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 18 April 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

Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland

Dr S Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail what consideration is being given to ensure that new investments as part of the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland are designed to maximise opportunities for cross-community sharing and integration.

(AQW 3618/08)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister (Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness): The Executive’s Programme for Government and Investment Strategy are intrinsically linked. In these, the Executive has committed to undertaking its programme under a series of interdependent priorities, which include promoting tolerance, inclusion, health and well-being. In addition, the Programme for Government cross-cutting themes of a Shared and Better Future and sustainability are embedded within the Investment Strategy. Individual Ministers will decide how best to reflect the agreed cross-cutting themes within their own areas of responsibility as part of their individual delivery plans for the Investment Strategy at departmental level, that are being published over the course of the next few weeks. Departments will work to progress the Executive’s wider economic, social and employment objectives as projects under the Investment Strategy are rolled out.

Levels of Poverty

Mrs N Long asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail what consideration has been given to the introduction of mechanisms to screen all new policies for their potential impact on levels of poverty.

(AQW 4855/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Tackling poverty and disadvantage is highlighted as one of our priorities within Programme for Government 2008-2011 and as a theme that cuts across Departmental boundaries.

Although there are no specific mechanisms for screening new policies for their potential impact on poverty, Departments are required in line with Public Expenditure guidelines, and do so routinely, to use data and research available on poverty when screening new policies as an integral part of the appraisal process. This helps ensure that resources and efforts are targeted towards those in need and that tackling poverty and disadvantage is afforded suitable priority within Departmental public expenditure plans.

Anti-Poverty Strategy

Mrs N Long asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail (i) the progress toward; and (ii) the timeframe, for the introduction of an anti-poverty strategy and associated action plan.

(AQW 4856/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: In line with its statutory obligation under Section 28E of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, the Executive Committee will soon receive proposals for the adoption of a strategy to tackle poverty, social exclusion and patterns of deprivation here based on objective need.

The process has already commenced for proposals to be outlined to the OFMDFM Committee in advance of the Executive Committee’s considerations.

When the Executive Committee has completed its considerations and assessment of existing targets, work will commence on the development of actions that could contribute to the adopted strategy’s major goals and objectives.

Lisanelly Army Site

Dr K Deeny asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister if it would consider a request to an extension of the 1 April 2008 deadline from the Ministry of Defence for the purchase of the former Lisanelly Army site.

(AQW 4872/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The First Minister and deputy First Minister are presently in discussions with the Chancellor and Chief Secretary to the Treasury in order to progress this matter urgently and are aware that there is a deadline for the potential purchase of Lisanelly and other sites.

If a favourable response from the Chancellor and the Chief Secretary to the Treasury is not received, an extension to the deadline will be sought from the Ministry of Defence.

Victims' Commissioners

Mr J Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the powers currently available to the 4 Victims' Commissioners; and to provide a timescale within which the Commissioners will have the power to investigate and determine issues.

(AQW 4890/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: A draft bill was introduced to the Assembly on 31 March 2008 which will amend the Victims and Survivors (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 to make provision for a Commission for Victims and Survivors. The draft bill is being taken through the Assembly under the accelerated passage procedure and therefore is subject to approval by the Assembly. It is hoped that the Commission will be established and be operational within a short period of time.

In the interim, the Commissioners designate have been working with OFMDFM officials on establishing an office for the Commission and preparation of a work programme.

National Stadium

Mr J Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail its plans for the Maze site should the National Stadium not go ahead.

(AQW 4899/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The only proposed plan being progressed for the regeneration of the former prison and army base is that which is based upon the development of a multi-sports stadium and an International Centre for Conflict Transformation as recommended in the unanimous multi-party consultation panel report and the Maze/Long Kesh Masterplan supported by all the main political parties.

As you may be aware the Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP) is currently considering the value for money business case for the proposed programme and the assessment of affordability based on negotiations with the private sector for the appointment of a potential development partner.

Ethnic Minority Groups

Mr J McCallister asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail (i) the number of voluntary ethnic minority groups that are currently receiving funding from the Executive; and (ii) the amount of funding allocated to these groups.

(AQW 4928/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Under the current funding scheme for Minority Ethnic Communities (2005-2008) the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister has provided development and project funding of almost £1.8m to 19 different organisations which either represent or provide services to minority ethnic people.

This funding has supported the work of community and voluntary groups in promoting good relations, community cohesion and integration between people from different racial groups and communities.

As part of our ongoing work to combat racism, we have just completed the application process for a new one year (2008-09) funding scheme for minority ethnic communities. We will make an announcement in the near future about the organisations that will receive funding and amounts allocated.

Victims' Commissioners

Mr T Elliott asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the representations it has had from victims' organisations after the appointment of the Victims' Commissioners.

(AQW 4930/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The decision to establish a Victims and Survivors Commission, subject to amending legislation which is currently before the Assembly, was announced on 28 January 2008. Since then we have received several representations from Victims Organisations, four of which referred directly to the Victims Commission designate.

Poverty Reduction

Mr J Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the actions it is taking to significantly reduce income poverty.

(AQW 5041/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Employment with a reasonable wage is generally considered the best route out of poverty. That is why ‘Growing a dynamic and innovative economy’ is therefore central to reducing income poverty and our top priority within Programme for Government 2008-2011. It is supported by targets and actions to tackle economic in-activity and build the skills’ level of the workforce through a wide variety of measures. These measures will have a particular focus on supporting those most at risk of income poverty.

Reform of tax and benefits, and modernisation of benefit services will continue to provide improved financial security for those who are temporarily or permanently unable to work. The recent announcement in the budget, which affects tax and benefits here, should have an impact on income poverty for a percentage of those in relative income poverty.

In line with its statutory obligation under Section 16 of the Northern Ireland (St Andrews Agreement) Act 2006, the Executive Committee will soon consider proposals for the adoption of a strategy to tackle poverty, social exclusion and patterns of deprivation here based on objective need.

The process has already commenced with proposals soon to be outlined to the OFMDFM Committee in advance of the Executive Committee’s considerations.

When the Executive Committee has completed its considerations, we will focus on the delivery of actions that will contribute most to the agreed strategy’s major goals and objectives.

River Blackwater at Annaghroe

Mr J McCallister asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether it was agreed with the Taoiseach that two new bridges should be constructed across the River Blackwater at Annaghroe and Knockginny, and on what information this decision was based.

(AQW 5128/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: A number of cross-border roads were closed for security reasons. Subsequently, in recognition of the importance of cross-border road links the then Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Taoiseach agreed that there was no longer a security justification for the last 2 such roads (involving the Annaghroe and Knocknaginny cross-border bridges over the River Blackwater between Glaslough and Caledon) remaining closed. At the North South Ministerial Council meeting in the Transport Sector held on 14 September 2007, Ministers endorsed progress made on the decision to re-open these roads. The Irish Government has given a commitment to fund the replacement of the bridges and the approach roads in County Monaghan while our Roads Agency has agreed to improve the approach roads here.

Official Visits

Miss M McIlveen asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the protocols that are followed in informing MLAs that the First Minister, deputy First Minister or the junior Ministers will be visiting their respective constituencies.

(AQW 5141/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The protocol is that MLAs should be notified of official visits by members of the Executive or Junior Ministers to their constituencies not less than 24 hours in advance of the visit. Notification of such visits should include detail on the reason, location and timing of the visit, with a contact number through which MLAs may seek further details.

These protocols were recently agreed by the Executive and are now being implemented by all Ministerial Private Offices. They were communicated to the Speaker of the Assembly on 12 February 2008 and a copy of this letter has been placed in the Assembly Library.

Committee of the Regions

Mr A Maginness asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the attendance level of each Northern Ireland member of the Committee of the Regions of the European Union at both Plenary and other Commission meetings, since their appointments.

(AQW 5259/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The table below details the attendance level of Northern Ireland members of the Committee of the Regions (CoR) since the Committee’s current mandate began on 16 February 2006.

CoR member	Type of Membership	CoR Commission	Plenary Sessions		Commission Meetings
CoR member	Type of Membership	CoR Commission	Number Attended	Number open to each Member*	Number Attended	Total Number
Minister Edwin Poots, MLA	Full Member	Sustainable Development	5	11	4	11
Minister Conor Murphy, MP MLA**	Full Member	Territorial Cohesion	1	11	0	11
Cllr Lord Maurice Morrow MLA	Alternate Member	Economic and Social Policy	1	6	1	11
Cllr Bernice Swift	Alternate Member	Education and Culture	0	10	0	10

* Alternates, may only attend a CoR Plenary session if their full member is not attending.

** Minister Murphy resigned with effect from 13 March 2008 and a replacement nominee has been identified to replace him on the Committee and this process is underway.

Freedom of Information

Mr K Robinson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether Freedom of Information legislation overrides confidentiality agreements drawn up between employers and employees at the termination of a contract.

(AQW 5492/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Code of Practice on the discharge of public authorities’ functions, issued under section 45 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 by the Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs in November 2004, provides guidance to public authorities on 'desirable practice' in discharging their functions under Part I of the Act.

Part 5 of the Code aims to promote consideration by public authorities of the implications for Freedom of Information before agreeing to confidentiality provisions in contracts. While the Code states that all parties to a contract should be aware of the limits of enforceability of confidentiality clauses, it also recognises that there will be circumstances in which the preservation of confidentiality between public authorities and contractors is appropriate, and must be maintained, in the public interest. Therefore, every case would have to be judged on its merits.

The Code does not have statutory force. However, failure to comply with its provisions may lead to a breach of the Act, and ultimately enforcement action being taken by the Information Commissioner.

Employment and Equality Legislation

Mr K Robinson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to confirm that companies registered in the Republic of Ireland with employees based in Northern Ireland must abide by fair employment and equality legislation.

(AQW 5495/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The various pieces of anti-discrimination legislation all contain similar provisions setting out the circumstances in which employment is to be regarded as being at an establishment in Northern Ireland.

We can confirm that all companies with employees working wholly or partly in Northern Ireland are required to abide by fair employment and equality legislation here.

Planning Appeals

Mr D Simpson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the steps it has taken to recruit additional planning appeals Commissioners to tackle the backlog of planning appeals.

(AQW 5598/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) exercises its functions independently of OFMDFM but the Department is responsible for providing the resources needed for the Commission to discharge its responsibilities. Appointments to the Commission are made by us.

The additional funding allocations for PAC in the Budget 2008-2011 will enable the Chief Commissioner to fund a significant number of additional Commissioners to deploy against the backlog of planning appeals cases. An increase in the complement of permanent and part-time fee-paid Panel Commissioners has been agreed and officials are currently working with the Chief Commissioner to implement a strategy for use of the additional funding.

Arrangements are currently under way to deliver a competition with a view to recruiting up to 10 new fee-paid part-time Panel Commissioners. This will of course be subject to the availability of suitable people from within a limited and specialised market. Plans are also in place to recruit additional permanent Commissioners later in the year.

Three new internal appointments at Principal and Senior Commissioner level will shortly be made to the Commission to deploy against an increasingly complex workload and to provide the management and support necessary to maximise the effectiveness of the new Commissioners.

First Minister Advice

Mr M Storey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to the answer to AQW 4561/08, to provide a copy of (a) the further request for advice sought by the First Minister; and (b) the advice provided to the First Minister; and, if unable to provide a copy of this advice, to detail the reasons why this can not be made available.

(AQW 5767/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We are unable to provide copies of the material you have requested as the contents of both are covered by legal professional privilege. We can confirm, however, that our answers to AQW 1825/08 and AQW 4561/08 accurately reflect the legal advice received by the First Minister.

Executive Office in Brussels

Mr S Neeson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what use has been made of the Northern Ireland Executive Office in Brussels.

(AQO 2869/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Office of the Northern Ireland Executive in Brussels (ONIEB) is at the heart of this administration’s engagement with the European Union Institutions.

The Office is a resource that is available to this Assembly and its Committees and to Northern Ireland’s civic society, local government, universities and other groups seeking to engage in Europe.

As well as providing space in Brussels for visitors, staff in the Brussels Office are often asked to speak to visiting groups and organisations from other countries. This provides the opportunity to raise Northern Ireland’s positive profile throughout Europe.

Our Brussels staff work with all Northern Ireland’s representatives in Brussels, including Members of the European Parliament, the representatives of the Committee of the Regions and the Economic and Social Committee and with the Northern Ireland Civil Servants working for the European Commission.

Ministers and officials from our Department and from other Departments have made frequent use of the resources available in the Brussels Office since the restoration of devolution.

These visits have ranged from operational meetings between officials right through to us meeting with European Commission President Barroso to discuss the Northern Ireland Task Force.

Indeed, the Office has played a key role in liaison between this administration, the European Commission and the British and Irish Permanent Representatives as the work of the Task Force has progressed.

As you may be aware, we joined Commissioner Hübner this morning as she launched a report setting out how Northern Ireland can best engage with the European Union. We send our thanks to Commissioner Hübner for travelling to Belfast for the launch and for the ongoing long term support of the Commission as the work of the Task Force continues.

One of the reasons the Office was established was to ensure that Departments remain up to date with and influence policy developments at the EU level.

With the European Commission, through the Task Force, committed to helping us to grow a dynamic and innovative economy, we are sure that our Office in Brussels will continue to play a vital role in our work in Europe.

Gender Inequality

Mrs C Hanna asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the specific measures it is bringing forward to address gender inequality.

(AQO 2857/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Being disadvantaged because of gender, whether in the home, in education, in the labour market or elsewhere, is unacceptable. We are committed to policies that address and tackle such inequalities wherever they occur.

The Programme for Government commits our Department to the implementation of the cross-departmental Gender Equality Strategy and to introduce measures towards the total elimination of the gender pay gap.

The Gender Equality Strategy is implemented across government through the mainstreaming of gender considerations into all policies and strategies and, where appropriate, by specific gender action measures, to address identified gender inequalities.

Our officials are currently analysing gender equality action plans from all departments which will form the basis of cross-departmental plans for the period 2007-2011. We aim to bring these to the Executive, together with a report on the action measures required across a range of themes including poverty, violence, employment, work-life balance, decision making, access to services and data research to address gender equality, in advance of the Summer recess 2008 and following consultation with our Departmental Committee.

Good Relations Strategy

Mr F Molloy asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on progress on the Good Relations Strategy to promote cohesion, sharing and integration.

(AQO 2907/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: As we have stated on previous occasions, we are totally committed to the cross-cutting theme of a shared and better future for all: equality, fairness, inclusion and the promotion of good relations are the watchwords for all our policies and programmes across government. We have committed an additional ₤7.5m direct expenditure over the next three years – 2008/2011, with a total investment of approximately ₤29m on good relations and good race relations.

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. As the Member is aware, our officials briefed the Committee of the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister on the current stage of development of the Programme last week. This programme will tackle issues affecting both the established communities as well as new arrivals. It will build on some of the excellent work which is already being done, particularly by district councils and community organisations, to address the challenges which local communities are facing. Action to tackle sectarianism, racism and intolerance will be at the core of these proposals.

The emphasis of the programme will be support for local people to deal with local issues through their local solutions.

Bamford Review

Mrs N Long asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the actions it will take over the next 12 months to deliver on the recommendations of the Bamford Review of Mental Health and Learning Disabilities.

(AQO 2866/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Our Programme for Government commits us to achieve a measurable improvement in the lives of people with disabilities by 2012. To that end our Department is finalising the report of the Promoting Social Inclusion Working Group on Disability which was set up to examine the barriers to participation experienced by people with disabilities, including those with a mental health or learning disability, that contribute to their relative poverty, disadvantage and social exclusion. That report will include recommendations aimed at removing such barriers faced by people with disabilities.

The report will also take account of the recommendations of the Bamford review and the Executive’s response to these which is being co-ordinated by the Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety. We will consult with our Departmental Committee on the Promoting Social Inclusion (Disability) report and in due course ask the Executive to consider its recommendations.

Furthermore, our Department continues to bring forward legislation to strengthen the rights of people with disabilities including those with a learning disability. This legislation implements provisions of the Disability Discrimination Order introduced by OFMDFM in 2006. It covers areas such as functions of public authorities, private clubs, premises and transport.

Rural Post Offices

Mr D O'Loan asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the action it has taken to date to challenge the proposal to close more than thirty rural Post Offices.

(AQO 2834/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The recent announcement by Post Office Ltd reflects the UK Government’s network change strategy which sets out a range of measures it believes are needed to modernise and reshape the network to place it on a more stable, long-term financial footing.

The Member will be aware that this is a reserved matter but the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister ensured that the views of Northern Ireland departments were conveyed to the UK Government as the strategy was being developed.

We welcome the UK Government’s commitment to continue to support the network, that significant sums will be available to Post Office Ltd to maintain a viable network and that there was a recognition of the social role that Post Offices play in local communities.

It is very regrettable therefore that the Post Office has now had to propose the closure of 42 Post Offices, both urban and rural. While we must acknowledge the social, technological and financial issues underlying these proposals, they are undoubtedly of concern to those communities which will be affected by the removal of this service.

We are writing to the Secretary of State, with responsibility for post office matters, seeking an extension to the consultation period. Our colleague, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, has also written to the Post Office seeking a meeting to discuss the impact of the closures on rural areas.

We would also urge all Members of this Assembly to carefully consider these proposals with the communities they represent, and make their views known to the Post Office directly.

Union Flag

Mr D Burnside asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what consultation it has had with the UK Government on the terms of a green paper which includes proposals to allow schools, hospitals and council buildings to fly the union flag all year round.

(AQO 2922/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: A green paper entitled The Governance of Britain was published by the UK Government on 3 July 2007. In the green paper the Government said it would consult on proposals to alter the guidance on flying the Union Flag from UK Government buildings in England, Scotland and Wales.

The UK Government announced that it had no plans to change the current legislation governing flag flying here and as a result the consultation exercise arising from the green paper did not include Northern Ireland.

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 2867/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We would refer the Member to our previous answer to her question AQO 2615/08, published in the Written Answers Booklet on Friday 4 April 2008, where we clearly set out the position.

Byron Report

Mr M McLaughlin asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail how the recently published Byron Report will be taken forward.

(AQO 2917/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We welcome Dr Byron’s report of her review which examined the risks to children of potentially harmful or inappropriate material on the internet and in video games.

She has recommended the establishment of a UK Council on Child Internet Safety chaired by the Home Office and DCSF with two core elements:

Better regulation of the industry; and
Better information and education.

Keeping children and young people safe is a priority for us all and this is a wide ranging report which has implications for a number of departments.

We have therefore asked officials in the Children and Young People’s Unit to work with those departments to examine Dr Byron’s recommendations in detail and produce a paper on the way forward for discussion at the next meeting of the Ministerial Sub-Committee on Children and Young People.

Child Poverty

Mrs M Bradley asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail its delivery plan to eradicate child poverty.

(AQO 2831/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: It is totally unacceptable that around 100,000 children here live in poverty and the Executive is determined to tackle this issue as a priority. Our Programme for Government therefore commits specifically to:

Work towards the elimination of child poverty in Northern Ireland by 2020 and reducing child poverty by 50% by 2010; and

Work towards the elimination of severe child poverty by 2012.

There are a number of policies which currently aim to lift children out of poverty. These include tax and benefit policies set by the UK Government, and Programmes such as Early Years, New Deal and Sure Start which are the responsibility of Northern Ireland Departments, but we need to do more if we are to achieve these targets. Consequently, the Executive will soon adopt its own Strategy to tackle poverty and social exclusion based on objective need. In so doing it will take account of the findings and recommendations coming out of the current enquiry by the OFMDFM Committee.

We will also take account of findings from our own departmental work on tackling disadvantage and barriers experienced by lone parents and people with disabilities, which is nearing completion.

Bamford Review

Mr K McCarthy asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the support it is giving to the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to implement the recommendations of the Bamford Review of Mental Health and Learning Disabilities.

(AQO 2864/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Our Programme for Government commits us to achieve a measurable improvement in the lives of people with disabilities by 2012. To that end our Department is finalising the report of the Promoting Social Inclusion Working Group on Disability including recommendations to remove barriers faced by people with disabilities. This report will take account of the recommendations of the Bamford review and the Executive’s response to these. We will consult with our Departmental Committee on the Promoting Social Inclusion (Disability) report and in due course ask the Executive to consider its recommendations.

Bamford Review

Mr D Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the support it is giving to the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to implement the recommendations of the Bamford Review of Mental Health and Learning Disabilities.

(AQO 2863/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Our Programme for Government commits us to achieve a measurable improvement in the lives of people with disabilities by 2012. To that end our Department is finalising the report of the Promoting Social Inclusion Working Group on Disability including recommendations to remove barriers faced by people with disabilities. This report will take account of the recommendations of the Bamford review and the Executive’s response to these. We will consult with our Departmental Committee on the Promoting Social Inclusion (Disability) report and in due course ask the Executive to consider its recommendations.

Civic Forum

Mr A Attwood asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what assessments have been made on the role and function of the Civic Forum.

(AQO 2830/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The arrangements for the Civic Forum, approved by the Assembly on 16 February 1999, provided for a formal review of all matters relating to the structure and effective operation of the Civic Forum. However, the suspension of the devolved institutions in October 2002 meant that the review, which had commenced in the Spring of 2002, was not completed.

Following the restoration of devolution in May 2007, the Executive decided to commission a fresh review to examine the effectiveness and appropriateness of the current structure, operation and membership of the Forum and to make recommendations on the most appropriate mechanism and arrangements for engaging with and obtaining the views of civic society on social, economic and cultural matters. The Terms of Reference for the review have been placed in the Library.

Climate Change

Mr T Gallagher asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to provide an assessment of the contribution Government departments are making to help reduce climate change.

(AQO 2898/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Lead responsibility for Climate Change policy lies with the Department of the Environment. OFMDFM will monitor and report on progress as part of its strategic responsibility for sustainable development.

Within the Sustainability Strategy, departments have individually identified key actions which will contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and each is responsible for the delivery of these. OFMDFM will use the Implementation Plan and a number of Key Indicators as the primary mechanisms to monitor and report progress against targets, as part of its strategic responsibility for sustainable development.

Child Poverty

Miss M McIlveen asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the impact that the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Budget Announcement will have on tackling child poverty and the targets set by OFMDFM.

(AQO 2892/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Budget announcement marks further progress towards the achievement of child poverty targets through significant investment. Measures announced in the budget which will undoubtedly play an important role include:

Increasing the first child rate of Child Benefit to £20 per week by April 2009;

disregarding Child Benefit in calculating income for Housing Benefit, which improves the work incentive and boosts income for the lowest paid families;

increasing the child element of the Child Tax Credit by £50 per year above indexation from April 2009.

At the time of the Budget announcement, Government estimated that some 250,000 children will, as a consequence, be lifted out of poverty across the United Kingdom. Estimates for different regions are not available but it would be reasonable to assume however that Northern Ireland will benefit proportionately.

Equality Impact Assessment

Ms M Anderson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on its recent Equality Impact Assessment on the Programme for Government, Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland and Budget.

(AQO 2920/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: At the end of January 2008, the Executive launched its draft Equality Impact Assessment carried out at a strategic level on the Programme for Government, Budget and Investment Strategy for a twelve week consultation period.

Officials from OFMDFM, the Department of Finance and Personnel and the Strategic Investment Board have held five public consultation events to ensure that the public and interested groups had an opportunity to feed key messages into the consultation process. These consultation meetings were widely advertised in the local press and officials contacted local Councils, Health Trusts and Boards, Education and Library Boards and representatives from Section 75 groups in advance to make them aware of the publication of the draft EQIA and the public consultation events.

In addition to these public meetings, officials have arranged consultation meetings with interested organisations such as the Equality Coalition and Disability Action. They have also offered to meet with other organisations on request.

The consultation process on the draft assessment is still current and in addition to participating in consultation meetings, members of the public and organisations can submit written consultation responses until the closing date of 23^rd April 2008.

AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Tree-Felling

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to confirm if the Forest Service and the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) are utilising private sector resources to train employees in tree-felling; and to detail the amount spent on such resources.

(AQW 5170/08)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms M Gildernew): The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise, (CAFRE), is responsible for the organisation of training for Forest Service staff. CAFRE has two staff members to deliver this training. However, due to sick absences of these staff and to enable CAFRE to meet its commitments to Forest Service, CAFRE has procured a private company for the provision of Chainsaw Training Refresher Courses. The value of this tender is £165 per day.

Training of Forest Service staff in tree-felling is due to commence this month.

European Union Fisheries Council

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail where she sat during the 2007 European Union Fisheries Council; and to confirm that she negotiated directly with European Union representatives from countries other than the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

(AQW 5250/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I attended all the plenary sessions at the Council with my fellow fisheries Ministers and negotiated directly at bilaterals with the Commission and the Presidency.

European Fisheries Fund

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide a timescale within which (i) the new European Fisheries Fund will go live; (ii) applications can be submitted; and (iii) applications will be processed.

(AQW 5251/08)

Ms M Gildernew: (i) It is anticipated that European Commission will approve the Operational Programme for the EFF in July 2008.

(ii) We plan to have the Fund open to applications within 3 months of receiving approval.

(iii) My Department will be working with the Fishing Industry over the summer to help applicants formulate proposals. It is likely that the first applications will be processed and approved by the selection panel before the end of the year.

Local Fishing Fleet

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the reasons why she has not responded to the proposals submitted by the Anglo-North Irish Fish Producers Organisation, in relation to assistance for the Northern Ireland fishing fleet.

(AQW 5252/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I have written to Alan McCulla, Chief Executive of ANIFPO to explain that I wanted to consider fully all the implications of what ANIFPO had proposed and the various requests which have been made by or on behalf of the industry. I offered to meet with him to discuss these matters further but unfortunately that did not prove possible to arrange. ANIFPO representatives participated in a meeting with my officials on 28 March at which the ANIFPO and other proposals were discussed.

Fishery Harbours Authority

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the reasons why there have been above inflation increases for charges imposed at (i) Ardglass; (ii) Kilkeel; and (iii) Portavogie, by the Northern Ireland Fishery Harbours Authority over the last 3 years.

(AQW 5253/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The NI Fishery Harbour Authority (NIFHA) sets uniform dues and charges for vessels at the three local fishing harbours. Over the past three years landing dues which is the largest component of the charge paid by active vessels have not increased, remaining at 2.75% of the value of fish landed.

There have been increases in berthing dues and other charges. For example, for 15m vessels, annual berthing charges rose by £2 (1.83%) in 2006, by £3 (2.7%) in 2007 and by £16 (14%) in 2008.

The level of those charges were considered carefully following a benchmarking exercise by NIFHA which compared its charges with those of other fishery harbours in England, Scotland and Ireland. Charges at Kilkeel, Ardglass and Portavogie remain competitive compared to other Irish Sea ports.

Increases have been necessary to ensure that NIFHA can deliver a good level of service to the local fishing fleet at all three harbours. Even with these increases the Authority is unlikely to fully cover its operating costs in 2008.

Dog Fish Catches

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the reasons why the quotas for catches of dog fish were so low after the Brussels meeting in December 2007.

(AQW 5273/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Assessments by the ICES Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes indicate a decline in spurdog abundance which has resulted in the conclusion that the stock is depleted and may be in danger of collapse.

Until recently there was no individual Member State spurdog quota for the sea area that includes the Irish Sea last year and all countries fished off an EU quota. The EU quota was reduced by 41% for 2008 with member states given an individual allocation for the first time and a

bycatch limit of 5% was introduced. In Britain the allocation in 2008 is 739 tonnes compared to provisional landings in 2007 of 678 tonnes.

The bycatch limit is aimed at preventing spurdog becoming a target fishery. A bycatch limit results in spurdog being discarded at sea but this is regarded as a worthwhile conservation measure because spurdog have a good discard survival rate because of their robust physiology.

Spurdogs are slow growing, long lived species that reproduce at low levels compared to the main commercial fish species. They are therefore very susceptible to fishing pressure as they cannot recover quickly.

Dog Fish

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the action she is taking to increase the quotas for dog fish in the Irish Sea.

(AQW 5274/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Dogfish is a relatively minor fish stock for our fleet with provisional figures showing 82.4 tonnes landed in 2007 worth around £58,000. I will try to maintain all our quota opportunities and secure increases where there is good scientific evidence to support our arguments. However, most effort will necessarily be directed to our most economically important stocks such as Nephrops, haddock and herring. I am aware that the industry finds the by-catch limit for dogfish of 5% of landings restrictive and I have asked by officials to explore with the Commission the scope on alternative approach to the application of such conservation measures which would provide more flexibility for fishermen.

Local Fishing Fleet

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the action she is taking to provide financial assistance to the Northern Ireland Fishing Fleet, similar to that allocated by the Spanish Government to its fishing fleet.

(AQW 5275/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The EU Commission’s Regulation on "de minimus aid" which was adopted in July last year allows Member States to pay up to € 30 000 per three-year period, per beneficiary. De minimis aid is aid deemed not to distort competition. The Spanish Government has opted to pay such aid reportedly to maintain industry competitiveness.

I acknowledge that the catching sector is experiencing difficultly with high fuel prices and I applaud the initiatives being taken by the industry to reduce fuel costs. It is my view that a longer-term, strategic plan is needed to deal with the problems of spiralling fuel costs and low fish prices. I want to begin a dialogue about this with the industry - so that we can develop jointly a strategic plan for a profitable and sustainable fishing industry. In doing so we should together consider the scope for utilising the 36 million Euro of public investment that will be available under the European Fisheries Fund.

I have listened carefully to proposals made by and on behalf of the fishing industry. I will make a full statement to the Assembly in the near future when I have completed my consideration of the various representations which have been made to me.

Local Fishing Fleet

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the discussions she has had with (i) fishing organisations; and (ii) the European Union, in relation to the financial assistance that can be given to the local fishing fleet.

(AQW 5276/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I had a lengthy discussion with representatives from the North of Ireland Trawlermens’ Trading Company on fuel costs and other issues on 11 February. At my request officials met representatives of the local industry on 28 March to discuss their request for financial assistance.

I met with Commissioner Borg on 1^st April to impress on him the key challenges that faced our fishing fleet. Our agenda covered key stocks, the impact of effort restrictions, rising fuel costs and the subsidies offered by other European Countries.

Northern Ireland Produce

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the action her department is taking to better promote the origin and quality of Northern Ireland produce.

(AQW 5291/08)

Ms M Gildernew: There are very strict EU rules restricting the extent to which Government can support publicity campaigns which promote domestically produced goods in preference to similar goods from other parts of the EU. Consequently public funds cannot be used to endorse food produced on the basis of its origin except under the EU approved NI Regional Food Programme (NIRFP).

The NIRFP aims to promote quality regional food and increase its consumption within the North, the South and Britain. Under the Programme financial assistance is available to develop and expand profitable and sustainable markets by encouraging better co-operation and communication between all sectors of the food industry. In the last year activities funded under this Programme have included the new Food Pavilion at the Balmoral Show, the NI Food and Drink Awards, National Sausage Week, and a recipe book supported by a number of local producer groups. Applicants for the 2008/09 funding year will be advised, during April if their applications have been successful.

As an NDPB of my Department, the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) undertakes a range of marketing activities aimed at promoting locally produced Farm Quality Assured beef and lamb, at home and abroad.

You will also be aware of the EU Protected Food Names Scheme which the Department administers. This Scheme aims to promote the regional distinctiveness of food within Europe.

Additionally, a voluntary pilot scheme is currently being developed with key stakeholders, involving origin labelling of beef in a number of local restaurants. This pilot will be evaluated and will provide for the first time valuable information on consumer attitudes and preferences about origin labelling of beef in the food service sector.

Fishing Vessels Registered

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (i) the number of fishing vessels registered in Northern Ireland; and (ii) how this figure has changed over the last 10 years.

(AQW 5292/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Vessels Registered in the North of Ireland 1998 to 2008

Year	Under 10m	Over 10m	Total
1998	161	190	351
1999	164	182	346
2000	167	179	346
2001	167	179	346
2002	167	152	319
2003	173	145	318
2004	185	128	313
2005	195	133	328
2006	194	132	326
2007	183	138	321
2008	183	138	321

Fishing Industry

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide an estimate of the number of people employed within the fishing industry; and to detail how this number has changed over the last 10 years.

(AQW 5294/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Estimated number of people employed in the fishing industry

Year	Part time	Full time	Total
1997	1879	403	2282
1998	1932	372	2304
1999	1878	374	2252
2000	1674	351	2025
2001	1530	305	1835
2002	1469	294	1763
2003	1325	228	1553
2004	1433	227	1660
2005	1401	268	1669
2006	1319	282	1601

The estimated number of people employed in the fishing industry in 2007 is not yet available.

Bulk Buying Fuel

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, in light of the fishing industry's initiative to reduce costs by bulk buying fuel, to detail the steps she is taking to assist the industry.

(AQW 5350/08)

Forest Parks

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail her plans to increase community involvement in forest parks.

(AQW 5355/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Forest Service already engages with a number of community organisations to facilitate public access and enjoyment of DARD’s forests. For example, walking and cycling trails were developed at Learmount Forest through a project led by Learmount Community Development Group Limited and recently a memorandum of understanding was signed between Fermanagh District Council and Forest Service on the expansion of the Marble Arch Caves Geopark to include forestry lands in Fermanagh.

The Forestry Strategy (DARD 2006) indicates that state forests will be primarily used for timber production and quiet enjoyment of people, however, in the context of providing better value from the forest estate, opportunities to enter into partnership agreements with other bodies, including community interests, will be considered, in order to develop specific activities within certain forests. In order to facilitate this, Forest Service intends to publish a strategy for the social use of its forests that will set out a framework for such activity.

In the context of preparing forest management plans for state forests, Forest Service consults a wide variety of stakeholders, including community groups and individuals. Consultation provides stakeholders with information about the proposed management plans, the likely effects of these plans on the forest and takes account of their resulting views when developing a final plan.

Farm Machinery Thefts

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the discussions she has had with her counterparts in other regions of the United Kingdom in relation to the increasing number of farm machinery thefts.

(AQW 5357/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I have not discussed the subject of farm machinery thefts with my counterparts. This is primarily a matter for the Police Service for NI (the Department is aware that the PSNI meet with groups of farmers in particular ‘hot spot areas’ to provide advice on protecting farm machinery assets).

National Grain Shortage

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the action she is taking to address the national grain shortage.

(AQW 5359/08)

Ms M Gildernew: As you may already know action has been taken at European Union (EU) level to address the grain shortage by fixing the set aside rate at zero to release more land into cereals production. In addition to this early predictions are that the amount of cereals planted has also risen for this harvest year. While the current market conditions continue the growing of cereals should remain attractive and this may help to stabilise the grain market.

In relation to the current grain shortage and the challenges it poses for the intensive sector I personally have engaged in a number of initiatives in recent months to address the issue.

I met with Ministers Ruane and McGimpsey with a view to developing and expanding local food sourcing initiatives in the Education and Health services. I have also discussed with my colleagues the question of increased public procurement of local produce.

I wrote to every supermarket in the North of Ireland 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. This hopefully provides an opportunity for increased returns to work back through the supply chain to the farmgate price.

Specifically in terms of support for the pigs sector, following a meeting with pig sector representatives, including the Ulster Farmer’s Union, I wrote to the Defra Secretary of State to urge support for the re-introduction of export refunds for the pig sector. I have also written to Mary Coughlan TD on this issue. Under pressure from Member States export refunds were introduced.

My Department continues to support the intensive production sector in every way it can. The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise provides a comprehensive range of education and training programmes for producers and processors. The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute supports the sector through research and development work, which provides an important science and expertise base to support industry development.

I will certainly consider any suggestions my colleagues have to offer which might ease the current situation.

National Grain Shortage

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the contact she has had with her counterparts in other regions of the United Kingdom in relation to addressing the national grain shortage.

(AQW 5360/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I have not contacted my British counterparts specifically on the issue of grain shortage. I have however referred to the issue when I wrote to the Defra Secretary of State and Mary Coughlan TD to gather support for the re-introduction of export refunds for the pig sector.

I have also discussed the problems caused by the grain shortage with the Assembly on 3 March 2008 in relation to the No Day Named Motion on Grain Scarcity.

I will be meeting with Jim Nicholson MEP in the next few weeks to discuss the issue of rising feed costs and the implications of the grain shortage will be raised in that context.

The issue shall receive further consideration at the next Devolved Agriculture Ministers meeting later this year.

Official Visits

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of occasions she has met with her counterparts in Scotland and Wales to discuss issues relevant to the 3 devolved institutions.

(AQW 5361/08)

Ms M Gildernew: To date, I have participated in nine meetings with either or both my Ministerial counterparts in Scotland and Wales.

Irish Cattle Breeds

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the action she is taking to ensure the continued existence of endangered traditional Irish cattle breeds.

(AQW 5381/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The Irish Moiled Cattle option was introduced to DARD’s agri-environment schemes in 2005, to encourage an increase in the population of breeding Irish Moiled female cattle by 50 per cent by 2016. The proposed NI Countryside Management Scheme (NICMS) will continue to support this aim.

Currently, 8 Countryside Management Scheme participants receive support under this option, for a total of 107 animals.

Potential also exists under the Special Environment Projects option in NICMS to support proposals to graze with other traditional breeds where environmental benefit can be shown.

Pig Farming

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the actions she is taking to secure the long term future of pig farmers.

(AQW 5385/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I am very aware of the difficulties being faced by pig farmers and share their concerns. Expanding demand for grain from a growing world population and for biofuels coupled with lower cereals production, has caused a reduction in stock levels and a rapid and significant rise in cereals prices. The losses in the pig sector are a direct consequence of these price rises and pigmeat production and prices have yet to respond to these increased input costs. The only long-term, sustainable solution to higher input costs is for European pigmeat production to fall leading to an EU-wide adjustment in pigmeat prices.

I am committed to the future of a sustainable pig industry here. I lobbied successfully for the re-introduction of export refunds for pigmeat to assist in restoring some balance and stability to the sector. I engaged with the retail sector and am aware that there has been a recent rise in some prices which hopefully will provide an opportunity for increased returns to work back through the supply chain to the farmgate price. I continue to work with colleagues to obtain increased public procurement of local produce and with farming representatives to see how together we can progress through the current difficulties.

DARD is putting in substantial resource at farm level to aid compliance with environmental restrictions and support is provided to producers under Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control legislation. There is a comprehensive range of education and training programmes for producers and processors. Meat technologists provide a wide range of technical support to the processing sector and Supply Chain Development Branch helps groups to work together and with industry partners to improve returns. Through AFBI, DARD continues to support the sector via research and development, providing an important science and expertise base. I am not in a position to provide significant direct financial support without Commission approval however EU funding will be available to develop and expand profitable and sustainable markets and to encourage better co-operation and communications between all sectors of the food industry.

I have concerns about encouraging producers to get into increasing debt using borrowed money at a reduced rate in order to subsidise continued production such as the de minimis subsidised loan scheme currently being operated in France. A meaningful state aid scheme cannot, however, be achieved within the short timeframe that would provide immediate relief to producers. It is more likely that a rebalancing of the market would have taken place before such a measure could achieve any significant impact.

Whilst I cannot provide any additional funding, my Department will continue to assist in whatever way it can to help producers develop new production systems with a view to satisfying the demands of, or need for, new market opportunities and I personally will continue to lend my support in whatever way I can.

Press Office

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, pursuant to her answer to AQW 4534/08, to detail the number of staff working in her department's press office, broken down by grade.

(AQW 5386/08)

Ms M Gildernew: There are currently five Press Officers employed within the Department, who provide support to the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development and Departmental officials on core press office activity.

The grading of the Press Officers is as follows: -

1 x Principal Press Officer, 2 x Senior Information Officers,

1 x Information Officer and 1 x Assistant Information Officer.

Fishing Industry

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to explain why light dues are forced upon the Northern Ireland fishing industry while other parts of Europe are exempt.

(AQW 5461/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Responsibility for the provision of navigational aids at sea and the collection of light dues is not a devolved matter but continues to live with the Department of Transport in London. Aids to navigation for shipping throughout Britain and Ireland are provided by the 3 General Lighthouse Authorities (GLAs). They are Trinity House, The Northern Lighthouse Board and the Commissioners of Irish Lights.

Light dues totalled £70.1m in 2006/07 with approximately £0.46m coming from UK fishing vessels over 10m in length. Vessels under 10m are exempt. The North’s vessels contribute around £50,000 per year in light dues. At current rates a 15m vessel would pay £290 per year and a 24m vessel £470 per year.

In 2004 a study of the impact of paying light dues by all British shipping, including fishing, was carried out for the Department of Transport (DTR). This concluded that paying light dues did not place British shipping at a disadvantage compared to other countries such as France and Germany where aids to navigation are paid for through general taxation.

The DTR have since reaffirmed their policy that the user should pay but have stated that they are determined to minimise the cost burden on the industry. Dues have been reduced since 2002.

Fishing Industry

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development why the Fishing Industry has to pay for maintenance of the Satellite Monitoring equipment.

(AQW 5462/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The Vessel Monitoring Systems fitted in all fishing vessels over 15m were provided with the assistance of a 100% grant for government which included a 3 year warranty.

There are currently 105 vessels with VMS terminals and the majority of these were fitted in early 2005. Some terminals have now the end of the original warranty and the company that supplies this equipment is contacting vessel owners to offer them a warranty extension for 2 years (which provides free replacement terminals and servicing) at a cost of £21 per month.

It is not compulsory to take up this offer but without a warranty there is a risk that fishermen could face expensive charges for servicing or replacement of the equipment and the possibility of having to remain in port until the terminal is functioning to the satisfaction of the Department.

I have asked my officials to examine the scope for meeting some of the costs associated with the operation of the satellite vessel monitoring system here

Local Fishing Fleet

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to confirm (i) that any grant given in relation to the fuel crisis will be based on the traditional returns made by the vessel agents to the Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority; (ii) that other charges (e.g Slipping, Ice etc) will remain; and (iii) in the 12 months following the grant the department will work with the fishing industry to implement a plan using the European Fisheries Fund to address the fuel crisis in the long term.

(AQW 5487/08)

Rural Development Programme

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, following the announcement by the Minister for the Environment on the outworking of local government boundaries under the Review of Public Administration, to detail the impact this will this have on the delivery mechanisms for the Rural Development Programme.

(AQO 2925/08)

Ms M Gildernew: With your permission, Mr Speaker, I will answer question 6 and question 18 together.

On 20 September last I announced that the Rural Development Programme 2007-13 (RDP) would be delivered through self-formed clusters of at least three councils. Since then, progress in forming clusters and animating rural areas has been good. All councils have now joined clusters, seven in all, and local action groups will soon be in place to start developing the strategies that will allow programme funds to flow.

On 13 March, the Minister of the Environment announced the outcome of the Review of Public Administration, which will be implemented from 2011. Soon afterwards I wrote to the clusters to assure them that the seven-cluster model would remain.

The advanced stage of development of the delivery mechanisms and tight programme timetable mean that it is not possible to start afresh. To do so would lose substantial European funding to rural dwellers and the rural economy. Communities must be able to access rural development funding now, and operating this model will provide valuable experience for the councils that will deliver the RDP after 2011. Moreover, the new councils are several years away and will arrive at a time when I hope a large percentage of the RDP will already have been delivered.

Single Farm Payments

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of Single Farm Payments which are still outstanding for 2007/2008.

(AQO 2847/08)

Ms M Gildernew: With the Speaker’s permission, I will take Questions 8 and 10 together.

One of my priorities since coming to office has been to ensure that farmers receive timely subsidy payments. I am pleased to say that performance in both the Less Favoured Area Compensatory Allowances and Single Farm Payment schemes has improved compared to previous years.

By the end of March, 95% of those eligible for Less Favoured Area Compensatory Allowances have received their payment and 94.16% Single Farm Payment claims have been paid.

A further 173 Single Farm Payment claims were assessed as ineligible. This leaves 5.4 % cases outstanding for 2007 and means that 2,100 claims have still to be finalised. I know many farmers are dependent on these payments and my staff are making every effort to complete these as soon as possible.

Single Farm Payments

Mr F Molloy asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the progress on Single Farm Payments and Less Favoured Areas payments.

(AQO 2931/08)

Ms M Gildernew: One of my priorities since coming to office has been to ensure that farmers receive timely subsidy payments. I am pleased to say that performance in both the Less Favoured Area Compensatory Allowances and Single Farm Payment schemes has improved compared to previous years.

By the end of March, 95% of those eligible for Less Favoured Area Compensatory Allowances have received their payment and 94.16% Single Farm Payment claims have been paid.

Growing Biofuels

Mr L Cree asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the total amount of agricultural land which has been converted to growing biofuels in the last five years.

(AQO 2923/08)

Ms M Gildernew: As you will be aware, our agriculture is predominantly grass based, with only 3 per cent devoted to cereal and oilseed crops in 2006. However, areas of both cropping and oilseed rape have been considerably higher in the past than at present.

We have no historical data going back over the last 5 years. However, the last two Farm Census Surveys indicate that 470 hectares of oilseed rape was planted in June 2006 and this dropped slightly to 398 hectares in June 2007. A very small proportion of this crop will be used for the production of bio-fuel and used mainly to power on-farm vehicles.

Current market conditions are more attractive to the arable sector for the growing of cereal crops rather than energy crops. Therefore bio-fuel production in Northern Ireland remains a niche market for those who can easily produce good yields of oilseed rape for bio-fuel production as opposed to high value cereal crops.

In the absence of any significant change in land use patterns, the quantities of cereals and oilseeds grown in the North could not support significant biodiesel/bio-ethanol production.

Currently, the growth of crops for use as bio-fuels, is promoted by DARD under the EU Aid for Energy Crops Scheme. There are no further plans to support the growth of crops specifically for the purpose of bio-fuel production.

Organic Fruit and Vegetables

Mr B McCrea asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the strategies that have been put in place to promote the production and marketing of organic fruit and vegetables.

(AQO 2913/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I intend to offer increased levels of support under a new Organic Farming Scheme to assist farmers who wish to convert from conventional to organic production. The following payments are proposed on a ‘per hectare’ basis, and will be apportioned over five years:-

Horticulture (including top fruit) - £670

Arable - £570

Other Improved Land - £470

I also propose to offer an ongoing post-conversion payment of £30 per hectare per year for certified organic land under the proposed Organic Option in the new Countryside Management Scheme.

In December 2007 I launched the Agricultural and Forestry Processing and Marketing Grant Scheme providing up to 40% financial assistance towards capital costs for producers and processors involved or wishing to become involved in processing and marketing. In addition, the Agricultural and Forestry Marketing and Development Grant Scheme and the Supply Chain Development Programme, both due to be launched in 2008, will provide financial assistance to farmers and processors to enhance their marketing capability.

DARD has offered funding under the Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme towards the set up of an organic guide and web facility for producers and consumers.

Supply Chain Development advisers provide advice and skills development to individual producers and groups of producers on market led activities. CAFRE (Greenmount Campus) continues to provide education, advice and ongoing support in relation to organic farming. It also develops and tests new technologies appropriate to the local organic sector.

DARD, through funding for the Organic Action Plan Group, sponsored an organic horticulture study visit to England for local producers in March 2008, and funded items including a consumer information leaflet, educational material for schools, an organic market study and an Organic Supply Chain Conference.

Sainsbury's Supermarket

Mr D McClarty asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the economic benefits to local farmers of Sainsbury's Supermarket announcement that they are going to source beef locally.

(AQO 2912/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I have engaged with multiple retailers in a number of meetings over the past few months, and have encouraged them to support the local agri food industry. Recently I welcomed the announcement made by Sainsbury’s Supermarket to sell only locally sourced beef in Northern Ireland. Sainsbury’s have committed that from the start of April, 100% of their fresh beef will be sourced, processed and packed locally. This includes all their brands of fresh beef.

The beef sourced and sold by Sainsbury’s in Northern Ireland is now worth in excess of £3.85 million per annum. Sainsbury’s anticipate that this commitment to local sourcing is likely to lead to an increase in sales. In addition Sainsbury’s recent announcement to open two new stores, through the purchase of the Curley’s group, will increase the number of outlets and volume of customers.

Two of the strands identified in taking forward the strategy developed by the Red Meat Task Force were ‘engaging with core customers’ and ‘building strong supply chain relationships’. I believe that the recent announcement from Sainsbury’s to source all their beef locally reflects the value of fully engaging with core customers and has achieved a positive outcome for our local famers and processors.

Bluetongue Disease

Mr D Ford asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to make a statement on the importation of bluetongue susceptible livestock.

(AQO 2901/08)

Ms M Gildernew: You are aware that the Executive agreed to suspend, with effect from 1 March 2008, the importation of certain breeding and production animals. This decision was taken in light or emerging science following the importation of an animal from the Netherlands to a farm in North Antrim that turned out to be infected.

This prompted Brussels to consider further the conditions under which susceptible animals are allowed to move out of Bluetongue zones. The Standing Committee on Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH) met in Brussels on 4 and 5 March and agreed to strengthen the Bluetongue regulation. The suspension of the importation of certain breeding and production animals remains in force and will do so until this SCoFCAH decision is published and comes into effect. The publication date for this decision remains uncertain as there are translation and printing delays. However, we continue to lobby Brussels for early publication.

Further SCoFCAH discussions regarding this regulation have, and will, take place. We will continue to monitor the situation in Brussels and will liaise with Dublin and London, and with stakeholders, about the steps necessary to minimise the risk of importing Bluetongue.

Bluetongue Disease

Mr B McElduff asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail how the all-Ireland strategy against the spread of Bluetongue disease will be developed as we enter the vector period.

(AQO 2930/08)

Ms M Gildernew: My officials regularly engage with their counterparts in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in Dublin (DAFF) on a range of disease prevention and control matters. The increased threat of Bluetongue, which has spread across Northern Europe and into England, has also led to co-operation in this area to develop an strategic approach to reduce the risk of Bluetongue to the island of Ireland.

You are aware that the Executive agreed to suspend, with effect from 1 March 2008, the importation of certain breeding and production animals. This decision was taken in light or emerging science following the importation of an animal from the Netherlands to a farm in North Antrim that turned out to be infected. Similar action was taken by Mary Coughlan TD in the South.

Our action prompted Brussels to consider further the conditions under which susceptible animals are allowed to move out of Bluetongue zones. The Standing Committee on Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH) met in Brussels on 4 and 5 March and agreed to strengthen the Bluetongue regulation. The suspension of the importation of certain breeding and production animals remains in force and will do so until this SCoFCAH decision is published and comes into effect.

We continue to work closely with DAFF to ensure that the measures in place on the island of Ireland are proportionate to the increased risk of the vector activity. Regular formal, and informal, communication between our Departments at all levels allows this to happen. The disease risk will be kept under review and appropriate action taken as required.

Rural Development Plan

Mr I McCrea asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail why she has retained the seven cluster delivery model to proceed with the Rural Development Plan.

(AQO 2842/08)

Ms M Gildernew: On 20 September last I announced that the Rural Development Programme 2007-13 (RDP) would be delivered through self-formed clusters of at least three councils. Since then, progress in forming clusters and animating rural areas has been good. All councils have now joined clusters, seven in all, and local action groups will soon be in place to start developing the strategies that will allow programme funds to flow.

Bluetongue Disease

Mr S Neeson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what steps she has taken to provide for a bluetongue vaccination if required.

(AQO 2908/08)

Ms M Gildernew: EU rules do not allow for vaccination against Bluetongue in an area that is free from the disease, which is the case on the island of Ireland. In addition, there are no supplies of any approved vaccine yet available for the strain of Bluetongue currently affecting England and Northern Europe. However, it is expected that supplies of such vaccine will become available in May this year.

Defra have ordered 22.5 million doses of vaccine for use in those areas of England that are already affected by Bluetongue. Some of this order is available for Wales, if needed. Scotland is considering their position about ordering vaccine as it is expected that the disease will continue to spread northwards in Britain.

While the island of Ireland is a separate epidemiological unit and is currently free from bluetongue disease, we are considering the situation carefully with colleagues in the South and exploring the various options open to us to ensure that vaccine will be available if required.

My aim is to keep the disease out of our country and to retain our free status for as long as is possible. This will allow us to see how the vaccines that are presently being developed work in on-farm situations elsewhere. Meantime I continue to keep the veterinary risk under review and will order vaccine if that is considered necessary.

Locally Sourced Products

Rev Dr R Coulter asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail her policy on the use of locally sourced products.

(AQO 2914/08)

Ms M Gildernew: DFP is the Government Department with responsibility for public sector contracts and I met recently with Peter Robinson MP MLA to discuss how we can increase the use of locally sourced products. I am keen that we explore all opportunities to use local produce as much as possible whilst adhering to EU law, which requires that all public procurement is carried out in a way that is fair and transparent.

My officials are working alongside DFP’s Central Procurement Directorate to develop advice and guidance on public procurement of food through the Sustainable Procurement Action Plan.

In terms of departmental support, DARD’s Regional Food Programme provides financial assistance to promote quality regional food. In addition, our Processing and Marketing Scheme provides assistance to help improve the competitiveness of the agri-food sector. CAFRE also provides a comprehensive range of education and training programmes for producers and processors targeted at developing technical and business management skills.

CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE

Book Spending

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail, for each of the last 5 years, the amount spent on the purchase of new books in each library in the South Eastern Education and Library Board.

(AQW 5295/08)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr E Poots): The South Eastern Education and Library Board (SEELB) Public Library Service purchases stock centrally for all of its branch libraries. Stock is allocated on the basis of a formula dependant on the size of the library and the population served.

The actual book expenditure in SEELB Libraries in the last 5 years is as follows:

2007/08 £782,000

2006/07 £758,726

2005/06 £235,133

2004/05 £233,082

2003/04 £672,280

Arts and Culture Funding

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the expenditure on publicly-funded arts and culture in 2007-08, broken down by constituency.

(AQW 5321/08)

Mr E Poots: Arts

Funding in support of the arts in Northern Ireland is disbursed through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Exchequer funding awarded by the Arts Council in 2007/08 broken down by constituency is shown in the table below:

Constituency	Award
Belfast East	£225,817
Belfast North	£1,643,890
Belfast South	£18,644,841
Belfast West	£881,141
East Antrim	£27,518
East Londonderry	£119,797.35
Fermanagh and South Tyrone	£92,294
Foyle	£5,168,672.50
Lagan Valley	£306,348
Mid Ulster	£33,390
Newry and Armagh	£299,045
North Antrim	£47,210
North Down	£162,351
South Antrim	£67,080
South Down	£75,850
Strangford	£50,345.70
Upper Bann	£41,188
West Tyrone	£2,500
Total	£27,889,278.55

Museums

The Northern Ireland Museums Council have a small grant programme which provides assistance to local Museums for the care of their collections and for improving the public's access to these collections. Grants claimed to date, broken down by constituency, are detailed in the table below:

Constituency	Award
Belfast South	£15,717.56
East Antrim	£34,900.40
East Londonderry	£45,097.09
Fermanagh and South Tyrone	£17,212.42
Foyle	£7,790
Lagan Valley	£13,417
Newry and Armagh	£12,551
North Antrim	£23,791
North Down	£117,715
South Down	£12,411
West Tyrone	£6,646.32
Total	£307,248.79

DCAL also funds Northern Ireland’s National Museums which incorporates the Ulster Museum in Belfast, the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum in Cultra, the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh, Armagh County Museum and W5 at the Odyssey. Total costs for National Museums Operations split by constituency area are as follows:

Constituency	Award
Belfast East (W5)	£2,100,000
Newry & Armagh	£186,000
North Down	£10,740,000
West Tyrone	£1,955,000
Total	£14,981,000

In addition, the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium’s total expenditure in 2007/08 was £1,978,000.

Cultural and Linguistic Diversity

With the exception of funding to the Gaeltacht Quarter (£182k), which is specifically targeted at West Belfast, other funding for cultural and linguistic diversity is not available by constituency.

Libraries

DCAL funds the five Education and Library Boards for the delivery of the public library service. The funding allocated for the last three years was provided in AQO2854/08. A breakdown is not available by parliamentary constituency.

DCAL also allocated £290k recurrent and £27k capital grant to the Linen Hall Library (Belfast) and £26k recurrent grant to the Cardinal O'Fiaich Library and Archive (Armagh).

Protestant Working Class Communities

Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail all the projects he has funded as a result of the "Taskforce on Protestant Working Class Communities" and the United Kingdom Government's response paper.

(AQW 5364/08)

Mr E Poots: The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure has funded the following projects or programmes as a result of the Taskforce:

Project/Programme	Administered by
Marginalised Youth Interventions	Northern Ireland Screen Commission
Intergenerational Film Project	Northern Ireland Screen Commission
Building Community through Media	Northern Ireland Screen Commission
Local and Family History Workshops	Ulster Historical Foundation
Sound and Vision-Exploring Cultural Identity through Music, Film & Culture	W5
Place, Identity and Art (later redeveloped as STart UP)	Arts Council of Northern Ireland
Re-Imaging Communities	Arts Council of Northern Ireland

Twelfth of July Celebrations

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the assistance his department is providing to the Orange Institution to promote the Twelfth of July celebrations.[R]

(AQW 5384/08)

Mr E Poots: From 1 April 2008 the Community Festivals Fund of £450k is being devolved to local Government and it will be a matter for them to assess the merits of applications from event organisers, including the Orange Institution.

My Department is currently providing funding to the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland for an Education Officer. While this funding is not directly related to the promotion of the Twelfth of July celebrations, it does allow the Lodge to work extensively with the local community and the Good Relations Officers in local Councils to promote a greater understanding of the Lodge and its annual celebrations.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail his plans to replace and manage grant applications formerly undertaken by the Northern Ireland Events Company.

(AQW 5392/08)

Mr E Poots: I am committed to having a facility in place to continue to provide grant funding to support world class events in Northern Ireland to showcase the best of what Northern Ireland has to offer. Recent examples of grant funding include the Tennis Legends in February 2008 and the FIM Trials World and European Championships 2008 in April 2008.

My Department has now established a DCAL Events Unit to undertake the events functions previously undertaken by the Northern Ireland Events Company.

An event grant funding programme was launched on 28^th March 2008 with public advertisements in the press on 28^th March 2008 and notification on the Department’s website www.dcalni.gov.uk. Applications have been invited for funding for 2008-2009, under the following two funding streams:

(a)Events Growth Fund (EGF); and

(b)Major Events Fund (MEF).

All events must secure Private Sector sponsorship to be eligible for funding.The closing date and deadline for receipt of applications isFriday 2^nd May 2008, no later than 5.00 pm. All applications will be assessed by the Department’s grant funding team against grant funding criterion. There have been 41 application packs issued up to 10 April 2008.

Although the NI Events Company will be dissolved, the function of promoting events in support of Northern Ireland’s image, tourism and economic development will continue. My Department is actively seeking to facilitate the transition to a new arrangement for delivering the events function. DCAL will on an interim basis, take on the management of the events function.

Bamford Report

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to advise what action he (i) has taken; (ii) is planning to take, to progress the implementation of the 'inclusion' agenda as outlined in the Bamford Report.

(AQW 5415/08)

Mr E Poots: DCAL continues to maintain and develop policies consistent with the Bamford Review and recognises the need to progress the ‘inclusion’ agenda contained therein.

Initiatives in Arts, Culture and Sport have been taken to implement the ‘inclusion’ agenda and these initiatives will continue to be developed and progressed.

Armagh Observatory

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the reasons for the Armagh Observatory's financial difficulties, which threaten the existence of the Observatory.

(AQW 5456/08)

Mr E Poots: The reasons for the funding difficulties are increased salaries and associated pension contribution costs.

The Department recognised the funding difficulties faced and provided uplifts of 27% on baseline for each of the next 3 years.

Despite this, the Director of the Observatory has indicated in his Business Plan that this is not enough and he requires a further £160k.

The Department will continue to engage with the Board of Governors of the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium in support of their efforts to maintain sustainability.

Departmental Funding

Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the bands that have successfully received funding through (i) the Ulster-Scots Agency; and (ii) the Arts Council, since May 2007.

(AQW 5473/08)

Mr E Poots: Details of the funding awarded to bands through the Ulster-Scots Agncy and the Arts Council since May 2007 are shown in the tables below:

Ulster-Scots Agency

Name	Project	Award
Tullywhisker Pipe Band	Musical Tuition	£2,100
Drumlough Pipe Band	Musical Tuition	£876.87
Crilly Pipe Band	Musical Tuition	£755
William Kerr Mem Pipe Band	Musical Tuition	£1,418
Dyan Pipe Band	Musical Tuition	£1,157.50
Curlough Acc Band	Musical Tuition	£862.50
Trillick Pipe Band	Musical Tuition	£1,025.50
Lavin Flute Band	Musical Tuition	£400
Aughintober Pipe Band	Musical Tuition	£1,725
Benburb Mem Pipe Band	Musical Tuition	£1,725
Brunswick Acc Band	Musical Tuition	£2,250
Hamilton Flute Band	Musical Tuition	£700
Moneymore Acc Band	Musical Tuition	£1,260
Mourne Young Defenders Flute Band	Musical Tuition	£1,800
Newtownbutler Flute Band	Musical Tuition	£1,062.50
Carricklongfield Pipe Band	Musical Tuition	£1,763.12
Donemana Pipe Band	Musical Tuition	£1,800
Drumnalough Flute Band	Musical Tuition	£916.50
Drumquin Pipe Band	Musical Tuition	£675
Sir George White Mem Flute Band	Musical Tuition	£2,700
Mullagh Flute Band	Musical Tuition	£2,287
Lisnaskea Acc Band	Musical Tuition	£1,600
Dunloy Acc Band	Musical Tuition	£2,137.50
Markethill Pipe Band	Musical Tuition	£937.50
Sylera Pipe Band	Musical Tuition	£1,800
Kellswater Flute Band	Musical Tuition	£900
Ardress Acc Band	Musical Tuition	£1,672.50
Omagh True Blues Flute Band	Musical Tuition	£1,575
Grallagh Flute Band	Musical Tuition	£1,912.50
Knockloughrim Acc Band	Musical Tuition	£1,800
Knockinroe Flute Band	Musical Tuition	£1,822.50
Salterstown Flute Band	Musical Tuition	£900
Blossomhill Pipe Band	Musical Tuition	£600
Anktell Moutray Pipe Band	Musical Tuition	£1,800
Magheraboy Flute Band	Musical Tuition	£1,800
Upper Crossgare Pipe Band	Musical Tuition	£1,500
Closkelt Pipe Band	Musical Tuition	£900
Roden Acc Band	Musical Tuition	£2,100
Corbet Acc Band	Musical Tuition	£1,600
Kilcluney Flute Band	Musical Tuition	£825
Tamlaght O Crilly Pipe Band	Musical Tuition	£1,200
Inver Flute Band	Musical Tuition	£915
O Neill Pipe Band	Musical Tuition	£1,612.50
Dunloy Acc Band	Musical Compositions	£7,200
Benburb Mem Pipe Band	Ulster Scots Night	£240
Doohat Acc Band	Ulster Scots Night	£250
Dunloy Acc Band	Ulster Scots Festival	£622.50
Mourne Young Defenders Flute Band	Ulster Scots Summer School	£1,219

Arts Council of Northern Ireland

Name	Project	Award
Ballymacall True Blues Flute Band	Lottery – Musical Instruments	£4,300
Ballymaconnelly Sons of Conquerors	Lottery – Musical Instruments	£4,525
Ballymoughan Flute Band	Lottery – Musical Instruments	£2,280
Blaris Accordion Band	Lottery – Musical Instruments	£4,688
Burntollet Sons of Ulster	Lottery – Musical Instruments	£5,000
Carnagh Accordion Band	Lottery – Musical Instruments	£2,295
Coalisland Jubilee Accordion Band	Lottery – Musical Instruments	£4,688
Crumlin Young Loyalist Flute Band	Lottery – Musical Instruments	£3,963
Cullybackey Pipe Band	Lottery – Musical Instruments	£5,000
Curran Flute Band	Lottery – Musical Instruments	£5,000
Dromara Highland Pipe Band	Lottery – Musical Instruments	£5,000
Drumconvis Young Defenders Flute Band	Lottery – Musical Instruments	£3,795
Drumnaglough Flute Band	Lottery – Musical Instruments	£3,775
Dyan Pipe Band	Lottery – Musical Instruments	£4,594
George A Dummigan Accordion Band	Lottery – Musical Instruments	£4,000
Gilnahirk Pipe Band	Lottery – Musical Instruments	£3,438
Gortagilly Musical Society	Lottery – Musical Instruments	£5,000
Grallagh Unionist Flute Band	Lottery – Musical Instruments	£5,000
Hounds of Ulster	Lottery – Musical Instruments	£5,000
Killycoogan Accordion Band	Lottery – Musical Instruments	£5,000
Kilrea Pipe Band	Lottery – Musical Instruments	£4,999
Knockloughrim Accordion Band	Lottery – Musical Instruments	£5,000
Lisnaskea Silver Band	Lottery – Musical Instruments	£5,000
Maghera Sons of William	Lottery – Musical Instruments	£2,730
Magheraboy Flute Band	Lottery – Musical Instruments	£3,723
Muckamore Cultural Music Society	Lottery – Musical Instruments	£5,000
Newmills Silver Band	Lottery – Musical Instruments	£5,000
Pride of Ardoyne	Lottery – Musical Instruments	£4,605
Pride of the Maine	Lottery – Musical Instruments	£3,690
Pride of The Park Flute Band Armoy	Lottery – Musical Instruments	£4,013
Saint Patrick's Pipe Band, Drumquin	Lottery – Musical Instruments	£4,901
St Eugene's Band Omagh	Lottery – Musical Instruments	£5,000
Tullywhisker Pipe Band	Lottery – Musical Instruments	£5,000