide an overall increase of up to £1.973m in the Commission’s spending power over the next three years.
This extra funding will enable the Chief Commissioner to strengthen and expand the existing capacity of the Commission to address the existing workload and associated backlog of planning appeals. Plans are already in place to recruit a further 6 part time call-off panel commissioners and 6 permanent full-time commissioners.
Commissioner for Older Persons
Mr K McCarthy asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the progress made on the appointment of a Commissioner for Older Persons.
(AQO 2285/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The appointment of an Older People’s Commissioner is a key priority for us and officials will endeavour to prioritise the process where possible.
In order to assist in developing proposals for the specific remit of the Office, a number of consultation events are currently being organised, one in Cookstown and two further events in Belfast and Londonderry.
A report, which will include options on the possible role and remit of a Commissioner, taking account of the outcome of consultations will be presented to us later this month. Following this, Officials will draft proposals for the remit of the Commissioner and members of the public will be consulted on this.
We are keen to ensure that momentum towards the establishment of an Older People’s Commissioner is not lost and are currently finalising interim arrangements, details of which will be announced shortly and conveyed to the OFMDFM Committee and this Assembly.
Child Poverty
Mr T Lunn asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to provide an update on the targets it will set in order to reduce child poverty.
(AQO 2259/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Within Programme for Government 2008-2011 we have set challenging targets;
- To work towards the elimination of severe child poverty by 2012 and;
- To work towards the elimination of child poverty in Northern Ireland by 2020 and reducing child poverty by 50% by 2010.
Tackling Poverty and Social Inclusion which affects the most vulnerable in our society will require co-ordinated action across all Departments and further interim targets will be developed in conjunction with Departments to reduce child poverty.
Anti-Racism Strategy
Mr A Maskey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to provide an update on the anti-racism strategy.
(AQO 2387/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Executive’s primary focus is on building a shared and better future for all people living here, both new and host communities. We are committed to building and shaping a society that is free of both racism and other forms of intolerance. The Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister is currently working on bringing forward detailed proposals for a ‘Programme of Cohesion, Sharing and Integration for a Shared and Better Future.’ This programme will build on some of the excellent work, particularly by district councils and community organisations, to address the challenges which local communities are facing. Action to tackle both racism and sectarianism will be at the core of these proposals.
This programme will focus on local people dealing with local issues through their own local solutions.
We will bring forward these proposals for discussion with the Committee of the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister.
Social Cohesion
Mr A Bresland asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to confirm that funding for a programme of social cohesion will be significantly increased over the next three years.
(AQO 2318/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: As I have previously said, we are fully committed to building a shared and better future for all. We will bring forward proposals 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.
The core of these proposals will be action to tackle racism, sectarianism and intolerance. The emphasis of the action will be support for local people to deal with local issues through their local solutions.
The Budget recognises that the past 3 years have seen significant progress in improved relationships, with historically low levels of violence and tension.
We want to ensure that improved relationships within the whole community continue and we want to address the challenges that face new and host communities. The expenditure on good relations and good race relations in the past 3 years is approx £21 million.
Within the budget we will increase this investment to ensure continued improvement in relationships and to address the challenges facing new and host communities by almost ₤7.5m over the next 3 years.
Total investment between 2008/09 and 2010/11 will therefore be approximately ₤28.7m, (taking account of efficiencies over the period) to meet the PSA target of building a shared and better future for all.
Freedom of Information Act
Mr J McCallister asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether or not consideration is being given to extending the operation of the Freedom of Information Act to include bodies not presently covered by the Act.
(AQO 2266/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The extension of the operation of the Freedom of Information Act to new public bodies is provided for routinely, either by the legislation that establishes the new body, or by an Order made by the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice following consultation with the First Minister and deputy First Minister. Furthermore, the Freedom of Information Act provides that publicly-owned companies are covered by its provisions from their inception.
The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice may also make an Order to extend the Freedom of Information Act to bodies which exercise functions of a public nature or to contractors who provide services which are a function of a public body. A three-month public consultation carried out by the Ministry of Justice regarding such an extension concluded on 1st February 2008. Should the Ministry of Justice decide to make such an Order, then a further consultation would occur with those organisations likely to be affected by the Order, accompanied by a full impact assessment of the coverage.
Victims' Commissioners
Mr A Maginness asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the legal advice it received in relation to the appointment of four Victims' Commissioners.
(AQO 2316/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We took legal advice from the Departmental Solicitors Office on the concept of appointing four Commissioners for Victims and Survivors.
Eames/Bradley Consultative Group
Mr D Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the representations it plans to make to the Eames/Bradley consultative group on the past.
(AQO 2299/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Officials met with the Consultative Group on the Past in October 2007. The Consultative Group asked to meet with us. These meetings took place in January 2008. The meetings were largely a listening exercise and no conclusions have been reached at this stage.
Capital Realisations Taskforce
Mr J O'Dowd asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to confirm whether or not the Capital Realisations Taskforce report will take account of any recommendations emerging from the review of the location of public sector jobs.
(AQO 2376/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness:
The Capital Realisations Taskforce report focuses on how best to realise the value of underutilised or surplus public sector assets. We recognise the existing regional infrastructure disparities. We will work to address them and to ensure that we deliver a more balanced regional outcome, including within the out-workings of asset realisation.
Civic Forum
Mr S Moutray asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline the analysis it has made of the replies it has received from former members of the Civic Forum to the department's consultation exercise.
(AQO 2264/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Following the restoration of devolution in May 2007, the members of the Civic Forum were consulted about their availability and willingness to serve, in an interim capacity, if it were decided to reconvene the Forum during the review period.
Forty-nine of the original 60 members of the Forum were consulted. Of the other 11, 6 had been appointees of the former First Minister and deputy First Minister and there were 5 vacancies. Thirty-two members indicated unambiguously that they would be willing to return in an interim capacity. Of the remainder, 4 preferred to await the outcome of the review, 6 did not wish to return and 7 did not reply.
As well as considering individual members’ responses, we also had to consider the extent to which those prepared to return would be sufficiently representative of the original sectors.
Although about half of the original members of the Forum were willing to serve while the review was underway, this was not representative of some of the smaller sectors and, given the short remaining lifespan of the existing Forum, it was decided not to recall the members but to concentrate instead on pressing ahead with the review.
Bill of Rights
Mrs M Bradley asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what action it is taking to support the work of the Bill of Rights Forum; and to confirm that it is committed to delivering an extensive and inclusive Bill of Rights.
(AQO 2389/08)
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.
Equality Legislation
Mr M Storey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail its plans to assess the impact of equality legislation on the different communities in Northern Ireland.
(AQO 2261/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness:
The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland has a statutory responsibility under Schedule 9 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 to keep under review the effectiveness of duties imposed by Section 75 of the Act. The Commission is currently reviewing the effectiveness of Section 75; it published a draft report for consultation in May 2007 and a final report is due at the end of March 2008. The review includes a focus on the impact that the legislation has had across the nine Section 75 categories and on the development and implementation of public policy.
The Department has also been reviewing equality legislation in the context of the single Equality Bill process, and has identified some areas that need to be addressed. Proposals will be brought to the Executive in due course.
The Department also views a range of statistical evidence in considering the impact of policy and legislation including: Equality Commission for Northern Ireland statistics on the monitored workforce; the Labour Force Survey Religion Report; various reports on the socio-economic conditions of the two communities; survey evidence of job applicants and appointees; and monitoring of the employment, unemployment and economic activity rates of different groups including religion, disability, gender and age.
AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Ruddock Review
Mr W Irwin asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide an update on her department's implementation of the recommendations of the Ruddock review into the handling of the alpha-nortestosterone issue; particularly in relation to (i) on-farm searches; and (ii) developing best practice guidelines from the examination of approaches taken by other enforcement agencies.
(AQW 4154/08)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms M Gildernew): Progress is well underway with all the recommendations of the Ruddock review of the handling of the alpha-nortestosterone issue. I can provide an update as follows:
Recommendation 1
Progress has been made on implementing the recommendation to provide scientific evidence which will allow interpretation of the legislation to be changed. There is now emerging recognition within the EU that alpha-nortestosterone is likely to occur naturally in injured or stressed male bovines. The European Community Reference Laboratory is expected to draft a guidance paper to reflect this position. Further scientific work to inform the evidence base in this area is expected to be completed by the end of March.
Recommendation 2 and 4
The recommendations that DARD should adopt a project management approach in order to improve policy development and implementation in the future, is also being progressed and I can advise that a team of key senior officials is being established, representing DARD, AFBI, the Food Standards Agency and the Departmental Solicitors Office. In the event of a residues emergency this team will facilitate a rapid response to findings arising from emerging science and ensure policy development is initiated immediately.
Recommendation 3
You refer in particular to the recommendation concerning on-farm searches and our commitment to develop best practice. As I indicated in the Assembly on the 21st of January, my officials are currently reviewing and updating standard operating procedures and this work will be completed shortly.
Recommendation 5
Systems have been put in place to ensure that the recommendation to formally involve key stakeholders in strategic discussions in any future similar event is fully implemented.
Agriculture Industry
Mr J Craig asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of foreign nationals who are working (i) on farms; and (ii) in the agriculture industry.
(AQW 4161/08)
Ms M Gildernew: My Department does not collect information on the numbers of foreign nationals employed on farms or in the Agriculture industry in the North. However, following the European Union Farm Structure Survey conducted in 2007 DARD estimated that some 541 farms employed personnel from outside of these islands over the period April 2006 to March 2007.
Bluetongue Disease
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (i) to confirm that compensation measures are in place for those farmers who have lost cattle and business due to the recent bluetongue outbreak; and (ii) to detail the steps she has taken, following her statement on the 19 February 2008, to ensure that Northern Ireland remains disease-free.
(AQW 4164/08)
Ms M Gildernew: As I explained to the Assembly on 19th February, my Department is under no obligation to pay any compensation for imported animals that have been affected by or exposed to the bluetongue virus.
This position has been made abundantly clear to the agriculture industry and the position is supported by industry leaders.
If the animal was not imported from another country, then compensation would be payable if the Department requires it to be slaughtered. In the case of such affected animals compensation is paid at 50 per cent of the value of the animal: if not affected the rate of compensation is 100 per cent.
No compensation is payable for loss of business.
In relation to the steps I have taken to ensure that the North remains disease free, the latest and most significant action was to suspend the imports of cattle over 12 months and sheep over 6 months from Bluetongue Zones. I took this action in response to emerging scientific evidence following the Bluetongue case in North Antrim.
I have also run an advertising campaign in the daily and farming press to ensure that everyone is aware of the dangers of importing livestock. This follows a public awareness campaign during 2006 when the Department issued posters and flyers to farmers and Private Veterinary Practitioners. At that time the Chief Veterinary Officer also wrote to all cattle and sheep owners in the North reminding them to be vigilant and to make them aware of the precautions they should take in relation to Bluetongue. The DARD website has also been regularly updated with information for the farming community, including advice and symptoms to look out for.
My own consistent message to farmers has been to think very carefully before importing livestock from Bluetongue infected areas and I have reiterated this message numerous times.
I have put in place a comprehensive surveillance programme to ensure that no other infected animals are present in the North. I have also sought veterinary advice on the level of testing post-import. As a result, in addition to the current post-import test 10 days after the animals comes in, a further test will be required after 30 days.
Overnight Accommodation
Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the cost of overnight accommodation for her departmental officials, attending functions in an official capacity, (i) in total; (ii) in Northern Ireland; (iii) in the Republic of Ireland; (iv) in Great Britain; (v) in other EU countries; and (vi) elsewhere, in each of the past three years.
(AQW 4208/08)
Ms M Gildernew:
Accommodation costs for attendance at functions in:- |
||||||
NI |
ROI |
GB |
Other EU Countries |
Other Countries |
Total Costs (£) |
|
2004/5 |
£ |
£168 |
£1,033 |
£ |
£ |
£1,201 |
2005/6 |
£105 |
£76.50 |
£497 |
£1,246 |
£ |
£1,924.5 |
2006/7 |
£177 |
£1,015 |
£997 |
£2,813 |
£379 |
£5,381 |
Additional information:-
The above information details expenditure on overnight accommodation for the core Department (excluding Agencies and Non-Departmental Public Bodies) and relates to functions organised by industry/private companies in the financial years 2004/05, 2005/06 and 2006/07 where officials have attended to represent the Department. The figures exclude costs for attendance at training/personal development events.
The Department was unable to disaggregate expenditure incurred for a small number of functions where overnight accommodation has formed part of the overall costs for attendance at the event. These figures are not included in the above information.
Written Questions
Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of written questions she has answered in each month since May 2007.
(AQW 4214/08)
Ms M Gildernew: From May 2007 to 31 January 2008 I have answered a total of 247 written Assembly Questions. The breakdown by month is as follows –
May 2007 – 10
June 2007 – 22
July 2007 – 27
August 2007 – NIL
September 2007 – 23
October 2007 – 55
November 2007 – 45
December 2007 – 38
January 2008 – 27
Bluetongue Disease
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the advice she has received from the Chief Veterinary Officer concerning bluetongue disease.
(AQW 4224/08)
Ms M Gildernew: I have been in regular discussions with my Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) on Bluetongue since it became an issue for us. The advice I receive on any particular issues is based on the output of my Department’s Strategy Group. That Strategy Group convenes in emergency/exceptional circumstances and is chaired by the Permanent Secretary, and attended by senior officers and when required, those with specialist knowledge in the particular area. The advice I receive therefore takes account of the views of the CVO whose advice is incorporated within the advice from this group.
Bluetongue Disease
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail how bluetongue infected stock were able to make it into the country if they were infected before transit.
(AQW 4225/08)
Ms M Gildernew: On 11th January a consignment of cattle arrived in the North from an export assembly centre in the Netherlands. All the animals had tested negative for the Bluetongue virus before leaving the Netherlands. They had been tested using the PCR test that detects virus in the blood. This testing was in accordance with the European regulations and all animals were able to be exported in line with EU intra-community trade conditions.
On arrival in the North they were restricted in the herd of destination until routine post-import tests were carried out 10 days after arrival, as is the case for all ruminant animals imported into the North from Bluetongue affected areas of the EU. At this point eight animals tested positive for the presence of antibodies on the Elisa test, although they all remained negative on the PCR test meaning that no virus was present in their blood. The negative PCR and eight positive Elisa tests showed that the animals had been affected by or exposed to Bluetongue virus in the past. As these were the first Elisa positive animals to be detected in the North on post–import testing, and as a precautionary measure, the restriction was maintained on these imported animals and they were retested 30 days post-import. It was at this test that active infection was detected in the blood of one animal. This animal had been PCR negative prior to import, Elisa negative and PCR negative on the first post-import test, and remained Elisa negative.
As you are aware this case is still under investigation and I would not make further comments until that investigation is complete.
Bluetongue Disease
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to confirm whether or not the decision to cull the livestock affected by bluetongue was made on the advice of the Chief Veterinary Officer.
(AQW 4230/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The decision to cull livestock affected by Bluetongue was made by me. In reaching my decisions I took advice from my Department’s Strategy Group which convenes in this type of circumstance. The Strategy Group is chaired by the Permanent Secretary and attended by senior officials, and when required, those with specialist knowledge in a particular area.
The group that provided information on culling livestock included the Chief Veterinary Officer and the Head of the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) as well as other senior officials including the Senior Finance Officer.
Infectious Vectors
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to confirm whether or not infectious vectors were found on livestock that could have caused the spread of bluetongue disease.
(AQW 4236/08)
Ms M Gildernew: Regarding the recent case of Bluetongue in North Antrim, vector surveillance that was in place on the farm did not find vectors on or around the vicinity of the affected livestock at that time that could have caused the spread of Bluetongue virus. However, one midge was caught in a trap on the farm on the weekend of 23/24 February and has been sent to the Community Bluetongue Reference Laboratory at Pirbright for testing.
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 yet to take place.
(AQW 4242/08)
Ms M Gildernew: As at 25th February, 520 applicants to the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme had pre-approval inspections yet to be completed.
Single Farm Payments
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of Single Farm Payment entitlements her department has claimed back since the introduction of the scheme.
(AQW 4247/08)
Ms M Gildernew: For the 2005 scheme year, Single Farm Payment Entitlements to the value of €9,916.69 were confiscated because the usage rules were not met. For the 2006 scheme, the value was €11,442.40. So far for 2007, the value is €8,116.24. The total value is €29,475.33, in respect of 208 entitlements, since the introduction of the scheme.
Single Farm Payments
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail how she intends to allocate monies received from unused Single Farm Payment entitlements claimed back by the department.
(AQW 4249/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The value of Single Farm Payment entitlements returned to the National Reserve to-date, is less than €30,000.
The amount in the National Reserve, which might be attributed to the North, is estimated to be €330,000. This is needed to address unresolved cases, to meet revisions to entitlements already allocated and, subject to the outcome of consultation, for any new entitlements which need to be issued following reform to the CAP fruit and vegetable regime.
Consequently I have no other plans to introduce allocations from the National Reserve.
Animal Welfare
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the bodies and number of specialists who advise her on animal welfare.
(AQW 4252/08)
Ms M Gildernew: I do not take advice on animal welfare directly from any bodies or specialists outside my Department and the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute.
I do however, take advice from veterinary and scientific professionals in my Department and the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute. I also consult with a wide range of stakeholders who have an interest and expertise in a wide range of animal welfare issues.
Foreign Imports
Mr J O'Dowd asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the assistance she is giving to producer sectors, in order to address the impact that foreign imports, misleadingly labelled, are having on the sale of local produce.
(AQW 4256/08)
Ms M Gildernew: Firstly, I must respond to your point about imported food being misleadingly labelled. My Department is responsible for the labelling of beef and I can assure you that the legislation in this area is robustly enforced. The beef labelling rules require all operators in the supply chain, including retailers but excluding the food service sector, to label their beef with origin and traceability information. These rules apply equally to locally produced and imported beef. Regular inspections are carried out and appropriate enforcement action is taken where necessary. The labelling of other foods is the responsibility of the Food Standards Agency and is therefore outside my remit.
The labelling issue aside, I can assure you that I am committed to assisting the local agri-food industry to compete successfully in both domestic and export markets.
My Department is involved in a range of initiatives designed to increase business performance and success in the marketplace. I recently launched a new round of the Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme which aims to promote quality regional food and increase its consumption within Ireland and Britain. In the first phase of the programme over £300,000 was awarded to representative groups. Activities included the new Food Pavilion at the Balmoral Show and the Lough Neagh Food Festival, which showcased the wide range of quality local produce available.
At primary producer level, knowledge and technology transfer, industry training programmes, and benchmarking, all contribute to improving farm business performance and assisting farmers and growers to produce the quality of product demanded by an increasingly competitive marketplace.
My Department facilitates the EU Protected Food Names Scheme which provides a system for the protection of food names on a geographical or traditional recipe basis. Registered names are protected from imitation throughout the EU and should benefit from increased consumer awareness of regional and speciality foods. I can advise that my Department is currently progressing a number of applications under this Scheme.
The Livestock and Meat Commission (a Non-Departmental Public Body of DARD’s) is responsible for the promotion of red meat and red meat products in both domestic and international markets. You should be aware, however, that EU State Aid rules place severe constraints on the use of Government funds for promotional activities both here and across the EU.
Birdcover Projects
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to confirm if there are threats to livestock or the environment in relation from foreign ingredients used in DARD promoted birdcover projects.
(AQW 4374/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The seed components of wild bird cover sown as Optional Habitats under the Countryside Management Scheme and the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Scheme are not considered to be a threat to the environment or to livestock
Trawlermen's Trading Company
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, further to her meeting with the Northern Ireland Trawlermen's Trading Company, what action she is taking to address their concerns; and to detail the offers of assistance she has made to the Company.
(AQW 4375/08)
Ms M Gildernew: I had a very helpful meeting with the Trawlermen’s Trading Company and we discussed a range of issues around future financial support for the fleet including vessel modernisation and re-engining. My Departments proposals for financial support for the fishing industry will be contained in its European Fisheries Fund Investment Plan which will issue for consultation at the end of April. This coincides with the launch of similar documents in England, Scotland and Wales.
I explained to the delegation that I would be meeting with Commissioner Borg in April and I intended to use that opportunity to relay to him the concerns expressed by our fishermen and the difficulties being experienced because of escalating operating costs.
Communications Course
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to confirm (i) if a screening exercise has been carried out in relation to an equality impact assessment on the proposed ending of the communications course at Loughry College; and (ii) if she will make the documentation regarding this screening exercise available to MLAs.
(AQW 4579/08)
Ms M Gildernew: No decisions have yet been taken on the proposal to end the Communications programme and a screening exercise in relation to the proposal has not yet been carried out.
Firm decisions on the proposal will be taken only when the full implications have been assessed, including consideration of equality implications. Papers can be released once the process is completed.
Single Farm Payments
Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to confirm that Single Farm Payments will not be paid to those entitled to payment, but who have indicated they prefer not to have the payment lodged in a bank or building society account.
(AQO 2302/08)
Ms M Gildernew: On 24 April 2007 my Department announced that, with effect from 1 March 2008, agriculture subsidy payments would only be paid electronically. This decision was taken in order to prepare for compliance with the European Commission’s requirement that all subsidy payments should be made electronically, and in our case by Bankers Automated Clearing System (BACS) to a UK bank account, from 16 October 2008. However, recognising some farmers’ concern, I announced recently that the date for introducing this change would be deferred until 1 May 2008. In doing so, I am ensuring that 2007 Single Farm Payments and 2008 Less Favoured Area Compensatory Allowances payable up to the end of April will not be delayed for those not yet BACS compliant. After 1 May it is intended that no subsidies will issue unless my Department has been provided with the necessary bank details to facilitate electronic payment. I urge any farm business, that has not already provided bank details to my Department, does so as soon as possible. This information is essential as all future subsidy payments, including those relating to the 2008 Single Farm Payment Scheme, will only be made electronically to a UK bank/building society/credit union account through the BACS system.
Pig Industry
Mr B Armstrong asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail any discussions that have taken place with the pig industry in relation to the poor profitability within the sector.
(AQO 2349/08)
Ms M Gildernew: Since my appointment as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development I have had discussions with the industry on a number of occasions to find out more about the pig sector and the problems facing it. I am also planning to visit a pig farm very shortly. I remain deeply committed to supporting the industry and share the concerns of the pig sector at this difficult time.
At the beginning of September I contacted every supermarket in the North, expressing my concern about returns at producer level given the rising cost of feed prices and am aware that there has been a subsequent rise in some retail prices. I met the Ulster Pork and Bacon Forum following which I agreed that my Department will co-fund, with industry stakeholders, a review of key issues impacting on the pig sector.
I met the senior management team of a leading pork processor and, following a meeting with industry representatives, I wrote to Defra and DAFF ministers to urge support for the re-introduction of export refunds which were subsequently reinstated.
I have had discussions with my Ministerial colleagues in health and education with a view to increasing the public procurement of locally produced pork and bacon. Under EU legislation, the procurement of food by public sector bodies cannot be restricted to specific locations or suppliers. In this respect the Department of Finance and Personnel’s Central Procurement Directorate has a key role to play and has developed a range of guidance with the aim of increasing the participation of local enterprises in competition for Government business.
Of course, in addition to formal discussions with the industry, I have regular informal discussions with farmers and others on this subject and many others, as I travel around the North.
I will continue to work directly with representatives of the industry to see how we can progress together through the current difficulty, and my officials will continue to deal with farmers on an individual basis to discuss a range of issues, including areas of potential improvement in production efficiency on-farm.
Woodland Forests
Mr M McLaughlin asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline her plans to explore increased development of native woodland forests on an all-Ireland basis.
(AQO 2371/08)
Ms M Gildernew: A Forestry Strategy was published by my Department in 2006, following two rounds of public consultation and an economic appraisal. The Strategy outlines key themes, one of which is a programme of afforestation, including the creation of new native woodland, that the Department will take forward through the 2007-2013 Rural Development Programme.
To date, good progress has been made in establishing native woodland in the North, 1,030 hectares having been established since 1998, over 40% of which has been created by private landowners with the assistance from the Woodland Grant Scheme and the remainder planted by Forest Service.
My officials also deal positively with their counterparts in the South on a range of forestry activities, including the subject of native woodland. For example, the Native Woodland Group, established jointly by DARD Forest Service and DoE Environment and Heritage Service, includes representatives of Woodlands of Ireland and the South’s National Parks and Wildlife Service. The Native Woodland Group also provides a representative to attend meetings of the Woodlands of Ireland Steering Committee. This provides a means by which technical, regulatory and other information relevant to native woodland development will continue to be shared on an all-Ireland basis. I am aware that the Native Woodland Scheme in the South has recently re-opened and my officials will continue to monitor this mechanism for support of native woodland creation. I will also consider further ways in which my forestry officials can co-operate with counterparts in the South on a range of forestry issues.
Farm Nutrient Management Scheme
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail her plans to ensure that the maximum number of farmers benefit from the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme before the cut-off date.
(AQO 2308/08)
Ms M Gildernew: I can advise that such plans have been in operation and that good progress has been made on inspections and in issuing grant approvals.
Last June, when I secured funding assurance to cover all applications to the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme (FNMS), my Department set a target to have pre-approval inspections completed this spring so that the maximum number of farmers could get an opportunity to benefit by the closing date. I am pleased to advise that some 4000 applicants have now had their pre approval inspection and approvals have issued to over 3,000 applicants.
Last June, pre approval inspections were still required on a balance of 2,800 applications. These were divided into three groups for pre approval inspections and the Department is now part way through processing the last group. The Department committed additional advisory and inspection staff to assist in the pre-approval process and so the effort has been put into the task.
During the period August to November 2007, I issued three News Releases updating progress on the processing of FNMS applications. In these I stressed the importance of farmers, who had already received their approval, getting their work completed.
I also encouraged those farmers who had their pre-approval inspections not to delay in getting information back to DARD so that their approvals could be issued. The Department has monitored those cases who needed to get planning or other approvals and has kept in touch with the relevant bodies. Farmers should not delay asking for those necessary clearances.
Organic Action Plan Group
Mr D Ford asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans she has to make a statement in relation to progress of the Organic Action Plan Group for Northern Ireland.
(AQO 2289/08)
Ms M Gildernew: I met with representatives from the Organic Action Plan Group for NI in December 2007 when they updated me on their progress to date and the need to take stock of achievements and set the path for the next 3 years. Some of the Group’s achievements include the production of a Market Study; holding an Organic Supply Chain Conference; detailed advice to the Department in relation to the introduction of a new Organic Farming Scheme and the Countryside Management Scheme ‘Organic Option’ under the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013; and, sponsorship of producer study visits to the South and to England. The group are currently finalising a consumer information leaflet and organic educational materials for schools.
Bog Meadows Nature Reserve
Mr G Adams asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the work undertaken by the Rivers Agency in the Bog Meadows nature reserve.
(AQO 2329/08)
Ms M Gildernew: Rivers Agency was involved in a water recreation scheme in 1998/1999 in partnership with the Ulster Wildlife Trust and the Friends of the Bog Meadows for development of the Bog Meadows nature reserve, conservation and amenity site. The works mainly involved the excavation of the main pond to improve the wildlife amenity, re-aligning watercourses and improving access to the area. The Agency, which had a water recreation remit at that time, contributed approximately £30,000 to the scheme.
Rivers Agency has ongoing drainage maintenance functions on the designated section of the Ballymurphy Stream at this location and the inlet grille to the road culvert at the M1 motorway to ensure free flow and minimise the risk of flooding. In 2006 the Agency undertook substantial works to address flooding of the paths in the reserve from overtopping of the Ballymurphy Stream. These Agency works on the designated watercourse also facilitated the Ulster Wildlife Trust, in their opening up of an undesignated watercourse which had become silted.
Annual maintenance works on the Ballymurphy Stream, which included clearance of the channel, were undertaken in October 2007.
Forest Service
Mr L Cree asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development whether or not there are any plans to de-centralise the Forest Service out of Belfast.
(AQO 2345/08)
Ms M Gildernew: Forest Service’s HQ is located in Dundonald House. However, the majority of staff are already decentralised, working from District Offices at Castlewellan, Enniskillen and Garvagh and a number of small operational bases throughout the North. At present, there are no plans to relocate the HQ outside of Belfast.
Northern Ireland Products
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the steps she is taking to promote Northern Ireland products, such as Portavogie prawns, Comber potatoes and Glastry ice cream.
(AQO 2342/08)
Ms M Gildernew: I am committed to supporting quality local produce as I believe that we have access to some of the best natural ingredients in the world.
I have recently launched the new round of the NI Regional Food Programme which aims to promote quality regional food and increase its consumption within the island of Ireland and Britain. Under this programme assistance is available to develop and expand profitable and sustainable markets by encouraging better co-operation and communications between all sectors of the food industry.
The programme in past 12 months has provided financial support to a range of successful events, such as the Lough Neagh Food Festival, which showcased the wide range of quality local produce available.
The European Union Protected Food Names scheme provides a system for the protection of food names on a geographical or traditional recipe basis. Under this system, a named food or drink registered at European level is given protection against imitation throughout the European Union. This may in turn help them to take advantage of the wider markets that are arising from consumers’ increasing awareness of the importance of regional and speciality foods. Applications for the scheme may only be submitted by industry interests through my Department.
The Department is at the initial stages of progressing an application for Comber Potatoes under the EU Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status. We have not been approached by interested parties regarding Portavogie prawns or by Glastry ice cream.
Rural Development Programme
Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the organisations that will be responsible for the delivery of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2007-2013.
(AQO 2348/08)
Ms M Gildernew: Axis 1 of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 will be delivered by a mix of DARD staff and third-party delivery agents.
Focus farms and benchmarking, two elements of measure 1.1, which covers vocational training and information actions, will be delivered by third-party delivery agents, who have yet to be appointed. The farm family options will be delivered through Local Action Groups covering seven council clusters, which I shall presently describe in more detail.
Measures 1.2, adding value to agricultural and forestry products and improving marketing capability, and 1.4, the supply chain development programme, will be delivered directly by the Department.
Measure 1.3, modernisation of agricultural holdings, will be delivered by third-party delivery agents, who have yet to be appointed.
Under Axis 2 of the NIRDP 2007 - 13, DARD’s Countryside Management Branch is responsible for the development, delivery and management of the Agri-environment Programme, including the Organic Farming Scheme.
The Agri-environment Programme will be delivered through the new and improved Countryside Management Scheme (NIRDP). It is anticipated that this scheme will be open to applications late spring / early summer 2008.
Rural Payments and Inspection Division, DARDNI, deliver the Less Favoured Area Compensatory Allowance Scheme under Axis 2.
Forestry Schemes are delivered by Forest Services under Axis 2.
The quality-of-life measures under Axis 3 of the programme will be delivered by seven council clusters, each in partnership with a newly formed Local Action Group. Each cluster will have one council as lead financial actor. The clusters that have formed are:-
- Antrim, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey, in which Antrim will lead;
- Ballymena, Ballymoney, Coleraine, Larne and Moyle, in which Ballymena will lead;
- Ards, Banbridge, Down and North Down, in which Ards will lead;
- Magherafelt, Cookstown, Dungannon and Enniskillen, in which Cookstown will lead;
- Belfast, Castlereagh and Lisburn, in which Lisburn will lead;
- Omagh, Strabane, Derry and Limavady, in which Omagh will lead; and
- Armagh, Craigavon, and Newry and Mourne, for which a lead council will shortly be agreed.
The clusters are now beginning to animate their areas in preparation for the competitive selection of Local Action Groups, which will include at least 50% representation from the economic and social partners, as well as organisations representing civil society. The role of the Local Action Groups will be, in partnership with their council cluster, to define a local development strategy for the cluster area to inform priorities for programme delivery.
As managing authority, DARD will, of course, retain overall responsibility for delivery of the 2007-2013 NI Rural Development Programme.
Farming Sector
Mr G Campbell asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline the assistance being offered to encourage those in the farming sector, under the age of 35, to remain in the sector.
(AQO 2309/08)
Ms M Gildernew: My Department, primarily through the Development Service of the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) provides support and assistance to those farmers of all age groups who wish to develop their farm business and commit to a future in the industry.
CAFRE’s team of Development Advisers, who are located throughout the North, work with farmers through delivery of tailored Development Plans for their businesses. Through this process business objectives and development needs are identified and the appropriate support agreed. Development Advisers provide support to these farmers through delivery of:-
- Benchmarking – this enables farmers to compare their business / farm enterprise performance with other similar businesses. With the support of Development Advisers participating farmers can set and monitor realistic targets for the development of the businesses;
- Knowledge and Technology Transfer – through a diverse range of projects, CAFRE encourages the industry to adopt world-class, leading edge technology. CAFRE Development Advisers assist farmers to deal with specific issues of adopting these technologies within their own business environment. Depending on the specific technologies economic, environmental, health and safety or animal welfare benefits will accrue;
- Training – CAFRE has developed a wide portfolio of short courses to meet the competence development needs of those within the industry. These programmes are delivered locally. Many of them allow farmers to gain a nationally recognised qualification. In recent years considerable investment has been put into developing a suite of "Challenge" programmes. These are designed to help farmers meet a specific business objective through a supported learning environment that includes workshops, visits to other business units and mentoring.
For those young people wishing to pursue a career in farming, CAFRE also provides further and higher education programmes in agriculture. Courses ranging from NVQ level 2 to Honours degree level, (which is delivered in partnership with Queen’s University, Belfast), are available at CAFRE’s Greenmount Campus in Antrim. The NVQ level 2 part-time programme is also available at CAFRE’s Enniskillen Campus.
On behalf of DARD, CAFRE is also currently delivering the New Entrants Scheme (NES) which commenced in June 2005. Under the NES, participants are encouraged to come forward with innovative agricultural projects that will add value and make a positive impact to the farming industry and the rural economy.
Financial assistance takes the form of an interest rate subsidy on loans taken out in pursuance of an agreed agricultural project as detailed in the applicant's business plan. The maximum amount of interest rate subsidy available is £17,000 and the maximum duration of subsidised interest payment is five years.
The Scheme was originally due to close in June 2008. However, in December 2007 I announced that, subject to the necessary legislative amendments, the closing date for applications to the Scheme will be extended to 27 February 2009 or when the £4.5 million budget has been fully committed, whichever comes sooner. At current rates of expenditure it is anticipated that the budget will support 280-290 applicants.
Brucellosis in Cattle
Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline her plans to tackle brucellosis in cattle.
(AQO 2369/08)
Ms M Gildernew: We have made significant progress in recent years with Brucellosis. Since peak levels for the disease in 2002, the herd incidence has been reduced by more than 50%. My ultimate aim is to eradicate Brucellosis completely from the North and we are continuing to work towards that end.
I will continue to ensure that everything possible is done to keep pushing forward towards the eradication of this disease. Our veterinary assessment is that as we continue to drive Brucellosis levels down, we will need to retain all aspects of the existing control programme. My Department will continue to monitor and improve the implementation of the programme according to the disease situation as it changes. We may need stricter measures as we deal with the tail of the epidemic. We will also need the co-operation of farmers through good biosecurity and compliance with the rules.
At present, my Department is considering what additional measures might be applied in any areas in the North where Brucellosis incidence is highest, including the border areas of South Armagh but also Newry and Fermanagh, or any other area where the disease might flare up. This is so that we will contain and stamp out disease in any disease hotspot areas and prevent it spreading to other areas in the North.
Over the coming months, my Department will be engaging with farmers around the North to raise awareness about the disease risks and to advise them what more they could do to protect their herds from Brucellosis. This must be a genuine partnership effort with the industry. Individuals play a vital role in reducing the spread of this disease. For instance, it is critical that farmers maintain good biosecurity on their farms such as maintaining good boundary fencing, and making sure that negative pre movement test results are received before moving cattle. It is also vitally important that farmers report any abortions in cattle, immediately, because it is by detecting the disease early that we can prevent it from spreading.
There is very close, on-going co-operation between my Department and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (DAFF) in Dublin on Brucellosis. There is an active North/South Working Group which brings together officials from DARD and DAFF that meets regularly to specifically discuss Brucellosis issues and share good practice.
This close level of North/South co-operation will continue, given the interest we all share in moving as quickly as we can towards an island that is free of this disease.
Farm Nutrient Management Scheme
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to confirm that the department has been advised that documents accepting the terms and conditions of the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme, posted by approved applicants, (i) have not been delivered to Orchard House; or (ii) may have been mislaid in her department's office.
(AQO 2301/08)
Ms M Gildernew: All documents received by the Department under the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme (FNMS) are recorded and acknowledged on the Department’s data base.
Since the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme opened on 26 January 2005 over 3,000 FNMS approvals have been issued. Some 20 applicants have stated that they returned their signed FNMS acceptance documents by post but the Department has no record of having received them either in Orchard House or in any of the County Agricultural Offices. There is no evidence that the Department has mislaid any FNMS documents.
Farmers have not been disadvantaged and duplicate approvals were issued where necessary.
CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE
Community and Voluntary Sector
Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the groups within the community and voluntary sector that have been informed that funding will cease in March 2008; and to outline the services/programmes that will be affected.
(AQW 4274/08)
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr E Poots): The Department has not informed any community or voluntary groups that funding will cease in March 2008.
Voluntary and Community Sector
Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail, since the publication of the Budget, those groups within the voluntary and community sector which have secured funding and for what services.
(AQW 4276/08)
Mr E Poots: Through awards made under the Community Sport Programme, the following organisations have been awarded additional funding to complete a project level evaluation at the end of their initial 3 year investment award (2005-2008):
Organisation |
Amount - £ |
Project |
Age Concern |
2,000 |
Community Sport Development Initiative (Lisburn) |
Youth Sport Omagh |
1,500 |
Community Sport Programme – people with disabilities, women & girls |
Newry & Mourne Carers Association |
2,500 |
Swimming Lessons for Adult Family Carers |
Greater Village Regeneration Trust and Lower Ormeau Residents Action Group in association with Castlereagh Borough Council |
5,000 |
Older & Active Programme |
Through awards made under the Community Sport Programme, the following organisations have been awarded additional funding for the training and deployment of community coaches through the Inclusive Community Coach Programme.
Organisation |
Number of individuals selected for programme |
Total amount - £ |
Brownlow Campus Sports Trust |
1 |
1366 |
Clarendon Sports Association |
1 |
1366 |
Greater Village Regeneration Trust |
1 |
1366 |
Down Clubmark Association |
1 |
1366 |
Youth Sport Omagh |
2 |
2732 |
Lower Ormeau Residents Action Group |
1 |
1366 |
Arts funding through Northern Ireland Screen has been issued as follows:
Organisation |
Amount - £ |
Cinemagic |
37, 500 |
Nerve Centre |
82, 500 |
Queens Film Centre (QFT) |
60, 750 |
Belfast Film Festival (BFF) |
40, 500 |
Northern Visions |
78, 750 |
Cinemobile |
7, 500 |
Nerve Centre – After School Film Clubs, North West |
20, 000 |
Cinemagic – Ater Schools Film Clubs |
60, 000 |
Creative Learning Centres (CLC) – Studio On |
237, 500 |
CLC – Amma Centre |
93, 750 |
CLC – Co-Ordinator |
30, 000 |
CLC - Nerve Centre |
138, 750 |
Festivals Provision
Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to his answer to AQO 1772/08, if he will consider making provision for other festivals if he is provided with three-year business plan for them.
(AQW 4427/08)
Mr E Poots: Only in very exceptional cases would the Department undertake a direct funding role. However, on a without prejudice basis, I am considering if provision should be made to facilitate a small number of established festivals who can demonstrate over time a greater self-reliance on box office receipts and private sector sponsorship.
Translation of Correspondence
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the expenditure spent on the translation of correspondence received by all departments, that was written in (i) Irish; (ii) Ulster-Scots; and (iii) other languages, in the last two years.
(AQW 4494/08)
Mr E Poots: Records kept by my Department do not specify the type of document translated. I cannot distinguish the amount spent on correspondence received from the amount spent on other translations such as responses to correspondence, advertisements and official documents.
Detailed breakdowns of translation costs for each Government Department for each of the last two years are provided in the following tables. These figures are provided to DCAL by each Department annually.
|
BREAKDOWN 2005/06 |
|||||
DEPARTMENT |
TOTAL 2005/06 |
IRISH |
ULSTER SCOTS |
* ETHNIC |
SIGN |
** OTHER |
NIO |
£527,454.57 |
£480.76 |
£0.00 |
£510,893.87 |
£16,079.94 |
£0.00 |
DE |
£37,827.10 |
£19,349.27 |
£0.00 |
£14,094.27 |
£3,559.65 |
£823.91 |
DARD |
£5,076.85 |
£3,192.16 |
£95.89 |
£1,590.00 |
£0.00 |
£198.80 |
DEL |
£232,064.00 |
£0.00 |
£0.00 |
£230,841.00 |
£1,223.00 |
£0.00 |
DETI |
£7,510.19 |
£390.89 |
£0.00 |
£5,430.59 |
£1,611.17 |
£77.54 |
DFP |
£1,498.03 |
£899.73 |
£0.00 |
£180.00 |
£356.50 |
£61.80 |
DHSSPS |
£27,262.66 |
£8,974.00 |
£0.00 |
£17,545.66 |
£0.00 |
£743.00 |
DOE |
£16,330.78 |
£7,290.06 |
£7,931.62 |
£309.10 |
£800.00 |
£0.00 |
DRD |
£546.04 |
£436.04 |
£0.00 |
£110.00 |
£0.00 |
£0.00 |
DSD |
£309,871.19 |
£0.00 |
£0.00 |
£308,602.40 |
£561.00 |
£707.79 |
OFMDFM |
£24,081.60 |
£2,740.77 |
£515.36 |
£15,210.47 |
£4,291.60 |
£1,323.40 |
DCAL |
£25,183.92 |
£20,801.17 |
£783.40 |
£1,535.90 |
£532.30 |
£1,531.15 |
TOTAL |
£1,214,706.93 |
£64,554.85 |
£9,326.27 |
£1,106,343.26 |
£29,015.16 |
£5,467.39 |
BREAKDOWN 2006/07 |
||||||
DEPARTMENT |
TOTAL 2006/07 |
IRISH |
ULSTER SCOTS |
ETHNIC* |
SIGN |
OTHER** |
NIO*** |
£359,775.00 |
£1,963.00 |
£193.00 |
£337,935.00 |
£19,070.00 |
£614.00 |
DE |
£235,520.11 |
£19,371.88 |
£50.61 |
£212,177.62 |
£3,590.00 |
£330.00 |
DARD |
£8,723.20 |
£2,087.49 |
£489.77 |
£6,145.94 |
£0.00 |
£0.00 |
DEL |
£118,987.71 |
£2,375.06 |
£630.00 |
£35,795.65 |
£80,187.00 |
£0.00 |
DETI |
£12,482.65 |
£223.75 |
£0.00 |
£11,622.02 |
£113.00 |
£523.88 |
DFP |
£14,040.03 |
£9,971.29 |
£0.00 |
£174.36 |
£3,763.88 |
£130.50 |
DHSSPS |
£14,786.46 |
£14,046.45 |
£0.00 |
£740.01 |
£0.00 |
£0.00 |
DOE |
£22,246.57 |
£20,145.87 |
£1,060.50 |
£508.20 |
£532.00 |
£0.00 |
DRD |
£5,042.51 |
£410.67 |
£175.00 |
£1,547.34 |
£2,593.00 |
£316.50 |
DSD |
£262,630.97 |
£1,932.88 |
£0.00 |
£257,924.33 |
£990.95 |
£1,782.81 |
OFMDFM |
£14,926.86 |
£3,891.97 |
£499.60 |
£7,815.46 |
£2,111.40 |
£608.43 |
DCAL |
£44,918.38 |
£40,667.70 |
£0.00 |
£2,191.31 |
£0.00 |
£2,059.37 |
TOTAL |
£1,114,080.45 |
£117,088.01 |
£3,098.48 |
£874,577.24 |
£112,951.23 |
£6,365.49 |
* Ethnic refers to translations other than English, Irish and Ulster-Scots
** Other refers to braille and interpretation costs
*** NIO have identified an additional £552,348 in Interpretation costs which has not yet been categorised for use in the above tables.
Irish Translation
Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (i) to confirm that his department provides translations of Assembly written questions from English into Irish for the Department of Education and other Government departments; (ii) to detail the cost of providing these translations; and (iii) what assessment he has made of the extent to which the provision of these services contributes to delays in meeting response times for questions.
(AQW 4550/08)
Mr E Poots: The translation service operated by my Department has overseen requests for translation of Written Assembly Questions from the Department of Education. No other Government Department has requested translations in relation to Written Assembly Questions.
My Department does not keep a record of the translation costs organised by document type however the Department of Education have estimated that £346.33 has been spent on translations into Irish for inclusion in answers to Written Assembly Questions. This work is ongoing and these costs relate to invoices received as of 3 March 2008.
I am unable to offer an assessment of the means by which my Ministerial colleagues choose to respond to questions asked of their Departments. My Department does not operate a policy of translating Written Assembly Questions and therefore there is no effect on the response times.
Circuit Racing
Mr D Burnside asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline his plans for supporting motor cycle road and closed circuit racing in 2008.
(AQO 2273/08)
Mr E Poots: Responsibility for supporting motor cycle road and closed circuit racing in Northern Ireland is a matter in the first instance for the governing bodies of motorsport as represented by the 2&4 Wheel Motorsport Steering Group Limited (2&4 Wheel MSG).
My Department has made available a sum of £100,000 to assist 2&4 Wheel MSG support motor cycle road and closed circuit racing in Northern Ireland during 2008.
In addition to this, I have met with representatives of the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland (MCUI) and 2&4 Wheel MSG to discuss how major motor cycle events can be further developed.
Library Provision
Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to indicate the measures he has put in place to avert cuts in community library provision in Belfast.
(AQO 2361/08)
Mr E Poots: Following the Comprehensive Spending Review public consultation exercise, I secured an additional £4 million pounds for my Department for the next two years.
Of this, I have allocated £1 million to libraries over the next two years and the Belfast Education and Library Board will benefit from this allocation.
I have also secured in the region of £30 million pounds capital for the next three years, and a further £107 million for the following seven years, to modernise and improve the library estate across Northern Ireland and I would encourage all Boards, including Belfast, to bring forward proposals to access this funding.
However, the Belfast Education and Library Board is responsible for determining how best to deliver public library services in Belfast from within available resources.
Irish Language Broadcasting Fund
Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the meetings his department has had with the United Kingdom Government in order to secure additional funding for the Irish Language Broadcasting Fund.
(AQO 2334/08)
Mr E Poots: My officials held initial discussions with colleagues in the Northern Ireland Office both before and after Christmas with a view to determining how the UK ensures compliance with the Council of Europe Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in respect of its agreed media provisions.
Broadcasting remains a reserved matter, therefore, it is planned to continue these discussions with officials in the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.
Motor Sport Safety Measures
Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to give a timescale within which allocations will be made from the funding announced for motor sport safety measures.
(AQO 2283/08)
Mr E Poots: Responsibility for the allocation of funding for motorsport events, including the timescale within which allocations are made, is a matter, in the first instance, for the governing bodies of motorsport as represented by the 2&4 Wheel Motorsport Steering Group Limited (2&4 Wheel MSG). I understand that 2&4 Wheel MSG is currently in discussion with motorsport clubs over the allocation of the recently announced funding.
Multi-Sports Stadium
Mr D Ford asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to provide an update on the expected completion date for a new multi-sports stadium.
(AQO 2288/08)
Mr E Poots: A completion date for the Multi-Sports Stadium is dependent on how quickly we can get on a decision on a way forward. The Outline Business Case on the Multi-Sports Stadium is currently with the Department of Finance and Personnel for scrutiny and, if approved, will then be submitted, as part of the overall Maze/Long Kesh proposal, to the Executive for consideration. The entire process could however take a number of months.
Elite Facilities Projects
Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to give a timescale within which the next stage of the proposed elite facilities projects will be completed by Sport Northern Ireland.
(AQO 2296/08)
Mr E Poots:
In March 2006, the then Minister for Sport, David Hanson MP announced that approximately £50m had been provisionally allocated for high priority sports infrastructure projects.
Since then, two separate competitions have been held, seeking expressions of interest from anyone interested in developing elite Olympic and Paralympic facilities in Northern Ireland.
The 2008/2011 Budget provides circa £145m for all sport including £111.6m for capital funding. We are currently in discussion with Sport Northern Ireland about the allocation of the capital budget and planning for the delivery of the Elite Facilities Programme.
Once we have agreed the budget available for the Elite Facilities Capital Programme, Sport Northern Ireland will then proceed with issuing letters to those organizations that have been approved to proceed to the next stage. It is intended that this will happen in the next future.
Devolution of Broadcasting
Mr J O'Dowd asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline his department's efforts to secure the devolution of broadcasting responsibilities and powers.
(AQO 2352/08)
Mr E Poots: Broadcasting responsibilities and powers are currently reserved matters and therefore I cannot comment further.
Stadium Development
Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline the capital grants that are available for stadium development in relation to (i) rugby; (ii) gaelic games; and (iii) soccer, in this year's budget.
(AQO 2317/08)
Mr E Poots: The recently announced capital budget for sport is £31.2m in 2008/09, £36.4m in 2009/10 and £44m in 2010/11. Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) is responsible for the development of sport including the distribution of funding. SNI is currently considering how these funds can be allocated across sport. As part of that process, SNI is working closely with sports governing bodies, including that for Soccer, on stadium development needs. Decisions on the grants available for stadium development, including maximum grants, will be taken by SNI once this process is completed
Ulster-Scots
Mr T Lunn asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline the resource implications of moving Ulster-Scots from Part II to Part III Status.
(AQO 2257/08)
Mr E Poots: It would not be possible to determine the resource implications required to move Ulster-Scots from Part II to Part III of the Charter without carrying out an extensive study across a number of Northern Ireland Civil Service and Whitehall Departments. This may determine the resource implications to those areas of the UK Government that could be affected by the Charter.
Library Services
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline the revenue and capital monies available to library services.
(AQO 2314/08)
Mr E Poots: The total libraries recurrent budget for each of the next three years is £31.3m in 2008/09, £32m in 2009/10 and £31.8m in 2010/11.
These figures include funding for public libraries and other library funded bodies.
The capital budget is £6.1m for 2008/09, £11.5m in 2009/10 and £14m in 2010/11. The 10 year Capital Investment Strategy allocates a further £107 million in the following seven years to library capital projects.
Stadium Development
Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail (i) the grants available under capital stadium development for senior soccer clubs; and (ii) the maximum grant available.
(AQO 2311/08)
Mr E Poots: The recently announced capital budget for sport is £31.2m in 2008/09, £36.4m in 2009/10 and £44m in 2010/11. Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) is responsible for the development of sport including the distribution of funding. SNI is currently considering how these funds can be allocated across sport. As part of that process, SNI is working closely with sports governing bodies, including that for Soccer, on stadium development needs. Decisions on the grants available for stadium development, including maximum grants, will be taken by SNI once this process is completed
EDUCATION
Fabricated Items
Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Education to detail all those who tendered for stainless steel fabricated items in newly built schools in the North Eastern Education and Library Board area; and to detail the successful tenderers, in each of the last two years.
(AQW 988/08)
The Minister of Education (Ms C Ruane): I have asked for a review of the Boards’ procurement processes to provide assurance that there is compliance with best procurement practice.
The North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB) have advised their
tendering procedures is to advertise publicly for main contractors who wish to be included in a select list of contractors for their major schemes. A short list would then be prepared (based on approved criteria) and the successful contractors would be invited to submit tenders in due course.
It is the successful main contractor’s decision as to which sub-contractor to appoint for the supply and fitting of stainless steel fixtures. The NEELB has confirmed that four new schools have been built within its area in the last two years.
Ceapadh príomhchonraitheoir difriúil i ngach cás, agus tuigim gurb é Stephens Catering Equipment Ltd an fochonraitheoir a bhí ceaptha ag na conraitheoirí go léir le feistí dosmálta a sholáthar agus a fheistiú.
A different main contractor was appointed in each case, and I understand that Stephens Catering Equipment Ltd was the sub-contractor appointed by all the contractors for the supply and fitting of stainless steel fixtures.
Maintenance Funding
Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Education to detail the planned reductions in maintenance funding for primary schools in the Strangford constituency, in each of the next three years.
(AQW 2793/08)
Ms C Ruane: The amount of funding allocated to maintenance by the South Eastern Education and Library Board is decided each year as a portion of its block grant.
Ní bheidh an Bord in ann a maoiniú pleanáilte i gcomhair cothabhála do na trí bliana seo romhainn a shocrú go leithdháiltear a bhlocdheontais do na blianta sin.
The Board will not be in a position to establish its planned maintenance funding for the next three years until after its block grants for those years are allocated.
Written Question
Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Education why an answer to AQW 1772/08 has not yet been received, given that the question was submitted two months ago; and to confirm whether or not the principle of academic selection is safeguarded in legislation.
(AQW 2864/08)
Ms C Ruane: Ba mhaith liom leithscéal a ghabháil as an mhoill freagra a thabhairt ar AQW 1772/08. Tá sé tugtha le fios domh go bhfuil freagra tugtha uirthi faoi seo.
I wish to apologise for the delay in responding to AQW 1772/08 which I understand has now been answered.
Comprehensive Spending Review
Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) her department's bids in relation to the Comprehensive Spending Review; and (ii) the amount of funding that has been allocated against them in the Budget 2008-11.
(AQW 3303/08)
Ms C Ruane: Sa tábla thíos tá liosta de na tairiscintí maidir le caiteachas reatha a chuir mo Roinn isteach mar chuid de phróiseas Buiséid 2007. Chuir an Buiséad deiridh an maoiniú breise seo a leanas ar fáil don Oideachas:
The table below lists the bids in relation to current expenditure submitted by my department as part of the Budget 2007 process. The final Budget has provided the following additional funding for Education:
£m
2008-09 2009-10 2010-11
Current Expenditure 149.1 300.0 428.7
Capital investment requirements were considered as part of the process of formulating the Investment Strategy. The final allocations for Education amount to:
£m
Capital Investment 214.6 253.3 201.1
BUDGET 2007 – DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION BIDS SET AGAINST PRIORITIES |
£000s |
|||||||
TITLE |
2008/09 |
2009/10 |
2010/11 |
|||||
Res |
Admin |
Res |
Admin |
Res |
Admin |
|||
|
Sustaining Existing Services |
||||||||
Children and Young People Funding Package - Restoration of Existing Provision |
23,174 |
23,800 |
24,443 |
|||||
Departmental Administration - Review of Public Administration/ Reforms |
2,078 |
2,531 |
2,640 |
|||||
Education Administration Reform |
3,000 |
38,400 |
13,405 |
|||||
Education Services: Maintenance of Expenditure Levels (MEL) (Excl Schools' Aggregated School Budgets) |
23,956 |
47,436 |
72,222 |
|||||
EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation in the north of Ireland |
512 |
0 |
0 |
|||||
and the Border Region of Ireland - Measure 2.2 |
||||||||
Developing Children and Young People |
||||||||
Healthy Schools |
250 |
3,250 |
3,750 |
|||||
Integrated Development Fund (including Renewing Communities) - Continuation of Existing Provision |
5,299 |
5,442 |
5,589 |
|||||
Improving the Professional Development of Teachers |
5,000 |
7,200 |
7,200 |
|||||
Maintenance of Schools Estate |
7,419 |
10,534 |
16,000 |
|||||
Pre-Employment Checks of Teaching/Non-Teaching Staff |
942 |
1,161 |
1,161 |
|||||
Preparation for the introduction of new arrangements for the |
1,000 |
500 |
500 |
|||||
transfer of pupils from primary to post-primary education |
||||||||
School Transport - Safety |
4,580 |
4,640 |
4,695 |
|||||
School Budgets - Guaranteed Per Pupil Uplift |
114,660 |
192,327 |
262,251 |
|||||
Strengthening Governance |
750 |
1,750 |
3,000 |
|||||
Sustainable Living Schools |
3,750 |
5,250 |
6,500 |
|||||
BUDGET 2007 – DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION BIDS SET AGAINST PRIORITIES (Continued) |
£000s |
|||||
TITLE |
2008/09 |
2009/10 |
2010/11 |
|||
Res |
Admin |
Res |
Admin |
Res |
Admin |
|
|
Supporting The Economy |
||||||
Curriculum, Assessment & ICT |
25,567 |
23,725 |
22,952 |
|||
Early Years - Begin with Quality |
27,070 |
27,810 |
28,570 |
|||
Employability, Careers and Business Education |
6,000 |
6,500 |
7,000 |
|||
Enhance Science Technology Engineering & |
3,629 |
6,124 |
6,124 |
|||
Mathematics (STEM) Education & Increase |
||||||
Supply of STEM Skills |
||||||
Entitlement Framework Support |
17,667 |
500 |
21,464 |
510 |
21,239 |
520 |
School Improvement Fund including Measures |
12,950 |
500 |
13,600 |
510 |
14,000 |
520 |
to Promote Literacy and Numeracy |
||||||
Extension of Specialist Schools Programme |
3,273 |
4,976 |
6,792 |
|||
Implementation of a Languages Strategy for NI |
9,130 |
9,222 |
9,419 |
|||
PPP and Infrastructure Procurement |
8,000 |
25,555 |
39,960 |
|||
Support for Foundation Stage Statutory Curriculum |
20,200 |
17,200 |
17,200 |
|||
|
||||||
|
Equality and Inclusion |
||||||
Children affected by Educational Disadvantage |
3,897 |
4,214 |
||||