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 04 April 2008
Written Answers to Questions
Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister
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
Northern Ireland Memorial Fund
Mr T Elliott asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister (i) how much funding it has made available to the Northern Ireland Memorial Fund over each of the last five years; (ii) how much is being committed to this fund in the current year; and (iii) how much is planned to be made available for 2008 and 2009.
(AQW 3353/08)
The First Minister and deputy First Minister (Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness): Since the Fund was established formally in May 1999 it has received a total of £9.1m from Government. The OFMDFM contribution over the last 5 years is outlined in the attached table.
| Financial Year | Amount allocated (£K) |
|---|---|
| 2002-03 | 260 |
| 2003-04 | 0 |
| 2004-05 | 0 |
| 2005-06 | 0 |
| 2006-07 | 0 |
| 2007-08 | 800 |
Officials are in discussions with the Fund regarding financial support in 2008-2009.
Good Relations Indicators
Dr S Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the consideration being given to the incorporation of the actions and targets contained in 'A Shared Future: First Triennial Action Plan 2006', into the forthcoming programme of cohesion and integration.
(AQW 3406/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We are fully committed to building a shared and better future. As previously stated we will bring forward proposals for a programme of cohesion and integration for a shared and better future.
In setting strategic targets, key objectives and actions for the programme of cohesion and integration we will give consideration to progress already achieved including the actions and targets contained in 'A Shared Future: First Triennial Action Plan 2006'.
The Good Relations Indicators provide a robust monitoring tool to measure change and monitor effectiveness of good relations policies. As previously indicated the Good Relations Indicators Baseline Report published in January 2007, will provide the core measures to reflect the work currently being undertaken at central and local level to improve societal relations. The indicators will inform progress against targets and outcomes. This will be a part of the detailed proposals for the programme of cohesion and integration which will be brought forward by OFMDFM to the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, the Executive and the Assembly in due course.
Capital Realisation Task Force's Report
Mr S Gardiner asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to give a timescale within which the Capital Realisation Task Force's Report will be available for consideration.
(AQO 1841/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Ministers are currently considering the report of the Capital Realisations Taskforce, and it is expected that the report will be published in due course.
Victims' Groups
Mr T Buchanan asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail all the victims' groups that it consulted with prior to the appointment of the 4 Victims' Commissioners.
(AQW 3486/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: No consultation took place with Victims’ Groups prior to the appointment of the four Commissioners designate. The four Commissioners will have the same general roles and responsibilities as envisaged in the Victims and Survivors (NI) Order 2006 for a single Commissioner.
Extensive consultation has already taken place on the role and remit of a Commissioner.
Poverty, Deprivation and Social Exclusion
Ms M Anderson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the meetings it has had with groups working with, or on behalf of, people experiencing (i) poverty; (ii) social exclusion; and (iii) deprivation, in relation to the publication of the Executive's strategy to 'tackle poverty, social exclusion and patterns of deprivation based on objective need'.
(AQW 3592/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) undertook two extensive periods of public consultation during the development of ‘Lifetime Opportunities’ Governments Anti-Poverty and Social Inclusion Strategy, which was launched by the then Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Peter Hain MP, on 13 November 2006.
During the two periods of public consultation, OFMDFM contracted the Northern Ireland Anti-Poverty Network (NIAPN) to facilitate a series of workshops across Northern Ireland at which the strategy proposals were outlined and debated, by those who were experiencing poverty and social exclusion.
In total over 300 people attended the series of workshops and further details on these are available via the NIAPN website at www.niapn.org.
‘Lifetime Opportunities’ was subsequently considered and discussed by the shadow Programme for Government (PFG) Committee.
The Executive, in line with its statutory obligation under Section 16 of the St. Andrews Agreement, will shortly consider the adoption of an overall strategy to tackle poverty, social exclusion and patterns of deprivation based on objective need. In doing so, it will take account of the findings of both the public consultation exercises, the views of the OFMDFM Committee and the response of the shadow PFG Committee to Lifetime Opportunities.
European Union Goods and Services Directive
Mr M Storey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to the answer to AQW 2878/08, if in forwarding the (i) public consultation responses; and (ii) the Committee's consultation response, in relation to the European Union Goods and Services Directive, to the Government Equalities office, it recommended that favourable consideration be given to extending the exceptions to include (a) events organised by churches or religious organisations that take place away from the church precinct; (b) commercial or charitable shops, cafes or other businesses organised by churches or religious organisations; and (c) individuals working in the health professions who have religious or moral conscientious objections to this Directive.
(AQW 3942/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The UK Government made the decision to implement this directive on a UK basis. In forwarding the consultation responses to the Government Equalities Office, no recommendation on any issue was made to that office.
Ministerial Sub-Committee on Children and Young People
Mr J Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail how the Ministerial sub-committee on Children and Young People can ensure that the monies awarded are being ring-fenced within the Department of Regional Development, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, the Department of Employment and Learning and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure.
(AQW 4039/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Budget 2008-11 provided an additional £26 million to the Departments of Education, Health, Social Services and Public Safety and Culture, Arts and Leisure. This additional funding was in recognition that the funding previously given to Departments under the Children’s Fund was to be mainstreamed within departmental baselines. How Ministers choose to allocate this funding is a matter for the individual Minister.
The Department of Education also received £13 million for children and youth services.
A further £30 million was allocated to DHSSPS for the Bamford Review in direct response to the concerns raised regarding the provision of mental health services.
Neither the Department for Regional Development nor the Department for Employment and Learning received additional funding in the Budget for children and young people.
All Ministers are committed to the Programme for Government and delivering on the associated PSA targets. The Ministerial sub-committee will provide a forum to co-operate in meeting these targets to ensure maximum impact for children and young people.
All Ministers will be reporting on progress in achieving their PSA targets, including those for which this funding has been allocated.
Planning Appeal Backlogs
Miss M McIlveen asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the action it is taking to address the backlog of appeals with the Planning Appeals Commission.
(AQW 4450/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Planning Appeals Commission exercises its functions independently of OFMDFM but the Department is responsible for providing the resources needed for the Commission to discharge its responsibilities. OFMDFM is aware of the build-up of appeals in the Planning Appeals Commission and has committed within the Public Service Agreement to deliver increased resources to enable it to address the backlog of appeal cases. As a result, additional funding has been made available both within the current 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 £510k, £520k and £538k respectively in each of the next three financial years. 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.
The additional funding allocations 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.
The First Minister and deputy First Minister made 5 appointments to the Commission in January 2008, and arrangements are currently under way to deliver new competitions to recruit additional full-time and Panel Commissioners.
Maze/Long Kesh Regeneration
Mrs D Kelly asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to the answer to AQO 2083/08, to confirm whether the delay in making a decision on the Maze/Long Kesh regeneration will result in a loss of opportunities to host events in the Olympic games and the Fire and Rescue Service games.
(AQW 4526/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The prospect of achieving the development of the site in time for the London 2012 Olympic Games is challenging. In respect of the World Police and Fire Games which will be hosted here in 2013 the timeline is less critical.
A full perspective on timescale can only be determined once the engagement with a development partner has started.
Advisory Council on Infrastructure Investment
Mr L Cree asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail what plans it has to continue the work which was undertaken by the Advisory Council on Infrastructure Investment.
(AQW 4612/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Advisory Council on Infrastructure Investment fulfilled a valuable role during the previous period of direct rule. However, the restoration of devolution has ensured full democratic and accountable control over public services through the Assembly and the Executive. These arrangements enabled us to consult widely and highly successfully on the Programme for Government, Investment Strategy and Budget on a holistic basis with the broadest range of interests. We believe the most appropriate approach to engaging on infrastructure investment issues is through such consultation and we fully intend to continue and develop that approach in the future.
Attorney General for Northern Ireland
Mr A Attwood asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to confirm if it will be able to appoint an Attorney General for Northern Ireland before the end of May 2008, if there is agreement for the devolution of Policing and Justice powers by that date.
(AQW 4647/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: It would not be appropriate to comment on the process for appointing an Attorney General for Northern Ireland, under s.22(2) of the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002, until the NI Assembly had indicated that it was likely to request devolution of the relevant matters.
Eames/Bradley Consultative Group
Mr A Attwood asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to confirm that (i) it will co-operate fully and in all matters with the Eames/Bradley Consultative Group on the Past and (ii) it will encourage all groups and individuals to co-operate also.
(AQW 4703/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Both of us have met with the Consultative Group in January 2008. The Consultative Group is to present a report to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland by summer 2008. We therefore have no direct responsibility for, or role in, this group. We await the outcome of this group.
Annual Costs to the Taxpayer
Mr T Burns asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the annual cost to the taxpayer of (i) the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission; (ii) The Equality Commission; and (iii) The Northern Ireland Commission for Children and Young People.
(AQW 4761/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: As responsibility for the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission is a matter for the Secretary of State, you may wish to seek a reply from the NIO regarding costs to the taxpayer. Outturn figures for the remaining two bodies for 2006/07, the latest year available, are as follows:
The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland – £6.999M
The Northern Ireland Commission for Children and Young People – £1.847M
Assembly Questions
Mr J O'Dowd asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail (i) the number of written and oral Assembly questions that have been tabled to the department in the 6 months following the restoration of devolution; and (ii) the cost incurred in researching and answering these questions.
(AQW 4799/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: (i) Between 8 May and 8 November 2007, 123 written and 60 oral Assembly Questions were tabled to our Department.
(ii) The preparation of answers to Assembly Questions forms an intrinsic part of the responsibilities of civil servants and consequently details of costs incurred in researching and answering questions are not separately calculated.
Sub-Committee on Children and Young People
Mrs N Long asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail any plans or arrangements that have been made by the Ministerial Sub-Committee on Children and Young People to engage with leading non-governmental organisations on a regular basis.
(AQW 4854/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: At its first meeting on 13 March 2008, the Ministerial Sub-Committee on Children and Young People agreed its key cross-cutting priorities and the agenda at future meetings will reflect those issues.
It is intended to have a standing item on the agenda whereby a relevant speaker will be invited to make a short presentation to inform discussion. It is anticipated that those speakers will include representatives from leading non-governmental organisations.
Voluntary and community sector organisations will also be represented on the Strategy Planning and Review Group which will be chaired by the Junior Ministers. The outputs from this group will be presented to the Ministerial Sub-Committee on Children and Young People.
Quangos
Mr J Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister (i) the number of people that serve on (a) 1 quango; (b) 2 quangos; (c) 3 quangos; and (d) 4 or more quangos; and (ii) the remuneration given to those people.
(AQW 4947/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The most recently published information on the number of people serving on the Boards of public bodies and the remuneration they receive is contained in Volumes 1 and 2 respectively of the Public Appointments Annual Report for 2006/07. In relation to multiple appointments the report shows that at 31 March 2007:
1592 people held 1 public appointment
159 people held 2 public appointments
30 people held 3 public appointments
6 people held 4 public appointments
The maximum number of public appointments held by any individual is four. A copy of the latest report is available from the Assembly Library and on the Internet at www.ofmdfmni.gov.uk/public-appointments .
Public Appointments
Mr P Weir asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail (i) the number of people that have been appointed under public appointments by the department since the restoration of devolution; and (ii) the number that were (a) female; and (b) elected councillors.
(AQW 4960/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The number of people appointed to public appointments by the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister since the restoration of devolution and the number that are female or elected Councillors is as follows:
| Number of People Appointed | Number that are Female | Number that are elected Councillors |
| 11 | 5 | 0 |
Community Relations
Mr S Moutray asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline the role played by the department in promoting better community relations.
(AQO 2559/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Programme for Government confirms our commitment to continue to challenge racism, sectarianism and intolerance which mar our reputation, blight our economic prospects and have a corrosive effect on our society.
We remain fully committed to addressing the divisions within our society and to achieve measurable reductions in sectarianism, racism and intolerance. That is why we are making additional resources available over the incoming Comprehensive Spending Review period to target these very issues.
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 £29m, (taking account of efficiencies over the period) to meet the PSA target of building a shared and better future for all. This will be additional to the Government’s contribution of EU PEACE III funding.
In addition, the cross-departmental Good Relations Panel headed-up by Sir Nigel Hamilton has overall responsibility for driving forward the good relations and good race relation policies across government. It is viewed both internally and externally as an important instrumental link in translating policy into actions.
Funding is also committed to all 26 District Councils to operate community relations based programmes such as small grants schemes for locally-based community groups engaged in cross-community activities. Other projects currently running include bonfires initiatives, integration of minority ethnic people into host communities, youth-based activities targeting issues around sectarianism and racism.
Funding is also provided by our Department to the Department of Education for the provision of a range of Summer Intervention Programmes. These programmes are targeted at supporting work at interface areas and challenging those behaviours associated with interface violence. We also contribute to the Arts Council’s programme which is helping re-image communities through community-based arts projects.
Our Department’s sponsorship and funding of the Community Relations Council enables it to deliver on a range of local and regional activities and programmes including research to tackle good relations issues.
Equality Impact Assessment
Mr D McKay asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline the criteria used to determine the locations of the Equality Impact Assessment consultation venues.
(AQO 2602/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Equality Impact Assessment process should determine which groups and individuals should be consulted, and where such consultation should take place. In organising consultation meetings, a key criterion will be that appropriate measures are taken to ensure full participation. Given the varying needs of different groups, an array of practical issues should be considered in deciding venues including: accessibility; geographical spread; facilities for people with disabilities; crèche facilities; public transport arrangements; whether people will feel comfortable attending at a particular location; and whether there is a welcoming and harmonious environment.
Strategic Investment Board
Mr S Gardiner asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to give its assessment of the operations of the Strategic Investment Board.
(AQO 2540/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Since we took office in May 2007 the Strategic Investment Board has worked closely with us on the Investment Strategy 2008-2018, which was developed in conjunction with the Programme for Government and the Budget. These documents were approved by the Executive and endorsed by the Assembly in January.
The Strategic Investment Board has also been working closely with departments on their individual capital investment programmes and projects. We have noted the significant progress that has been made through the key milestones achieved in recent months in areas such as roads, water services, education and health.
SIB has recently provided support for more than 50 projects with value of some £4.5 billion. These include Belfast Metropolitan College; Strategic Road development under Roads Package 2; Hospitals, community health facilities and medical equipment; Belfast Schools, and developing innovative approaches to delivering new social housing and new schools to name some of the key areas.
Our assessment of the operations of the Strategic Investment Board is therefore that it is successfully achieving its objectives and is making a significant and positive impact on the planning and delivery of the Executive’s infrastructure investment programmes.
Combating Violence
Mr A Attwood asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail what plans it has to establish a plan of action for combating violence against women; and to provide a time frame for these plans.
(AQO 2617/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Violence of any kind against women is completely unacceptable. The Programme for Government specifically commits us to ensure there are effective programmes and strategies aimed at achieving the eradication of all forms of violence against women. We will work collaboratively across Departments to this end.
Violence against women is a national and international area of concern, and tackling violence will be a theme of the cross-departmental gender equality action plans which we will publish later this year.
Domestic violence alone accounts for approximately one-fifth of all recorded violent crime. Our Junior Ministers are members of the newly-formed cross departmental Ministerial Group, which our colleague the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has brought together to provide leadership and oversight across government’s work in tackling both domestic and sexual violence. The Junior Ministers will give a high priority to this work.
Gender Pay Gap
Mr A McFarland asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the action taken to eliminate the gender pay gap.
(AQO 2568/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Programme for Government commits to implement the Gender Equality Strategy, which includes a key action on the gender pay gap. This will involve a co-ordinated range of actions, across Departments, which will contribute to eliminating the gender pay gap, including education, training and employment programmes, and initiatives to improve work life balance. Discrimination on grounds of gender in the area of pay is illegal, and we are examining the case for improving existing legislation affecting pay. We will work closely with the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland in taking this work forward.
Racial Equality Strategy
Ms A Lo asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to give an update on the progress of the current action plan for the Racial Equality Strategy.
(AQO 2615/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We are now at an advanced stage of development of the detailed proposals for a ‘Programme of Cohesion, Sharing and Integration for a Shared and Better Future,’ which we signalled in the Programme for Government. This programme will tackle issues affecting both the established minority ethnic communities as well as new arrivals. It 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.
While work to fulfil the commitments in the first action plan to implement the Racial Equality Strategy continues with government departments, our resources are now focused on developing and implementing the proposals of the new administration.
These proposals will include arrangements for the development of an action plan covering both central and local government and will pick up outstanding actions in the original implementation action plan. We intend to bring the proposals forward shortly.
We have already made a call for applications under the funding scheme for Minority Ethnic Communities Fund which, in the longer term, this funding will form a key strand of our proposals for a Programme of Cohesion, Sharing and Integration.
The successful applications which we have received from organisations that have been awarded funding will build on examples of best practice previously funded by OFMDFM.
Devolved Legislatures
Mr G Campbell asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail any progress it has made in further improving relationships with other devolved legislatures in the United Kingdom.
(AQO 2527/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The restoration of devolution and the elections of new governments in Scotland and Wales have provided a unique opportunity to strengthen the long-standing relationships and co-operation at all levels between the respective administrations. In June 2007, during the visit of the First Minister of Scotland to Belfast, we signed a joint agreement with him to strengthen co-operation, particularly in the areas of higher education, tourism and renewable energy.
On 14 February 2008, we held a trilateral meeting with the First Ministers of Scotland and Wales at which we discussed the need to reinvigorate the mechanisms for co-operation between the devolved administrations and Westminster established by the Memorandum of Understanding.
The Junior Ministers already participate in the Joint Ministerial Committee (Europe) and we anticipate a plenary meeting later this year. We also agreed to further discussions between the relevant Ministers on the experience of the Scottish "Fresh Talent" initiative and on broadcasting. It was also agreed that such trilaterals would take place regularly in the context of the summit meetings of the British-Irish Council.
On 19 and 20 February, we and our Junior Ministers paid a reciprocal visit to the Scottish Government, during which we held a bilateral meeting with the First Minister of Scotland. A range of issues of mutual interest were discussed and we agreed a declaration committing our respective administrations to early consideration of the feasibility study into the re-establishment of the Campbeltown/Ballycastle Ferry and to further joint exploratory work on renewable energy. The Junior Ministers also had a separate bilateral with Minister Linda Fabiani.
Other Ministers of the Executive have also had meetings with their Scottish counterparts on matters relevant to their Departments and we have encouraged all Ministers to maintain such contacts and to identify new areas for co-operation.
Alcohol Consumption
Mr D Simpson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to comment on remarks made by the Deputy First Minister, during his official visit to Dublin, in relation to the portrayal of alcohol consumption on television.
(AQO 2560/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: At the press conference following the British-Irish Council meeting in Dublin on 14 February 2008, the deputy First Minister expressed concern at an apparent concentration of scenes of drunkenness and those set in public houses in a number of soap operas broadcast before the 9pm watershed. During his 26 February statement to the Assembly on the Council meeting, the First Minister took the view that we should set our faces against encouraging young people to indulge in the consumption of alcohol.
Racial Equality Strategy
Mrs D Kelly asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to provide a progress report on the racial equality strategy, including analysis of targets met or unmet and plans for improvements.
(AQO 2622/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister is fully committed to building a shared and better future for all people here. Work on developing the Programme of Cohesion, Sharing and Integration for a shared and better future is at an advanced stage. At the core of these proposals will be action to tackle racism, sectarianism and intolerance. We intend to bring forward these proposals for discussion with the Committee and the Assembly shortly.
It is right and proper that we should focus on these new proposals, rather than use our resources in monitoring the implementation of strategies which were devised for different circumstances. The new proposals, however, will be fully informed by the experience gained on the original implementation action plan.
The new programme is backed by significant new resources in the Budget and will focus on local people dealing with local issues through their own local solutions. Key objectives, actions and targets to tackle both racism and sectarianism will be developed in the context of these proposals at both central and local government levels to ensure that measurable reductions can be achieved.
As part of our ongoing work to combat racism, we have just completed the application process for a new one-year funding scheme for Minority Ethnic Communities. This scheme will align with the aims of the new Programme and build on the excellent work already carried out under the previous 3-year fund which is due to expire today.
Violence Against Women
Mr R Beggs asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to give its assessment of 'Making the Grade? 2007 - An independent analysis of Northern Ireland Government initiatives on violence against women'.
(AQO 2564/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Violence against women is completely unacceptable and government has an important role to play in its elimination. Our officials are considering the findings of the ‘Making the Grade? 2007’ report in the context of the Gender Equality Strategy and the associated cross departmental action plans, particularly those actions relating to violence against women. Tackling violence against women requires co-ordinated action by many government departments including OFMDFM, the Departments of Employment and Learning and Health, Social Services and Public Safety and the Northern Ireland Office. We all recognise that it is vitally important to co-ordinate our work. For example, Michael McGimpsey, Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety, has convened an Inter-Ministerial Group on Domestic and Sexual Violence, to provide Ministerial leadership and oversight and to increase the co-operation between Departments.
Bill of Rights
Mr S Hamilton asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what assessment has been made of the costs associated with a Bill of Rights.
(AQO 2545/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Responsibility for costs associated with a Bill of Rights is a matter for 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 will not be in a position to comment on any aspect of a Bill of Rights until the Secretary of State has made formal proposals.
Gender Pay Gap
Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the steps it is taking to (i) ensure that equal levels of pay apply to both men and women; and (ii) make this type of gender inequality illegal.
(AQO 2584/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Existing legislation makes it unlawful for employers to discriminate between men and women in terms of their pay and conditions where they are doing the same or similar work, work rated as equivalent, or work of equal value; and provides for complaint and remedy by way of Industrial Tribunal. In line with Programme for Government commitments, we are examining the case for improving the effectiveness of the legislation.
European Union Gender Directive
Mr D Bradley asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, given the failure to agree on the transposition of the European Union Gender Directive on Goods and Services resulted in this decision being handed back to Westminster, to confirm if this methodology will be used to resolve other decisions; and to outline the implications it will have for the Irish Language Act.
(AQO 2620/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Member States of the European Union have an obligation to transpose all EU directives within a specified time period. UK Ministers decided to legislate on a UK-wide basis to implement the Goods and Services Directive to ensure that the UK, as the Member State, complied with the Directive in full, and to ensure that compliance took place as soon as possible in order to minimise the risk of infraction proceedings. UK Ministers exercised the powers conferred on them by Section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972 to legislate in this way. As the legislation concerned was subordinate legislation the agreement of the Northern Ireland Assembly was not required. However, in the case of primary legislation, the United Kingdom Government, under the Memorandum of Understanding, has agreed that it will not normally legislate on devolved matters without the consent of the Assembly.
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure has signalled his intention to bring before the Executive a paper setting out a strategy for Indigenous Languages to meet the obligations set out in the Northern Ireland (St Andrew’s Agreement) Act 2006.
CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE
Gaelic Language Links
Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure for his assessment of the work being carried out by Imeall Trá Teo to forge cultural and Gaelic language links between North Antrim and the Scottish islands of Uisk and Islay; and to detail his plans to seek further support for this work at the British-Irish Council.
(AQW 4885/08)
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr E Poots): My Department is not involved with the funding for Imeall Trá Teoranta. I understand that Imeall Trá Teoranta is an initiative which has been funded through the EU INTERREG IIIA programme. This EU programme has been administered by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to undertake a ‘Rural Resource’ project linking communities in Antrim and Donegal through Marine Leisure & Cultural activities. Through the Cultural aspect of the project, ITT will develop a Language & Cultural Activity Centre in Cushendall. It is proposed that this will raise awareness and use of Gaelic and Ulster-Scots as a tourism resource to underpin economic regeneration in these areas. The facility will be based upon a similarly successful centre in Islay. ITTs facility should be completed during Summer 2008.
My Department has not been approached to seek support for this work.
Sporting Clubs
Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail (i) the development proposals brought to his department by sporting clubs in 2005-06; 2006-07; and 2007-08; and (ii) the financial support his department granted to each sporting club.
(AQW 4886/08)
Mr E Poots: Responsibility for the development of sport in Northern Ireland including the distribution of funding lies with Sport Northern Ireland (SNI). The tables below show the development proposals received by SNI from sporting clubs in 2005/06; 2006/07 and 2007/08 together with the exchequer funding provided to each club:-
Stadia Safety Programme (Exchequer funding)
| Date | Club | Amount | Project |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005/06 | Cliftonville FC | £800,000 | Construction of new stand |
| 2006/07 | Ballymena FC | £161,636 | Provision of control room, new signage, automatic doors and barrier between home and away fans |
| 2006/07 | Portadown FC | £800,000 | Construction of new stand |
Proposals received under the Building Sport Programme (Lottery funding)
| Date | Club | Project |
|---|---|---|
| 2005/06 | Derrygonnelly Harps GFC | Changing rooms and meeting rooms |
| 2005/06 | Kilcoo GAC | 3G pitch and extension to existing pitch |
| 2005/06 | Sean Dolans GAC | New pitch |
| 2005/06 | Coleraine Yacht Club | New equipment |
| 2005/06 | Dromara GFC | Second pitch and changing/showers |
| 2005/06 | St Canice’s GFC | Pitch, fencing and floodlights |
| 2005/06 | Glebe United FC | Upgrade grounds |
| 2005/06 | Bready Cricket Club | Cricket Centre of Excellence |
| 2005/06 | Moyola Park AFC | New pitch and changing |
| 2005/06 | McQuillan GAC | Floodlighting and fitness suite |
| 2005/06 | Errigal Ciaran GAC | New changing and meeting rooms |
| 2005/06 | Lisnaskea Emmetts GAC | Construction of second pitch |
| 2005/06 | Dromore St Dympna GFC | New pitches |
| 2005/06 | Ulster Gliding Club | New glider |
| 2005/06 | St Teresa’s GFC | Changing pavilion |
| 2005/06 | Kildress GAC | Pitch and floodlighting |
| 2005/06 | St Colmcille’s GAC | Purchase of land and development of pitch |
| 2005/06 | Kevin Lynch Hurling Club | Club house |
| 2005/06 | St Mary’s GAC | Floodlit pitches, changing rooms and car park |
| 2005/06 | Kickhams Creggan GAC | New pitch |
| 2005/06 | Latharna Og GAC Brustin Braes | Changing rooms |
| 2005/06 | The Cliff | 3G pitch |
| 2005/06 | Poleglass ABC | Community Health facility |
| 2005/06 | Teemore Shamrocks | Floodlights |
| 2005/06 | Aghadrumsee St Macartans GFC | Floodlit pitch and changing rooms |
| 2005/06 | St Martins GAC | New changing facilities |
| 2005/06 | John Mitchels GAC | 3G pitch |
| 2005/06 | Carnview Farms Clay Pidgeon Shooting Club | Double Olympic trap facility |
| 2005/06 | Ballyvea Gun Club | Additional traps |
| 2006/07 | Lisburn Racquets Club | Sports Hall lighting and netball post holes. |
| 2006/07 | Tempo Maguires GFC | New changing rooms |
| 2006/07 | Stewartstown Harps GAC | New pitch |
| 2006/07 | Mossley Hockey Club | New clubhouse and changing room upgrade |
| 2006/07 | Warrenpoint Town FC | All weather pitch, floodlights and fencing |
| 2006/07 | Colaiste Feirste | 2 handball courts |
| 2006/07 | Belvoir Park Golf Club | New clubhouse. |
| 2006/07 | Wolfe Tones GAC | New changing pavilion |
| 2006/07 | Ballykinlar GAC | Floodlit MUGA with community hall |
| 2006/07 | Russell Gaelic Union | Floodlighting |
| 2006/07 | St Mary’s GAC | 2nd pitch and floodlighting |
| 2006/07 | St Mary’s GAC Slaughtmanus | New pitch and floodlighting |
| 2006/07 | Pearse Og GFC | Changing pavilion |
| 2006/07 | Kildress GAC | New pitch and floodlighting |
| 2006/07 | NICS Sports Association | 2 Hockey pitches |
| 2006/07 | All Saints GAC | 3G pitch and floodlighting |
| 2006/07 | Dromore St Dympna GFC | New floodlit pitches |
| 2006/07 | Comber Bowling Club | New extension to facilities |
| 2006/07 | Limavady Cricket & RFC | Facility improvements |
| 2006/07 | County Antrim Yacht Club | Clubhouse extension |
| 2006/07 | Ballynahinch RFC | Multi-sport pitch |
| 2006/07 | St Eugenes GAC | New changing pavilion |
| 2006/07 | Lavey GAC | Synthetic pitch and changing rooms |
| 2006/07 | Poleglass ABC | New indoor boxing ring |
| 2006/07 | Tir No nOg GAC | Construction of new facilities |
| 2006/07 | O’Brien’s GAC | New changing facilities |
| 2006/07 | Bracken Projectile Club | Purchase of site and development of range |
| 2006/07 | Eastside ABC | New premises and changing rooms |
| 2006/07 | Ballygalget GAC | Sports hall and changing rooms |
| 2006/07 | Owen Roe GAC | Pavilion and changing |
| 2006/07 | St Josephs GAC | New changing pavilion |
| 2006/07 | Belleeks GFC | Second playing field |
| 2006/07 | Ballerin GAC | New pitch and floodlights |
| 2006/07 | Belnaleck Art McMurroughs GFC | Additional playing surface and changing |
| 2006/07 | Ballymacash Rangers FC | New changing facilities |
| 2006/07 | Liatroim Fontenoys Camogie Club | Develop playing field/training area |
| 2006/07 | Portadown Boat Club | New boat house and sporting complex |
| 2006/07 | Gleann ABC | New changing facility |
| 2006/07 | Owen Roe O’Neills GAC | New training and changing areas |
| 2006/07 | Loughside FC | New pitches and changing pavilion |
| 2006/07 | Killen Rangers FC | Upgrade to current pitch |
| 2006/07 | Aghyaran St Davogs | 3G pitch and conditioning suite |
| 2006/07 | Brookeborough Heber McMahon GAC | New changing facilities |
| 2006/07 | St Columbas Camogie Club | Astro turf pitch |
| 2006/07 | Royal Ulster Yacht Club | Training facility |
| 2006/07 | St Colms GAC | Floodlighting for new pitch |
| 2006/07 | Dergview FC | Clubhouse, changing, upgrade pitch and carpark |
It should be noted that the Building Sport Programme closed in January 2007 therefore there were no proposals received in 2007/08
Twelfth of July
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail his department's plans to promote the Twelfth of July celebrations as a day of cultural and historical significance.
(AQW 4892/08)
Mr E Poots: From 1 April 2008 the Community Festivals Fund is being devolved to Local Government and it will be a matter for them to assess the merits of applications from event organisers.
My Department is currently working with a number of organisations that have an interest in promoting Protestant/Unionist culture and heritage.
Library Spending
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail how much of the £2 million his department received in the final allocation will be spent on libraries and what per capita funding Belfast currently receives.
(AQW 5060/08)
Mr E Poots: The Libraries budget received £500k of the additional £2m allocated to the Department in the final allocation for the 2008/09 financial year.
In 2007/08 the Belfast Education and Library Board received a total of £5.734m recurrent expenditure which is £21.38 per capita.
EDUCATION
C2K Infrastructure
Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Education to provide a timescale within which the C2K infrastructure will be available at Gaelscoil An Chaistil.
(AQW 3349/08)
The Minister of Education (Ms C Ruane): Bunscoil an Chaistil has been provided with standalone (non-networked) ICT equipment reflecting the temporary status of its current accommodation. In addition the Department of Education has asked the North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB) and Classroom 2000 (C2k) to investigate how the school can be equipped and connected to the C2k network at its current location. The Department will provide additional funding to allow this work to be taken forward. The NEELB will now liaise with C2k to establish the most appropriate technical solution for this school. The Department will monitor progress and make every effort to ensure that this process is completed as soon as possible.
Pending Policy Reviews
Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of development plans for (i) new schools; and (ii) school amalgamations, submitted to her, that are being held pending policy reviews, broken down by educational sector.
(AQW 3371/08)
Ms C Ruane: Níltear ag glacadh le haon mholtaí faoi scoileanna úra nó cónascacháin i láthair na huaire ar an ábhar go bhfuiltear ag fanacht le hathbhreithnuithe beartas.
No proposals for new schools or amalgamations are currently being held pending policy reviews.
Integrated Schools
Mr T Lunn asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to promote integrated education; and what consideration has she given to setting targets for increasing the number of places in integrated schools.
(AQW 3779/08)
Ms C Ruane: The Department of Education has a statutory duty to encourage and facilitate the development of integrated education. I take that duty very seriously.
I also acknowledge that parental choice is a central tenet to the selection of schools for children. As such I would not consider it appropriate to prescribe targets for the development of integrated education, or any other sector.
Aithním, ar ndóigh, chomh ríthábhachtach agus chomh luachmhar leis an mhéid a chuireann an earnáil imeasctha, in éineacht le gach earnáil oideachais, le todhchaí ár bpáistí agus le cruthú na ndálaí atá riachtanach do shíocháin agus sheasmhacht fhadtéarmach anseo.
I recognise, of course the vital and valuable contribution that the integrated sector, together with all sectors of education, makes to the future of our children and in creating the conditions necessary for long-term peace and stability here.
Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of both pre-school age and school age children, who were 'statemented' with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (i) confirmed as the diagnosis; or (ii) identified as a contributory element of an overall diagnosis, broken down by Education and Library Board, in each of the three years 2004/2005, 2005/2006 and 2006/2007.
(AQW 4001/08)
Ms C Ruane: Chuir Príomhfheidhmeannaigh na mBord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne in iúl domh nach mbeidh an t-eolas seo ar fáil taobh istigh den amscála. Scríofaidh mé arís a luaithe a bheas an t-eolas ar fáil.
I am advised by the Chief Executives of the Education and Library Boards that this information is not available within the timescale. I will write again as soon as the information is available.
Education and Skills Authority
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to outline what functions and staff have been identified for transfer from the department to the proposed Education and Skills Authority.
(AQW 4019/08)
Ms C Ruane: An Internal Review has been undertaken by the Department of Education to identify the functions and potential staff that may transfer to the Education and Skills Authority.
Tá torthaí an athbhreithnithe seo á mbreithniú faoi láthair agus, mar sin de, níl aon eolas breise ar fáil ag an am seo.
The outcomes of this review are currently being considered and as such no further information is available at this time.
Post Primary Provision
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail the basis on which previous educational experience and performance will be assessed in relation to post-primary transfer.
(AQW 4020/08)
Ms C Ruane: The detail of future post-primary transfer arrangements at age 11 is currently under discussion with stakeholders and the outcome of these discussions will be available in due course. In order to facilitate the informed election of educational pathways at age 14, which I have stated should start in 2013, advice to young people will be informed by comprehensive information from three years of post primary schooling demonstrating their educational strengths and weaknesses.
Ní dhéanfar measúnú ar an eolas seo ach ins an mhéid agus is riachtanach d’úsáid i leith comhairle.
This information will be assessed only insofar as is required in order to inform advice.
Bunscoil an Traonaigh
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of individual sites purchased by her department to site Bunscoil an Traonaigh on its existing site at Enniskillen Road, Lisnaskea.
(AQW 4130/08)
Ms C Ruane: My department has not made any capital investment for purchase of land at this site which is being rented from a local owner. The school was recognised for recurrent funding by my department in 2004.
To date no approval has been granted by my department for the purchase of land for Bunscoil an Traonaigh sited on the Enniskillen Road, Lisnakea.
My department was requested by Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta (CnaG) to assess the suitability of the new site for a school which is in receipt of grant funding since 2004. The new site was approved by my department’s technical advisors.
D’fhiafraigh CnaG de roinnt comhlachtaí poiblí agus den earnáil phríobháideach lena fhionnadh an raibh aon talamh ar fáil sa cheantar arbh fhéidir scoil nua a shuíomh air.
CnaG pursued enquiries with a number of public bodies and the private sector to ascertain if any land was available in the area in which to site a new school. These included the Ministry of Defence, the Housing Executive, the Gaelic Athletic Association and the Western Education and Library Board. No other satisfactory sites were identified by CnaG.
Schools' Infrastructure Programme
Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of new schools that have failed to meet their completion date, as a result of delays in the delivery of the schools' infrastructure programme.
(AQW 4147/08)
Ms C Ruane: There are six public private partnership projects involving 17 schools at procurement stage, and seven conventionally funded projects which are experiencing delays.
Ta 69 tionscadal eile atá maoinithe go gnásúil ag céimeanna éagsúla dul chun cinn tríd na céimeanna pleanála. Beidh a ndul chun cinn siúd ag an údarás ábhartha oideachais ag brath ar sholáthar agus cheadú aighneachtaí dearaidh agus costais ag céimeanna ábhartha.
There are a further 69 conventionally funded projects at various stages of progress through the planning stages and whose progress by the relevant education authority and the Department will depend on the provision and approval of design and cost submissions at relevant stages.
Cullycapple Primary School
Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister of Education to confirm that the external redecoration work to Cullycapple Primary School will be carried out in the 2008-09 financial year.
(AQW 4173/08)
Ms C Ruane: Chomhairligh Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Oirthuaiscirt gur liostáladh Bunscoil Chúil an Chapaill mar thosaíocht d’athmhaisiúchán lasmuigh sa bhliain airgeadais 2008/09, ach go dtí go gcuirfear an buiséad cothabhála don bhliain 2008/09 ar fáil ní féidir a chinntiú cé acu a chuirfear sin san áireamh sa chlár cothabhála atá beartaithe ag an Bhord nó nach gcuirfear.
The North Eastern Education and Library Board has advised that Cullycapple Primary School has been listed as a priority for external re-decoration in the 2008/09 financial year but until the maintenance budget for 2008/09 has been allocated it is not possible to confirm whether or not it will be included in the Board’s planned maintenance programme. This scheme, along with all other competing priorities, will be considered in the light of available finance.
Youth Service Budget
Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Education to detail the youth service budget for 2009/10; and to confirm whether or not there will be a reduction in the budget.
(AQW 4178/08)
Ms C Ruane: The funding for the Youth Service in 2009/10 comprises of a resource budget of £26.9 million (1) and a capital budget of £5 million. These amounts reflect the outcome for education of the 2007 Budget process for the period 2008-11.
Tá na buiséid socraithe don tréimhse thrí bliana. Is féidir liom a dhearbhú nach ndéanfar laghdú ar bith ar an leithdháileadh do gach bliain.
The budgets have been set for the three year period. I can confirm that there will be no reduction in the allocation for each year.
(1) Excludes funding for Community Relations
Schools' Estate
Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Education to detail her plans and timetables in relation to the preparation of the next phase of capital investment for the schools' estate, in order to ensure that the department will be in a position to effectively utilise future spending allocations from the 2011-2012 financial years onwards.
(AQW 4223/08)
Ms C Ruane: The Executive’s Investment Strategy published in January indicated a capital allocation over the next ten years for schools and youth services of £3.5bn. The allocations for the next three years were confirmed in the Budget document. The Investment Strategy noted that the Executive expects education communities to work together so that decisions on future phases of the schools estate are grounded firmly on cross-sectoral, area-based plans. It will be important that area-based planning is introduced in the coming months and my statement to the Assembly of 4 March set out proposals for taking this work forward this year in relation to the post-primary sector.
Déanfar tionscadail caipitiúil a mheas feasta i gcomhthéacs pleananna bunaithe ar limistéir chun go mbainfimid an leas is fearr ó na hacmhainní a chuirfear ar fáil faoin Straitéis Infheistithe chun freastal éifeachtach a dhéanamh ar riachtanais oideachasúla. Níl aon dáta socraithe fós le haghaidh an chéad fhógra eile faoi chlár caipitil.
Future capital projects will be considered in the context of area-based plans so that we utilise the allocations available from the Investment Strategy to meet educational needs effectively. No date has been set yet for the next capital programme announcement.
Temporary Classroom Accommodation
Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of (i) Irish language Naiscoil; and (ii) Irish language Bunscoil, that are in temporary classroom accommodation.
(AQW 4260/08)
Ms C Ruane: There are 27 naiscoileanna in temporary accommodation. A total of 13 bunscoileanna are in wholly temporary accommodation although a further 5 are in a mixture of temporary and permanent accommodation. There are 11 Irish medium units attached to maintained schools and 4 of these are in temporary accommodation.
The state of accommodation of many of the Irish medium schools is unacceptable and my officials have been liaising with Iontaobhas na Gaelscolaíochta on the accommodation issues whilst we await the outcome of the Irish Medium Policy Review.
Bhí cruinniú agam freisin ar an 5ú lá de Márta le hionadaithe ó Chomhairle na Gaelscolaíochta agus pléadh an cheist seo.
I also had a meeting on 5 March with representatives of Comhairle na Gaelscoliochta where this issue was discussed.
Bamford Report
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Education to detail the measures put in place to address issues relevant to her department contained in the Bamford Report.
(AQW 4336/08)
Ms C Ruane: Tháirg Athbhreithniú Bamford ar Shláinte Mheabhrach agus Mhíchumas Foghlama réimse moltaí a bhaineann le hoideachas i sraith naoi dtuarascáil. Bhí feidhmeannaigh ón Roinn Oideachais (RO)/ón Chigireacht Oideachais agus Oiliúna (COO) mar chomhaltaí de Ghrúpa Stiúrtha an Athbhreithnithe, den Ghrúpa Saolta Cothroma agus den Ghrúpa le Cuimsiú Sóisialta a Chur chun Cinn.
The Bamford Review of Mental Health and Learning Disability produced a range of education-related recommendations across a series of nine reports. Department of Education (DE)/Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) officials were members of the Review’s Steering Group, the Equal Lives Group and the Promoting Social Inclusion Group.
Over the course of the Review, DE has been aware of emerging themes around child-centred services and improved collaborative working and has already been working to address some of these issues. The following is an overview of some of the measures and initiatives being taken forward by DE to address many of the issues that are relevant to the education-related Bamford recommendations around children with mental health or learning difficulties. Full details of all the measures will be included in the Government’s response to the Bamford Review which is being co-ordinated by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.
1. Increased Funding and Resource Planning for Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN)
In 2005/06 around £170m was expended in the North of Ireland for provision for SEN children and an additional £53m was allocated to meet the needs of pupils with SEN over the years 2005/06 to 2007/08.
From 2006 the School Census has included a new category of SEN to record Mental Health Issues (MHI). It is hoped that this new category will improve resource planning for pupils with MHI and other learning difficulties.
2. Special educational Needs and Disability (NI) Order 2005 (SENDO)
DE introduced SENDO in 2005 in order to strengthen the rights of SEN pupils to be educated in mainstream schools and to make it unlawful for schools to treat disabled pupils less favourably than other pupils. SENDO also introduced the Dispute Avoidance and Resolution Service (DARS) and an Advice and Information Service.
3. DE Guidance
In order to help schools and ELBs to support SEN pupils, to increase the awareness of specific areas of need and to provide information for parents, DE has made available a range of guidance materials to all schools, ELBs and relevant voluntary sector groups. This includes guidance on Promoting Collaborative Working between health and education professionals and materials on autism, dyslexia, sensory impairment and acquired brain injury.
4. Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
To ensure that the children and young people under the care of CAMHS receive the most appropriate support from both health and education services, DE and SEELB are planning, in partnership with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, a new purpose-built Regional Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Centre, including a Learning Resource Centre which will deliver a new flexible education model, on the Forster Green site to bring together the Adolescent Psychiatric Unit and the Child and Family Centre.
5. SEN Review
The DE SEN and Inclusion review has highlighted the vital importance of an effective working partnership with the health sector. To this end, DE is working closely with health colleagues to strengthen and develop links, from a strategic level through to delivery, to gain a shared commitment and ensure that planning, assessment and delivery of therapies is timely and realistic.
6. Anti-bullying
DE funds a regional anti-bullying helpline operated by ChildLine and is working with the local Anti-bullying Forum to promote good practice in tackling bullying in schools. The Forum published new guidance on cyber bullying in November 2007 and a website providing advice and good practice information was launched in March 2008.
7. Promoting Pupils’ Emotional Health and Wellbeing
From September 2007 independent counselling support is available in all post-primary schools, which wish it, for a half day per week.
In addition, work has begun on a pupils emotional health and well being programme in post primary schools. It will focus on positive prevention by building coping skills in children and young people and complements the personal development strand of the curriculum. With funding acquired in Budget 2007 appropriate interventions will be extended to primary and special schools
8. Revised Curriculum
The revised curriculum, which is being phased in from September 2007, includes the new areas of Personal Development & Mutual Understanding at primary level and Learning for Life and Work at post-primary level. These address issues such as promoting good mental and emotional health and the risks posed by drugs and alcohol. Schools are receiving training and guidance materials to support their teaching in these areas.
9. Health and Well-being
DE is working towards a Healthy Schools Policy and has appointed a Healthy Schools Co-ordinator to take this work forward
Mobile Classrooms
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail her department's policy in relation to the replacement of mobile classrooms in schools.
(AQW 4564/08)
Ms C Ruane: Is féidir le seomraí ranga soghluaiste bheith cost-éifeachtúil chun freastal ar riachtanais ghearrthréimhseacha scoile mar gheall ar líon rolla bheith ag athrú, mar shampla. Deisítear nó athraítear seomraí ranga soghluaisteacha ag brath ar eolas ó shuirbhéanna cóírithe.
Mobile classrooms can prove to be a cost effective way of meeting the short term accommodation needs at a school for example because of changing enrolments. Mobile classrooms are either repaired or replaced based on information from condition surveys.
Braidside Integrated Primary School
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to provide an update on the provision of a new school building for Braidside Integrated Primary and Nursery school, Ballymena.
(AQW 4565/08)
Ms C Ruane: Tá staidéar féidearthachta ag comhairleoirí gairmiúla mo Roinne i láthair na huaire le faomhadh. Is é an chéad chéim eile a bheidh ann ná breithmheas eacnamaíochta a scrúdaíonn go mion na roghanna a aontaíodh. Tá breithmheas eacnamaíochta le haontú sula ndéantar tionscnaimh a mheas do chistiú caipitil.
A Feasibility Study is currently with my Department’s professional advisers for approval. The next stage will be an economic appraisal which examines the agreed options in the feasibility study in depth. An agreed economic appraisal is a prior stage for projects to be considered for capital funding.
Language Needs
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of current schoolchildren who do not have English as their first language; and (ii) the steps she is taking to address the educational needs of these children.
(AQW 4594/08)
Ms C Ruane: In October 2007, a total of 7,994 children were recorded as having a first language other than English. Of those children, a total of 5,665 were identified as having English as an Additional Language (EAL), in other words, significant difficulty with the English language and requiring additional assistance.
In April 2007 the Inclusion and Diversity Service was set up as a regional service to strengthen and improve support to children and young people with English as an Additional Language (EAL) and their parents.
This new service brought together services across the five Education and Library Boards in relation to the education of all children and young people whose first language is not English. The aim is to strengthen and improve support to all EAL pupils, their parents and teaching staff, primarily working through schools. It is adopting a regional approach to determine which schools need support and the type of support and to direct work more appropriately.
A number of new services such as interpreting, translating and a multi-lingual website to provide support to teachers and newcomer parents have been set up through the service and are available across the north of Ireland.
Schools and teaching staff further benefit from additional support and guidance from January 2008, as the Inclusion and Diversity Service have recruited and placed diversity coordinators, who have previously worked in the area of EAL and have expertise in it, to work with clusters of schools. This initiative facilitates capacity building by working with all schools on whole school and classroom issues, which includes language support
In 2008/09 the Inclusion and Diversity service will be funded with just over £1million by the Department.
In addition to this, I launched a North/South Diversity toolkit for primary school teachers in December 2007. An extensive training programme for all teachers within primary schools has been undertaken in relation to the toolkit.
Additional funds are provided directly to schools through the Common Funding Formula. In 2007/08 an additional £943 was provided for each child with EAL in the school’s annual budget and this is rising to £983 per child for 2008/09, giving a total of £5.5million going directly into schools.
Is faoi na scoileanna atá sé cinneadh a dhéanamh maidir leis an dóigh is fearr le húsáid a bhaint as an airgead seo ar bhealaí éagsúla ar leas na bpáistí BTB (EAL) agus ar leas na ndaoine óga ina gcuid scoileanna.
It is up to the schools to decide how best to use this money and in practice schools are using it in a variety of ways for the benefit of the EAL children and young people in their schools.
Blackwater Integrated College
Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Education to provide a timescale within which a decision will be made in relation to the establishment of Blackwater Integrated College as a new grant maintained integrated college.
(AQW 4648/08)
Ms C Ruane: Bhreithnigh mé go cúramach an moladh le Coláiste Imeasctha Blackwater a bhunú mar scoil nua a chuimseoidh daltaí ó Ardscoil Rialaithe Imeasctha Acadamh an Dúin, agus shocraigh mé an moladh a cheadú.
I considered carefully the proposal to establish Blackwater Integrated College as a new school which will incorporate pupils from Down Academy Controlled Integrated High School, and I have decided to approve the proposal.
Tor Bank Special Needs School
Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to extend the SPEAC Project, based at Tor Bank Special Needs School, as the project is nearing the end of its 3 year funding programme.
(AQW 4651/08)
Ms C Ruane: Maoiníonn Tionscnamh an BOLID (SEELB) Tionscnamh SPEAC, i gcomhpháirtíocht le SPEAC.
The SPEAC Project is funded by the South Eastern Education and Library Board (SEELB), in partnership with SPEAC.
I have been advised by the Chief Executive of the SEELB that the Board is currently awaiting the final Inspection Report, from the Education and Training Inspectorate, which will provide an evaluation of the SPEAC Project. Following receipt of this evaluation, and other available information, the SEELB will then be in a position decide on the future of the SPEAC Project.
Movilla High School
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Education to detail the (i) maintenance; (ii) repainting; and (iii) repair work, that is being undertaken at Movilla High School, Newtownards, in 2007-08 and 2008-09.
(AQW 4664/08)
Ms C Ruane: The information available does not distinguish between maintenance, repainting and repairs. The total cost of maintenance, including repainting and repairs, in 2007/08 was £26,395 (£22,297 from the South Eastern Education and Library Board’s budget and £4,098 from Movilla High School’s delegated budget).
Measann BOLOD go gcaithfear tuairim is £20,000 sa bhliain 2008/09 ar ghléasra úr coire; cuirfear sa halla spóirt é in ionad na píboibre damáistithe. Ní féidir ag an phointe seo a rá cá mhéad caiteachas breise a bheidh de dhíth faoi choinne cothabháil bhreise de réir mar a bheidh gá léi le linn na bliana seo chugainn.
The SEELB estimate that approximately £20,000 will be spent in 2008/09 on the provision of new boiler plant in the sports hall to replace existing damaged pipework. It is not possible at this stage to say how much additional expenditure will be required for further maintenance as it arises next year.
Assembly Questions
Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Education for her assessment of (i) the benefits to MLAs in receiving answers to written Assembly questions in Irish; and (ii) the impact on public expenditure in providing this service.
(AQW 4674/08)
Ms C Ruane: I answer my questions in English and in Irish and I believe people should celebrate the diversity of language. Irish is the native language of Ireland and is protected and promoted in accordance with the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages. I take my statutory duties very seriously as I do my right to use the Irish language.
Go dtí seo tá £956.73 caite ag an Roinn ar aistriúchán Gaeilge ar fhreagraí ar Cheisteanna scríofa Tionóil.
To date the Department has spent £956.73 on translation into Irish for inclusion in answers to written Assembly Questions.
Language Needs
Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Education to detail, for 2007, the amount of money spent by her department in promoting and teaching, (i) Irish; (ii) Ulster-Scots; (iii) French; (iv) Spanish; and (v) German, in (a) primary and (b) post-primary schools, broken down by Education and Library Board area.
(AQW 4675/08)
Ms C Ruane: My Department allocates budgets to schools on the basis of the Local Management of Schools Common Funding Formula. Within the requirements of the curriculum arrangements, it is a matter for schools to determine which languages they provide. School budgets are not allocated by specific subject area.
I believe it is important that we give our young people an early start to language learning in light of the benefits this can have and in our increasingly diverse society. I am therefore putting a programme in place to support those primary schools which wish to introduce Spanish or Irish, and in the 2007/08 financial year my Department has allocated £125,000 to the South Eastern Education and Library Board, on behalf of all the Boards, to support the programme. Tutors are currently being recruited and will begin working in schools from the next term.
Tá dualgas reachtúil ar an Roinn Oideachais chun forbairt na Gaelscolaíochta ‘a chur chun cinn agus a éascú’.
The Department of Education has a statutory duty to 'encourage and facilitate' the development of Irish medium education. Under the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 the Department of Education funds the Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta to promote Irish-medium education, and is making grant of £590,000 available to it in 2007/08.
Pre-School Provision
Mr W Irwin asked the Minister of Education to detail her plans to increase the pre-school provision in the Armagh City area, given that the facilities at Grove Street and Railway Street are full.
(AQW 4685/08)
Ms C Ruane: In the current school year (2007/08) the level of pre-school provision within a 2 mile radius of Grove Nursery School and Armagh Nursery School (also known as Railway Street Nursery School) is 116% with a total of 263 places to cater for a P1 cohort of 227 children.
Is cinnte gur leor é seo le freastal ar an éileamh sa réimse seo agus léiríonn sé seo nach bhfuil aon ghá ann an soláthar a mhéadú go fóill beag.
This is more than sufficient to meet the demand in the area which indicates that there is no need to increase provision at this time.
Middletown Centre of Excellence for Autism
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education to detail the criteria that will be applied for access to therapy at the Middletown Centre of Excellence for Autism.
(AQW 4710/08)
Ms C Ruane: The criteria for referral and admissions to the Centre are currently being developed by the Centre’s Senior Management Team. As the Centre is a north/south educational initiative these criteria will be agreed jointly with education providers in the North and the South.
Mar thoradh ar iarratas an Ionaid ar an chritéar riachtanach déanfar cinneadh ar na socruithe atá de dhíth do gach páiste agus beidh soláthar teiripe san áireamh anseo.
The Centre’s application of the agreed criteria will then lead to a determination of the arrangements that are required for each child, including access to therapy provision.
Middletown Centre of Excellence for Autism
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education to detail the staff/client ratio at the Middletown Centre of Excellence for Autism.
(AQW 4711/08)
Ms C Ruane: The Centre when fully operational will employ between 60 and 70 members of staff. The diversity of staff will include teachers, educational psychologists, therapists, trainers, researchers, residential care and admin staff.
The Learning Support Service will have four group bases catering for a total of 20 children at any one time. Within each group base there will be one experienced teacher and at least one support assistant as well as the necessary support being provided by a range of therapists.
Déanfaidh an tSeirbhís measúnú air,ar a laghad, ceathrar páiste lena gcuid tuismitheoirí gach seachtain agus beidh thart ar 3 nó 4 duine gairmiúil i gceist sa phroiséas seo a ndéanfaidh síceolaí oideachais a stiúradh.
The Educational Assessment Service will assess approximately 4 children with their parents every week and this process will involve approximately 3 to 4 professionals led by an educational psychologist.
Middletown Centre of Excellence for Autism
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education to detail the regime of therapies that will be available at the Middletown Centre of Excellence for Autism.
(AQW 4712/08)
Ms C Ruane: As a child centred organisation the Middletown Centre for Autism will endeavour to meet the individual needs of the children and young people referred to the Centre. This will involve looking closely at the various therapies used with the child in the past and assessing how they have been used and with what results.
Beidh sé mar aidhm ag an Ionad freastal ar riachtanais aonaracha bunaithe ar an cur chuige a shocraítear bheith cuí agus fóirsteanach don duine aonair. Déanfar réimse teiripe in ionad réim faoi leith a mheas.
It will be the Centre’s aim to meet individual needs based on the approach that is deemed appropriate and suitable for the individual. A range of therapies rather than a regime will therefore be considered.
East/West Co-Operation
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to detail the work she has undertaken to promote greater East/West co-operation within education.
(AQW 4735/08)
Ms C Ruane: I recognise that there is real value in sharing and learning from others. That is why, for example, I met with my Scottish counterpart on 12 December to discuss and share our thinking on matters such as teacher education, tackling educational underachievement and Irish/Gaelic-medium education. Other areas where we are already co-operating very productively with our Scottish counterparts include the area of qualifications where GCSEs, A levels and other significant qualifications offered in schools are developed and regulated in the context of a joint framework.
I attended British Irish Council meetings on 16 July 2007 and 14 February 2008 along with counterparts from England, Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey. The most recent meeting in Dublin focussed on issues of drug misuse, with a focus on children and families; early years policy; child protection; and child poverty – all issues for which our education system has a role to play.
With funding from my Department, the British Council supports and encourages schools to participate in the East-West Schools Programme. This Programme aims to build educational links on a tripartite basis, involving schools from across Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales. I have arranged to meet with the Director of the British Council in May to discuss how we can further develop and promote their work.
Earlier this month, the Education and Training Inspectorate and the Department of Education hosted an Autism Stocktake Event in Belfast, which included officials and inspectors from Wales, Scotland, the south of Ireland, as well as specialist Education and Library Board personnel and the Middletown Centre for Autism. The event provided a forum to consider autism provision across the education sector and exchange examples of good practice in a strategic context.
Ar deireadh, tá feidhmeannaigh ó mo Roinnse ag obair faoi láthair lena macasamhail féin eile sa Roinn Leanaí, Scoileanna agus Teaghlach agus le Gníomhaireacht Phinsin Phoiblí na hAlban le hullmhú beartais do na scéimeanna pinsin múinteoirí faoi seach anseo agus i Sasain, sa Bhreatain Bheag agus in Albain a chomhordú.
Finally, officials from my Department are currently working with counterparts in the Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Scottish Public Pensions Agency to co-ordinate the development of policy for the respective teachers' pension schemes here and in England, Wales and Scotland.
Vice-Head Teachers
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of male vice-head teachers in post-primary schools; and (ii) the percentage of all vice-head teachers that this represents, broken down by (a) Education and Library Board; and (b) sector.
(AQW 4736/08)
Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh mionsonraithe sa tábla faoi iamh.
The information requested is detailed in the attached tables:
| Number and percentage of those on the vice-principal payscale in primary and post-primary schools, 2007 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary | Post-primary | ||||
| Board | Management type | Number of male vice-principals | % of all vice-principals | Number of male vice-principals | % of all vice-principals |
| Belfast | Controlled | 3 | 11% | 10 | 83% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 14 | 61% | |
| Maintained | 12 | 40% | 6 | 40% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 1 | 100% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 1 | 50% | 2 | 50% | |
| Total | 16 | 25% | 33 | 60% | |
| Western | Controlled | 4 | 14% | 7 | 50% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 17 | 68% | |
| Maintained | 22 | 32% | 13 | 59% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 0 | 0% | 2 | 67% | |
| Total | 26 | 26% | 39 | 61% | |
| North Eastern | Controlled | 21 | 31% | 20 | 74% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 13 | 62% | |
| Maintained | 9 | 24% | 7 | 64% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 1 | 100% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 0 | 0% | 2 | 33% | |
| Total | 30 | 28% | 43 | 65% | |
| South Eastern | Controlled | 21 | 38% | 14 | 56% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 12 | 75% | |
| Maintained | 7 | 26% | 5 | 45% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 3 | 100% | 2 | 67% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 2 | 50% | 2 | 40% | |
| Total | 33 | 37% | 35 | 58% | |
| Southern | Controlled | 12 | 24% | 20 | 63% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 13 | 68% | |
| Maintained | 20 | 26% | 12 | 52% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 1 | 100% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Total | 32 | 24% | 46 | 61% | |
| Total | Controlled | 61 | 27% | 71 | 65% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 69 | 66% | |
| Maintained | 70 | 29% | 43 | 52% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 1 | 100% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 3 | 75% | 4 | 80% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 3 | 18% | 8 | 42% | |
| Total | 137 | 28% | 196 | 61% | |
| Number and percentage of those on the vice-principal payscale in primary and post-primary schools, 2006 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary | Post-primary | ||||
| Board | Management type | Number of male vice- principals | % of all vice- principals | Number of male vice-principals | % of all vice- principals |
| Belfast | Controlled | 6 | 17% | 10 | 77% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 15 | 54% | |
| Maintained | 12 | 40% | 7 | 41% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 2 | 100% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 1 | 50% | 2 | 67% | |
| Total | 19 | 27% | 36 | 57% | |
| Western | Controlled | 6 | 19% | 8 | 57% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 13 | 68% | |
| Maintained | 24 | 32% | 13 | 52% | |
| Other Maintained | 1 | 100% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 0 | 0% | 1 | 33% | |
| Total | 31 | 28% | 35 | 57% | |
| North Eastern | Controlled | 20 | 30% | 20 | 71% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 13 | 62% | |
| Maintained | 7 | 21% | 8 | 62% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 0 | 0% | 2 | 40% | |
| Total | 27 | 26% | 43 | 64% | |
| South Eastern | Controlled | 23 | 39% | 15 | 56% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 13 | 76% | |
| Maintained | 8 | 24% | 6 | 50% | |
| Other Maintained | 1 | 50% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 3 | 100% | 3 | 75% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 2 | 50% | 2 | 50% | |
| Total | 37 | 37% | 39 | 61% | |
| Southern | Controlled | 10 | 20% | 20 | 65% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 13 | 65% | |
| Maintained | 21 | 27% | 15 | 65% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 1 | 25% | 0 | 0% | |
| Total | 32 | 24% | 48 | 65% | |
| Total | Controlled | 65 | 27% | 73 | 65% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 67 | 64% | |
| Maintained | 72 | 29% | 49 | 54% | |
| Other Maintained | 2 | 29% | 2 | 100% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 3 | 100% | 3 | 75% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 4 | 24% | 7 | 47% | |
| Total | 146 | 28% | 201 | 61% | |
| Number and percentage of those on the vice-principal payscale in primary and post-primary schools, 2005 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary | Post-primary | ||||
| Board | Management type | Number of male vice-principals | % of all vice- principals | Number of male vice-principals | % of all vice- principals |
| Belfast | Controlled | 8 | |||