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 09 May 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
Post-Primary Transfer
Mr Storey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the discussions the Executive has had in relation to the post-primary transfer proposals.
(AQW 3693/08)
The First Minister and deputy First Minister (Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness): The Executive has, on a number of occasions, discussed the process for consideration of post primary transfer proposals. It is intended that the issue will be discussed by the Executive on 15 May.
Victims and Survivors
Mr Elliott asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail its plans to introduce legislation to amend the definition of 'victim' in existing legislation for victims and survivors.
(AQW 5524/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We have agreed that we will ask the proposed new forum for Victims and Survivors to examine the issues around the definition of victim and make recommendations.
Royal Ulster Constabulary Part Time Reserve
Mrs Long asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to provide an update on any further representations it has made since January 2008 in relation to the pension provision for former members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary Part Time Reserve, arising out of the debate in the Assembly on 26 June 2007.
(AQW 5571/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We refer the Member to previous answers to Mr David McNarry and Dr Stephen Farry which were printed in the Answer booklets on Friday 18 January and Friday 14 March 2008.
We have contacted the NIO again on this matter. We continue to await their response.
Staff Absence
Dr McDonnell asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail, for each of the last 5 years, the number of staff in the department that were absent due to stress for more than (i) 5 days; (ii) 10 days; (iii) 15 days; (iv) 20 days; (v) 25 days; (vi) 30 days; (vii) 35 days; and (viii) 40 days, broken down by grade.
(AQW 6191/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The total number of staff absent due to stress during the last 5 financial years was 32. The table below sets out the detail; however, the breakdown by grade has not been included, as to do so, could identify individuals.
Financial Year |
Number of days absence |
Number of Staff |
|---|---|---|
2003/04 |
15-19days |
1 |
|
25-29 days |
1 |
|
40 plus days |
3 |
Sub-total |
|
5 Staff |
2004/05
|
5-9 days |
1 |
|---|---|---|
|
40 days plus |
2 |
Sub-total |
|
3 staff |
2005/06 |
5-9days |
1 |
|
15-19 days |
2 |
|
30-34 days |
1 |
|
40 plus |
4 |
Sub-total |
|
8 staff |
2006/07 |
5-9 |
2 |
|
15-19 |
1 |
|
20-24 |
1 |
|
40 plus |
1 |
Sub-total |
|
5 staff |
2007/08 |
5-9 |
2 |
|
10-14 |
1 |
|
15-19 |
1 |
|
20-24 |
1 |
|
25-29 |
3 |
|
35-39 |
1 |
|
40 plus |
2 |
Sub-total |
|
11 staff |
People with Disabilities
Dr McDonnell asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the targets set by their department in relation to the employment of people with disabilities over the next five years.
(AQW 6192/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Rather than setting goals or targets for the employment of people with disabilities, the NICS is committed to ensuring that its employment policies and practices provide people with disabilities with an equal opportunity for employment and advancement in the NICS.
The NICS continues to work with people with disabilities and their representatives to identify proactive measures to encourage people with disabilities to consider a career in the NICS and, when appointed, to remove any barriers to their retention and progression within the Service. And, whether or not staff declare they have a disability for monitoring purposes, Departments will make reasonable adjustments across the range of employment practices including, recruitment and selection, training and development, and working arrangements, to ensure people with disabilities are not disadvantaged compared to non-disabled people.
Work from Home
Mr Savage asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the number of staff who have been authorised to work from home since May 2007.
(AQW 6219/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: As a major employer the NICS has for many years recognised the benefits that both individuals and the organisation can realise by enabling staff to have a flexible approach to their working day. Staff and managers work positively together to meet the challenge of ensuring that the needs of the individual and the business are met through a flexible working regime.
Approximately 20 members of staff have been given authorisation to work from home since May 2007. This includes regular authorised home-working arrangements as well as occasional and one-off requests to facilitate personal circumstances of staff concerned where the request meets business needs.
Disadvantaged Children
Mrs D Kelly asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what roles they intend to play to ensure that the interests of the most disadvantaged children are effectively addressed by the Executive.
(AQW 6382/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: There are several ways in which the Executive will ensure that the interests of the most disadvantaged children are effectively addressed. One of the most important being the targets reflected within its Programme for Government 2008-11 which commits to:
- work toward the elimination of child poverty in Northern Ireland by 2020 and reducing child poverty by 50% by 2010; and
- work toward the elimination of severe child poverty by 2012.
Additionally, 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.
Once the strategy has been adopted, the Executive will be asked to consider existing and new targets that will contribute to the Programme for Government targets. In doing so, it will take account of the findings and recommendations coming out of the current enquiry on child poverty being carried out by the OFMDFM Committee.
Account will also be given to the OFMDFM departmental work conducted on tackling disadvantage and barriers experienced by lone parents and people with disabilities, which is nearing completion.
The Junior Ministers chair the Ministerial Sub Committee on Children and Young People which has recently identified a number of key priorities. These include a specific focus on child poverty, vulnerable young people and children with a disability or mental health condition.
The Ministerial Sub Committee provides a platform on which these issues can be taken forward in a co-ordinated manner and effectively addressed by the Executive.
In order to ensure that we are addressing and meeting the needs of all children and young people, including the most disadvantaged, we need to hear from young people directly about key issues affecting their lives.
OFMDFM currently funds the Participation Network which can be accessed as a means of engaging children and young people on a range of issues.
Most recently the Junior Ministers attended a youth forum hearing organised by Save the Children at which the Ministers listened to the issues raised by the young people. They gave their commitment to consider the issues raised by the group and report back.
Business Class Flights
Mr Hamilton asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail (i) the number of times that deputy First Minister McGuiness and Junior Minister Kelly have flown business class in their capacity as Ministers since assuming office in May 2007; and (ii) the cost incurred by the OFMDFM for this travel, and to confirm if flying business class is standard practice or whether the Ministers are given the option of flying business class.
(AQW 6390/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Business class flights are generally booked for Ministerial travel to ensure flights are fully refundable, reducing the risk of loss of funds through cancellation to allow for maximum flexibility as Ministers’ diaries are frequently subject to last minute changes and to facilitate work on Ministerial papers during travel.
The deputy First Minister has flown business class on official business seven times since 8 May 2007 incurring a total cost of £13,540.30. Junior Minister Kelly has flown business class on official business six times since 8 May 2007, totalling a cost of £5,678.56 and €520.28.
Commission for Victims and Survivors Bill
Mrs D Kelly asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether the contact that Junior Minister Kelly made with party leaders on Tuesday 22 April 2008 in relation to the Commission for Victims and Survivors Bill was done on behalf of the OFMDFM.
(AQW 6391/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Junior Minister Kelly contacted party leaders by telephone on 22 April in his capacity as a Junior Minister in OFMDFM.
Paramilitary Flags
Mr Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail, for each of the last 2 years, the numbers of (i) paramilitary flags; (ii) murals; and (iii) sectarian graffiti, in each parliamentary constituency.
(AQW 6424/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The information is provided in the following table.
Paramilitary Flags |
|
Murals |
|
Sectarian Graffiti |
|||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
||||||
Parliamentary Constituency |
July |
Sept |
|
July |
Sept |
|
July |
Sept |
|
July |
Sept |
|
July |
Sept |
|
July |
Sept |
Belfast East |
12 |
7 |
|
14 |
4 |
|
10 |
11 |
|
13 |
6 |
|
0 |
3 |
|
0 |
0 |
Belfast North |
20 |
19 |
|
15 |
7 |
|
27 |
27 |
|
24 |
25 |
|
2 |
2 |
|
2 |
2 |
Belfast South |
15 |
15 |
|
31 |
4 |
|
10 |
10 |
|
10 |
2 |
|
0 |
1 |
|
3 |
5 |
Belfast West |
11 |
16 |
|
17 |
11 |
|
13 |
14 |
|
10 |
10 |
|
0 |
3 |
|
4 |
4 |
East Antrim |
10 |
0 |
|
3 |
0 |
|
2 |
2 |
|
7 |
6 |
|
3 |
3 |
|
5 |
3 |
East Londonderry |
6 |
0 |
|
0 |
1 |
|
2 |
1 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
0 |
0 |
Fermanagh & South Tyrone |
0 |
2 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
0 |
0 |
Foyle |
12 |
7 |
|
12 |
8 |
|
8 |
15 |
|
4 |
4 |
|
2 |
4 |
|
4 |
4 |
Lagan Valley |
0 |
0 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1 |
1 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
4 |
3 |
Mid Ulster |
4 |
2 |
|
4 |
5 |
|
2 |
2 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
2 |
1 |
|
0 |
0 |
Newry & Armagh |
6 |
8 |
|
11 |
9 |
|
8 |
7 |
|
1 |
1 |
|
3 |
1 |
|
7 |
5 |
North Antrim |
5 |
2 |
|
1 |
1 |
|
2 |
2 |
|
1 |
1 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
2 |
2 |
North Down |
1 |
0 |
|
3 |
3 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
2 |
2 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
0 |
0 |
South Antrim |
1 |
3 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
0 |
0 |
South Down |
12 |
5 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
0 |
1 |
|
0 |
0 |
Strangford |
17 |
0 |
|
3 |
0 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
2 |
2 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
0 |
0 |
Upper Bann |
1 |
3 |
|
1 |
0 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1 |
1 |
|
1 |
1 |
|
0 |
0 |
West Tyrone |
0 |
0 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
3 |
3 |
|
1 |
0 |
|
4 |
3 |
Total |
133 |
89 |
|
115 |
53 |
|
84 |
91 |
|
79 |
64 |
|
14 |
20 |
|
35 |
31 |
Agriculture and Rural Development
Gortin Glen Forest Park
Mr McElduff asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail her plans to upgrade public amenities, including disabled areas and eating areas, at the Gortin Glen Forest Park.
(AQW 6169/08)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms M Gildernew): Gortin Glen Forest Park facilitates a wide range of recreation pursuits including walking, pony-trekking and cycling. A 5-mile scenic drive offers those less able the opportunity to experience the wider forest environment and spectacular views of the surrounding area.
A classroom and picnic tables provide informal eating facilities and these have been upgraded recently to allow access for the less able-bodied. A ramp has been installed to link the classroom to outside areas.
Options are also being considered to further improve facilities, particularly the toilets, to a standard appropriate to the level of usage.
In line with the Forest Service strategy for sustainability and growth, the potential for partnership arrangements will also be explored with other organisations, to identify opportunities to improve the quality of services and visitor experiences.
Equality Impact Assessments
Mr Easton asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail how much her department has spent on equality impact assessments and consultations over the last three years.
(AQW 6175/08)
Ms M Gildernew: Over the last 3 years my Department has carried out Equality Impact Assessments and consultations on policies relating to the Drainage Infrastructure Charging Policy Development, Fisheries Policy, DARD aspects of the PfG, and the Rural Development Programme (2007-2013). The total costs for the EQIAs and related consultations amounts to £24,250.08.
People with Disabilities
Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the targets set by her department in relation to the employment of people with disabilities over the next five years.
(AQW 6193/08)
Ms M Gildernew: This Department does not have targets in relation to the employment of people with disabilities.
Migrant Workers
Mr A Maskey asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail any implications for migrant workers following the abolition of the Agricultural Wages Board.
(AQW 6198/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The Board protects the rights of agricultural workers in the areas of wages and holiday entitlement. For example the Board sets six ‘agricultural minimum rates of pay’ only the lowest of which is equal to the National Minimum Wage. The remaining rates are set higher than the National Minimum Wage to encourage workers to join the agricultural industry and to retain the workers we already have in the industry. In certain circumstances the Board allows for a greater holiday entitlement than that provided under the Working Time legislation. Abolition of the Board will remove these entitlements so worsening the employment conditions of workers in Agriculture, including migrant workers.
In addition, the Agri-food sector has used the Board’s “Standard Rate” as a benchmark for pay awards. Significant numbers of migrants are employed in the Agri-food sector and they would be disadvantaged by the loss of the Board’s rate which could leave the lower NMW rate as the benchmark.
The abolition of the Board will leave Agricultural workers, including migrants, at a disadvantage when compared to workers elsewhere on these islands as workers elsewhere will continue to enjoy the protection of an Agricultural Wages Board. We should not allow the exploitation of workers, and this is particularly important at a time of significant influx of migrant workers.
Farm Animals
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of people who, since June 1998, have been banned by the courts from keeping farm animals.
(AQW 6228/08)
Ms M Gildernew: Since 1999, the DARD Veterinary Service Central Enforcement Team (CET) has maintained a Register of disqualified people arising from DARD prosecutions under the Welfare of Animals Act 1972. This Register records 28 people disqualified through DARD and PSNI prosecutions for periods ranging from 1 year to life.
Cod Fishing Industry
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for her assessment of (i) the recent European Union proposals to amend the cod recovery plan; and (ii) the effect of further closures on the recovery of the local cod fishing industry.
(AQW 6229/08)
Ms M Gildernew: (i) The main proposals that affect us include:-
- Fishing effort to be managed to meet a mortality target rather than a stock biomass target;
- For stocks in poor condition, the Total Allowable Catch will also be adjusted in line with the adjustment in effort;
- Member States will be given a “pot” of effort that they can manage themselves, and can reallocate extra days to vessels undertaking cod conservation measures;
Some of these proposals are welcome, such as the flexibility for the member state to reallocate days, but other areas still need further clarification with the Commission on how they would work in practice. For example, it is not yet clear how the desire to meet mortality targets will affect the Total Allowable Catch. In addition the same mortality target is proposed for all sea areas and we want the Commission to explain the justification for this. Finally there is an implication that effort could no longer be transferred between sea areas and this would be a further unwelcome restriction.
(ii) It is likely that as long as cod stocks in the Irish Sea remain depleted, the Commission will continue to restrict the activity of vessels that target cod until stocks recover. However we will be discussing with industry representatives how the flexibility to manage our own days at sea can be used to our best advantage.
Work from Home
Mr Savage asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of staff in her department, since devolution, who have been able to work from home.
(AQW 6307/08)
Ms M Gildernew: There is no formal home working policy within the NICS or the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
All DARD staff are office-based. However, in a number of cases there can be short term local arrangements e.g. inspectors may not attend their office location regularly, depending upon circumstances.
The Department does not hold any central figures on home working.
Rural Communities
Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the steps she is taking to support development for children and young people living in rural communities.
(AQW 6308/08)
Ms M Gildernew: Following my appointment as Minister, I asked my Department to establish a Rural Childcare Stakeholder Group to report on the difficulties facing childcare in rural areas and to make recommendations on how current and future provision could be improved. I received their report on the 23 April 2008 and it is now my intention that a Rural Childcare Programme is developed and that this will be funded from the rural anti-poverty and social exclusion funds secured following the budget 07 exercise. My Department will be working with the Group and others to identify what might be in the programme and how it fits with the work of other Departments and public bodies in this area.
In addition under the Axis 3, ‘Quality of life’ measures of the NIRDP 2007 -13, all Joint Council Clusters working in partnership with Local Action Groups will be required to make the needs of children and young people a key criterion to be addressed within their local rural development strategy. In this regard submitted strategies must be informed by A Ten Year Strategy for Children and Young People in NI 2006-2016. It is expected that at least 5%, amounting to approximately £5million, of the total programme funding, will be devoted to projects focussed on addressing the needs of children and young people. This requirement has been stressed to the Council Clusters and I look forward to the innovative actions that will be proposed for children and young people as part of their Rural Development strategies.
Fishery Harbours Authority
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (i) the steps she is taking to remove Light Dues from the Co Down Fishing Fleet; and (ii) the investigation she has carried out into seeking assistance from the Northern Ireland Fishery Harbours Authority in relation to these charges.
(AQW 6345/08)
Ms M Gildernew: As I indicated in my answer to AQW 5461/08, responsibility for the provision of navigational aids at sea and the collection of light dues is not a devolved matter but continues to lie with the Department of Transport in London.
Focus Farm Scheme
Mr Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline the role the Focus Farms, funded under measure 1.6 of the European Peace and Reconciliation programme, will have under the Focus Farm scheme being introduced under measure 1.1 of the Rural Development programme 2007-2013.
(AQW 6470/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The aim of this measure is to contribute to the competitiveness of agricultural and horticultural businesses in the North of Ireland through farmer-led training.
The programme will provide support to 60 focus farmers from 10 sectors of production. The focus farmers will host visits to their farm by groups of farmers. By outlining the important aspects of their farm business, focus farmers will pass on their experience to the visiting farmers and emphasise the vital components of a successful farm business.
Culture, Arts and Leisure
Danny Blanchflower Complex
Mr Butler asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail any discussions his department has had in relation to the building of a stadium at the Danny Blanchflower complex in East Belfast.
(AQW 6159/08)
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr E Poots): My Department has had limited correspondence with both the Roads Service and the Planning Service in regard to the possibility of building a stadium at Blanchflower Park. Both organisations were asked for preliminary views on a 25,000-seater stadium at that location.
Apart from the capacity requirement there were no specifications given by the Department and therefore Roads and Planning Service were confined to making general observations on the proposal.
Amateur Drama Festivals
Mr McElduff asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the support offered by his department to amateur drama festivals such as those held annually in Carrickmore, Newtownstewart and Strabane.
(AQW 6167/08)
Mr E Poots: Funding in support of drama festivals in Northern Ireland is disbursed through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. The Arts Council has awarded funding to the Association of Ulster Drama Festivals as detailed in the table below. The Mid-Ulster (Carrickmore), Newtownstewart and Strabane drama festivals are members of the Association.
Year |
Programme |
Grant (£) |
2005-06 |
Lottery – Multi Annual Programme (3 year award) |
34,500 |
2004-05 |
Annual Support for Organisations Programme |
9,600 |
2002-03 |
Annual Support for Organisations Programme |
9,500 |
2001-02 |
Annual Support for Organisations Programme |
14,000 |
2000-01 |
Annual Support for Organisations Programme |
9,500 |
1999-2000 |
Annual Support for Organisations Programme |
10,500 |
Equality Impact Assessments
Mr Easton asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail how much his department has spent on equality impact assessments and consultations over the last three years.
(AQW 6172/08)
Mr E Poots: Over the last three years my department has spent £95,660.02 on consultations and equality impact assessments.
People with Disabilities
Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the targets set by his department in relation to the employment of people with disabilities over the next five years.
(AQW 6195/08)
Mr E Poots: The department fully complies with all employment legislation regarding employment of people with disabilities. It will ensure that the recruitment policy will ensure equal opportunities for all
Neighbourhood Renewal Areas
Mrs McGill asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail, in addition to his department's mainstream responsibilities, the resources that have been allocated to (i) Neighbourhood Renewal Areas; and (ii) the Strabane Neighbourhood Renewal Area, in each of the last 2 years.
(AQW 6286/08)
Mr E Poots: In addition to mainstream funding, resources allocated, in the past two years, to Neighbourhood Renewal areas through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Sport NI and the Integrated Development Fund amount to £13, 939, 259 .
Strabane has been awarded, through the Community Sport Programme funding of £37, 500 in 2006/07 and £51, 869 in 2007/08.
Ulster Museum
Mr McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail his plans for the 'contemporary history' project in the Ulster museum.
(AQW 6327/08)
Mr E Poots: The new galleries at the refurbished Ulster Museum will include a history section, under the broad working heading ‘ Plantation to Power-Sharing’, a series of connected displays which cover a 400 year period from the early 17 th century to the present day. ‘Contemporary history’ will be addressed in this context and within a dedicated gallery space, the content of which is currently under development
There will be a display on the period referred to as “The Troubles”, covering the years from the late 1960s to the present, which will chronicle many of the significant events and political developments of our recent past. This is work in progress, in the course of which curators and designers will develop relevant themes and select a range of appropriate objects for inclusion in the gallery.
Irish Communication
Mr Butler asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the number of people who (i) can communicate verbally in Irish; (ii) can communicate in writing in Irish; and (iii) communicate in Irish on a daily basis.
(AQW 6395/08)
Mr E Poots: It is difficult to provide definitive answers to your specific questions. However I would refer you to the figures contained in the 2001 Census which were based on the number of people in Northern Ireland aged three and over. The findings show the numbers and the percentage of the total number who completed the returns-:
- 167,490 (10.35%) had some knowledge of the Irish language
These figures included
- 133,352 (8.24%) who could understand spoken Irish,
- 115,731 (7.15%) could speak Irish,
- 102,784 (6.35%) could read Irish
- 90,879 (5.62%) able to write Irish.
The 2001 Census data did not include a question asking respondents if they used Irish on a daily basis.
My officials are currently in discussion with a leading academic in the field of Irish language to explore how best to gather evidence on the extent and level of understanding of the Irish language in N.I.
Commonwealth Games
Mr Ross asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the sports in which Northern Ireland competes at the Commonwealth Games.
(AQW 6397/08)
Mr E Poots: The programme of the Commonwealth Games consists of a maximum of 17 sports. At the Delhi 2010 Games the sports to be included will be:- aquatics, archery, athletics, badminton, boxing, cycling, gymnastics, hockey, lawn bowls, netball, rugby 7’s, shooting, squash, table tennis, tennis, weightlifting and wrestling.
No selection has yet taken place for the Delhi Games, however, in 2006 Northern Ireland athletes competed in:- aquatics, athletics, badminton, boxing, cycling, gymnastics, lawn bowls, shooting, squash, table tennis and triathlon.
Stress-Related Illnesses
Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the number of working days lost by his Department due to stress-related illnesses in each of the last 24 months.
(AQW 6499/08)
Mr E Poots:
Month |
No of Days |
Month |
No of Days |
|---|---|---|---|
May 2006 |
23 |
May 2007 |
59 |
June 2006 |
49 |
June 2007 |
15 |
July 2006 |
9 |
July 2007 |
20 |
August 2006 |
19 |
August 2007 |
43 |
September 2006 |
6 |
September 2007 |
48 |
October 2006 |
5 |
October 2007 |
54 |
November 2006 |
4 |
November 2007 |
39 |
December 2006 |
25 |
December 2007 |
44 |
January 2007 |
41 |
January 2008 |
63 |
February 2007 |
32 |
February 2008 |
77 |
March 2007 |
50 |
March 2008 |
39 |
April 2007 |
59 |
April 2008 |
58 |
Irish Language
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to provide an update on the progress he has made in relation to formulating a strategy for the Irish language.
(AQW 6545/08)
Mr E Poots: The Interdepartmental Charter Implementation Group (ICIG) has, at its last two meetings held in January and April 2008, discussed the development of an Indigenous Minority Languages Strategy.
Further work on the strategy, at Departmental level, is underway, and I expect to be in a position to report on this matter later in the year.
Department's Websites
Mr Savage asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the websites that come under his Department's responsibility and to detail the (i) cost of maintaining them; and (ii) number of visitors to these sites, since devolution.
(AQW 6603/08)
Mr E Poots: The following table details the number of websites that come under the responsibility of DCAL. The table includes the number of visitors since devolution (8 th May 2007) as well as the number of page views and associated maintenance costs for this period to date.
Information on page views has been included because visits to sites are no longer seen as an accurate form of measurement.
Websites that come under the Office’s responsibility:
Website |
Visitors |
Page views |
Maintenance Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
www.dcalni.gov.uk |
139,780 |
525,328 |
£689.40 |
www.dcal-fishingni.gov.uk |
38,849 |
291,534 |
£6,027.51 |
www.proni.gov.uk |
1,269,896 |
6,290,837 |
£804.53 |
www.rediscoverni.com |
72,257 |
10,534,783 |
£114.90 |
Olympic Events
Mr Butler asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the likely number of Olympic events that will be held in the proposed multi sports stadium at the Maze/Long Kesh site.
(AQW 6737/08)
Mr E Poots: The official bid document [submitted to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) by London 2012 to host the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games] states that if Northern Ireland builds its planned stadium, this would be considered as a venue to hold the preliminary rounds of the Olympic Football Tournament. The location of the stadium was not mentioned in these documents.
Northern Ireland has been successful in having 27 sporting facilities included in the Pre-Games Training Camp Guide for 2012. Two of the venues are football facilities. The Pre Games Training Camp Guide is due to be launched at the Olympic Games in Beijing in the Summer of 2008.
Maze Stadium
Mr Butler asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure for his assessment of whether (i) there is a location in Belfast that could accommodate a new multi sports stadium; (ii) this location could cater for the three main sporting organisations; and (iii) the allocation of £70 million could be reassigned to a new stadium in Belfast.
(AQW 6738/08)
Mr E Poots: The Outline Business Case on the Multi-Sport Stadium which the Department of Finance and Personnel is considering at present includes, as main options, building a two-sport (football and rugby) 30,000-seater stadium at the North Foreshore, Belfast and a three-sport (football, rugby and Gaelic games) 38,500-seater stadium at the Maze/Long Kesh site. No other locations have been identified for either a two-sport or a three-sport scenario. On the matter of funding, I would refer to my answer given to you under AQW 6045/08.
Education
Capital Expenditure
Mr Hamilton asked the Minister of Education to detail the amount of capital expenditure by her department on new and existing schools in each of the last five years, broken down by parliamentary constituency and local government district.
(AQW 5340/08)
The Minister of Education (Ms C Ruane): Tá an caiteachas caipitil iomlán ar scoileanna nua agus ar scoileanna atá ann cheana féin i ngach ceann de na cúig bliana seo caite leagtha amach thíos:-
Total capital expenditure on new and existing schools in each of the last five years set out below:-
£000s
2003/04 129,179
2004/05 140,759
2005/06 121,650
2006/07 135,672
2007/08 136,792 (estimate)
The capital figures include both major works and schools for new replacement schools and refurbishment of existing schools, and minor works schemes. The department does not hold the records of capital expenditure by constituency or district council, and it would only be provided at disproportionate cost.
Head Teachers
Miss McIlveen asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to commission an investigation into reasons behind the gender imbalance in the employment of head teachers.
(AQW 5414/08)
Ms C Ruane: Faoi láthair, i ndiaidh bheith i gcomhairle le fostóirí agus le ceardchumainn, tá mo Roinn ag cur críche le téarmaí tagartha i gcomhair athbhreithnithe ar lucht saothair na scoileanna.
My Department is currently finalising terms of reference for a review of the school workforce, having consulted with employers and trade unions. The review will cover a wide range of issues, including gender balance both at school leadership level and in the teaching profession generally.
My Department is fully committed to integrating equality and diversity into its core priorities and functions. I recognise not only the importance of promoting equality, including gender equality, within education itself, but also the contribution that education can make to promoting equality throughout society.
Fire Prevention
Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Education to detail the current fire prevention legislation that is in place for schools; and to confirm if each school meets the required standards.
(AQW 5525/08)
Ms C Ruane: The current fire prevention legislation applied in schools is the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations (NI) 2001 and Building Regulations (NI) 2006 (part E). The risk assessments carried out under the Fire Precautions Regulations also satisfy the Fire and Rescue Services (NI) Order 2006. There is a programme of work underway to ensure fire risk assessments are carried out for all schools.
Go dtí seo tá 750 curtha i gcrích. Tá gach measúnacht á meas ag na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne agus ag an Roinn le socrú cén gníomhú eile a theastaíonn.
To date 750 have been completed. Each of the assessments is being considered by the Education and Library Boards and the department to consider what further action is required.
Dyslexia Support
Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Education to detail the support available to parents and schools in diagnosing a child with dyslexia.
(AQW 5572/08)
Ms C Ruane: Education and Library Boards (ELBs) do not provide a diagnostic service for children with dyslexia. They do, however, assess the special educational needs of children referred to them by, for example, schools and parents. Those referred for assessment will include children with dyslexia.
I have been advised by the Chief Executives of the ELBs that a range of special education support and provision is available to parents and schools for a child identified with dyslexia as follows:-
- Dyslexia awareness training to schools (and parents as requested by schools) to enhance the capacity of teachers to identify and respond appropriately in addressing dyslexia;
- In addition a range of strategies, resources and computer assisted programmes is available to pupils with dyslexia for whom more traditional methods are unsuccessful;
- All Educational Psychologists (EPs) are trained and skilled in the assessment and identification of dyslexia. Following the identification of dyslexia EPs provide a comprehensive range of support including recommendations and resources to parents and schools to assist the pupil achieve his/her potential;
- When children who are thought to have dyslexia are put forward for assessment at Stage 3 of the Code of Practice (COP), they are either screened for additional Board support by Psychology Assistants or EPs. The EPs uses a large battery of cognitive and attainment tests in the identification of dyslexia. Agreed five-Board criteria for additional Stage 3 and Stage 5 support are applied in each case.
- Some schools have achieved or are working towards achievement of Dyslexia Friendly status usually in association with the British Dyslexia Association (BDA). Schools are supported by the Board services in achieving this award;
From 2004/05 to 2007/08, the Department of Education (DE) has provided an additional £2m to the five ELBS to provide training for teachers in identification techniques relating to dyslexia.
Chomh maith leis sin, bhí an Roinn Oideachas páirteach in acmhainní ranga a tháirgeadh chun tacú le hidirghabhálacha dearfacha. Dáileadh na hacmhainní seo a leanas chuig gach scoil ó thuaidh: fístéip chomhlántach, CD-ROM agus DVD-ROM ar Dhisléicse, arna léiriú ag comhghrúpa oibre ón Roinn Oideachais agus an Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta i mBaile Átha Cliath, agus treoir do mhúinteoirí “Timpeallacht Thacúil Foghlama a Fhorbairt do Dhaltaí Disléicseacha”.
DE has also been involved in producing classroom resources to support positive interventions. A complementary video, CD-ROM and DVD‑ROM on Dyslexia, produced by a joint working group from DE and the DES in Dublin, and a guide for teachers “Developing a Dyslexia Friendly Learning Environment”, have been distributed to all schools in the North.
Sports Grounds
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Education to detail the monies available for developing sports grounds for (i) primary schools; and (ii) secondary schools.
(AQW 5666/08)
Ms C Ruane: Ní ann do bhuiséad ar leith i gcomhair páirceanna spóirt a fhorbairt i scoileanna. Nuair atá iarbhunscoil nua á pleanáil déantar méid na talún atá ar fáil a fhorbairt go hiomlán do áiseanna spóirt, ar bhealach leordhóthanach chun an curaclam a chur i gcrích.
There is no specific budget for developing sports grounds at schools. When a new post-primary school is being planned, the amount of ground available is developed to its full potential for sports facilities, sufficient to deliver the curriculum. Sports pitches are not normally provided at primary schools. Primary schools are entitled to hard play and grass play areas sufficient to deliver the curriculum. Schools can also apply for minor capital works funding to address deficiencies in facilities including sports facilities.
Teaching Staff
Mr Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail, for each of the last 3 years, the average time taken for the appointment of teaching staff, broken down by Education and Library Board.
(AQW 5758/08)
Ms C Ruane: Tá curtha in iúl ag na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne gurb é meánlíon na seachtainí a tógadh le baill teagaisc a cheapadh do gach ceann de na trí bliana seo caite ná:
The Education and Library Boards have indicated that the average number of weeks taken for the appointment of teaching staff for each of the last three years is as follows:
|
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
2007/08 |
Belfast Education and Library Board |
12 |
13 |
14 |
North Eastern Education and Library Board |
10 |
10 |
10 |
South Eastern Education and Library Board |
11 |
17 |
17 |
Southern Education and Library Board 1 |
11 |
9 |
10 |
Western Education and Library Board 2 |
8 |
5.5 3 |
8 |
1 Figures are on the basis of a conditional offer of employment being issued prior to the pre-employment checks being conducted. Such checks during this period averaged 2 – 6 weeks.
2 Figures are on the basis of a conditional offer of employment being issued prior to the pre-employment checks being conducted. Thereafter, it can take from 4 – 10 weeks before the successful applicant takes up employment.
3 The majority of permanent teacher vacancies were advertised in the period from April – July. As a consequence shorter closing dates were used resulting in a reduction in the time taken to effect appointments.
Youth Workers
Mr McCausland asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of youth workers, funded by her department, who are based in the North Belfast constituency; and (ii) the organisations in which these youth workers are based.
(AQW 5816/08)
Ms C Ruane: The Department of Education currently provides funding to the Belfast and North Eastern Education and Library Boards and the Bytes Project which employ youth workers in the North Belfast constituency.
Chuir Príomhfheidhmeannaigh Bhoird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne Bhéal Feirste agus an Oirdheiscirt agus Stiúrthóir Bytes an t-eolas a leanas ar fáil ar líon na n-oibrithe óige a úsáidtear sa toghcheantar agus na heagraíochtaí ina bhfuil siad lonnaithe:
The Chief Executives of the Belfast and North Eastern Education and Library Boards and the Director of Bytes provided the following information on the number of youth workers deployed in the constituency and the organisations in which they are based:
|
Full – time youth |
Part – time youth workers posts |
Youth Workers |
|---|---|---|---|
Newlodge Bytes |
2 |
1 |
Bytes Project |
North Belfast Area Project |
8 |
0 |
BELB |
Fortwilliam Youth Club |
1 |
7 |
BELB |
Mountcollyer Youth Club |
0 |
1 |
BELB |
NewLodge Youth Club |
1 |
3 |
BELB |
Ardoyne Youth Club |
1 |
6 |
BELB |
Holy Family Youth Centre |
1 |
6 |
BELB |
JohnPaul II Youth Club |
1 |
5 |
BELB |
CairnLodge Youth Club |
0 |
4 |
BELB |
Mountainhill Youth Club |
0 |
6 |
BELB |
Deanby Youth Club |
0 |
5 |
BELB |
Woodvale Youth Club |
0 |
2 |
BELB |
Newtownabbey Phab |
0 |
3 |
NEELB |
Rathcoole Youth Centre |
1 |
8 |
NEELB |
Millgreen Youth Centre |
1 |
7 |
NEELB |
Review of Teacher Education
Mr Ross asked the Minister of Education to give a timescale within which the 'Review of Teacher Education' will be completed.
(AQW 6038/08)
Ms C Ruane: The joint Department of Education/Department for Employment and Learning review of teacher education has been taken forward in consultation with the wider education system through a series of annual teacher education conferences in 2003, 2004 and 2005, and culminating in a meeting of stakeholders at a Teacher Education Review Workshop in 2007.
Ar scór an phróisis chomhairliúcháin seo, agus ag cur san áireamh tuairimí breise ó bhaill de Ghrúpa Pháirtithe Leasmhara le haghaidh Oideachais Mhúinteoirí déanfar dréacht de chreatphaipéar beartais ar Athbhreithniú ar Oideachas Múinteoirí a chur chugam agus chuig an Aire Empey sula i bhfad.
On foot of this consultative process, and taking account of further comments from members of the Teacher Education Stakeholders’ Group, a draft Teacher Education Review policy framework paper will be submitted to me and to Minister Empey in the near future. The timescale for completion of the Review from that point onwards will be determined by a number of factors, including consideration by the DE and DEL Committees, the other Ministers and the Executive Committee.
Sure Start Programme
Mr Burns asked the Minister of Education to detail, for each of the next 3 years, the projected funding for every Sure Start programme.
(AQW 6067/08)
Ms C Ruane: Tá sonraí maidir le gach Surestart le linn na dtrí bliana airgeadais seo caite le fáil sa tábla thíos:
Details of projected funding for current Sure Start projects are contained in the table below:
Project |
2008-2009 |
2009-2010 |
2010-2011 |
|---|---|---|---|
Clogher Valley |
£455,728 |
£466,210 |
£476,933 |
Orana |
£638,249 |
£652,929 |
£667,946 |
Close to Home |
£500,127 |
£511,630 |
£523,397 |
South Armagh |
£549,277 |
£561,910 |
£574,834 |
Blossom |
£501,947 |
£513,492 |
£525,302 |
Keady/Callanbridge |
£102,500 |
£104,858 |
£107,269 |
Splash |
£552,359 |
£565,063 |
£578,060 |
Little Hands |
£440,984 |
£451,127 |
£461,503 |
Shantallow |
£500,370 |
£511,879 |
£523,652 |
Dungiven |
£461,186 |
£471,793 |
£482,645 |
Strabane |
£667,787 |
£683,146 |
£698,858 |
Last, Omagh |
£508,805 |
£520,508 |
£532,479 |
Cherish Irvinestown |
£511,688 |
£523,457 |
£535,496 |
West Bank, Derry |
£338,458 |
£346,243 |
£354,206 |
East Bank, Derry |
£438,979 |
£449,076 |
£459,404 |
West Tyrone |
£321,387 |
£328,779 |
£336,341 |
Ballymena South |
£658,642 |
£673,791 |
£689,288 |
Coleraine |
£539,433 |
£551,840 |
£564,532 |
Dalriada |
£487,882 |
£499,103 |
£510,583 |
Gold |
£533,169 |
£545,432 |
£557,977 |
Horizon |
£449,864 |
£460,211 |
£470,796 |
Newtownabbey |
£567,556 |
£580,610 |
£593,964 |
SMILE |
£441,244 |
£451,393 |
£461,775 |
Glenbrook |
£411,704 |
£421,173 |
£430,860 |
Shankill |
£487,149 |
£498,353 |
£509,816 |
Clan Mor |
£447,685 |
£457,982 |
£468,515 |
Downpatrick |
£551,404 |
£564,086 |
£577,060 |
LAP |
£481,795 |
£492,876 |
£504,212 |
Colin Neighbourhood |
£546,349 |
£558,915 |
£571,770 |
East Belfast |
£594,634 |
£608,311 |
£622,302 |
South Belfast |
£618,620 |
£632,848 |
£647,404 |
Outer West |
£419,682 |
£429,335 |
£439,209 |
Upper Springfield |
£378,682 |
£387,392 |
£396,302 |
Beechmount |
£163,432 |
£167,191 |
£171,036 |
Equality Impact Assessments
Mr Easton asked the Minister for Education to detail the amount of money her department has spent on (i) equality impact assessments; and (ii) consultations, over the last three years.
(AQW 6116/08)
Ms C Ruane: Níl eolas ar fáil ar chostais bheachta na measúnachtaí ar thionchar an chomhionannais agus na comhairliúcháin a rinneadh le trí bliana anuas. Cuirtear na gníomhaíochtaí seo i bhfeidhm mar chuid de ghnáthghnó na Roinne agus ní dhéantar na costais a idirdhealú.
Information is not available on the precise costs of equality impact assessments and consultations over the last three years. These activities are carried out as part of the Department’s normal business and the costs are not recorded separately.
The Department, in line with other NICS departments, follows the Equality Commission’s Guiding Principals on Consultation as well as their Practical Guidance on Equality Impact Assessment.
Assembly Questions
Mr Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the cost of translation into Irish of (a) answers to Assembly question; and (b) all other departmental documents since May 2007; and (ii) the procedure used to carry out such translation.
(AQW 6127/08)
Ms C Ruane:
i) Expenditure on partially or completely translating Assembly questions into the Irish language is £1,254 1. Expenditure on translating all other departmental documents partially or completely into Irish is £11,650 2. This figure is from 8 May 2007 to 18 April 2008 and includes some documents that have been translated from Irish into English.
ii)Tá an Roinn Cultúir, ealaíona agus Fóillíochta (DCAL) freagrach as seirbhís aistriúcháin agus teangaireachta a bhainistiú do gach Roinn. Tá liosta comhlachtaí atá ceadaithe chun aistriúcháin Ghaeilge agus ón nGaeilge a sholáthar ag DCAL agus Rannóg Soláthair Lárnach na Roinne Airgeadais
ii) The Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) is responsible for managing a translation and interpretation service for all Departments. DCAL and Central Procurement Division of the Department of Finance and Personnel have set up a call off list of firms who can provide translations into and out of Irish. Requests for translations are submitted to DCAL who distribute to the translators on a rotational basis. Once translations are completed DCAL returns to the Department.
Assembly Questions
Miss McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to detail the process of obtaining a translation of a document or answer to an Assembly question into Irish.
(AQW 6146/08)
Ms C Ruane: The Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) is responsible for managing a translation and interpretation service for all Departments. DCAL and Central Procurement Division of the Department of Finance and Personnel have set up a call off list of firms who can provide translations into and out of Irish. Requests for translations are submitted to DCAL who distribute to the translators on a rotational basis. Once translations are completed DCAL returns to the Department.
Tá liosta ann de chomhlachtaí atá ceadaithe chun aistriúcháin a sholáthar, mar sin athraíonn na táillí.
There is a call off list of firms who provide translations therefore charges vary.
Language Translation
Miss McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to detail the cost, per word, to have a document translated from English into Irish.
(AQW 6147/08)
Ms C Ruane: The Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) is responsible for managing a translation and interpretation service for all Departments. DCAL and Central Procurement Division of the Department of Finance and Personnel have set up a call off list of firms who can provide translations into and out of Irish. Requests for translations are submitted to DCAL who distribute to the translators on a rotational basis. Once translations are completed DCAL returns to the Department.
Tá liosta ann de chomhlachtaí atá ceadaithe chun aistriúcháin a sholáthar, mar sin athraíonn na táillí.
There is a call off list of firms who provide translations therefore charges vary.
Irish-Medium Schools
Miss McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to provide a summary of the inspectorate reports of each Irish-medium school in each of the Education Boards.
(AQW 6148/08)
Ms C Ruane: Tá achoimre ar na tuarascálacha cigireachta do scoileanna Gaeilge i ngach Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne ar fáil ar láithreán Gréasáin na Roinne Oideachais.
The summary of the inspection reports for Irish-medium schools in each Education and Library Board are available on the DE website.
A web link to each of the school reports is provided below.
Belfast Education & Library Board
School Name |
De Reference |
Inspection Type |
Inspection Date |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|||
Bunscoil An Tsleibhe Dhuibh |
104-6593 |
Follow-up |
Nov ‘01 |
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2001_11/follow_up_inspection_bunscoil_an_tsleibhe_dhuibh.DOC |
|||
|
|||
Bunscoil Bheann Mhadagain |
104-6596 |
Focused |
Apr ‘07 |
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2007_06/focused_inspection_bunscoil_bheann_mhadagain_belfast.PDF |
|||
|
|||
Bunscoil Phobal Feirste |
104-6501 |
Focused |
May ‘02 |
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2002_10/focused_inspection_bunscoil_phobal_feirste.DOC |
|||
|
|||
Bunscoil Phobal Feirste |
104-6501 |
Follow-up |
Jan ‘04 |
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2004_02/follow_up_inspection_bunscoil_phobal_feirste_belfast.DOC |
|||
|
|||
Gaelscoil Na Bhfal Belfast |
104-6571 |
General |
Apr ‘01 |
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2002_01/general_inspection_gaelscoil_na_bhfal_belfast.DOC |
|||
|
|||
Gaelscoil Na Bhfal Belfast |
104-6571 |
Survey (Creative & Expressive) |
Feb ‘05 |
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2005_04/creative_and_expressive_survey_gaelscoil_na_bhfal_belfast.DOC |
|||
|
|||
Meanscoil Feirste |
124-0291 |
Follow-up |
Nov ‘01 |
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2002_01/follow_up_inspection_meanscoil_feirste.DOC |
|||
|
|||
Meanscoil Feirste |
124-0291 |
Focused |
Nov ‘00 |
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2000_08/meanscoil_feirste.DOC |
|||
|
|||
Gaelscoil Na Bhfal Belfast |
104-6571 |
Follow-up |
May ‘03 |
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2003_08/Follow_up_Inspection_Report_Gaelscoil%20na%20bFhal_Belfast.DOC |
|||
|
|||
Scoil An Droichid Belfast |
104-6641 |
Focused |
Feb ‘04 |
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2004_06/focused_inspection_scoil_an_droichid_belfast.DOC |
|||
|
|||
Scoil An Droichid Belfast |
104-6641 |
Follow-up |
Jun ‘05 |
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2005_06/follow_up_inspection_scoil_an_droichid_belfast.DOC |
|||
|
|||
Colaiste Feirste |
124-0291 |
Secondary |
Feb ‘07 |
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2007_05/standard_inspection_colaiste_feirste_belfast.PDF |
|||
|
|||
Western Education & Library Board
School Name |
De Reference |
Inspection Type |
Inspection Date |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
||||
Bunscoil An Traonaigh Lisnaskea |
204-6669 |
Focused |
May ‘07 |
|
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2007_06/focused_inspection_bunscoil_an_traonaigh_lisnaskea.PDF |
||||
|
||||
Bunscoil Cholmcille |
203-6574 |
Follow-up |
Mar ‘02 |
|
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2002_06/follow-up_inspection_report_%20bunscoil_cholmcille.DOC |
||||
|
||||
Bunscoil Cholmcille |
203-6574 |
Focused |
May ‘99 |
|
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/1999_11/bunscoil_cholmcille_londonderry.DOC |
||||
|
||||
Bunscoil Cholmcille |
203-6574 |
Follow-up |
Jun ‘00 |
|
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2000_08/bunscoil_cholmcille.DOC |
||||
|
||||
Bunscoil Cholmcille |
203-6574 |
Follow-up |
Feb ‘01 |
|
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2001_03/bunscoil_cholmcille.DOC |
||||
|
||||
Bunscoil Cholmcille |
203-6574 |
Follow-up |
Jan ‘03 |
|
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2003_03/follow_up_inspection_bunscoil_cholmcille_londonderry.DOC |
||||
|
||||
Bunscoil Cholmcille |
203-6574 |
Follow-up |
Feb ‘05 |
|
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2005_04/creative_and_expressive_survey_bunscoil_cholmcille_londonderry.DOC |
||||
|
||||
Gaelscoil Eadain Mhoir |
204-6646 |
Focused |
Jun ‘05 |
|
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2005_08/focused_inspection_gaelscoil_eadain_mhoir.DOC |
||||
|
||||
Gaelscoil Eadin Mhoir |
204-6646 |
Follow-up |
May ‘07 |
|
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2007_08/follow_up_inspection_gaelscoil_eadain_mhoir_derry.PDF |
||||
|
||||
Gaelscoil Ui Dhochartaigh Strabane |
204-6638 |
Survey (ICT) |
May ‘05 |
|
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2005_08/ict_survey_gaelscoil_ui_dhochartaigh_strabane.DOC |
||||
|
||||
North-Eastern Education & Library Board
School Name |
De Reference |
Inspection Type |
Inspection Date |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|||
Bunscoil An Chaistil |
304-6653 |
Focused |
Nov ‘05 |
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2006_02/focused_inspection_bunscoil_an_chaistil.DOC |
|||
|
|||
Bunscoil An Chaistil |
304-6653 |
Follow-up |
Jan ‘08 |
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2008_01/follow_up_inspection_bunscoil%20an%20chaistil_ballycastle.PDF |
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South-Eastern Education & Library Board
School Name |
De Reference |
Inspection Type |
Inspection Date |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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Scoil Na Fuiseoige Belfast |
404-6600 |
Focused |
Jan ‘05 |
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2005_02/focused_inspection_scoil_na_fuiseoige_belfast.DOC |
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Scoil Na Fuiseoige Belfast |
404-6600 |
Follow-up |
Jun ‘06 |
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2006_06/follow_up_inspection_scoil_na_fuiseoige_primary_school_belfast.DOC |
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Southern Education & Library Board
School Name |
De Reference |
Inspection Type |
Inspection Date |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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Bunscoil An Iuir |
504-6597 |
District Inspection |
Feb ‘05 |
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2005_05/creative_and_expressive_survey_bunscoil_an_iuir.DOC |
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Gaelscoil Ui Neill |
504-6637 |
Follow-up |
Mar ‘08 |
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2008_04/follow_up_inspection_gaelscoil_ui_neill_coalisland.PDF |
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Language Translation
Miss McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to identify the person or organisation tasked with carrying out the process of translation into Irish on behalf of the department.
(AQW 6154/08)
Ms C Ruane: The Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) is responsible for managing a translation and interpretation service for all Departments. DCAL and Central Procurement Division of the Department of Finance and Personnel have set up a call off list of firms who can provide translations into and out of Irish. Requests for translations are submitted to DCAL who distribute to the translators on a rotational basis. Once translations are completed DCAL returns to the Department.
Tá liosta ann de chomhlachtaí atá ceadaithe chun aistriúcháin a sholáthar, mar sin athraíonn na táillí.
There is a call off list of firms who provide translations therefore charges vary.
Killard Special School
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of (i) pupils; and (ii) staff, at Killard Special School.
(AQW 6164/08)
Ms C Ruane: Sa bhliain 2007/08 bhí 171 dalta ag freastal ar Killard Special School.
In 2007/08, there were 171 pupils at Killard Special School.
The full-time equivalent number of staff was 52.4. This figure is made up of 26.5 full-time equivalent teaching staff and 25.9 full-time equivalent non-teaching staff.
Note:
1. Latest available figures for teaching staff relate to 2006/07. However, figures for full-time equivalent non-teaching staff relate to 2007/08.
2. The source for enrolment figures is the annual school census.
Work from Home
Mr Savage asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of staff who have been authorised to work from home since May 2007.
(AQW 6221/08)
Ms C Ruane: Ó Bhealtaine 2007 i leith ní cheadaíodh d’aon bhall foirne sa Roinn Oideachais obair ón mbaile.
No staff within the Department of Education have been authorised to work from home since May 2007.
Donaghadee High School
Mr Easton asked the Minister of Education to detail the reasons why a meeting was held between the South Eastern Education and Library Board and the p