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.

NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY

Friday 27 June 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
CORRIGENDA 27062008

Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister

Peace III

Dr Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to report on the implications of the delivery of Priority 2 (Dealing with the Past) under Peace III, arising from the delay in the creation of a formal strategy for victims and survivors.

(AQW 7342/08)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister (Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness): Although the formal strategy for victims and survivors has not yet been finalised, there will be no impact on the delivery of Priority 1 Theme 2 (Acknowledging and Dealing with the Past) under Peace III.

Travel Expenses

Mr Savage asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister how much it has spent on travel expenses since devolution.

(AQW 7367/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: The following table sets out the costs incurred by the Office of the First and deputy First Minister in relation to official travel by all departmental staff and Ministers in pursuance of Departmental business objectives since 8 May 2007. These costs fall into two financial years and include mileage allowances, accommodation costs, subsistence and all other associated costs of travel.

Description	(£)
Travel Expenses – 2007-08 (8 May 2007 – 31 March 2008)	562,213
Travel Expenses – 2008-09 (1-30 April 2008)	12,237 1
TOTAL	574,450

1 Expenses claimed to date for the period 1-30 April 2008

Autistic Spectrum Disorder

Ms Anderson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister for its assessment of the lack of provision for sufferers of Autistic Spectrum Disorder within the Disability Discrimination Act; and whether it is planning to raise this omission with the United Kingdom Government.

(AQW 7455/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: Autistic Spectrum Disorder is provided for within the Disability Discrimination Act . Section 2 of the Disability Discrimination Act defines disability broadly as "a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person's ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities". Individual illnesses, conditions, disorders and syndromes are not listed in the Act, but it is clear that conditions and disorders on the autistic spectrum fall within the definition of mental impairment.

Furthermore, guidance was published on 21 April 2008 which explicitly confirmed that autistic spectrum disorders fall within the definition of mental impairment for the purposes of the 1995 Act. The provisions and protections of the 1995 Act therefore do apply to people suffering from autistic spectrum disorders, where that disorder has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

Funding for Children and Young People

Ms S Ramsey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, following the publication of the Analysis of Public Expenditure on Children, if it has any plans to increase or bring forward new money for children and young people.

(AQW 7504/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: The allocation of financial resources is determined by the budgetary process and increasing or bringing forward new money is not generally possible outside this context. There will, however, be opportunities throughout the budgetary period for departments to bid for additional money for children and young people through the in-year monitoring process.

North-South Bodies

Mr Easton asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister for a breakdown of all North-South Bodies and their functions.

(AQW 7787/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: In accordance with the Agreement (of 8 March 1999) between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland Establishing Implementation Bodies (the Agreement), the British and Irish Governments agreed on the establishment of six North South Bodies and the common arrangements applying to them. The six Bodies established under the Agreement were:

Waterways Ireland;
The Food Safety Promotion Board;
The Trade and Business Development Body;
The Special EU Programmes Body;
The North/South Language Body; and
The Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission.

The functions of each of these Bodies are set out in Annex 1 to the Agreement. A copy of the Agreement is in the Assembly Library.

In addition, in 1999, the North South Ministerial Council agreed to establish a publicly owned company – Tourism Ireland Limited. The Articles of Association of Tourism Ireland Limited have been placed in the Assembly Library.

Further information on the work of these Bodies is available on the North South Ministerial Council website – www.northsouthministerialcouncil.org .

PFI/PPP Projects

Mr McClarty asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister how many PFI/PPP projects have commenced since May 2007.

(AQO 4157/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: Five PPP/PFI projects have been awarded to the successful bidders since May 2007 to date.

Respect for Diversity

Dr Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to give its assessment of the importance of an open community that respects diversity in terms of ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation to attracting inward investment and skilled workers.

(AQW 7984/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: The Programme for Government clearly sets out our commitment to develop a dynamic innovative economy which is underpinned by the creation of a “shared and better future, based on tolerance and respect for cultural diversity”.

The Programme for Government recognises the challenges that we face:

“We must continue our efforts to address the divisions within our society. Progress has been made, but at a time when our society is being transformed, sectarianism, racism and intolerance are still too evident. They mar our reputation, blight our economic prospects and have a corrosive effect on our society”.

There is, unquestionably, an economic imperative to tackle sectarianism, racism, inter-communal conflict and intolerance.

We have welcomed and supported those who have come to live and work here and we condemn hate crime and discrimination of any kind.

We are committed to a zero tolerance approach to hate crime in any of its manifestations. As we have said before, this is a top priority for the Executive.

We will continue to tackle these issues through an approach based on tolerance and respect for cultural diversity.

Equality-Proof Legislation for the Blind

Mr Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what steps it is taking to equality-proof legislation for the blind.

(AQW 8058/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, requires a public authority, in carrying out its functions, to have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity between certain groups of persons specified in that section, (including between those with a disability and those without) and to the desirability of promoting good relations between persons of different religious beliefs, political opinion or racial group. In line with this statutory duty, public authorities taking forward legislation affecting people who are blind are required to subject this to an equality screening and if appropriate conduct an Equality Impact Assessment. In addition all legislation introduced by NI Departments is subject to a Human Rights Impact Assessment.

Departmental Electrical Equipment

Mr Savage asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister the number of blackberry devices it has purchased since devolution.

(AQW 8104/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: The Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister has purchased 36 Blackberry devices for Ministers, advisers and officials since 8 May 2007.

Sustainable Development Strategy

Mrs Long asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what mechanisms exist or actions have been taken to ensure that all Departments play an active role in delivering the targets in the Sustainable Development Strategy.

(AQW 8153/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: The Sustainable Development Unit within OFMDFM has commissioned, and received, interim progress reports in relation to the delivery of sustainable development targets from all Departments. We have recently commissioned final reports on delivery, which we intend to develop into a summary of progress against the first Sustainable Development Implementation Plan targets. This information will also be used to inform the future development of our next Implementation Plan. Additionally, all Departments have appointed senior officials as Sustainable Development Champions, who have responsibility for promotion of sustainable development internally, and act as departmental representatives on the OFMDFM led Sustainable Development Stakeholder Group.

Commissioner for Children and Young People

Ms S Ramsey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister for its assessment of the report by the Commissioner for Children and Young People to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child.

(AQW 8209/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: We welcome the report of the UK Children’s Commissioners to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child. The report is evidence of the willingness of the UK commissioners to work together to make life better for all children and young people through promoting the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The UK Commissioner's report was a response to the UK report on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, sent to the UN Committee in July 2007. We will not be responding to the report directly. However, the Commissioner's report will influence the list of issues that the UN Committee will ask in relation to the UK report and we will respond to these later this year.

Ministers Taking Part in Media Interviews

Mr Burns asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the total expenditure on cosmetic/make-up products for Ministers taking part in media interviews, since May 2007, broken down by Department.

(AQW 8212/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: There has been no expenditure incurred on cosmetic/make-up products for Ministers or Junior Ministers taking part in media interviews, since May 2007

Planning Appeals Commission

Mr Storey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister how many planning appeals were made to the Planning Appeals Commission in the last year, and what was the average time taken to determine those appeals that requested (i) an informal hearing; (ii) a formal hearing; (iii) written representation (accompanied site visit); and (iv) written representation (unaccompanied site visit).

(AQW 8266/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness:

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

“I have been asked to provide you with information requested in the above Assembly Question.

The Commission received 1516 appeals in the last financial year 2007/2008.

I have also provided, in the table below, figures for the average time taken to decide an appeal for all of the procedures available. These figures indicate the time taken to determine appeals already heard within the last financial year.

PROCEDURE	MEDIAN TIME (WEEKS)
Formal Hearing	84
Informal Hearing	63
Written Representation (accompanied Site Visit)	56
Written Representations (unaccompanied Site Visit)	60

The Commission publishes updates of these figures on a monthly basis via its website.

I would be happy to provide any further information you require arising out of this response or to meet with you to discuss the matter if that would be more suitable.”

Environmental Protection Agency

Dr Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, further to their letter to the Speaker of 12 June 2008 in relation to the decision of the Minister of the Environment to not proceed with the creation of an independent Environment Protection Agency, whether the original decision of the Minister, announced to the Assembly on 27 May, was a breach of the Article 2.4(vi) of the Ministerial Code.

(AQW 8315/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: Our letter of 12 June 2008 to the Speaker informed him of the view of the Executive that there was no contravention in this case of section 28A(1) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. It follows, therefore, that the Executive also took the view that there was no contravention of the Ministerial Code.

Environmental Protection Agency

(AQW 8316/08)

Cost of Living Sub-Committee

Mr Cobain asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister if it will establish a Cost of Living sub-committee of the Executive.

(AQO 4071/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: We recognise that recent, well publicised increases in fuel and energy costs are having an impact on the cost of living for all of us. We also recognise that it is to be expected that those most vulnerable and less well-off in our society will feel the effects of these price increases more acutely.

The Executive will soon consider its strategy to tackle poverty and social exclusion and patterns of deprivation, in line with its statutory obligation. This will take account of the recommendations of the OFMDFM Committee following its inquiry into child poverty.

Proposals include the establishment of an Executive sub-committee to agree and monitor key actions in relation to poverty to be taken in a co-ordinated way across Departments to deliver our commitments within the Programme for Government, to eliminate poverty.

The Executive will look at any proposals to establish a sub-committee.

Draft Policy on Cohesion, Sharing and Integration

Mr Dallat asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister if it will confirm that the new draft policy on Cohesion, Sharing and Integration will not involve a reduction in the present level of funding available under the separate strategies once they are amalgamated.

(AQO 4144/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: We can confirm that there will be no reduction in funding levels under the Programme of Cohesion, Sharing and Integration.

We remain open, of course, to suggestions as to how we might strengthen these six shared aims of the ‘former’ Racial Equality Strategy.

As stated on many occasions and through the Programme for Government, we are fully committed to the cross-cutting theme of building a shared and better future for all our people.

The Budget recognises that the past 3 years have seen significant progress in improved relationships, with historic low levels of violence and tension. We want to ensure that improved relationships within the whole community continue and we want to address the challenges that face new and host communities.

The direct expenditure on good relations and good race relations by OFMDFM in the past 3 years was in the region of ₤21 million. Additional funding of almost ₤7.5m has been provided in the Budget over the next 3 years from 2008/2011; total investment will therefore be approximately ₤29m, to meet the PSA target of a shared and better future for all. A key element of the investment proposals includes a significant increase over the period to promote inclusion and integration at local level.

The new Programme is not intended to replace or subsume the existing Racial Equality Strategy which was endorsed by the Assembly on 3 July 2007. Rather it will provide the co-ordinated framework for its delivery. We consider that the six shared aims set out in the Racial Equality Strategy are robust and comprehensive. We will re-visit them following the launch of the new Programme. This will be done in close consultation with minority ethnic groups and the wider community. We are committed to the partnership process which developed the six shared aims originally.

Draft Constitutional Reform Bill

Mr McNarry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister if it has engaged with, or been consulted by, the Office of the Lord Chancellor and the Minister of Justice on the contents of a draft constitutional reform bill for the United Kingdom, in the last two months.

(AQO 4094/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice wrote to us on 25 March 2008 to advise us of the publication of the Draft Constitutional Renewal Bill and the White Paper “The Governance of Britain” and to invite our views on his proposed reforms. The reforms relate to excepted and reserved matters.

Talks with the US Government

Mr Burnside asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what talks it has had with the United States Government and business interests following the appointment of a new First Minister/deputy First Minister team.

(AQO 4065/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: Our Bureau in Washington continues to have regular contact with senior officials at the US Department of State and in the Bush Administration on a wide range of devolved matters.

The appointment of the new First Minister and the re-appointment of the deputy First Minister was communicated to key staff in the Bush Administration by the Director of the Bureau on Thursday 5 th June.

We did of course welcome President Bush to Stormont Castle last Monday. We had useful discussions with the President and his staff on a number of issues including US inward investment and the further development of links between universities and research and development establishments here and in the US.

Finally, we hosted Mrs Loretta Brennan Glucksman and other American Ireland Fund donors at Stormont Castle on Friday. The American Ireland Fund has been greatly supportive over the years. The work that the Fund does to help local communities whether it be in education, citizenship, economic development or sport cannot be underestimated. More recently, many of the Fund’s donors played a key role in encouraging US companies to travel to Belfast for the Investment Conference. We used the event on Friday to re-emphasise the Executive’s commitment to growing a strong and dynamic economy here, to improve the lives of all.

Interface Areas

Mr P Maskey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister how it intends to target resources to interface areas which continue to suffer the effects of segregation and sectarianism.

(AQO 4163/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: We remain fully committed to addressing those divisions which mar our reputation, blight our economic prospects and have a corrosive effect on our society particularly at interface areas.

For example, we recently confirmed our intention to continue the invaluable work that is ongoing in North Belfast by providing funding of ₤100,000 this financial year for a diversionary programme targeted at young people at risk of becoming involved in interface violence over the summer months. We continue to work closely with all our partners in this area and in particular the North Belfast Community Action Unit.

We fund all 26 District Councils to operate community relations based programmes which include bonfires initiatives which challenge sectarian behaviours, youth-based activities targeting sectarianism and racism and integration of minority ethnic people into host communities.

Funding of ₤400,000 per annum is provided by the Department for a range of Summer Intervention Programmes, which are delivered by the Education and Library Boards. These Programmes support work at interface areas and challenging those behaviours associated with interface violence. We have also contributed ₤250,000 to the Re-imaging Communities Programme which is designed to help communities tackle the visible signs of racism and sectarianism. This project is proving particularly successful and all available budgets have now been allocated.

Our sponsorship of the Community Relations Council enables a broad range of regional and local activities and initiatives to take place by core-funding of interface workers; conflict resolution workers and programmes; small grants for cross-community events and research on good relations particularly in interface communities.

Cohesion, Sharing and Inclusion Strategy

Ms Lo asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister when the Cohesion, Sharing and Inclusion Strategy will be published.

(AQO 4105/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: It is our intention to publish the Programme of Cohesion, Sharing and Integration as soon as possible.

Discrimination Against Women

Ms S Ramsey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister how it will contribute to the imminent meeting of the United Nations Investigating Committee on Compliance with the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women.

(AQO 4161/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: We welcome the obligation, and the opportunity, for this administration to contribute to the forthcoming meeting of the United Nations Committee on the Convention of the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (the CEDAW Committee), due to take place on 10 July 2008. We also recognise the enormous amount of work undertaken by local groups who have, separately, prepared shadow reports to the CEDAW Committee about the implementation of the Convention in Northern Ireland.

We are glad of the opportunity to outline to the CEDAW Committee, the measures we have taken and will take to secure and deliver rights and equal opportunities for women in our jurisdiction. To this end all Executive Ministers and a wide range of public bodies and departments have contributed to briefing in response to questions raised by the CEDAW Committee, and to issues raised in reports to this Committee made by other bodies, relating to full implementation of the wide-ranging provisions of the Convention.

We are working to ensure that this information is fully available to the Committee both during the meeting, and in follow-up correspondence. We will also undertake to respond fully with any further questions raised by the CEDAW Committee. The OFMDFM Departmental Assembly Committee have indicated their intention to consider the outcome of the meeting after they reconvene in September 2008. We look forward to receiving their advice on the implementation and reporting on the United Nations Convention.

Play and Leisure Policy

Mrs M Bradley asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the levels of funding for the Play and Leisure Policy in comparison with other parts of the UK.

(AQO 4175/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: The Play and Leisure Policy has yet to be agreed by the Executive. Following this approval, implementation groups will be tasked with developing the action plans for 0-11 year-olds and for 12-18 year-olds. Part of this work will include an assessment of the current level of spending on play, both here and in other parts of the UK. This information will help shape the future levels of funding required.

Banking Sector Crisis and the Economy

Mr B McCrea asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister for its assessment of the likely impact of the crisis in the banking sector on economic potential.

(AQO 4077/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: As a small open economy, Northern Ireland cannot remain immune from global economic events such as the banking crisis.

Current global economic conditions and financial market developments clearly present us with significant challenges.When combined with falling house prices, increasing inflation, rising food and oil prices, this may, in the short term, undermine business and consumer confidence reducing expenditure and slowing economic growth in Northern Ireland.

The slowing world economy may also impact in the short term on the overall volume of inward investment available and on demand for our exports globally. However, the success of the US/NI Investment Conference, the recent investment announcements that have been made, and the actions that we are taking to implement the Programme for Government, should make the economy more competitive going forward.

Cohesion, Sharing and Integration Strategy

Mrs O'Neill asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what action it is taking to ensure that ethnic minority groups play a full role in the development and implementation of the Cohesion, Sharing and Integration Strategy.

(AQO 4171/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: The proposals for a Programme of Cohesion, Sharing and Integration, which will be brought forward as soon as possible, will be subject to full consultation and Equality Impact Assessment.

The consultation will be comprehensive and will be framed to elicit the views of all who have an interest in cohesion, sharing and integration here. There will be targeted consultation of minority ethnic people and migrant workers (among others) to ensure that we take account of their views in developing the Programme.

This Programme will provide for, amongst other things, the delivery of the Racial Equality Strategy, which was endorsed by the motion made by the Assembly on 3 July 2007.

We consider that the six shared aims of the Racial Equality Strategy are robust and comprehensive and that the section concerning the “Scale of the challenge” in the Strategy is more relevant now than ever before.

We will revisit the six shared aims following the launch of the ‘Programme of Cohesion, Sharing and Integration for a shared and better future’ in the light of the results of the consultation on the Programme. This will be done in close consultation with minority ethnic groups and the wider community. We are committed to the partnership process which developed the six shared aims and the Strategy originally.

We remain open, of course, to suggestions as to how we might strengthen these six shared aims.

Community Relations Legislation

Mr Savage asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what progress has been made on the review of the Community Relations Legislation.

(AQO 4076/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: We are fully committed to building a shared and better future for all. We are bringing forward a Programme of Cohesion, Sharing and Integration to tackle issues of sectarianism and racism which will refresh the previous administration’s separate but associated policies on good relations and good race relations. The commitment to review Community Relations legislation was part of the policy of the previous administration and we will consider the need for a review in the context of the proposed refreshed policy.

Anti-Poverty and Social Inclusion Strategy

Mr P Ramsey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister when the Anti-Poverty and Social Inclusion Strategy will be published.

(AQO 4125/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: In line with its statutory obligation under Section 28E of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 the Executive Committee will shortly consider and agree proposals for the adoption of an overall strategy to tackle poverty, social exclusion and patterns of deprivation here based on objective need.

Meeting with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

Mr McCallister asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister when it next plans to meet with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Prime Minister.

(AQO 4078/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: It is not normal practice to provide details of Ministers diaries in advance. We plan to meet the Secretary of State and the Prime Minister on the basis of business need.

Protections for Religious Belief

Mr Storey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the protections in place for 'religious belief' under equality legislation.

(AQO 4118/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: Religious belief is protected under the Fair Employment and Treatment (NI) Order 1998. There are also relevant provisions in the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (NI) 2003 and the Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (NI) 2006.

Agriculture and Rural Development

Team-Building Exercises

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how many away days and team-building exercises have been organised by her Department for departmental staff in each of the last five years.

(AQW 7820/08)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms M Gildernew): The following table provides approximate information regarding the amount of away days and team building exercises in each of the last five years:-

2003/04	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07	2007/08
27	43	37	35	24

Bee Health Strategy

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans she has to prepare a 10-year bee health strategy, similar to that being implemented by the Welsh Assembly Government.

(AQW 7887/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) are not currently implementing a 10-year bee health strategy; rather Defra and WAG are consulting on a strategy, aimed at sustaining the health of honeybees and beekeeping in England and Wales. Beekeepers here have been advised through their membership of the Council of National Beekeeping Associations (CONBA) and by my officials to respond to this consultation. It is my intention to consider the need for a strategy here following the outcome of this consultation.

In light of the current concerns for the health and welfare of bees, I would be keen to consider the matter fully later in the year.

Fighting Dogs

Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how many successful prosecutions were made for breeding fighting dogs in (i) 2006; and (ii) 2007.

(AQW 7900/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Under the Dogs Order (NI) 1983, as amended by the Dangerous Dogs Order 1991, it is an offence to breed or to breed from certain types of dogs which are generally known as ‘dangerous’ or ‘fighting’ dogs.

Local Councils are responsible for enforcing this legislation. From figures they have provided to my Department on offences under the 1983 Order, there is no record of prosecutions for the specific offence of breeding such dogs in 2006 or 2007.

Waste Management

Mr Savage asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how much her Department has spent on waste management since devolution.

(AQW 7975/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and its Agencies has spent £ 207,143 on waste management since 8 May 2007.

Single Farm Payment Scheme

Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how much money was raised via the withholding of money from farmers through the Single Farm Payment Scheme during the year 2007-2008 in relation to (i) Compulsory Modulation; and (ii) Voluntary Modulation.[R]

(AQW 7978/08)

Ms M Gildernew: In the 2007 Single Farm Payment ( SFP) scheme year, €18.079m was deducted from the SFP budget in respect of Compulsory Modulation. The budget for refunding the Compulsory Modulation deducted from the first €5,000 of payments per farmer (under the franchise arrangement) is in the process of being calculated and is currently estimated to be €5.885m, leaving a net deduction of €12.194m.

Compulsory Modulation is deducted from the SFP budget by the EU Commission and then distributed to Member States according to an EU allocation key. Member States in turn allocate it to their regions. Hence, the amount of Compulsory Modulation allocated to our rural development budget does not necessarily equal the amount deducted from the SFP budget.

€12.213m was allocated to our rural development budget in respect of 2007 SFP scheme year Compulsory Modulation deductions.

€16.271m was deducted from the SFP budget in respect of Voluntary Modulation in the 2007 scheme year and was all allocated to our rural development budget.

Single Farm Payment Scheme

Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how much money was raised via the withholding of money from farmers through the Single Farm Payment Scheme during the year 2005-2006 in relation to (i) Compulsory Modulation; and (ii) Voluntary Modulation.[R]

(AQW 7979/08)

Ms M Gildernew: In the 2005 Single Farm Payment ( SFP) scheme year, €10.172m was deducted from the SFP budget in respect of Compulsory Modulation. The budget for refunding Compulsory Modulation deducted from the first €5,000 of payments per farmer (under the franchise arrangement) was €3.507m, leaving a net deduction of €6.665m.

€5.5m was allocated to our rural development budget in respect of 2005 SFP scheme year Compulsory Modulation deductions.

No deduction for Voluntary Modulation was made in respect of the 2005 scheme year.

Single Farm Payment Scheme

Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how much money was raised via the withholding of money from farmers through the Single Farm Payment Scheme during the year 2006-2007 in relation to (i) Compulsory Modulation; and (ii) Voluntary Modulation.[R]

(AQW 7980/08)

Ms M Gildernew: In the 2006 Single Farm Payment ( SFP) scheme year, €14.463m was deducted from the SFP budget in respect of Compulsory Modulation. The budget for refunding the Compulsory Modulation deducted from the first €5,000 of payments per farmer (under the franchise arrangement) was €4.708m, leaving a net deduction of €9.755m.

€9.72m was allocated to our rural development budget in respect of 2006 SFP scheme year Compulsory Modulation deductions.

€16.271m was deducted from the SFP budget in respect of Voluntary Modulation in the 2006 scheme year and was all allocated to our rural development budget.

Post Office Closures

Mr Armstrong asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for her assessment of the effect of post office closures on small rural towns and villages; and what action her Department is taking to ensure as many public services as possible remain within local rural communities.

(AQW 7987/08)

Ms M Gildernew: It is my assessment that these closures are a loss of a valuable social and economic service in rural areas and I am particularly concerned about the potential impact on the more vulnerable sections of our society. I raised these concerns when I met with Post Office and Postwatch and I have pressed for the six month review of the changes to clearly identify and measure the social impacts of the closures.

Access to services in rural issues involves many Government Departments and it is my intention to address such issues through a range of actions, including the development of the concept of rural champion, the enhancement of the rural proofing process and the development of the North’s first Rural White Paper.

Forests in North Antrim

Mr McKay asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what action she is taking to improve the amenities at forests in North Antrim.

(AQW 8082/08)

Ms M Gildernew: My Department’s Forest Service manages an extensive estate of infrastructure and property and has an ongoing programme of maintenance and improvement. This includes upkeep of the forest parks including paths, trails, scenic drives, toilet blocks and caravan sites.

In relation to the forests in the North Antrim area, there are a number of improvements scheduled in this business year, subject to competing priorities, such as re-landscaping at the car park at Ballycastle Forest and improved visitor information at Ballypatrick Forest. Work has also recently concluded on the revised route of the Ulster Way which impacts on four forests in the area. Forest Service is also working with a local Council to provide a circular walk at Breen forest which will link Forest Service land to a Council car park facility and the proposal includes replacement signage.

In line with the Forestry Strategy published in 2006, Forest Service has already started work on exploring opportunities with both private and public sector organisations to improve the quality and range of facilities including high tress adventure facilities and a review of the caravan and camping provision throughout the forest estate which is expected to result in improved facilities.

Promotion of Forests as Tourist Attractions

Mr McKay asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what discussions she has had, or plans to have, with the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in relation to promoting forests in North Antrim as tourist attractions.

(AQW 8083/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I have discussed the issue of tourism in forests, in general terms, with the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment at a North South Ministerial Council Sectoral meeting in May. The Forestry Strategy sets out the framework for us to explore opportunities for partnership arrangements to improve public use of forests. Within the context of the Strategy, a Social Use Strategy is being developed in this business year which will take into account the varying demands in relation to recreation in forests, which from a tourism perspective will be especially relevant to those forests within the signature project areas including the Causeway Coast and Glens.

My Department’s Forest Service continues to work with a range of organisations, including the Tourist Board to facilitate and promote the enjoyment of forests including those in the North Antrim area. As part of the ongoing work to improve public access, work has recently been completed on the revised route for the Ulster Way which includes some 4 forests in this area and is expected to be officially launched in spring 2009. A market sounding exercise for High Trees Adventure facilities at some or our forests has gone to press this week with a view to being available for the spring 2009. Further work relating to caravan and camping provision in forests is also planned.

Forestry Service Jobs

Mr Armstrong asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how many Forestry Service jobs have been transferred to Belfast in each of the last five years, broken down by location from which the jobs were transferred.

(AQW 8091/08)

Ms M Gildernew: In the past five years, two Forest Service jobs at the Forest Officer II grade have been transferred to Dundonald House, Belfast, from Pomeroy Forestry School, Pomeroy.

Relocation of Jobs

Mr Armstrong asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what consideration has been given to relocating some posts from the departmental headquarters to a more central location in the countryside.

(AQW 8093/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Although the headquarters of the Department is in Dundonald House, there are already a number of permanent posts in DARD offices in other locations throughout the North of Ireland.

The Department has not been giving consideration to the relocation of posts from the departmental headquarters to a more central location in the countryside. Consideration may be given to the relocation of individual posts should business needs require this.

Culture, Arts and Leisure

Community and Voluntary Groups

Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure how many community and voluntary groups his Department is currently funding; the amount of funding given to each project; and where these projects are based.

(AQW 7397/08)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr G Campbell): I refer the member to the attached tables which detail the information requested largely on the basis of information provided by the Arms Length Bodies sponsored by the Department.

ARTS

The table below gives details of the funding provided by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland to community and voluntary groups.

Name	GRANT (£)	COUNCIL AREA
Steeple Cultural & Heritage Association	6,010	Antrim Borough Council
Ards Arts Collective	2,700	Ards Borough Council
Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann (Ards Branch)	2,200	Ards Borough Council
Donaghadee Male Voice Choir	8,095	Ards Borough Council
Aghavilly Accordion Band	500	Armagh City and District Council
Armagh And Dungannon Arts Care Committee	9,000	Armagh City and District Council
Armagh City Choir	4,350	Armagh City and District Council
Armagh Old Boys Silver Band (and Social Club)	8,800	Armagh City and District Council
Music for Armagh	10,000	Armagh City and District Council
The Charles Wood Summer School	5,000	Armagh City and District Council
The John Hewitt Society	4,000	Armagh City and District Council
Mid Armagh Community Network	23,000	Armagh City and District Council
The Armagh Rhymers Workers Co-operative Ltd	67,000	Armagh City and District Council
Ballymena Chamber Orchestra	1,844	Ballymena Borough Council
Maine Valley Accordion And Fiddle Club	5,000	Ballymena Borough Council
Portglenone Senior Citizens Arts and Crafts Club	1,039	Ballymena Borough Council
Bann Rhythm Irish Dance Group	2,750	Banbridge District Council
ADAPT NI	70,000	Belfast City Council
Afro Community Support Organisation Northern Ireland	10,000	Belfast City Council
Aisling Ghear	67,320	Belfast City Council
Andersonstown Traditional & Contemporary Music School	50,000	Belfast City Council
Arts and Disability Forum	76,271	Belfast City Council
Arts Ekta	900	Belfast City Council
Arts for All	10,000	Belfast City Council
ArtsCare	45,292	Belfast City Council
Audiences Northern Ireland	212,000	Belfast City Council
Belfast & District Set Dancing and Traditional Music Society	20,000	Belfast City Council
Belfast and District Set Dancing and Traditional Music Society	10,000	Belfast City Council
Belfast Community Circus School	147,500	Belfast City Council
Name	GRANT (£)	COUNCIL AREA
Belfast Exposed Photography	100,000	Belfast City Council
Belfast Operatic Company	5,000	Belfast City Council
Belfast Print Workshop	89,019	Belfast City Council
Belfast Theatre Co	8,891	Belfast City Council
Belfast Women Drummers / Chidambaram Womens Samba Band	3,870	Belfast City Council
Blackstaff Press Limited	79,300	Belfast City Council
Bright Lights	7,800	Belfast City Council
Bruiser Theatre Company	45,000	Belfast City Council
C21 Theatre Company Limited	4,864	Belfast City Council
Cahoots NI Ltd	79,450	Belfast City Council
Catalyst Arts	20,000	Belfast City Council
Catalyst Arts Limited	3,825	Belfast City Council
Cinemagic Ltd	9,270	Belfast City Council
Community Arts Forum	115,196	Belfast City Council
Craft Northern Ireland	130,000	Belfast City Council
Creative Writers Network	60,000	Belfast City Council
Crescent Arts Centre	147,000	Belfast City Council
Culturlann McAdam O'Fiaich	161,290	Belfast City Council
Dance United Northern Ireland	24,250	Belfast City Council
Factotum	17,000	Belfast City Council
Feile an Phobail	123,000	Belfast City Council
Flaxart Studios	38,680	Belfast City Council
Fortwilliam Musical Society	5,000	Belfast City Council
Golden Thread Gallery	107,000	Belfast City Council
Irish Pages Ltd.	30,000	Belfast City Council
J2Z festival Association	7,520	Belfast City Council
Jigsaw Theatre Productions	8,050	Belfast City Council
Kabosh Theatre Ltd	81,890	Belfast City Council
Kids in Control	30,000	Belfast City Council
Lagan Legacy	6,500	Belfast City Council
Lagan Press Ltd	49,600	Belfast City Council
Linen Hall Library	35,000	Belfast City Council
Louis Macneice Centenary Poetry Readings	9,375	Belfast City Council
Lyric Players Theatre	606,722	Belfast City Council
Moving on Music	109,150	Belfast City Council
New Belfast Community Arts Initiative	38,000	Belfast City Council
Northern Ireland Music Industry Commission	20,000	Belfast City Council
Northern Ireland Music Industry Commission	5,000	Belfast City Council
Old Museum Arts Centre	242,650	Belfast City Council
Open Arts	70,081	Belfast City Council
Orchid Studios Association	14,523	Belfast City Council
Ormeau Avenue Gallery Ltd	300,000	Belfast City Council
Name	GRANT (£)	COUNCIL AREA
Paragon Studios	24,350	Belfast City Council
Partisan Productions	20,000	Belfast City Council
Play Resource Warehouse	64,450	Belfast City Council
Prime Cut Productions Ltd	100,950	Belfast City Council
Prison Arts Foundation	71,280	Belfast City Council
Queen Street Studios	31,032	Belfast City Council
Queen Street Studios	5,116	Belfast City Council
Ransom Productions Ltd	20,000	Belfast City Council
Rawlife Theatre Company	10,000	Belfast City Council
Replay Productions Ltd.	115,635	Belfast City Council
Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA)	45,000	Belfast City Council
Skyway Club	9,772	Belfast City Council
Sonorities Contemporary Music Festival	20,000	Belfast City Council
Source/Photo Works North	24,000	Belfast City Council
Spanner in the Works	14,460	Belfast City Council
St George's Singers ( Belfast) Limited	6,150	Belfast City Council
Streetwise Community Circus Workshops	33,531	Belfast City Council
The Beat Initiative	100,000	Belfast City Council
The Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival	100,000	Belfast City Council
The Jigtime Programme of Irish Music	25,000	Belfast City Council
Tinderbox Theatre Company	104,000	Belfast City Council
Ulster Orchestra Society Ltd	2,050,113	Belfast City Council

Ulster Youth Choir	20,100	Belfast City Council
Ulster Youth Choir	10,000	Belfast City Council
Ulster Youth Orchestra	4,021	Belfast City Council
Voca Loca Women's Singing Group	2,610	Belfast City Council
Wheelworks	60,000	Belfast City Council
Woodvale Community Centre Committee	5,344	Belfast City Council
Young at Art	85,000	Belfast City Council
Youth Action Northern Ireland	25,000	Belfast City Council
Youth Lyric	5,000	Belfast City Council
Wynchurch Art Group	900	Castlereagh Borough Council
Best Cellars Music Collective Ltd	19,000	Castlereagh Borough Council
Big Telly Theatre Company	105,000	Coleraine Borough Council
Ardboe Central Youth Band	5,000	Cookstown District Council
Mid Ulster Culture & Heritage Association	4,300	Cookstown District Council
All Set Cross Cultural Project	25,000	Craigavon Borough Council
Portadown 2000 ( Millennium Court Arts Centre)	51,000	Craigavon Borough Council
Maghery Traditions Group	10,000	Craigavon Borough Council
Musical Expressions	2,000	Craigavon Borough Council
St John's Independant Accordion Band	8,320	Craigavon Borough Council
An Gaelaras Ltd	84,867	Derry City Council
An Gaelaras Ltd	4,160	Derry City Council
Context Gallery	39,600	Derry City Council
Context Gallery	9,650	Derry City Council
Name	GRANT (£)	COUNCIL AREA
Destined Ltd	9,950	Derry City Council
Drama in Hand/Handful Productions	3,050	Derry City Council
Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company	55,000	Derry City Council
Eden Place Arts Centre	30,000	Derry City Council
Guildhall Press	35,000	Derry City Council
Maydown Youth Training Project Ltd - Waterside Theatre	70,000	Derry City Council
North West Play Resource Centre (The Playhouse)	127,000	Derry City Council
Sole Purpose	3,700	Derry City Council
The City of Derry Guitar Festival	9,250	Derry City Council
The Nerve Centre	198,911	Derry City Council
The Void Art Centre	85,000	Derry City Council
Towards Understanding And Healing	9,780	Derry City Council
Verbal Arts Centre	175,657	Derry City Council
Waterside Women's Group	9,959	Derry City Council
Voluntary Arts Network (on behalf of Voluntary Arts Ireland)	60,000	Down District Council
Ardglass GFC	3,400	Down District Council
Ballee and District Community Group	8,180	Down District Council
Brookvale Rural Association	5,128	Down District Council
Bawn Silver Band	5,500	Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council
Canary Fifing and Drumming Club	720	Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council
Coalisland Learn and Leisure Association	6,217	Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council
Discovery 80 Ltd. Share Centre	20,000	Fermanagh District Council
Erne Art Group	1,600	Fermanagh District Council
Erne Music Club (Belleek and District)	8,700	Fermanagh District Council
Gospel West	3,600	Fermanagh District Council
Letterbreen Silver Band	5,795	Fermanagh District Council
Magheraboy Flute Band	3,600	Fermanagh District Council
Castleward Opera	159,000	Lisburn City Council
Northern Ireland Piping & Drumming School	56,510	Lisburn City Council
Ulster Association of Youth Drama	34,650	Lisburn City Council
Ballycoan Pipe Band	5,970	Lisburn City Council
Colin Neighbourhood Partnership	10,000	Lisburn City Council
Fusion Theatre	5,000	Lisburn City Council
Island Youth Theatre	9,000	Lisburn City Council
Lisnagarvey Operatic and Dramatic Society	5,000	Lisburn City Council
Upper Crossgare Pipe Band	5,000	Lisburn City Council
Moneymore Accordion Band	2,880	Magherafelt District Council
Antrim Glens Traditions Group	3,293	Moyle District Council
Bangor Drama Festival	800	North Down Borough Council
Maiden Voyage (NI) Ltd	20,000	North Down Borough Council
Name	GRANT (£)	COUNCIL AREA
Open House Traditional Arts Festival Ltd	60,000	North Down Borough Council
Seacourt Print Workshop Limited	50,550	North Down Borough Council
Bangor Operatic Society	5,000	North Down Borough Council
Holywood Music Festival	4,000	North Down Borough Council
Seacourt Print Workshop Ltd	9,953	North Down Borough Council
Drake Music Project Northern Ireland	42,000	Newry and Mourne District Council
Sticky Fingers Early Years Arts	63,487	Newry and Mourne District Council
Kingdom of Mourne Ulster Scots	9,850	Newry and Mourne District Council
Glengormley Irish Traditional Music School	5,000	Newtownabbey Borough Council
Anglo-Indian Films Ltd	9,802	Belfast City Council
Belfast Film Festival Ltd	6,050	Belfast City Council
Centre Stage Theatre Company Ltd	10,000	Belfast City Council
Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann - Portglenone Branch	1,400	Ballymena Borough Council
Crafts Development Northern Ireland	10,000	Belfast City Council
Drake Music Project ( Northern Ireland ) Limited	9,994	Newry and Mourne District Council
Indian Community Centre	9,800	Belfast City Council
Royal Mencap Society	8,850	Belfast City Council
Creggan Education And Research Services Ltd	9,650	Omagh District Council

The table below gives details of the funding provided by the Northern Ireland Screen Commission to community and voluntary groups.

NAME	GRANT (£)	COUNCIL AREA
AmmA Centre	93,750	Armagh City and District Council
Belfast Film Festival	40,500	Belfast City Council
Cinemagic (After Schools Film Clubs)	60,000	Belfast City Council
Cinemagic Festival	50,000	Belfast City Council
Northern Visions	78,750	Belfast City Council
Studio On	237,500	Castlereagh Borough Council
Nerve Centre	138,750	Derry City Council
Nerve Centre (After Schools Film Clubs)	20,000	Derry City Council

FORAS NA GAEILGE

The table below gives details of the funding provided by Foras na Gaeilge to community and voluntary groups.

NAME	GRANT (£)	COUNCIL AREA
Iontao Iontaobhas Ultach	62,442	Belfast City Council
Forbairt Feirste	30,245	Belfast City Council
Pobal	45,532	Belfast City Council
Raidió fáilte	22,765	Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council
An Gaeláras	30,376	Derry City Council
Cultúrlann MacAdam Ó Fiaich	22,941	Belfast City Council
Cumann Cultúrtha Mhic Reachtain	20,147	Belfast City Council
Coiste Forbartha Charn Tóchair	16,744	Magherafelt
An Droichead	17,890	Belfast City Council
Gaelphobal an tSratha Báin	9,855	Strabane District Council
Pobal an Chaistil	10,407	Moyle District Council
Ionad Uíbh Eachach	8,955	Belfast City Council
Glór na Móna	9,105	Belfast City Council
Cumann GaelachChnoc na Rós	9,363	Derry City Council
Cumann Gaelach Leath Chathail	9,278	Down District Council
Craobh Naomh Pádraig	850	Belfast City Council
An Clochar Éire Óg	500	Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council
Glór na nGael, Uachtar Tíre	850	Down District Council
Cumann Cultúrtha Mhic Reachtain	592	Belfast City Council
Droichead, An	857	Belfast City Council
Coláiste Bhlinne	750	Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council
Conradh na Gaeilge, Bóirche Íochtair	875	Down District Council
Naíscoil Mhuire	586	Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council
Bunscoil an Traonaigh	491	Fermanagh District Council
Club Óige Setanta	812	Derry City Council
Coláiste Shliabh gCuilinn	325	Down District Council
Cumann Gaelach Áit Thí Cathail	750	Down District Council
Grathaine na Cnoc	419	Fermanagh District Council
Naíscoil an Chaistil	875	Moyle District Council
Naomh Lorcán Ó Tuatháil CLG	395	Down District Council
Cumann Óige Thír Eoghain	547	Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council

ULSTER SCOTS AGENCY

The table below gives details of the funding provided by the Ulster Scots Agency to community and voluntary groups.

NAME	GRANT (£)	COUNCIL AREA
George A Dummigan Memorial Accordion Band	800	Larne Borough Council
Hounds of Ulster	2,025	Newtownabbey Borough Council
Gig'N The Bann Festival Committee	1,500	Ballymena Borough Council
Moyne Ulster Scots Association	2,137	Donegal County Council
RSPBA NI Branch, Co Antrim Section	967	Lisburn City Council
William Savage Memorial Flute Band	1,575	Down District Council
The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society	5,036	Castlereagh Borough Council
York Island Arts & Heritage Association	5,535	Castlereagh Borough Council
West Belfast Orange Hall	1,875	Belfast City Council
Aghavilly Accordion Band	984	Armagh City and District Council
Altnaveigh House Ltd	4,912	Newry and Mourne District Council
Ardinariff Historical & Cultural Society	1,125	Limavady Borough Council
Ardinariff Historical & Cultural Society	2,235	Limavady Borough Council
Aughintober Pipe Band	2,193	Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council
Aughnagurgan Scottish Dance Association	2,996	Armagh City and District Council
Aughrim Fife & Lambeg Drumming Club	1,200	Magherafelt District Council
Altnaveigh School of Dance	4,123	Newry and Mourne District Council
Ballinacross Accordion Band	800	Magherafelt District Council
Ballinran Community Association	1,443	Newry and Mourne District Council
Ballybay Community Association	918	Craigavon Borough Council
Ballygrainey Rural Development Association	1,125	North Down Borough Council
Ballymageough Rural Development Association	2,379	Newry and Mourne District Council
Ballymageough Rural Development Association	3,450	Newry and Mourne District Council
Ballymoughan Flute Band	1,200	Magherafelt District Council
Ballyvea Rural Development Association	2,137	Newry and Mourne District Council
Ballyvea Rural Development Association	525	Newry and Mourne District Council
Ballydonaghy Pipe Band	1,800	Antrim Borough Council
Ballywalter Community Action Group	1,042	Ards Borough Council
Ballywillan Community & Cultural Group	1,687	Coleraine Borough Council
Benburb Memorial Pipe Band	1,773	Dunagannon and South Tyrone Borough Council
NAME	GRANT (£)	COUNCIL AREA
Belfast Orangefest 2008	3,225	Belfast City Council
Benraw Rural Community Association	1,350	Banbridge District Council
Bloomhill Rural Development Association	1,361	Dunagannon and South Tyrone Borough Council
Blue Eagle Productions	10,886	NI Wide
Borderline/Redwine Productions	2,250	Belfast City Council
Border Minority Group	750 (Euro)	Monaghan County Council
Broughshane & District Community Association Ltd	1,175	Ballymena Borough Council
Brookeborough Flute Band	1,575	Fermanagh District Council
Brookmount Cultural & Education Society	1,350	Lisburn City Council
Broomhedge Ulster Scots Society	251	Lisburn City Council
Bright Lights	3,735	Belfast City Council
Bright Lights	1,125	Belfast City Council
Burt Scottish Country Dance Club	2,334	Derry City Council
Cairncastle LOL 692 Community & Cultural Group	1,050	Larne Borough Council
Carryduff & District Drum Majors	815	Castlereagh Borough Council
Carleton Street Community Development Association	300	Craigavon Borough Council
Carnagh Accordion Band	984	Armagh City and District Council
Centre for Migration Studies - Ulster American Folk Park	1,500	Omagh District Council
Closkelt Highland Dancers	1,020	Down District Council
Coleraine Festival Committee	6,412	Coleraine Borough Council
County Armagh Drum Majors Group	1,856	Armagh City and District Council
Cowan Memorial Flute Band	1,350	Dunagannon and South Tyrone Borough Council
Corbert Accordion Band	1,800	Lisburn City Council
Crimson Arrow Pipe Band	1,381	Ards Borough Council
Cranny Cultural & Community Group	562	Magherafelt District Council
Curlough Accordion Band	1,293	Dunagannon and South Tyrone Borough Council
Cullybackey District LOL No 20	948	Ballymena Borough Council
Cullybackey Pipe Band	750	Ballymena Borough Council
Cup of Tae Festival	1,125	Donegal County Council
Derriaghy District LOL No 11	1,312	Lisburn City Council
Desertmartin Accordion Band	800	Magherafelt District Council
Drumnaleg Community Association	871	Armagh City and District Council
Drumnaleg Community Association	187	Armagh City and District Council
Drumquin Pipe Band	1,996	Omagh District Council
Drumquin Pipe Band	1,998	Omagh District Council
Drum Accordion Band	660 (Euro)	Monaghan County Council
Drum Accordion Band	1,736	Monaghan County Council
Dunamoney Community Group	1,920	Magherafelt District Council
NAME	GRANT (£)	COUNCIL AREA
Dunloy Accordion Band	1,687	Ballymoney Borough Council
Dunloy Accordion Band	1,822	Ballymoney Borough Council
East Donegal Ulster Scots Association	1,020 (Euro)	Donegal County Council
East Donegal Ulster Scots Association	4,106 (Euro)	Donegal County Council
East Donegal Ulster Scots Association	2,306	Donegal County Council
East Donegal Ulster Scots Association	10,005	Donegal County Council
East Antrim Elementary Accordion Orchestra	421	Larne Borough Council
East Belfast Titanic Festival	19,169	Belfast City Council
Eden Accordion Band	1,200	Ballymoney Borough Council
Edentiloan & District US Association	677	Dunagannon and South Tyrone Borough Council
Fermanagh Arts Festival	3,862	Fermanagh District Council
Gillian Jones - Sponsorship For Attainment of A Fellowship	2,250	North Down Borough Council
Goldsprings TDFB	1,575	Ards Borough Council
Greyabbey Junior Drumming Club	1,489	Ards Borough Council
Hartford Community Development & Cultural Association	1,871	Armagh City and District Council
Heart of Down Highland Dancers	1,953	Down District Council
Heart of Down Highland Dancers	577	Down District Council
Institute of Ulster Scots Studies	89,244 (Euro)	Derry City Council
Institute of Ulster Scots Studies	150,000	Derry City Council
Killyglen Accordion Band	1,816	Carrickfergus Borough Council
Killycoogan Accordion Band	1,687	Ballymena Borough Council
Kingdom of Dalriada Ulster Scots Society	5,556	Ballymoney Borough Council
Kilbroney Integrated Primary School	540	Newry and Mourne District Council
Lisnaskea Accordion Band	1,406	Fermanagh District Council
Larne District LOL No 1 Education & Cultural Group	187	Larne Borough Council
Lisburn Fusiliers Flute Band	1,269	Lisburn City Council
Maghera Sons of William Flute Band	1,050	Magherafelt District Council
Magherageg Rural Community Association	798	Omagh District Council
Macosquin Cultural & Regeneration Group	1,350	Coleraine Borough Council
Magherboy Flute Band	800	Fermanagh District Council
Marlacoo Pipe Band	1,905	Armagh City and District Council
Marlagh Educational & Culture Group	975	Ballymena Borough Council
Megargy Cultural & Community Group	375	Magherafelt District Council
Mid Armagh Community Network	12,787	Armagh City and District Council
Mid Armagh Community Network	1,125	Armagh City and District Council
Mosside Development Group	13,875	Newtownabbey Borough Council
Mountfield Ulster Scots Association	930	Omagh District Council
Moyne Ulster Scots Association	2,193	Donegal County Council

NAME	GRANT (£)	COUNCIL AREA
Mulnahorn Pipe Band	810	Fermanagh District Council
Pert Rural Community Network Association	1,462	Armagh City and District Council
Pioneer Flute Band	1,350	Craigavon Borough Council
Pride of Lagan Valley Flute Band	1,575	Belfast City Council
Portstewart Community Association	4,237	Coleraine Borough Council
Raffrey Pipe Band	1,507	Belfast City Council
RSPBA (NI) Fermanagh Section	1,312	Fermanagh District Council
Riada Concert Group	1,710	Ballymoney Borough Council
Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association	22,500	Lisburn City Council
Salterstown Flute Band	1,350	Cookstown District Council
Schomberg Fife & Drum	956	Newry and Mourne District Council
Schomberg Folk Orchestra	1,518	Newry and Mourne District Council
Sir George White Memorial Flute Band	1,687	Ballymena Borough Council
Sixmilewater Cultural Society	675	Newtownabbey Borough Council
Sixmilewater Cultural Society	2,685	Newtownabbey Borough Council
South Londonderry Ulster Scots Association	900	Magherafelt District Council
Sollus School of Highland Dance	7,455	Strabane District Council
South Belfast Cultural Society	6,690	Belfast City Council
Stranocum Ulster Scots Cultural & Heritage Society	1,687	Ballymoney Borough Council
Tamlaght Pipe Band	1,800	Fermanagh District Council
Tandragee Community Association	2,400	Armagh City and District Council
The Bridge Community Association	1,153	Belfast City Council
Ulster Scots Language Society	13,110	NI Wide
Ulster Scots Folk Orchestra	5,917	Craigavon Borough Council
Upper Crossgare Pipe Band	2,250	Lisburn City Council
William Beattie Memorial Accordion Band	309	Ballymena Borough Council
The Ely Centre	1,743	Fermanagh District Council
Banbridge Pipe Band	2,306	Banbridge District Council
Closkelt Pipe Band	1,350	Banbridge District Council
O'Neill Pipe Band	2,418	Monaghan County Council
Cairncastle LOL 692 Community & Cultural Group	1,875	Larne Borough Council
Quoile Ulster Scots Society	1,575	Down District Council
Derryogue Flute Band	2,137	Newry and Mourne District Council
Craiganee Accordion Band	843	Moyle District Council
Ballymartin Pipe Band	1,743	Newry and Mourne District Council
Donemana Pipe Band	1,350	Strabane District Council
Ballyarnett Scottish Ceilidh Dance Club	2,025	Derry City Council
Cranfield Cultural Society	1,968	Newry and Mourne District Council
NAME	GRANT (£)	COUNCIL AREA
Stranocum Ulster Scots Cultural & Heritage Society	187	Ballymoney Borough Council
Crossgar Young Defenders	2,216	Lisburn City Council
Ballytober Parents Association	2,625	Moyle District Council
Kirknarra School of Dance	2,586	Newry and Mourne District Council
Lower Iveagh Cultural & Heritage Society	4,031	Lisburn City Council
Poundbridge & District Community Association	1,800	Lisburn City Council
Lisbeg Pipe Band	990	Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council
Ulster Scots Cultural Development Trust	2,400	Antrim Borough Council
Ulster Scots Cultural Development Trust	750	Antrim Borough Council
Waringsford Pipe Band	1,912	Lisburn City Council
Seymour Hill & Conway Community Network & Queensway Flute Band	187	Belfast City Council
Tannagh Hill Scottish Country Dancing	465	Armagh Borough Council
Carleton Street Community Development Association	2,362	Craigavon Borough Council
Newbuildings Community & Environmental Association	15,665	Derry City Council
Ballycarry Community Association	6,375	Larne Borough Council
Portavogie Heritage Historical Society	6,292	Ards Borough Council
Cairncastle LOL 692 Community & Cultural Group	1,050	Larne Borough Council
Bushmills Ulster Scots Heritage Group	10,613	Moyle District Council
The Blue Thistle Highland Dancers	13,462	Omagh District Council
Mountfield Ulster Scots Association	1,434	Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council
Laganview Enterprise Centre	1,627	Lisburn City Council
Battlehill Pipe Band	787	Armagh City and District Council
Dungonnell Ulster Scots & Cultural Society	187	Antrim Borough Council
East Donegall Ulster Scots Association	1,395 (Euro)	Donegal County Council
Friends of Slieve Roe House	300	Newry and Mourne District Council
Seapatrick Cultural & Educational Society	731	Banbridge District Council

SPORT

The table below gives details of the funding provided by Sport NI to community and voluntary groups.

NAME	GRANT (£)	COUNCIL AREA
Bready Cricket Club	1,692,451	Strabane District Council
O'Brien's GAC	245,000	Derry City Council
Kickhams Creggan GAC	240,000	Antrim Borough Council
Lisnaskea Emmetts GAC	220,000	Fermanagh District Council
Bready Cricket Club	125,000	Strabane District Council
Greysteel Community Enterprise	72,000	Limavady Borough Council
Na Magha Hurling Club	238,274	Derry City Council
Greysteel Community Enterprise	550,000	Limavady Borough Council
St Mary's GAC	235,000	Derry City Council
Waringstown Cricket Club	40,000	Craigavon Borough Council
Disability Sports Northern Ireland	125,000	NI Wide
Playboard	554,896	NI Wide
Upper Springfield Development Trust	179,460	Belfast City Council
North East Area Partnership	170,901	Antrim Borough Council
Greater Shankill Partnership	137,690	Belfast City Council
North Belfast Sport Forum	140,000	Belfast City Council
Brownlow Campus Sports Trust	130,366	Craigavon Borough Council
Down Clubmark Sports Association	130,366	Down District Council
Age Concern	131,000	NI Wide
Clarendon Development Association	126,866	Belfast City Council
Old Library Trust	121,166	Derry City Council
The Boys' Brigade ( Belfast Battalion	119,491	Belfast City Council
Sport South East	117,266	Down District Council
Greater Village Regeneration Trust (GVRT)	118,296	Belfast City Council
Newry & Mourne Carers Limited	112,500	Newry and Mourne District Council
Southern Sports Partnership	111,799	Armagh City and District Council
Playboard	108,957	NI Wide
Lower Ormeau Residents' Action Group	109,530	Belfast City Council
Derry Healthy Cities	104,000	Derry City Council
Lagan Watersports Ltd	92,775	Belfast City Council
Brownlow Campus Sports Trust	69,195	Craigavon Borough Council
Lower Ormeau Residents' Action Group	67,440	Belfast City Council
Derry Healthy Cities	67,041	Derry City Council
Youth Sport Omagh Ltd	66,063	Omagh District Council
Greater Village Regeneration Trust (GVRT)	65,310	Belfast City Council
Cookstown and District Sports Forum	53,293	Cookstown District Council
Youth Sport Omagh Ltd	37,982	Omagh District Council
North Belfast Play Forum	33,000	Belfast City Council
North Belfast Play Forum	28,000	Belfast City Council
Craigavon Sports Advisory Council	18,790	Craigavon Borough Council
PHAB NI Inclusion Matters	79,000	NI Wide
NAME	GRANT (£)	COUNCIL AREA
Clubs for Young People	71,665	NI Wide
Belfast Youth Sport Development	60,000	Belfast City Council

DIRECT CAPITAL GRANTS FROM DCAL

CULTURAL AND LANGUAGE DIVERSITY

NAME	GRANT (£)	COUNCIL AREA
Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland	33,000	NI Wide

SIGN LANGUAGE

NAME	GRANT (£)	COUNCIL AREA
Hands that Talk	1,760	NW Based
RNID (Royal National Institute for the Deaf)	23,000	NI Wide

ARTS

NAME	GRANT (£)	COUNCIL AREA
Lyric Theare	2,500,000	Belfast City Council
Old Museum Arts Centre	1,737,000	Belfast City Council
Old Museum Arts Centre Gallery	1,710,000	Belfast City Council
North West Fund*	1,650,000	Derry City Council
NW Public Art	35,000	Derry City Council

The Department has also allocated £100, 000 resource grant to the Belfast Festival at Queens for 08/09.

*This includes funding for An Gaelaras, The Gasyard, The Waterside Theatre and the Void Gallery.

Waste Management

Mr Savage asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure how much his Department has spent on waste management since devolution.

(AQW 7976/08)

Mr G Campbell: The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure has spent £5924.71 on Waste Management since Devolution on 8 May 2007.

Blackberrys Purchased by the Department

Mr Savage asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure how many Blackberrys have been purchased by his Department since devolution.

(AQW 8169/08)

Mr G Campbell: The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure has purchased 15 Blackberrys since Devolution on 8 May 2007.

Multi-Sports Stadium at the Maze/Long Kesh Site

Mrs Long asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure how much his Department has spent on the proposed multi sports stadium at the Maze/Long Kesh site.

(AQW 8235/08)

Mr G Campbell: My department has spent £ 3,583,094 to date on the proposals for a Multi-Sports Stadium. Most of this expenditure, £ 3,139,530, has been incurred on stadium design. Business planning, the Business Case, Programme, Management and other consultancy costs account for the balance of £ 443,564.

Funding for Football Clubs

Mr Storey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what financial assistance was made available to football clubs in the (i) Premier League; (ii) First Division; and (iii) Intermediate League, over the last three years, (a) in total; and (b) broken down by club.

(AQW 8278/08)

Mr G Campbell: Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) is responsible for the development of sport in Northern Ireland including the distribution of funding. SNI has provided financial assistance over the last three financial years to football clubs in the (i) Premier League; (ii) First Division; and (iii) Intermediate League as follows:

2005/06 – There were no exchequer or lottery awards issued to soccer in this financial year.

2006/07 Exchequer Funding to Soccer

Organisation	Award (£)	Premier League	1 st Division	Intermediate
Ballymena Utd FC	168,326	168,326
Newry City FC	2,179	2,179
Dungannon Swifts FC	2,402	2,402
Portadown FC	4,995	4,995
Glentoran	11,706	11,706
Ards FC	1,888		1,888
Linfield FC	11,628	11,628
Armagh City FC	3,365	3,365
Cliftonville FC	804,023	804,023
Crusaders FC	2,134	2,134
Donegal Celtic FC	3,150	3,150
Totals	1,015,794	1,013,906	1,888	0

There were no lottery awards issued to soccer in financial year 2006/07.

2007/08 Exchequer Funding to Soccer

Organisation	Award (£)	Premier League	1 st Division	Intermediate
Linfield FC	4,425	4,425
Cliftonville FC	900	900
Portadown FC	800,900	800,900
Donegal Celtic FC	938	938
Totals	807,163	807,163	0	0

There were no lottery awards issued to soccer in financial year 2007/08.

Education

Bunscoil an Chaistil

Mr McKay asked the Minister of Education to detail the unresolved matters between her department and Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta in relation to the club bank scheme proposals for Bunscoil an Chaistil.

(AQW 3334/08)

The Minister of Education (Ms C Ruane):

Léiríonn líon na ndaltaí a tugadh isteach i mBunscoil an Chaistil le blianta beaga anuas inmharthanacht na scoile agus, dá bharr sin, tá an scoil i dteideal cur isteach ar chlár caipitil na Roinne.

The intakes at Bunscoil an Chaistil in recent years have demonstrated the viability of the school and as such the school is eligible for consideration in the department’s capital programme. A club bank scheme is not therefore considered to be appropriate to meet the school’s accommodation requirements. Officials from my department have visited the school to assess the accommodation and discuss with the school’s representatives the position and the next steps in the process.

Balmoral High School

Mr Adams asked the Minister of Education (i) what action her Department has taken; and (ii) what plans are in place, in relation to the future of Balmoral High School in West Belfast.

(AQW 7633/08)

Ms C Ruane:

Tá an Roinn ag obair le Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlann Bhéal Feirste, ar leis Ardscoil Balmoral, le roghanna cuí a aimsiú maidir le húsáid na scoile san am atá le teacht. Tá an Roinn agus an Bord ag breithniú roghanna malartacha oideachasúla don suíomh cé nach ndearnadh cinntí ar bith go fóill.

The Department is working with the Belfast Education and Library Board, which owns Balmoral High School, to identify suitable options for the future use of the site. The Department and the Board are considering alternative educational uses for the site though no decisions have yet been taken.

Secondary School Places in North Down

Mr Cree asked the Minister of Education why a number of pupils in the North Down constituency have been unable to secure a place in a secondary school in the area for the 2008-09 academic year; and how many pupils are affected.

(AQW 7636/08)

Ms C Ruane:

Thug Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlann an Oirdheiscirt le fios dom go bhfuil 23 dhalta, a bhfuil seoltaí acu i toghcheantar Thuaisceart an Dúin, gan áit faoi láthair in iar-bhunscoil don bhliain acadúil 2008/09.

The South-Eastern Education and Library Board have advised me that 23 pupils with addresses in the North Down constituency are currently without a place in a post-primary school for the 2008/09 academic year. The reason for this is that all the schools for which the pupils expressed preferences on their transfer forms were over-subscribed and other applicants better met the schools’ admissions criteria. The admissions criteria of schools are chosen by the Board of Governors of the school and reflect its priorities for school admissions. In these circumstances applicants should contact the Transfer Officer of the South-Eastern education and library board who will be able to advise them of schools within a reasonable travelling distance of their homes, which have places available.

Planning, Preparation and Assessment Time for Teachers

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of Education if she has any plans to introduce measures to ensure that teachers are entitled to a minimum of 10 per cent of their timetabled teaching commitment for planning, preparation and assessment.

(AQW 7733/08)

Ms C Ruane:

Tá tabhairt isteach Am Pleanála, Ullmhúcháin agus Measúnaithe (PPA) ar cheann de na bearta a mhol tuarascáil "Curran 2" chun am táirgiúil na múinteoirí a mhéadú.

The introduction of Planning, Preparation and Assessment (PPA) Time is one of a number of measures recommended by the “Curran 2” report to increase teachers’ productive time. Another is the need to relieve the pressures on teaching principals in our smaller primary schools and, as a result of the Budget 2007 process, I have been able to make available almost £12m over the next three years for this purpose. However, it has not been possible to provide resources for PPA, the annual cost of which is estimated at over £30m.

I am aware of the difficulties faced by our teachers and I believe that schools should be encouraged to develop strategies for ensuring that teachers can avail of PPA time where possible. I understand that the teachers’ unions and employing authorities are committed to the principle of PPA time and that the matter is under consideration at the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee.

Surplus Primary School Places

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education how many surplus places there are in each primary school in Bangor.

(AQW 7769/08)

Ms C Ruane:

Tá an t-eolas a iarradh mionsonraithe sa tábla faoi iamh.

The information requested is detailed in the attached table.

Totals:	4,530	1,482
Bangor	07/08 Enrolment	Estimated Surplus Places
Ballyholme	600	71
Ballymagee	404	2
Bangor Central	562	24
Bloomfield Road	232	176
Clandeboye	177	349
Crawfordsburn	188	43
Grange Park	364	-
Kilcooley	101	455
Kilmaine	602	-
Rathmore	430	156
Towerview	317	64
St Comgall’s	284	-
St Malachy’s	269	142
Wider Bangor area
Conlig	43	13
Glencraig	228	3
Totals:	271	16
Overall total:	4,801	1,498

Towerview Primary School

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Education for her assessment of the capacity of the new-build for Towerview Primary School to cater for the volume of pupils.

(AQW 7782/08)

Ms C Ruane:

The South Eastern Education and Library Board has planned the new school for 11 classbases, catering for up to 320 pupils, plus a 2-classbase special unit and a nursery unit, and construction is currently underway. New schools are planned on the basis of their projected enrolments. There are currently 317 pupils at the school, excluding pupils in the special unit.

Tá mé ar an eolas maidir leis an imní a léirigh Bunscoil Towerview maidir leis na hacmhainní atá á gcur ar fáil agus beidh oifigigh ag plé na saincheisteanna a ardaíodh faoin chóiríocht úr leis an scoil.

I am aware of the concerns expressed by Towerview Primary School about the facilities being provided and officials will be discussing with the school the issues which have been raised about the new accommodation.

Team-Building Exercises

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education how many away days and team-building exercises have been organised by her Department for departmental staff in each of the last five years.

(AQW 7838/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh mionsonraithe sa tábla faoi iamh.

The information requested is detailed in the attached table.

Away Days / Team Building Days
Financial Year	Number of days
2003/04	33
2004/05	23
2005/06	22
2006/07	29.5
2007/08	38

The away days detailed in the above table include days organised by the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) which provides inspection services for the Department of Education (DE), the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) and the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL).

Away days in the main are used for Business Planning. As an Investor in People there is a requirement to involve people when developing the organisation’s business plan and when agreeing team and individual objectives. It is not possible to show separately the number of away days (business planning) and team building exercises. In the Department of Education, however, teambuilding days are generally arranged through Employer Supported Volunteering with Voluntary Service Bureau at nil cost.

Team-Building Exercises

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education how many staff hours have been taken up with departmental or cross-departmental away days, or team-building exercises, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 7842/08)

Ms C Ruane:

Níl eolas san fhormáid a iarradh ar fáil go réidh agus níorbh fhéidir é a chur ar fáil ach ar chostas díréireach.

Information in the form requested is not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Grammar School Places

Miss McIlveen asked the Minister of Education how many grammar school places have been available, broken down by gender and school, in the South Eastern Education and Library Board areas and Belfast Education and Library Board in each of the last five years, and for the forthcoming academic year.

(AQW 7877/08)

Ms C Ruane:

Sa tábla atá ceangailte leis seo tá eolas maidir le líon na n-áiteanna atá ar fáil i scoileanna gramadaí i gceantar Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlann an Oirdheiscirt agus Bhéal Feirste i ngach ceann de na cúig bliana dheireanacha, agus an bhliain acadúil atá le teacht fosta.

The number of available grammar school places by school in the South Eastern and Belfast Education and Library Board area in each of the last five years, and also the forthcoming academic year is provided in the attached table. I should explain that the Department does not hold figures on the gender breakdown of the pupils attending co-educational schools, but the attached table groups schools according to whether the school is co-educational, or a girls or boys school.

		2003/2004 Approved Admissions Number	2004/2005 Approved Admissions Number	2005/2006 Approved Admissions Number	2006/2007 Approved Admissions Number	2007/2008 Approved Admissions Number	2008/2009 Approved Admissions Number
Belfast Education and Library Board
Co-Educational Schools
141-0079	Grosvenor Grammar School	155	155	155	155	155	155
141-0270	Wellington College	110	110	110	110	110	110
142-0022	Methodist College	240	240	240	240	240	240
142-0028	Belfast Royal Academy	200	200	200	200	200	200
142-0095	Rathmore Grammar School	180	180	180	180	180	180
142-0277	Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School	110	110	110	110	110	110
Girls' Schools
142-0018	Bloomfield Collegiate School	100	100	100	100	100	100
142-0029	St Dominic's High School	145	145	145	145	145	145
142-0082	Dominican College	150	150	150	150	150	150
142-0089	Strathearn School	110	110	110	110	110	110
142-0264	Victoria College	130	130	130	130	130	130
142-0265	Hunterhouse College	100	100	100	100	100	100
Boy's Schools
142-0020	Campbell College	140	140	140	140	140	140
142-0021	St Mary's Christian Brothers' Grammar School	175	175	175	175	175	175
142-0027	Royal Belfast Academical Institution	154	154	154	154	150	150
142-0030	St Malachy's College	150	150	150	150	150	150
South-Eastern Education and Library Board
Co-Educational Schools
441-0063	Regent House School	210	210	210	210	210	210
441-0085	Down High School	128	128	128	128	128	128
442-0044	Sullivan Upper School	150	150	150	150	150	150
442-0050	Friends' School	140	140	140	140	140	140
442-0051	Wallace High School	170	170	170	170	170	170
442-0259	Our Lady & St Patrick's College	180	180	180	180	180	180
Girls' Schools
441-0097	Glenlola Collegiate School	157	157	157	157	157	157
442-0086	Assumption Grammar School , Ballynahinch	135	135	130	125	120	120
Boys' Schools
442-0015	Bangor Grammar School	136	136	136	136	136	136
442-0088	St Patrick's Grammar School, Downpatrick	110	110	96	96	96	96

Post-Primary Schools

Mr Burns asked the Minister of Education (i) for a breakdown of pupils first preference choices for all post-primary schools in the North Eastern Education and Library Board; (ii) how many places were available at each school; (iii) how many pupils selected each individual school; and (iv) how many pupils selected each individual school, broken down by transfer procedure grade, in each of the last 3 years.

(AQW 7902/08)

Ms C Ruane:

Soláthraíonn na táblaí thíos an t-eolas a iarradh. Soláthraíonn an chéad tábla (i) briseadh síos chéad rogha na ndaltaí do gach iar-bhunscoil i mBord Oideachais & Leabharlann an Oirthuaiscirt; (ii) líon na n-áiteanna atá ar fáil i ngach scoil; agus (iii) líon na ndaltaí a roghnaigh gach scoil.

The tables below provide the requested information. The first table provides (i) breakdown of pupils’ first preference choices for all post-primary schools in the North-Eastern Education & Library Board; (ii) the number of places available at each school; and (iii) the number of pupils that selected each school. This last figure in this table is the sum of the number of pupils who expressed a preference for the school taking account of all (not just first) preferences. Please note that as applicants express preferences for more than one school the same applicant may feature in the figures for more than one school. The next three tables break this last group down by Transfer Procedure grade in each of the last 3 years.

2008/09

(i) breakdown of pupils first-preference choices for all post-primary schools in the NEELB area
(ii) the number of places available
(iii) the number of pupils that selected each school

Name of School

(i) First Preference Applications

(i) First Preference by Transfer Grade

(ii) No. of Places Available

(iii) No. of pupils that selected each school

Others

Garvagh High School

Magherafelt High School

100

Larne High School

135

104

Maghera High School

Carrickfergus College

117

160

146

Ballycastle High School

Ballymoney High School

120

130

Ballyclare Secondary School

180

234

Cullybackey High School

130

132

Monkstown Community School

129

164

142

Glengormley High School

119

210

174

Parkhall College

108

150

145

Dunclug College

110

131

Dunluce School

106

110

109

Downshire School

160

147

Ballee Community High School

100

Newtownabbey Community High School

130

Coleraine College

103

St Aloysius' High School, Cushendall

St Comgall's High School, Larne

140

Our Lady of Lourdes High School

St Patrick's College, Ballymena

150

St Joseph's High School, Coleraine

St Colm's High School

St Mary's College

St Paul's College

St Pius X High School

154

140

173

Edmund Rice College

103

120

122

Cross & Passion College, Ballycastle

128

130

135

St Patrick's College, Maghera

190

108

190

200

St Benedict's College

100

Crumlin Integrated College

Slemish College , Ballymena

203

120

268

North-Coast Integrated College

Ulidia Integrated College

119

144

Sperrin Integrated College

116

Ballyclare High School

220

140

186

253

Coleraine High School

107

120

135

Carrickfergus Grammar School

125

116

140

Antrim Grammar School

147

105

184

Cambridge House Grammar

185

150

268

St Louis ' Grammar School, Ballymena

195

139

209

Ballymena Academy

212

155

176

220

Dalriada School

163

114

125

163

Coleraine Academical Institution

109

125

126

Loreto College

147

120

160

Larne Grammar School

130

110

156

Rainey Endowed School

122

100

132

Dominican College

101

116

Belfast High School

173

104

136

200

St Mary's Grammar School, Magherafelt

171

146

153

176

St Macnissi's College

107

(iv) the number of pupils that selected each school, broken down by transfer procedure grade for 2008/09

Name of School	(iv) No. of pupils that selected each school	(iv) Broken down by Transfer Grade
Name of School	(iv) No. of pupils that selected each school	A	B1	B2	C1	C2	D	Others
Garvagh High School	35						16	19
Magherafelt High School	95	1			7	13	14	60
Larne High School	104				3	17	37	47
Maghera High School	14				1	2	2	9
Carrickfergus College	146			3	15	18	57	53
Ballycastle High School	62		4	3	3	7	9	36
Ballymoney High School	130	4	1	3	4	13	29	76
Ballyclare Secondary School	234	6	1	8	31	44	95	49
Cullybackey High School	132			1	5	21	47	58
Monkstown Community School	142			4	4	12	57	65
Glengormley High School	174		1	7	19	24	77	46
Parkhall College	145		1	1	7	19	60	57
Dunclug College	131				4	17	53	57
Dunluce School	109				3	2	35	69
Downshire School	147	2	1	5	16	16	72	35
Ballee Community High School	73				3	7	35	28
Newtownabbey Community High School	29				1	1	10	17
Coleraine College	36						11	25
St Aloysius' High School, Cushendall	9						5	4
St Comgall's High School, Larne	27						2	16
Our Lady of Lourdes High School	33			1	2	5	11	14
St Patrick's College, Ballymena	89	1	1	4	5	6	33	39
St Joseph's High School, Coleraine	56					4	25	27
St Colm's High School	71	5	1	3	2	2	6	52
St Mary's College	46		1	1	2	2	7	33
St Paul's College	63	1	2	7	3	4	11	35
St Pius X High School	173	9	7	12	14	10	33	88
Edmund Rice College	122	2		2	9	8	34	67
Cross & Passion College, Ballycastle	135	6		3	8	4	18	96
St Patrick's College, Maghera	200	12	9	10	19	12	30	108
St Benedict's College	95			2	8	3	32	50
Crumlin Integrated College	50	2		3	1	5	13	26
Slemish College , Ballymena	268	16	10	21	17	40	101	63
North-Coast Integrated College	73	1				1	28	43
Ulidia Integrated College	144	3	2	4	11	14	53	57
Sperrin Integrated College	116	5	2	1	8	10	36	54
Ballyclare High School	253	140	27	34	30	16	4	2
Coleraine High School	135	41	17	15	22	20	17	3
Carrickfergus Grammar School	140	73	19	30	9	4	2	3
Antrim Grammar School	184	61	15	33	30	29	11	5
Cambridge House Grammar	268	36	23	48	45	52	59	5
St Louis ' Grammar School, Ballymena	209	93	27	30	25	12	13	9
Ballymena Academy	220	155	27	21	6	7	3	1
Dalriada School	163	114	15	12	10	7	1	4
Coleraine Academical Institution	126	30	10	15	19	18	30	4
Loreto College	160	82	18	16	17	14	10	3
Larne Grammar School	156	56	11	28	26	25	10
Rainey Endowed School	132	65	15	17	16	11	7	1
Dominican College	116	28	10	11	19	16	27	5
Belfast High School	200	104	27	32	18	10	6	3
St Mary's Grammar School, Magherafelt	176	146	13	8	4	2	2	1
St Macnissi's College	107	32	10	15	15	11	22	2

(iv) the number of pupils that selected each school, broken down by transfer procedure grade for 2007/08

Name of School	(iv) No. of pupils that selected each school	(iv) Broken down by Transfer Grade
Name of School	(iv) No. of pupils that selected each school	A	B1	B2	C1	C2	D	Others
Garvagh High School	15						5	10
Magherafelt High School	79		2		3	5	20	49
Larne High School	66				2	2	33	29
Maghera High School	20						6	14
Carrickfergus College	135			6	11	15	59	44
Ballycastle High School	58	1		3	1	3	10	40
Ballymoney High School	134	1	1	4	9	8	38	73
Ballyclare Secondary School	204	1	1	1	27	20	100	54
Crumlin High School	65				2	6	16	41
Cullybackey High School	143	1		1	3	8	67	63
Monkstown Community School	118	1		1	5	8	46	57
Glengormley High School	135			3	5	13	73	41
Parkhall College	127				3	9	62	53
Dunclug College	87				1	8	40	38
Dunluce School	92				2	4	43	43
Downshire School	144			5	11	8	77	43
Ballee Community High School	57					3	31	23
Newtownabbey Community High School	27					1	7	19
Coleraine College	43						17	26
St Aloysius' High School, Cushendall	1							1
St Comgall's High School, Larne	31						14	17
Our Lady of Lourdes High School	38		1	1	1	3	10	22

St Patrick's College, Ballymena	62			2	2	2	22	34
St Joseph's High School, Coleraine	39						27	12
St Colm's High School	59		2	1	3	2	9	42
St Mary's College	59	2	1	1	2	3	9	41
St Paul's College	50	1		1		3	10	35
St Pius X High School	157	6	9	13	9	13	35	72
Edmund Rice College	104				7	7	39	51
Cross & Passion College, Ballycastle	107	5	1	4	3	1	25	68
St Patrick's College, Maghera	217	21	3	10	11	11	34	127
St Benedict's College	90	2		2	3	6	41	36
Slemish College , Ballymena	250	15	12	13	12	18	117	63
North-Coast Integrated College	77		1			2	35	39
Ulidia Integrated College	153	1	3	3	3	8	57	78
Sperrin Integrated College	85		1		2	7	30	45
Ballyclare High School	222	129	25	28	21	14	5
Coleraine High School	118	38	17	19	11	14	17	2
Carrickfergus Grammar School	149	77	19	28	16	8	1
Antrim Grammar School	141	54	14	19	21	18	13	2
Cambridge House Grammar	222	29	16	24	37	46	64	6
St Louis' Grammar School, Ballymena	136	73	18	13	15	10	7
Ballymena Academy	188	139	18	19	7	4		1
Dalriada School	178	104	20	25	12	7	6	4
Coleraine Academical Institution	135	31	9	20	16	19	36	4
Loreto College	136	73	16	19	6	5	15	2
Larne Grammar School	123	55	10	15	12	16	12	3
Rainey Endowed School	125	61	17	14	15	11	6	1
Dominican College	105	28	9	20	12	5	31
Belfast High School	165	96	25	18	10	9	4	3
St Mary's Grammar School, Magherafelt	201	146	30	15	3	3	1	3
St Macnissi's College	101	43	4	11	8	16	18	1

(iv) the number of pupils that selected each school, broken down by transfer procedure grade for 2006/07

Name of School	(iv) No. of pupils that selected each school	(iv) Broken down by Transfer Grade
Name of School	(iv) No. of pupils that selected each school	A	B1	B2	C1	C2	D	Others
Garvagh High School	29				1		9	19
Magherafelt High School	70	1	1		2	6	19	41
Larne High School	68					3	35	30
Maghera High School	25					2	10	13
Carrickfergus College	168	1		10	9	29	72	47
Ballycastle High School	53	1	1		1		9	41
Ballymoney High School	149		3	2	9	13	37	85
Ballyclare Secondary School	222			24	18	31	100	49
Crumlin High School	55				4	5	9	37
Cullybackey High School	112	2	1		2	6	47	54
Monkstown Community School	129			4	8	10	47	60
Glengormley High School	191		1	12	15	21	73	69
Parkhall College	152				7	12	68	65
Dunclug College	109	1			1	6	49	52
Dunluce School	95		1	1		9	32	52
Downshire School	132			12	7	16	57	40
Ballee Community High School	50				1	2	21	26
Newtownabbey Community High School	32				1	2	7	22
Coleraine College	53				1	1	7	44
St Aloysius' High School, Cushendall	14	1					5	8
St Comgall's High School, Larne	17						6	11
Our Lady of Lourdes High School	36	1	1		2	2	8	22
St Patrick's College, Ballymena	78			2	1	9	39	27
St Joseph's High School, Coleraine	55				1	8	29	17
St Colm's High School	74	3	3	2	4	7	16	39
St Mary's College	41	3		1	1	3	6	27
St Paul's College	61	4	1	7			15	34
St Pius X High School	149	1	6	7	9	12	26	88
Edmund Rice College	82		1	1		6	24	50
Cross & Passion College, Ballycastle	121	5	3	2	6	3	16	86
St Patrick's College, Maghera	187	16	9	18	5	14	20	105
St Benedict’s College (amalgamation of St Olcan’s & St Malachy’s High Schools)	85		1		3	13	28	40
Slemish College , Ballymena	231	31	9	18	14	19	99	41
North-Coast Integrated College	108	2				4	29	73
Ulidia Integrated College	125	5	2	5	8	10	53	42
Sperrin Integrated College	82	1		1	7	6	23	44
Ballyclare High School	296	145	32	52	28	23	11	5
Coleraine High School	145	60	20	28	12	14	9	2
Carrickfergus Grammar School	161	69	30	38	8	11	4	1
Antrim Grammar School	155	61	13	21	24	23	11	2
Cambridge House Grammar	178	24	14	42	30	38	26	4
St Louis ' Grammar School, Ballymena	187	90	20	28	18	19	10	2
Ballymena Academy	188	138	29	10	4	4		3
Dalriada School	133	85	16	8	11	4	5	4
Coleraine Academical Institution	124	40	11	16	19	15	23
Loreto College	184	97	26	23	12	13	9	4
Larne Grammar School	121	57	9	23	16	10	6
Rainey Endowed School	107	63	15	13	12	2	2
Dominican College	116	26	8	11	17	28	24	2
Belfast High School	218	104	27	38	19	17	9	4
St Mary's Grammar School, Magherafelt	196	155	25	11	4		1
St Macnissi's College	104	37	8	13	14	13	17	2

Sustainable Schools Policy

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education to outline her Department's sustainable schools policy.

(AQW 7990/08)

Ms C Ruane:

The draft policy on Sustainable Schools identifies six criteria which should be considered in assessing a school’s viability, namely:

Quality Educational Experience
Stable Enrolment Trends
Sound Financial Position
Strong Leadership and Management
Accessibility
Strong Links with the Community.

For each of the criteria a number of indicators are identified as relevant to sustainability and are intended to help signal whether action needs to be taken.

The criteria will not be used in a mechanistic fashion. Each case should be considered on its individual circumstances but the over-riding consideration must be the quality of education that a school provides for the children.

Tá sé de rún agam an doiciméad polasaí i gcomhair an Pholasaí um Scoileanna Inmharthana, bunaithe ar na critéir seo, a sholáthar don Choiste Oideachais go luath lena gcuid tuairimí a fháil; foilseofar an polasaí ina dhiaidh sin.

I intend to provide the policy document for the Sustainable Schools Policy, based on these criteria, to the Education Committee shortly for their views, after which the policy will be published.

Education and Skills Authority

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education what progress has been made on the establishment of the Education and Skills Authority.

(AQW 7991/08)

Ms C Ruane:

Progress to ensure the establishment of the Education and Skills Authority (ESA) is ongoing. Departmental officials continue to work closely and engage with key staff in education organisations to design the key service delivery models for the ESA.

Dréachtaíodh Bille Oideachais, a sholáthróidh an creat reachtúil chun an ESA a bhunú mar chomhlacht reachtúil faoi Aibreán 2009. Tugadh an cháipéis sin do chomhghleacaithe san Fheidhmeannas lena gcuid barúlacha a fháil, agus táthar ag súil go dtabharfar an Bille seo isteach sa Tionól chomh luath agus is féidir.

An Education Bill, which will provide the legislative framework to establish the ESA as a statutory body by April 2009 has been drafted and circulated to Executive colleagues for comment, and it is hoped that this Bill will be introduced to the Assembly as soon as possible.

School Meal Tickets

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Education what consideration she has given to changing the school meal tickets issued to children whose parents are on benefits, so that no distinction can be made between school meal tickets.

(AQW 8033/08)

Ms C Ruane:

The Education and Library Boards are responsible for the award of free school meals, and have been set a strategic target by the Department to increase the uptake of free school meals by means such as raising the awareness of entitlement and addressing the issues around why parents do not take up their entitlement.

I appreciate that the perceived stigma associated with free meals is a sensitive area and in response a number of schools have introduced cashless systems. Outside this system, the use of passes or tickets is normally a choice made by the schools. Spreagfaidh Roinn s’agamsa na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlann chun oibriú le scoileanna le díriú ar fheiliúnacht a gcóras riaracháin.

My Department will encourage the Education and Library Boards to work with schools to address the appropriateness of their administrative systems.

Primary Languages Programme

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education how many of the 65 tutors appointed to the primary languages programme will be (i) fully qualified teachers; and (ii) qualified teachers of Irish and Spanish.

(AQW 8042/08)

Ms C Ruane:

All tutors appointed to the primary languages programme must have excellent oral language competence in Spanish or Irish, which is assessed at interview. As the participation of the classroom teacher is an important aspect of the programme a teaching qualification is not essential. Teachers will be working alongside tutors in delivering language lesson s, thus ensuring high standards and quality learning experiences for pupils.

Mar sin féin, thuig mé i gcónaí go dtugann an clár seo deiseanna do mhúinteoirí atá ag cuardach oibre le cur lena gcuid taithí agus tá mé sásta gur múinteoirí láncháilithe iad 22 de na 65 theagascóir a ceapadh ar chlár teangacha na mbunscoileanna, lena n-áirítear 11 mhúinteoir cáilithe Spáinnise agus 3 múinteoirí cáilithe Gaeilge.

However, I have always recognised that this programme provides opportunities for teachers looking for work to build up their experience and I am pleased to note that, of the 65 tutors appointed to the primary languages programme, 22 are fully qualified teachers, including 11 qualified teachers of Spanish and 3 qualified teachers of Irish.

Primary Languages Programme

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education how many schools will be serviced by each of the 65 tutors appointed to the primary languages programme; and how much time each will be allocated and at what frequency.

(AQW 8043/08)

Ms C Ruane:

Go dtí seo, tá suim léirithe ag 324 scoil i gclár teangacha na mbunscoileanna agus cuireadh teagascóirí ar fáil do 284 acu. Cuirfear níos mó teagascóirí ar fáil do scoileanna sa chuid eile den scoilbhliain seo agus ag tús na chéad scoilbhliana eile.

To date, 324 schools have expressed an interest in the primary languages programme and tutors have been allocated to 284. More schools will be allocated tutors in the remainder of this school year and the beginning of next.

Tutors have been allocated between 2 and 19 schools each, depending on factors such as part-time/ full-time availability and location. E ach school is allocated 1 hour per week of language tutor time.

Primary Languages Programme

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education what training will be available to permanent teachers in primary schools participating in the primary languages programme.

(AQW 8051/08)

Ms C Ruane:

Ceann de na spriocanna atá ag Clár Teangacha na mBunscoileanna ná tacú le múinteoirí bunscoile a muinín a fhorbairt maidir le teangacha a theagasc. Oibríonn múinteoirí ranga in éineacht leis an teagascóir leis an cheacht a chur i gcrích, agus cuirtear acmhainní teagaisc ar fáil dóibh leis sin a éascú.

One of the objectives of the Primary Languages Programme is to support primary teachers in developing their confidence in language teaching . Classroom teachers work alongside the tutor to deliver the lesson, and are provided with teaching resources to facilitate this. Resources were disseminated at awareness-raising events and further opportunities for professional development will be provided for teachers as the programme develops. Teachers will also be supported by their Link Officer from the local Education and Library Board.

Primary Languages Programme

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education how long the primary languages programme will last.

(AQW 8052/08)

Ms C Ruane:

Tá Clár Teangacha na mBunscoileanna á thabhairt isteach ón scoilbhliain 2007/08, agus tá sé beartaithe go dtabharfaidh sé tacaíocht inmharthana do bhunscoileanna sa bhliain 2008/09 agus ina dhiaidh sin. Measfar an clár agus beidh forbairtí san am atá le teacht ag brath ar an eolas sin.

The primary languages programme, being introduced from the 2007/08 school year, is intended to provide sustainable support for primary schools in 2008/09 and beyond. The programme will be evaluated and this will inform future developments.

I will also be considering the best means of providing continuing support for languages in primary schools, in light of the recommendations I am expecting shortly from joint Queens University-University of Ulster Subject Centre for Languages, Linguistics and Area Studies on a languages strategy for the North of Ireland.

Primary Languages Programme

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education what resources she has allocated to the primary languages programme.

(AQW 8053/08)

Ms C Ruane: Go dtí seo, thug mé £455,000 do chlár teangacha na mbunscoileanna; clúdaíonn sé sin an tréimhse suas le Márta 2009.

To date I have allocated £455, 000 to the primary languages programme, covering the period up to March 2009. As a result of the Budget 2007 outcome, I have also secured additional funding for primary languages up to and including March 2011, and in the coming months allocations will be made to support an expansion of the programme in 2008-09. Beyond this, when current work to develop a wider strategy for the promotion of language learning in schools has been completed, I will, in the context of this strategy, be announcing how I intend to build on the initial stages of the programme in future years.

Primary Languages Programme

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education what role the Education and Library Boards will play in the delivery of the primary languages programme.

(AQW 8054/08)

Ms C Ruane: Bunaíodh Grúpa um Theangacha sna Bunscoileanna, ina bhfuil ionadaithe ó na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlann agus comhlachtaí eile oideachais, le soláthar an chláir a bhainistiú i scoileanna.

A Primary Languages Group, consisting of representatives from the Education and Library Boards and other education bodies, has been established to manage delivery of the programme in schools. The Boards are responsible for chairing the group and the South Eastern Education and Library Board, as lead Board, employs the language tutors. The Group is also providing training and guidance materials for teachers and tutors, and monitoring the Programme on an ongoing basis, including reporting on its progress to the Partnership Management Board and the Department.

Child-Minding Places Available

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Education how many child-minding places have been available in each parliamentary constituency in each of the last three years.

(AQW 8059/08)

Ms C Ruane:

Léiríonn na figiúirí atá ar fáil líon na bhfeighlithe páistí atá cláraithe leis na hIontaobhais Sláinte agus Chúraim Shóisialta mar seo a leanas

The figures available indicate the number of childminders registered with the Health and Social Care Trusts as:

3730 in 2005

3,627 in 2006

3567 in 2007

Figures are not yet available for the current year. Statistics on the basis requested are not held per parliamentary constituency.

Sports in Schools

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education if she is satisfied that school pupils have opportunities to enjoy a wide range of sports.

(AQW 8071/08)

Ms C Ruane: Faoi na scoileanna aonair atá sé réimse na n-imeachtaí spóirt a sholáthróidh siad a chinntiú agus tá mé sásta go bhfuil deis ag daltaí sult a bhaint as réimse leathan spórt ar scoil; tá go leor deiseanna taobh amuigh de scoil fosta a chuireann lena gcuid roghanna.

It is a matter for individual schools to determine the range of sporting activities they will provide and I am satisfied that pupils have the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of sports in school, supplemented in many cases by opportunities outside school.

I place a very high importance on our young people having more opportunities to take part in physical activity and sport, especially in light of the rising levels of childhood obesity. That is why I have introduced my Curriculum Sports Programme, to give our youngest pupils more opportunities to develop their physical literacy skills through Gaelic games or soccer. My Department will also be working with the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure as part of the ten year Strategy for Sport and Physical Recreation, to ensure our young people have wider access to a range of sporting opportunities.

Towerview Primary School

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Education how many fully-funded and part-funded nursery places are available at Towerview Primary School.

(AQW 8073/08)

Ms C Ruane:

Tá 52 áit pháirtaimseartha ar fáil ag Bunscoil Towerview; tá gach ceann acu lánmhaoinithe.

There are 52 part-time places available at Towerview Primary School, all of which are fully-funded.

Admissions Criteria in Schools

Mr O'Loan asked the Minister of Education if the entry criteria for a controlled school are approved by the relevant Education and Library Board.

(AQW 8079/08)

Ms C Ruane:

Tá na critéir iontrála do scoileanna faoi réir Alt 16 de Education 1997 and the Secondary Schools (Admissions Criteria) Regulations 1997. Níl aon cheangal ar na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlann a leithéid de chritéir a fhaomhadh.

The admissions criteria for schools are subject to Article 16 of the Education 1997 and the Secondary Schools (Admissions Criteria) Regulations 1997. There is no requirement for the Education and Library Boards to approve such criteria.

Montessori Teaching Qualification

Mr Doherty asked the Minister of Education if her Department will give recognition to the Montessori teaching qualification for the purposes of employment as a learning support or resource teacher.

(AQW 8114/08)

Ms C Ruane: Ba mhaith liom aird an chomhalta a dhíriú ar na freagraí a thug mé ar na ceisteanna a chuir sé cheana AQW 1380/08 agus AQW 1438/08; foilsíodh na freagraí sin sa Tuarascáil Oifigiúil ar 23 Samhain 2007.

I refer the member to my answers to his previous questions AQW 1380/08 and AQW 1438/08 published in the Official Report on 23 November 2007.

Bangor Academy

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education to confirm whether work on the new Bangor Academy school building was completed on the day specified or continued beyond this date.

(AQW 8121/08)

Ms C Ruane:

Thug Príomhfheidhmeannach Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlann an Oirdheiscirt le fios go bhfuair an foirgneamh ag Acadamh agus Coláiste Séú Bliain Bheannchair lánseirbhís ar 30 Aibreán 2008 de réir an dáta a sonraíodh sa chlár a síníodh laistigh den chonradh dar dáta 1 Meán Fómhair 2006.

The Chief Executive of the South Eastern Education and Library Board has advised that the building at Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College achieved service availability on 30 April 2008 as per the day specified in the programme signed within the contract dated 1 September 2006.

Bangor Academy

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education if teachers were required to use their own cars to transport equipment and furniture to the new Bangor Academy school; and why the PPP/PFI company did not complete this work.

(AQW 8122/08)

Ms C Ruane:

Dheimhnigh Príomhfheidhmeannach Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlann an Oirdheiscirt nach raibh ar mhúinteoirí aon ábhair a scinceáil; bhí iallach dlíthiúil ar an chonraitheoir sin a dhéanamh. I gcás gur iompair múinteoirí nithe, a rogha féin a bhí ann.

The Chief Executive of the South Eastern Education and Library Board has confirmed that teachers were not required to decant any materials; the contractor was legally obliged to do this. Where teachers did transport items it was of their own choice.

Bangor Academy

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education if areas of Bangor Academy school are out of bounds for pupils and whether work remains to be completed at the school.

(AQW 8123/08)

Ms C Ruane: Thug Príomhfheidhmeannach Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlann an Oirdheiscirt le fios go bhfuil an ceantar ar chúl Acadamh Bheannchair, atá mar chomhéadan idir oibreacha Chéim 1, críochnaithe ar 30 Aibreán 2008, agus oibreacha Chéim II, thar teorainn do dhaltaí ar chúiseanna sláinte agus sábháilteachta. Tá sconsa thart air agus fanfaidh sé ansin go dtí go gcríochnófar oibreacha Chéim II níos moille i mbliana.

The Chief Executive of the South Eastern Education and Library Board has advised that the area to the rear of Bangor Academy, which is the interface between Phase 1 works, completed on 30 April 2008, and Phase II works, is out of bounds to pupils on the grounds of health & safety. It is fenced off and will remain so until Phase II works are completed later this year.

Bangor Academy

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail all faults that have been registered in relation to the completion of work at the new Bangor Academy school building.

(AQW 8124/08)

Ms C Ruane: Thug Príomhfheidhmeannach Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlann an Oirdheiscirt le fios dom go ndréachtaítear liostaí fabhtanna don fhoirgneamh, mar a tharlaíonn le gach tionscadal tógála agus tugann an conraitheoir fúthu. Is obair leanúnach atá ann. Cuirfear cóip den liosta mionsonraithe fabhtanna ar fáil don Aire.

The Chief Executive of the South Eastern Education and Library Board has advised that as with all construction projects snagging lists are drawn up for the building and addressed by the contractor. This is ongoing work. A copy of the detailed snagging list will be made available to the Member.

Bangor Academy

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education if teaching budgets and teaching days have been lost as a result of the failure of work being completed on time at the new Bangor Academy school building.

(AQW 8125/08)

Ms C Ruane:

Thug Príomhfheidhmeannach Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlann an Oirdheiscirt le fios gur cheadaigh an Roinn Oideachais laethanta eisceachtúla dúnta d’Acadamh Bheannchair ionas go dtiocfadh leo bogadh chuig an fhoirgneamh úr agus ní de thairbhe nár críochnaíodh an obair in am.

The Chief Executive of the South Eastern Education and Library Board has advised that exceptional closure days were granted by the Department of Education to Bangor Academy for the move to the new building and not as a result of the work not being completed on time.

Post-Primary Schools in North Down

Dr Farry asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to increase the authorised levels of enrolment for post-primary schools in the North Down constituency, to address the lack of places for local year 8 pupils.

(AQW 8189/08)

Ms C Ruane:

Níl aon phleananna ann na leibhéil údaraithe iontrála d’iar-bhunscoileanna a mhéadú i dtoghcheantar Thuaisceart an Dúin, ar an ábhar go bhfuil soláthar cuí ann do dhaltaí sa cheantar sin atá ag aistriú chuig iar-bhunscoileanna i Meán Fómhair 2008.

There are no plans to increase the authorised levels of enrolment for post-primary schools in the North Down constituency, as there is adequate provision for pupils in that area transferring to post-primary schools in September 2008.

The South-Eastern Education and Library Board have advised that there are 45 children currently unplaced who have addresses in the North Down area. However, there are 252 places available in schools which serve pupils living in the area.

School Enrolments

Mr Gallagher asked the Minister of Education to detail, for each Education and Library Board area, the total number of (i) primary schools; (ii) primary schools with current enrolment of less than 100 pupils; (iii) post-primary schools; and (iv) post-primary schools with current enrolment of less than 300 pupils.

(AQW 8200/08)

Ms C Ruane:

Tá an t-eolas a iarradh mionsonraithe sa tábla faoi iamh.

The information requested is detailed in the attached table.

Total primary and post primary schools and primary schools with an enrolment less than 100 pupils and post primary schools with an enrolment less than 300 pupils – 2007/08

ELB	Primary 1		Post primary
ELB	No. of schools	No. of schools with enrolment of less than 100 pupils 2	No. of schools	No. of schools with enrolment of less than 300 pupils 2
BELB	96	9	38	5
WELB	187	92	44	12
NEELB	212	79	52	8
SEELB	162	40	39	6
SELB	228	96	53	8
TOTAL	885	316	226	39

Source: NI school census.

Note:

Primary school enrolments include pupils in nursery, reception and year 1 – 7 classes. Preparatory Departments of grammar schools have also been included.
The schools with enrolments less than 100 and 300 pupils are included in total number of schools.

Alternative Education Projects in Schools

Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Education if alternative education projects, for example Satellite Supports for Schools, will be mainstreamed within the education continuum under the Education and Skills Authority.

(AQW 8203/08)

Ms C Ruane:

Tá athbhreithniú á dhéanamh ag Roinn s’agamsa ar sholáthar oideachais mhalartaigh agus tá obair á déanamh le heiseamláir de sholáthar a fhorbairt a chuirfear i bhfeidhm trasna na mBord Oideachais agus Leabharlann ar fad.

My Department has been undertaking a review of alternative education provision and work is in hand to develop a model of provision which will apply across all Education and Library Board areas. The proposals will be the subject of public consultation later this year. I hope you will appreciate that, until this process has been completed, I am not in a position to outline the future model of provision.

Ministerial Commitments

Miss McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to detail her Ministerial commitments for Wednesday 11 June 2008.

(AQW 8296/08)

Ms C Ruane: Dé Céadaoin 11 Meitheamh, bhí na dualgais Aireachta seo a leanas orm:

On Wednesday 11 June, I had the following Ministerial commitments:
School visit - St Mary’s PS, Divis Street, Belfast
School visit - Fleming Fulton Special School, Malone Road, Belfast
School visit - St Therese Nursery School, Poleglass, Belfast and
A meeting with Larne Borough Council at Larne Council Offices.

Employment and Learning

Non-EU Students

Mr Weir asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what grants are available for university study for students coming from outside the European Union, and in particular for those studying medicine.

(AQW 7873/08)

The Minister for Employment and Learning (Sir Reg Empey): Eligibility for student finance in Northern Ireland is determined by residence (and other) criteria which may be satisfied by any student regardless of their nationality or country of origin. The eligibility criteria is prescribed in the Education (Student Support) Regulations which stipulate that, in order to be eligible for maintenance grant support, students must have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the three year period preceding the first day of the academic year of the course. If this condition is met, students can apply for means tested maintenance grant support for all eligible higher education courses, including medicine.

Fees Increase

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister for Employment and Learning why the fees for non-vocational art classes at the Northern Regional College, Newtownabbey, have increased significantly for enrolment in September 2008.

(AQW 7888/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The Northern Regional College has confirmed that the hourly rate for its non-vocational courses at its Newtownabbey campus has not increased since last year. What has changed is the way in which the college can offer concessionary fees. For example, in the past it was common practice for colleges to offer age-based concessionary fees to senior citizens. However, the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 (S.R No. 261) means that colleges are no longer able to offer concessionary fees to senior citizens on the basis of age alone for any of the courses they provide, including non-vocational courses. The Northern Regional College has also taken independent advice which has confirmed that it can no longer provide concessionary fees for non-vocational art classes on the basis of age, as the college would be treating those outside the age limits unfairly .

I would advise you that it is the responsibility of individual colleges to set the level of fees, including concessionary fees, for the courses they provide, and that my Department does not normally intervene in this process. However , the Department has been working closely with colleges on the specific issue of concessionary fees for older people. As a result, I can confirm that, like all FE colleges in Northern Ireland, the Northern Regional College has extended its normal means test criteria for offering concessionary fees to include those in receipt of Rates Relief. This has the potential to increase the number of older people who are entitled to claim concessionary fees, but in a way that is compliant with Age Legislation.

Team-Building Exercises

Mr Weir asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what is the total cost incurred by the Department on away days or team-building exercises in each of the last five years.

(AQW 7923/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The total cost incurred by the Department on away days and team-building exercises in each of the last five years is set out in the following table.

April 2003 to March 2004: Total: £51,399
April 2004 to March 2005: Total: £50, 275
April 2005 to March 2006: Total: £46,346
April 2006 to March 2007: Total: £62,439
April 2007 to March 2008: Total: £22,875

Team-Building Exercises

Mr Weir asked the Minister for Employment and Learning how many away days and team-building exercises have been organised by his Department for departmental staff in each of the last five years.

(AQW 7924/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The number of away days and team-building exercises organised by DEL is set out in the following table.

April 03 to March 04: Total: 19
April 04 to March 05: Total: 31
April 05 to March 06: Total: 27
April 06 to March 07: Total: 42
April 07 to March 08: Total: 40

Team-Building Exercises

Mr Weir asked the Minister for Employment and Learning how many staff hours have been taken up with departmental or cross-departmental away days, or team-building exercises, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 8001/08)

Sir Reg Empey: April 03 to March 06: Information was not kept in relation to the data requested during this period.

April 06 to March 07: Total staff hours based on a 7.5 hour day: 9412.5
April 07 to March 08: Total staff hours based on a 7.5 hour day: 8655

Further Education Lecturers' Pay Dispute

Mr Ross asked the Minister for Employment and Learning for an update on the further education lecturers' pay dispute.

(AQW 8020/08)

Sir Reg Empey: Agreement has been reached by Further Education college employers and the University & College Union (UCU) on an immediate suspension of industrial action by college lecturers and the proposed action by college employers against staff who are not fulfilling their contractual obligations as a result of that industrial action. The suspension will last until December 2008 to allow employers and unions to agree a pay deal for 2008/09, and to address longer term pay and conditions issues with the assistance of the Labour Relations Agency.

Jobs in the Hospitality and Tourism Sector

Mr Ross asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what discussions (i) he has had; (ii) he plans to have, with the Minister of Enterprise Trade and Investment in relation to the number of jobs required in the hospitality and tourism sector; and what action has he taken to ensure that the demand for jobs in this area is met.

(AQW 8021/08)

Sir Reg Empey:

The role of my Department is in relation to skills matters in the economy as a whole including the tourism and leisure sector which has 52,100 employee jobs. Whilst I have not had any specific discussions with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment on job creation in the tourism sector there has been ongoing contact between officials in my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in relation to tourism skills matters. My department also works closely with People 1 st, the Sector Skills Council for the tourism, hospitality and travel sector, which introduced the UK skills passport in Northern Ireland in January 2008.

Strabane Campus of the North West Regional College

Mrs McGill asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what plans he has to improve facilities at the Strabane Campus of the North West Regional College.

(AQW 8179/08)

Sir Reg Empey: As you are aware the former North West Institute had submitted proposals for a new build at its Strabane campus, and that the newly appointed North West Regional College’s Senior Management Team and Governing Body are reviewing these proposals, which were submitted by their predecessors. Further decisions will be made when the College has updated its Estates Strategy, the objective of which is to clarify accommodation needs across all campuses. In the meantime, a £220k programme of maintenance and refurbishment works is due to commence at the Strabane campus in July 2008 with an estimated completion date of September 2008.

Belfast Metropolitan College

Mr Newton asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what is the projected revenue to be generated from the sale of the Brunswick Street and College Square East campuses of the Belfast Metropolitan College.

(AQW 8191/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The Belfast Metropolitan College sites at College Sq East and Brunswick St will be sold on the open market when the new accommodation becomes available. In February 2008 the Land and Property Services Agency estimated a land value for both sites of £22.5m. Given the current volatility of the property market and the fact that the sites will not be sold until 2012 no attempt can be made to project the land value at that time.

Pensioners Attending Further Education Colleges

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what steps he is taking to protect concessionary fees for pensioners seeking to register for courses at further education colleges.

(AQW 8217/08)

Sir Reg Empey: You will be aware that, following the introduction of the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2006 (S.R No. 261) on 1 st October 2006, colleges are no longer able to offer concessionary fees to senior citizens on the basis of age alone. The Department has considered, with colleges, additional criteria that may be applied by colleges as part of their fees policies, and which could increase the number of senior citizens who would be entitled to concessionary fees in a way that is compliant with these regulations. The Department has identified the Rate Relief Scheme as another means tested benefit for deciding who is entitled to concessionary fees. This will add to existing “means tested” criteria such as learners in receipt of Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance (Income based), Guaranteed Pension Credit, learners holding an income based NHS Exemption Certificate, or learners on a low income. This has the potential to increase the number of pensioners who will be entitled to claim concessionary fees. All further education colleges in Northern Ireland have agreed that, as from the start of the 2008/09 academic year, they will adopt a consistent approach to the implementation of age legislation, and they are already using these criteria for the September 2008 intake to their courses.

Teacher Training

Mr Newton asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to confirm whether negotiations in relation to teacher training will focus on educational need and not specific educational vested interests.

(AQW 8247/08)

Sir Reg Empey: I am committed to ensuring that teacher education is of the highest quality possible and that the primary role of the University Colleges is related strongly to teacher education. These issues will be the focus of my discussions on this important subject.

European Social Fund Programme

Mr Newton asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if he will (i) apply a demand-led policy/strategy when considering match funding for European Union measure 1.1 European Social Fund projects; and (ii) scrutinise applications to ensure there is fairness and equality of funding opportunity and allocation.

(AQW 8248/08)

Sir Reg Empey:

As you will be aware, the Northern Ireland European Social Fund (NIESF) Programme 2007-2013 will provide projects with 65% programme funding, made up of 40% from EU Funds and 25% contribution from my Department. The remaining 35% ‘match funding’ must be secured independently from other public sources by the project promoters. This is the same procedure used for previous ESF Programmes. It has been made clear to all projects throughout both the consultation and approval process for the NIESF Programme that that the offer of Programme funding is conditional on the project obtaining the remaining 35% matched funding from whatever other public sector sources. On 29 January 2008 officials in the Department of Finance & Personnel notified other Departments about the match funding needs forecast by successful applicants. Regarding the provision of match funding by my Department, DEL may contribute to match funding when a project meets specific policy objectives of the Department, for example the Disability Advisory Service will match-fund a number of projects during the Programme period. Projects offered funding under Priority One of the NIESF Programme were selected through a publicly advertised competition for available EU funding. Applications were selected on merit through an open and independently scored selection process using selection criteria which had been approved by the Competitiveness and Employment Monitoring Committee.

Adult Learners at Further Education Colleges

Mr Attwood asked the Minister for Employment and Learning how many adult learners pursued Continuing Education courses at Further Education Colleges in the last five academic years, broken down by age and full-time and part-time courses.

(AQW 8262/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The number of adult learners who pursued Continuing Education courses (defined as all provision) at NI Further Education Colleges in the last five academic years for which data are available is shown in the tables below.

Adult Learners in the Northern Ireland Further Education Sector by Age Group and Mode of Attendance from 2002/03 to 2006/07

Overall	7,800	90,645	98,445
	2002/03
Age Group	Full time	Part time	Total
18 to 24 25 to 39 40 to 59 60 & over	6,910 621 244 25	18, 296 30,592 26,970 14,787	25,206 31,213 27,214 14,812

Overall	10,673	105,167	115,840
	2003/04
Age Group	Full time	Part time	Total
18 to 24 25 to 39 40 to 59 60 & over	9,077 1,116 431 49	19,876 35,804 31,826 17,661	28,953 36,920 32,257 17,710

Overall	10,287	110,215	120,502
	2004/05
Age Group	Full time Part time		Total
18 to 24 25 to 39 40 to 59 60 & over	8,779 1,071 376 41	21,528 36,871 33,220 18,596	30,327 37,942 33,596 18,637

	2005/06
Age Group	Full time	Part time	Total
18 to 24 25 to 39 40 to 59 60 & over	10,043 1,265 449 43	20,509 35,367 31,724 17,538	30,552 36,632 32,173 17,581
Overall	11,800	105,138	116,938

Overall	11,686	97,160	108,846
	2006/07
Age Group	Full time	Part time	Total
18 to 24 25 to 39 40 to 59 60 & over	10,111 1,132 392 51	20,083 32,962 28,710 15,405	30,194 34,094 29,102 15,456

Source: Further Education Statistical Record

Queen's University Belfast and Stranmillis University College

Mr Attwood asked the Minister for Employment and Learning (i) if his Department received a copy of a September 2007 Queen's University proposal for the merger of Queen's University Belfast and Stranmillis University College; (ii) if so, when was the copy received, and (iii) how did the Department respond to the proposal.

(AQW 8263/08)

Sir Reg Empey:

The Chair of the Governing body of Stranmillis University College wrote to the Department on 23 April 2008 about strategic options for the University College. Enclosed with the letter were a number of documents including a letter from Queen’s University to Stranmillis College dated 20 September 2007 and the Powerpoint Slides used by the University in its presentation to the Governing Body on 17 April 2008. The letter sets out background information about Queen’s and responses to a series of questions posed by Stranmillis. The Department noted the information provided and wrote to the Chair thanking him for the documentation and reminding him that a full, costed business case and economic appraisal would be required to Green Book standards and that any decision to merge would require Departmental consent and would be subject to full Committee and Assembly consultative and legislative procedures.

Enterprise, Trade and Investment

Animal Waste at Granville in Dungannon

Mr Gallagher asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what correspondence has taken place between his Department and Linergy about the development of additional facilities for the disposal of animal waste at Granville, Dungannon; and what offers of grant aid his Department has made to Linergy.

(AQW 7755/08)

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Mrs A Foster): Invest NI has kept in regular contact with Linergy Power Ltd during the progression of the project, to keep them advised as to progress. Negotiations with the company are ongoing.

Destination Fermanagh

Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how much money (i) has been provided to Destination Fermanagh to date; and (ii) is projected to be provided to Destination Fermanagh in 2008-2009 and 2009-2010.[R]

(AQW 7972/08)

Mrs A Foster: “Destination Fermanagh – The Vision for Tourism 2006-2016” was launched on 15 th June 2006. This strategy was developed in partnership between NITB, the local council and industry stakeholders as the basis for investing in Fermanagh’s long-term tourism product.

To date NITB has contributed £41,000 and Fermanagh District Council has contributed £35,000 towards the development of this strategy.

NITB received a Destination Fermanagh Action Plan, for the period 2008 to 2012, on 13 th June 2008 and will now consider this in the context of the delivery of its corporate plan objectives for the period 2008-2011.

Invest NI

Mr A Maskey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (i) what office space Invest NI is currently leasing in the South Belfast constituency; (ii) if any of the office space is currently occupied by Invest NI client companies, and if so at which locations; (iii) if any of the leased office space is vacant, and if so for how long and at which locations (iv) what the length is of each contract and how long each has been in place; and (v) how much has been paid to date on the contracts for the vacant office space.

(AQW 7988/08)

Mrs A Foster: In the South Belfast Constituency Invest NI pays or makes contribution to rental on five properties. Of these, one is the Public Private Partnership (PPP) contract for its HQ and the other four are traditional leases. A table setting out the details of these leases is attached.

Invest NI also pays or makes contribution to rental on twelve other properties across the rest of Northern Ireland. Seven of these properties make up Invest NI’s Regional Office Network, one is a lease transferred to Invest NI from its predecessor, the Industrial Development Board (IDB) and the remaining four are via direct support for organisations the terms of which explicitly include support for accommodation costs. A table setting out the details of these leases is also attached.

Rental agreements in the South Belfast Constituency

Current Leases	Client Occupancy	Vacant	Contract Term	Vacant costs	Comment
InvestNI HQ	InvestNI	Occupied in full	25 years	Nil	PPP Serviced accommodation
Galwally House	Ex LEDU office	Vacant since Nov 05	25 years from 01/06/1990	£403,906.25 inc vat	Despite being actively marketed by a leading Northern Ireland Estate Agent and efforts by Lands and Property Services to negotiate with landlords, both Galwally House and LEDU House have both been vacant since November 2005. Some interest has recently been shown from the public and private sectors.
Ledu House	Ex LEDU office	Vacant since Nov 05	25 years from 01/12/1984	£640,566.67 inc vat	As above
Franklin St	NI-CO are a DETI Public Sector Body	Occupied in full	25 years from 31/01/1988	Nil	The process for assignment of the lease to NI-CO is close to completion
Waterfront Plaza ground floor	Allen Systems Group	Partially leased by Allen Systems Group.	15 year from 4 th June 2004	£568,136 on the vacant portion.	Lease Assigned from DFP Office Accommodation to meet urgent FDI client need. ASG have first refusal on remaining space. Being actively marketed with interest from FDI clients. An element of our property solutions for clients in the South Belfast area.

Rental agreements in the rest of Northern Ireland

Current Leases	Client Occupancy	Vacant	Contract Term	Vacant costs	Comment
Timber Quay Londonderry	Invest NI Regional Office	Occupied in full	15 years from Oct 06	Nil
Omagh Office	Invest NI Regional Office	Occupied in full	5 years from Mar 06	Nil
Omagh Office Storage	Invest NI Regional Office	Occupied in full	Ongoing agreement	Nil	Off-site storage
Ballymena Office	Invest NI Regional Office	Occupied in full	20 years from Oct 06	Nil
Coleraine Office, Science park	Invest NI Regional Office	Occupied in full	7 month licence from Jan 08	Nil	A new 6 month licence has recently been agreed
Eniskillen Office	Invest NI Regional Office	Occupied in full	Ongoing agreement	Nil
Newry Office	Invest NI Regional Office	Occupied in full	15 years from Sep 04	Nil
Craigavon Office	Invest NI Regional Office	Occupied in full	Ongoing agreement	Nil
Campsie Unit A		Vacant	25 years from 1992	£249,595 paid by Invest NI since 2002	Rent prior to April 2002 was paid by the Industrial Development Board. Whilst Invest NI does not hold the financial records of the Industrial Development Board, under the terms of the lease the rent due to be paid for the period covering 1992 – 2002 is approximately £250,000.
National Industrial Symbiosis Program Craigavon	NISP	Occupied in full	April 08 for 1 year	Nil	100% Invest NI funded including their accommodation
Millennium Centre Springfield rd Belfast	Enterprise Council	Occupied in full	Jan 2007 for 3 years	Nil	InvestNI funded including their accommodation
BioBusinessNI		Occupied in full		Nil	InvestNI funded including their accommodation
Carbon Trust in NI Science Park	Carbon Trust	Occupied in full	3 years from March 08	Nil	100% Invest NI funded including their own accommodation

Invest NI

Mr Hamilton asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what consideration has been given to the suggestion in the Second Varney Review that the functions of Invest NI should be reviewed.

(AQW 8014/08)

Mrs A Foster: The review into the functions of Invest NI was one of a number of recommendations that Sir David Varney made in his report into the competitiveness of the Northern Ireland economy. I am currently considering the implications of the report for the Department and Invest NI.

Following detailed consideration of the report, the Executive, through the Finance Minister, will be issuing a response to Sir David and HM Treasury. This will include the Executive’s position on the recommendation to conduct a review into the work of Invest NI.

Jobs in the Hospitality and Tourism Sector

Mr Ross asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what discussions she (i) has had; and (ii) plans to have, with the Minister for Employment and Learning in relation to the number of jobs required in the hospitality and tourism sector.

(AQW 8022/08)

Mrs A Foster: I have not yet had the opportunity to discuss the number of jobs in the tourism sector with the Minister for Employment and Learning. However, there has been ongoing contact between my Department and the Department for Employment and Learning regarding tourism skills. These skills are a key element of the Deliver Memorable Experiences programme of the Tourism Strategic Framework for Action (SFA) 2004-2008. This contact will continue as DETI develops, and takes forward, the next phase of the SFA and I will meet my Ministerial colleague, should the need arise.

Latest figures from the March 2008 Quarterly Employment Survey estimated that there were 52,100 employee jobs in sectors related to Tourism and Leisure 1 activities in Northern Ireland, a net increase of 11,400 jobs over the last 10 years.

1 The Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes which are taken to comprise the Tourism & Leisure sector and their description are as follows: 551 Hotels; 552 Camping Sites and Other Provision of Short-Stay Accommodation; 553 Restaurants; 554 Bars; 633 Activities of Travel Agencies and Tour Operators, Tourist Assistance Activities not Elsewhere Classified; 925 Libraries, Archives, Museums and Other Cultural Activities; 926 Sporting Activities; 927 Other Recreational Activities.

Invest NI Overseas Office

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment the cost of each overseas Invest NI Office per annum, and what investment has been generated from each Invest NI Office over the last five financial years.

(AQW 8041/08)

Mrs A Foster: Invest NI has offices in North America, India, Republic of Ireland, Great Britain, Europe and Asia and focuses on 3 key sectors which are ICT, financial services and business services.

The table below shows the operating costs and investment generated from Invest NI overseas offices.

The data are grouped according to their geographical area to enable like for like comparison of cost against investment.

The India office was opened mid-year 2007/8 and costs are still being reconciled for that year.

Comparison of Costs of and Investment Generated by Invest Northern Ireland’s Overseas Office Network

	2003/04		2004/05		2005/06
	Costs	Investment	Costs	Investment	Costs	Investment
North America	£2,109,224	£96,292,557	£1,967,751	£123,357,813	£1,709,608	£211,532,578
India	N/A	£0	N/A	£15,222,000	N/A	£7,424,566
Republic Of Ireland	£245,496	£8,747,323	£240,132	£22,612,001	£264,277	£32,974,502
Great Britain	£792,671	£28,684,973	£760,836	£36,558,557	£801,213	£27,114,648
Europe	£426,628	£15,635,036	£384,159	£11,859,950	£406,299	£73,262,054
Asia	£386,131	£26,155	£444,657	£63,260	£478,167	£9,881,000
Total	£3,960,150	£149,386,044	£3,797,535	£209,673,581	£3,659,564	£362,189,348

	2006/07		2007/08
	Costs	Investment	Costs	Investment
North America	£1,495,981	£60,889,659	£1,401,629	£119,560,136
India	N/A	£42,704,000	*	£19,958,118
Republic Of Ireland	£226,061	£47,422,824	£217,570	£41,093,893
Great Britain	£806,576	£5,900,949	£795,888	£18,615,519
Europe	£391,907	£15,656,480	£167,206	£29,405,000
Asia	£492,811	£3,229,976	£134,636	£27,500,000
Total	£3,413,336	£175,803,888	£2,716,929	£256,132,666

NOTES:

1. 2007/08 figures are provisional and subject to change.
2. Figures include both first-time inward investments and reinvestments by existing externally-owned clients.

* The India office was opened mid-year 2007/8 and costs are still being reconciled.

Attracting FInancial Services Jobs

Mr Hamilton asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how Invest NI intends to maximise the opportunities presented by the announcement on 14 April in relation to attracting financial services jobs to Northern Ireland.

(AQW 8062/08)

Mrs A Foster: Invest NI has already developed a strategy to target the Financial Services sector globally and is actively cultivating relationships at a very senior level with a number of key accounts across Europe and the United States. This strategy is focused on the following areas: Financial Services Technology, Funds Servicing Operations (middle and back office) and specialist niche areas such as derivatives, quantitative finance and compliance.

During 2007, Northern Ireland has seen strategic investments by two high-profile financial institutions. Citi, one of the world’s largest financial corporations, has established a Centre of Excellence in Belfast promoting 716 jobs and in July 2007, Bank of Ireland Securities Services announced its intention to promote 149 jobs creating its first UK hedge fund administration centre. Both investments have further strengthened the Northern Ireland Financial Services proposition.

The announcement made on 14 April presents a “win-win” scenario for both the NI economy and the continued growth of the Irish funds industry. We intend to use the announcement to complement and not compete against the Financial Services Industry in Ireland. Financial firms based in Ireland that are planning to grow and expand can now access the skills available Northern Ireland. This will increase the opportunity for us to build skills, deliver quality employment opportunities and give the potential for Northern Ireland to further its growing reputation as a centre of excellence in the financial sector.

Invest NI is working closely with DEL and the education sector to develop a supply of suitably qualified people to avail of these employment opportunities.

Sporting Murals in the Glens of Antrim

Mr McKay asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for her assessment of the benefits of sporting murals in the Glens of Antrim in attracting tourists; and if the Tourist Board will promote them.

(AQW 8080/08)

Mrs A Foster: The Northern Ireland Tourist Board and their partners in tourism, promote the Glens of Antrim as part of the Causeway Coastal Route. A number of towns and villages along the Route have been identified as important to the visitor experience, allowing visitors to engage with friendly, local people and to encounter local customs and traditions. Promotion of the Route draws attention to features such as historic monuments, beautiful landscapes, walking and cycling trails, golf, traditional music and dance, sports, languages, arts and crafts, as well as the cultural fabric of towns and villages such as festivals and sporting murals.

Bed and Breakfast Facilities

Mr McKay asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how many Bed and Breakfast facilities there are in the Moyle District Council area.

(AQW 8081/08)

Mrs A Foster: There are 74 certified premises providing Bed & Breakfast facilities in the Moyle District Council area. This figure consists of 65 Bed & Breakfast establishments and 9 Guest House establishments.

Forests in North Antrim

Mr McKay asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what discussions she has had, or plans to have, with the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development in relation to promoting forests in North Antrim as tourist attractions.

(AQW 8084/08)

Mrs A Foster: I have not discussed with the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development the promotion of forests in North Antrim as tourist attractions. However, I do not rule out future discussions on this subject should the need arise.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has met with Forest Service to encourage the use of forests and forest parks for outdoor tourism activities such as walking, mountain biking and cycling. In addition, NITB specifically promotes forest parks on the Causeway Coastal Route in North Antrim via the consumer website discovernorthernireland.com. These include Glenariff Forest Park, Ballypatrick Forest and Portglenone Forest. Also included is the Moyle Way, a way-marked walk which includes Ballycastle Forest and Glenariff Forest Park.

Reconnect Applications

Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if she will transfer the surplus funds from the Environment and Renewable Energy Fund for energy from waste projects, to Reconnect applications.

(AQW 8086/08)

Mrs A Foster: The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment does not hold any surplus funds from the Environment and Renewable Energy Fund which was a two year scheme that ended on 31 March 2008.

Reconnect Grants

Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how many applications for reconnect grants received before 31 March 2008 did not result in a grant being offered.

(AQW 8087/08)

Mrs A Foster: Of the 9,010 applications received by Reconnect before 31 March 2008, 2,400 applications were unable to receive grant offers due to insufficient funding and a further 770 applications were rejected because they were incomplete.

Departmental Electrical Equipment

Mr Savage asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment the number of blackberry devices the Department has purchased since devolution.

(AQW 8107/08)

Mrs A Foster: Since devolution the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment, including its *Non Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs), has purchased 56 Blackberry devices.

*DETI’s NDPBs are: Invest NI, NI Tourist Board, Health and Safety Executive for NI and the General Consumer Council NI.

Invest NI Office Space

Mr Brady asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (i) what office space Invest NI is currently leasing in the Newry and Armagh constituency; (ii) if any of the office space is currently occupied by Invest NI client companies, and if so at which locations; (iii) if any of the leased office space is vacant, and if so for how long and at which locations (iv) what the length is of each contract and how long each has been in place; and (v) how much has been paid to date on the contracts for the vacant office space.

(AQW 8216/08)

Mrs A Foster: In the Newry and Armagh Constituency, Invest NI leases office space at one location, Drumalane Mill in Newry. The office space leased by Invest NI in this property is occupied by Invest NI’s Southern Regional Office on the basis of a 15 year lease effective from September 2004.

In the interests of clarity, information on all the property Invest NI pays or makes contribution to rental on, within Northern Ireland’s Parliamentary Constituencies, can be found in the answer to AQW 7988 08.

Broadband Services in Northern Ireland

Dr Farry asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what the average speed of broadband services is in Northern Ireland compared to other regions of the United Kingdom.

(AQW 8244/08)

Mrs A Foster: The broadband speed experienced by any individual consumer depends on a number of factors. These include: the service the consumer has subscribed to; if using ADSL technology, the distance between the customer’s premises and the exchange; and how many other users are sharing the system at any point in time, whether on the customer’s premises or shared with others on the Internet more widely.

My Department does not measure broadband speed. The communications regulator, OFCOM, has recently announced that it intends to undertake a survey across the whole of the UK examining broadband speeds – the findings of which it expects to publish in a market report in the second half of this year.

Credit Unions

Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what plans she has to ensure that the Credit Unions in Northern Ireland are given the same rights and financial options as Credit Unions in England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.[R]

(AQW 8385/08)

Mrs A Foster: Officials from my Department are in regular discussions with the credit union movement in Northern Ireland about potential legislative and other changes to the current regulatory framework. In addition, my predecessor provided evidence by way of a Memorandum of Evidence to the Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment as part of its current inquiry into the Role and Potential of Credit Unions, and Opportunities and Barriers in Northern Ireland. I look forward to the outcome of this inquiry and will give full and careful consideration to all recommendations made.

Invest NI Office Space

Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what office space Invest NI is leasing in West Belfast constituency.

(AQW 8498/08)

Mrs A Foster: Invest NI does not lease any office space in the West Belfast parliamentary constituency.

Invest NI Office Space

Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how much has been paid to date on contracts for vacant office space held by Invest NI in West Belfast constituency.

(AQW 8499/08)

Mrs A Foster: Invest NI does not lease any vacant office space in the West Belfast constituency.

Invest NI Office Space

Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if any of the office space being leased by InvestNI in West Belfast constituency is currently occupied by Invest NI client companies and if so, at which locations.

(AQW 8500/08)

Mrs A Foster: Invest NI does not lease any office space in the West Belfast Parliamentary constituency.

Invest NI Office Space

Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what office space leased by Invest NI in West Belfast constituency is vacant, its location and length of time it has been vacant, and (i) the length of each contract; and (ii) for how long each contract has been in place.

(AQW 8501/08)

Mrs A Foster: Invest NI does not lease any vacant office space in the West Belfast parliamentary constituency area.

Working from Home

Mr McKay asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what percentage of the Northern Ireland workforce work from home; and if this figure is set to increase.

(AQW 8512/08)

Mrs A Foster: Latest figures from the January to March 2008 Labour Force Survey estimate that 11.0% of all those in employment in Northern Ireland work at home or use their home as a base for work. The equivalent figure for employees only (i.e. excluding the self-employed) is lower at 3.7%.

No assessment has been made as to the potential for this figure to increase in the future

Environment

MOT Certificates

Mr Bresland asked the Minister of the Environment how many vehicles currently have valid MOT certificates.

(AQW 7929/08)

The Minister of the Environment (Mr S Wilson): The Driver & Vehicle Agency’s records show that at 11 June 2008 a total of 542,388 (11,971 motorcycles and 530,417 private cars) had a valid MOT certificate.

Social Housing Scheme at Former Ballyduff Primary School Site

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment what approaches have been made to the Planning Service by the Department of Education and the Department for Social Development, to enable new housing to be constructed on the site of the former Ballyduff Primary School.

(AQW 7962/08)

Mr S Wilson: Planning Service has no record of any approaches by Department of Education or Department for Social Development about the potential of a housing scheme on the Ballyduff Primary School site.

Planning Service however is aware from the NIHE website that a housing development by Oaklee Housing Association is scheduled on the Social Housing Development Programme for the Primary School site.

Removal of Graffit and Flags at Clough Castle, Co Down

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of the Environment what action his Department has taken to remove graffiti and flags from the grounds of Clough Castle, Co Down.

(AQW 7966/08)

Mr S Wilson: My Department is in discussion with members of the local community in Clough to ensure the removal of flags that were erected without permission on the masonry remains of this important historic monument. We are aware of some graffiti on the monument itself, but most of the graffiti is on property not managed by my Department. My Department is seeking, through this local discussion, to have the graffiti removed and I am confident that the problem will be resolved.

Waste Management

Mr Savage asked the Minister of the Environment how much his Department has spent on waste management since devolution.

(AQW 7974/08)

Mr S Wilson: My Department has spent £13.81 million on waste management since devolution.

Team-Building Exercises

Mr Weir asked the Minister of the Environment how many staff hours have been taken up with departmental or cross-departmental away days, or team-building exercises, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 8000/08)

Mr S Wilson: Due to the variety and range of away days and team building exercises it is not practicable to provide an accurate total for these events.

Team-Building Exercises

Mr Weir asked the Minister of the Environment how many away days and team-building exercises have been organised by his Department for departmental staff in each of the last five years.

(AQW 8004/08)

Mr S Wilson: Due to the variety and range of away days and team building exercises it is not practicable to provide an accurate total for these events.

Team-Building Exercises

Mr Weir asked the Minister of the Environment the total cost incurred by the Department on away days or team-building exercises in each of the last five years.

(AQW 8005/08)

Mr S Wilson:

Year	Total
	£
2003/04	13,938.96
2004/05	38,283.34
2005/06	184,926.07
2006/07	42,801.99
2007/08	21,809.74
Total	301,760.1

Red Kite Introduction

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment what consideration he has given to the impact of Red Kite introduction in South Down; and how that will relate to his Department's intention to increase Red Grouse numbers to 300 pairs, for which Co Down is one of the areas designated.

(AQW 8030/08)

Mr S Wilson: The potential impacts of Red Kite re-introduction on native wildlife have been considered by the RSPB, EHS and CNCC and are considered to be minimal. Red kite re-introduction will not affect the targets set for increasing the population of Red Grouse in Northern Ireland.

Over-Grazing of Heather

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment what steps his Department will take within the Northern Ireland Species Action Plan (Red Grouse) to address over-grazing of heather.

(AQW 8031/08)

Mr S Wilson: This Action Plan Red Grouse was published by Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) in April 2008. My Department contributes to Species Action Plan targets for red grouse by addressing the overgrazing of heather as follows:

1.Farmers / landowners who claim direct agricultural support must follow Cross-Compliance. One of the Cross-Compliance Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition Measures states that all claimants must avoid overgrazing.

2.The Less Favoured Areas Compensatory Allowance (LFACA) Scheme provides area payments for Severely Disadvantaged Areas and Disadvantaged Areas. As a condition of payment all recipients are subject to Good Farming Practice and overgrazing is not permitted.

3.Currently over 50,000 ha of moorland are managed under DARD’s agri-environment schemes. By following scheme prescriptions, participants control both the timing and number of livestock grazing moorland and prevent overgrazing.

4.DARD undertakes inspections of all these schemes to ensure compliance with scheme rules including preventing overgrazing.

5.Later this year, the NI Peatland and Upland Biodiversity Delivery Group will hold a workshop to help deliver the conservation actions required for Red Grouse in relation to peatland and upland habitats.

Better Regulation for a Better Environment

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment what financial assistance is available in the 'Better Regulation for a Better Environment' to encourage compliance by businesses to improve overall environmental performance.

(AQW 8035/08)

Mr S Wilson: Currently there is no direct financial assistance available from the Department to businesses. However, “Better Regulation for a Better Environment”, the EHS Enforcement Better Regulation Programme, is focusing on tools and initiatives to make compliance easier and less costly for companies.

The NetRegs website provides clear, sector-specific advice on environmental obligations and good practice which can produce real savings and benefits for businesses, e.g. reduced costs of raw materials through greater resource efficiency, lower waste disposal costs and lower energy costs.

To provide additional incentive, my officials will also work with Department of Finance and Personnel and Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to ensure that government procurement and support is directed to those businesses which can demonstrate environmental compliance and good practice.

Townland Addresses

Mr McElduff asked the Minister of the Environment what action his Department is taking to protect and promote townland names; and if he will bring forward legislation to amend Article 11 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) ( Northern Ireland) Order 1995, to allow district councils to number townland addresses.

(AQW 8037/08)

Mr S Wilson: Whilst I fully recognise the historic, cultural and linguistic importance of townland names, my Department has no responsibility in this area.

My Department will shortly appoint a Local Government Boundaries Commissioner to carry out a review and make recommendations on the boundaries of the 11 new local government districts provided for in the Local Government (Boundaries) Act ( Northern Ireland) 2008. In bringing forward this legislation, the department ensured that the rules applying to the Commissioner which state that a townland shall not be included partly in one district or ward and partly in another (except where unavoidable) were retained.

In dealing with general correspondence within my Department, replies are posted to the address supplied by the correspondent, so if the townland is mentioned in the postal address, this will be included in the reply. Where a townland name is included in a planning application, that name will be recorded and used thereafter in relation to the application.

Article 11 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) ( Northern Ireland) Order 1995 makes provision in relation to the naming of streets and the numbering of buildings. I am not persuaded that the legislation should be amended to allow for the numbering of individual properties within townlands as I am not convinced that this provides a feasible or practical way forward.

I am aware that some councils, in recognition of the importance of townland names locally, and to encourage the continued use of townland names, have decided that all new signs bearing road names would also include the townland name underneath. I believe that the adoption of such a policy by other councils would be preferable to the numbering of individual properties within townlands.

Grouse Study Steering Committee of the Environment and Heritage Service

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment when the Grouse Study steering committee of the Environment and Heritage Service will commence.

(AQW 8060/08)

Mr S Wilson: There are no immediate plans for EHS to establish a Grouse Study steering committee. The delivery of the Red Grouse Species Action Plan is closely related to the delivery of peatland and upland Habitat Action Plans which are dealt with by the Peatland and Upland Biodiversity Delivery Group. Later this year, the Biodiversity Delivery Group will be inviting interested parties to participate in a workshop to help deliver the conservation actions required for the Red Grouse Species Action Plan in relation to peatland and upland habitats.

Red Grouse Stock

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment if he will encourage Red Grouse stock to be supplemented with Grouse from Scotland as part of the Northern Ireland Action Plan (Red Grouse).

(AQW 8061/08)

Mr S Wilson: There are no plans to encourage Red Grouse stocking from Scotland. Indeed, the Northern Ireland Species Action Plan for Red Grouse specifically indicates that Scottish birds should not be released in those parts of Northern Ireland which are currently free from signs of previous introductions i.e. Counties Tyrone and Fermanagh.

Nuclear Waste

Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of the Environment if he will give an undertaking that he will not give consent to local authorities to provide sites for the burial of nuclear waste.

(AQW 8085/08)

Mr S Wilson: It would not be appropriate for me to give such an undertaking at this stage in the process. Any proposals initiated by local authorities in Northern Ireland would go through a rigorous selection procedure requiring my approval and that of the Executive Committee and the NI Assembly.

Planning Policy Statement 14

Mr Armstrong asked the Minister of the Environment the current status of Planning Policy Statement 14 and he expects to be in a position to make a public announcement on the outcome of the Review.

(AQW 8089/08)

Mr S Wilson: I expect to submit a revised draft PPS 14 to the Executive Committee very soon with a view to issuing for public consultation.

Environment Agency

Mr Armstrong asked the Minister of the Environment what discussions have been held between his Department and counterparts in the rest of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland in relation to the creation of an Environment Agency.

(AQW 8092/08)

Mr S Wilson: A DOE official discussed the processes involved in creating a non-Departmental public body with officials of the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs in June 2007.

Planning Applications Linked to the Rural Development Programme (2007-2013)

Mr Doherty asked the Minister of the Environment whether he will ensure that planning applications linked to the Rural Development Programme (2007-2013) will be expedited to achieve the maximum uptake of funding.

(AQW 8126/08)

Mr S Wilson: My Department will give priority to those planning applications dependent on grant aid and other commercial, industrial and social infrastructure proposals with a clear strategic, employment, community or public interest dimension. An instruction to this effect was issued to Planning Service staff in July 2006. There is however also an onus on applicants to submit planning applications in a timely manner and include all necessary information required to determine the proposal.

Draft UK Marine Bill

Dr Farry asked the Minister of the Environment what discussions he has had with the United Kingdom Government in relation to the Marine Bill, including the opportunities and implications for Northern Ireland.

(AQW 8186/08)

Mr S Wilson: I have not as yet had the opportunity to discuss the draft UK Marine Bill with the United Kingdom Government.

Local Government Boundary Commissioner

Dr Farry asked the Minister of the Environment what progress has been made in appointing a Local Government Boundary Commissioner; and when a provisional set of recommendations will be available.

(AQW 8187/08)

Mr S Wilson: The process of appointing the new Local Government Boundaries Commissioner is almost complete and the new Commissioner will be appointed on 1 July 2008.

The timing of the publication of the provisional set of recommendations is a matter for the Local Government Boundaries Commissioner.

The Stables in Sion Mills

Mr Elliott asked the Minister of the Environment when his Department was first alerted to the deteriorating condition of 'The Stables' in Sion Mills, West Tyrone; what action was taken in relation to the alert; and for an update on the condition of 'The Stables'.

(AQW 8202/08)

Mr S Wilson: The building has been deteriorating for several years. The Department has been in discussion with the owner to try to secure the future of the building. To date he has declined to do so.

The Department has moved to secure the future of the building by publishing a vesting order on 19 June 2008, following last week’s collapse of its clock tower. The stable block will come into the ownership and protection of my Department one month after the publication of this notice. In the interim, and thereafter we will continue to work with our partners to secure the long term future of this building.

An Urgent Works Notice was issued by recorded delivery, addressed to the owner of the building, again on 19 June 2008, specifying the works that are urgently required for its preservation. Seven days after the Urgent Works Notice has been served on the owner, the Department will move in to secure the building and help protect it from any further deterioration.

Meanwhile we have acted in co-operation with our partners in Strabane District Council, Roads Service, etc, to erect a hoarding along the road edge to help ensure the safety of the public.

The current condition of the building is very poor, and the roof in extremely poor condition. Specialist staff in the Department have advised that it can still be saved and reused. The clock tower and some sections of roof have collapsed, and important pieces of the clock are, by agreement with the owner, now in the safe keeping of my Department.

Pollution of Glenavy River

Mr Burns asked the Minister of the Environment to make a statement on the latest pollution incident that occurred in the Glenavy River, between 13 and 16 June 2008.

(AQW 8208/08)

Mr S Wilson: At 09.30 hrs on 16 June 2008, Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) received a report of an unknown pollutant in the Glenavy River where it flows through Glenavy village. The report indicated that there were a number of dead fish present and EHS informed the Fisheries Conservancy Board (FCB).

A combined investigation was carried out by EHS Water Quality Inspectors and staff from FCB in order to determine the source of the pollution and assess the environmental impact. During that investigation, the number of dead fish observed indicated that a major Fishkill had occurred and the overall incident severity was classified as ‘High’.

From the investigation, the pollutant was identified as being from an agricultural source and statutory samples have been taken with a view to initiating prosecution through the Public Prosecution Service.

Reform of the Planning System

Ms Lo asked the Minister of the Environment if he intends (i) to present a paper to the Executive on the current reform of the planning system; and (ii) to make a statement to the Assembly on this issue, before the summer recess.

(AQW 8230/08)

Mr S Wilson: As I indicated when I took up my appointment as Minister of the Environment, reform of the planning system is one of my top priorities.

(i) I have had discussions with my officials on the significant progress that has been made to date and I expect to bring my emerging proposals to the Executive and Environment Committee very shortly, with a view to issuing a public consultation paper later in the year.

(ii) I do not expect to make a statement to the Assembly on the issue until after the summer recess.

Craigmore Landfill Site

Mr Dallat asked the Minister of the Environment why a hazardous impact assessment was not carried out on the Craigmore (near Garvagh) landfill site before approval was granted to resume dumping there.

(AQW 8256/08)

Mr S Wilson: In considering recent planning applications for the Craigmore site, determinations were carried out under the Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 1999. Planning Service took the view that the proposals would not give rise to significant adverse environmental effects. The planning applications were detailed in terms of content and provided sufficient information for Planning Service to properly consider the applications. Planning Service was satisfied that in each instance the planning application could be determined without requesting the production of an environmental statement.

Craigmore Landfill Site

Mr Dallat asked the Minister of the Environment why there was no 'change of use' public notification in the most recent planning applications for the Craigmore landfill site.

(AQW 8257/08)

Mr S Wilson: The most recent planning applications for the Craigmore landfill site were advertised in the local newspapers. They were not however advertised as change of use applications because no change of use was involved. This is an existing waste management facility and it remains a waste management facility.

Craigmore Landfill Site

Mr Dallat asked the Minister of the Environment why no action has been taken to remove illegal waste from the Craigmore landfill site given that a recovery operation was ordered after it was condemned as having illegal and hazardous waste in large volumes.

(AQW 8258/08)

Mr S Wilson: The landfill site was a licensed facility and the previous owner was prosecuted for offences committed while he had control of the site. The current owner is required to remediate the waste that is contained in the old part of the landfill to the current environmental protection standards. The waste does not need to be removed and all harmful or polluting emissions will be controlled by the site operator under the terms of his permit.

EHS has no knowledge of a ‘recovery operation’ having been ordered or of the site being ‘condemned’.

Craigmore Landfill Site

Mr Dallat asked the Minister of the Environment what efforts have been made to establish that there is no overlap in ownership or management in the Craigmore landfill site between the previous owner, who was convicted and jailed for illegal activity on the site, and the new owner who has received approval to resume operations.

(AQW 8259/08)

Mr S Wilson: The Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) has established information regarding land ownership in order to be satisfied that the current holder of a permit to operate a landfill site is the owner of the land. Prior to this EHS also established the same information regarding the previous owner as part of the investigation that led to his imprisonment and a confiscation order being made in relation to illegal operation of the site.

EHS has been unable to identify evidence to suggest that the current owner of the site had ownership or control of the land prior to his purchase of it.

Multiple Landfill Sites

Mr Dallat asked the Minister of the Environment to outline his plans to ban multiple landfill sites in the same geographical area and to detail what discussions have taken place with the European Union.

(AQW 8260/08)

Mr S Wilson: I have no plans to ban multiple landfill sites in the same geographical area and no discussions have taken place with the European Union.

New Local Government Boundaries

Mr Cobain asked the Minister of the Environment why current plans for new local government boundaries and districts exclude the creation of a single local authority for the continuous urban area of Belfast, Newtownabbey and Castlereagh.

(AQO 4059/08)

Mr S Wilson: The deliberations of the Executive Sub Committee on Local Government Reform, chaired by my colleague and predecessor Mrs Foster, in relation to council numbers were confined to the three possible configurations for the seven, eleven and fifteen district models set out in the RPA Further Consultation Document of March 2005. It will be a matter for the Local Government Boundaries Commissioner, when appointed, to determine the precise boundaries of the new local government districts within the framework provided by the Local Government (Boundaries) Act ( Northern Ireland) 2008.

Highway Code

Mr Hamilton asked the Minister of the Environment what plans he has to circulate the new Highway Code to homes in Northern Ireland.

(AQO 4093/08)

Mr S Wilson: My Department will be publishing a revised Highway Code for Northern Ireland in July. I intend to circulate the new Code widely and my Department is currently seeking to identify the resources necessary to distribute copies free of charge to every household in Northern Ireland.

This would be a new initiative aimed at providing every home with access to practical and easily understood road safety advice and another important step in the ongoing campaign to save lives.

Road Safety Improvements

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment what initiatives he is taking to improve road safety within the 18-25 age bracket; and if he is aware of the Test plus Pass plus initiative recently started in Newtownards and Strangford.

(AQO 4159/08)

Mr S Wilson: My Department has a range of initiatives in place aimed at improving road safety among young drivers. These include:

a driver training scheme for students aged 17 to 18 years;
active promotion of Road Traffic Studies and GCSE Motor Vehicle and Road User Studies (MVRUS) in post-primary schools;
the “Theatre in Education” programme for sixth-formers which focuses on attitudes to driving; and
road safety advertising campaigns, many of which are targeted at 17-24 year-old males.

On 23 May 2008, my predecessor issued a letter to NI consultees seeking comments on the range of questions asked in a recent GB consultation by DfT on proposals to reform the way people learn to drive and the way they are tested. Following on from this, I will shortly be issuing a separate consultation on proposals for a scheme of graduated driver licensing here. The package of measures proposed will help improve road safety, particularly among young and novice drivers.

I am aware of the Test Plus initiative and I understand that the organisers of the scheme have been discussing the matter with my officials.

Renewable Fund for Householders

Mr Kennedy asked the Minister of the Environment if he will consider the establishment of a Renewables Fund based on European Investment Bank finance to assist householders to install ecosystems, repayable only on the sale of the property.

(AQO 4060/08)

Mr S Wilson: I have no plans to establish a Renewables Fund based on European Investment Bank finance to assist householders to install ecosystems. Renewable energy is the responsibility of the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment.

Prosecution Rates

Mr Attwood asked the Minister of the Environment what steps the Department has taken to improve the enforcement and prosecution rates following the Criminal Justice Inspectorate report?

(AQO 4180/08)

Mr S Wilson: The Department has developed a detailed Action Plan in response to the Criminal Justice Inspectorate’s report and this will be published in July. It is a matter of record that the majority of their recommendations have been accepted. For example, the new Northern Ireland Environment Agency will have a single Environmental Crime Unit dealing with serious offences and persistent offenders.

Climate Change

Mr P Maskey asked the Minister of the Environment what assessment he has made of the impact of climate change; and what action he is taking to address the issue.

(AQO 4135/08)

Mr S Wilson: My Department published in January 2007 the Scottish and Northern Ireland Forum for Environmental Research report “Preparing for a Changing Climate in Northern Ireland”. This has become known as the “SNIFFER Report”. On the basis of UK climate change modelling, the report examines past and projected future climate for Northern Ireland and anticipates significant change over the coming century with air temperatures rising by 3 degrees centigrade, summer rainfall decreasing by 50% whilst winters may be 25% wetter.

In January 2008, the previous Minister, joined with the National Trust to help launch the Shifting Shores Report. The publication presents an assessment of possible impacts on a number of coastal National Trust properties.

In relation to actions taken, my Department:

Has made available best advice on the actions necessary to adapt to climate change. For example, the SNIFFER report recommends adaptation strategies in respect of the natural and built environment, economic infrastructure and social well-being
Supports the Northern Ireland Climate Change Impacts Partnership which includes within its membership representatives of the business, voluntary, NGO, professional and government sectors. The purpose of the partnership is to broaden and deepen understanding of climate change issues.

Policy Development Panels

Mr Weir asked the Minister of the Environment what progress has been made on the reconstitution of the Strategic Leadership Board and the newly constituted Policy Development panels.

(AQO 4089/08)

Mr S Wilson: Since my predecessor announced the decisions on the future shape of local government in her statement to the Assembly on 31 st March 2008, my Department has been engaging with NILGA to reconstitute the Strategic Leadership Board, and to constitute, and agree Terms of Reference for, the three new Policy Development Panels.

The reconstitution of the Strategic Leadership Board is now complete. I will Chair the Board and the President of NILGA will be Vice Chair. The membership consists of the four NILGA Vice Presidents and a representative from each of the five main political parties. The Board is supported and advised by the Chief Executives of three councils and senior representatives from Departments that are transferring functions. The functions of the Board are: to be the pinnacle and driver for the overall modernisation process; to agree a joint overall vision and strategy for change; to provide clarity on expected outcomes; to develop an overall work programme in conjunction with the Policy Development Panels; and to consider contributions and cascade questions and issues for action through the Policy Development Panels and Transition Committees.

The constitution of the Policy Development Panels is almost complete and terms of reference for them have been agreed. Panel A will have responsibility for Governance and Relationship Issues, including: C ommunity Planning; Governance; Central/Local Government Relationships. Panel B will have responsibility for Service Delivery Issues, including: Service Delivery Improvement; and Performance Management. Panel C will have responsibility for Structural Reform Issues, including: Human Resources; Capacity Building; Finance; Estates; Regional and Sub-Regional Design; and Transfer of Functions. One panel has already had its first meeting and I am hopeful that the other two will have their first meetings within the next few weeks.

Statement of Continuity Involvement

Ms Lo asked the Minister of the Environment what plans he has to prepare a Statement of Community Involvement as required by Article 3 of the Planning Reform Order 2006.

(AQO 4096/08)

Mr S Wilson: My Department is currently preparing a Statement of Community Involvement which will be required under Article 3A of the Planning ( Northern Ireland) Order 1991 when Article 3 of the Planning Reform ( Northern Ireland) Order 2006 is commenced. The Commencement Order for Article 3 will be made later this year and the Statement of Community Involvement published as soon as possible thereafter.

Planning Applications

Ms J McCann asked the Minister of the Environment how many planning applications have been approved for apartments in the Dunmurry Lane and Dunmurry Village area.

(AQO 4149/08)

Mr S Wilson: I regret that the current system of electronic data retrieval – 20/20 – does not record applications in sufficient detail to provide the information requested. To provide accurate figures for the years in question could only be done by a manual search of all our existing files. This would not be available in the time and would incur disproportionate costs.

It may be helpful to note that the new electronic system – ePIC – will be able to store and retrieve such data.

Review of the Planning System

Mr Ross asked the Minister of the Environment for his plans to bring forward a paper on the fundamental review of the planning system.

(AQO 4088/08)

Mr S Wilson: As I indicated when I took up my appointment as Minister of the Environment, reform of the planning system is one of my top priorities. I have had discussions with my officials on the significant progress that has been made to date and I expect to bring my emerging proposals to the Executive and Environment Committee very shortly, with a view to issuing a public consultation paper later in the year.

Guidelines for Building Apartments

Mr Neeson asked the Minister of the Environment what guidelines have been established by the Planning Service for the building of apartments.

(AQO 4099/08)

Mr S Wilson: All proposals for new residential development including applications for apartment development are subject to consideration in the context of Planning Policy Statement 7 (PPS7) ‘Quality Residential Environments’.

Further policy tests are contained within Planning Policy Statement 6 (PPS6) ‘Planning, Archaeology and the Built Environment’ and its addendum ‘Areas of Townscape Character’, where new apartment development is proposed in Areas of Townscape Characters and Village Character.

Supplementary planning guidance is also a material consideration for such applications, including, ‘Creating Places, Achieving Quality in Residential Development’ and Development Control Advice Note 8, ‘Housing in Existing Urban Areas’. Where a proposal meets the criteria as laid out in these policies and guidance, approval may be granted. However, these publications make it clear that ‘cramming’ or other inappropriate developments which would adversely affect residential amenity will be resisted.

My predecessor requested that all Planning Service staff be reminded of the need to consider fully the impact on the established residential character when processing applications for new residential development. To this end a Planning Circular on the assessment of planning applications for residential development in urban areas, villages and other small settlements issued to Planning Service operational staff in August 2007.

Implementation of the Taxis Act

Mr Boylan asked the Minister of the Environment how his Department is going to reconcile implementation of the Taxis Act given that the Taxi Cost Index Report will not be started until early 2009.

(AQO 4167/08)

Mr S Wilson: The Taxis Act ( Northern Ireland) 2008 creates a new legal regulatory framework which covers the licensing of operators, drivers and vehicles; fares and taximeters; hiring taxis at separate fares; and enforcement. Given the very broad scope of this legislation, it will need to be implemented in stages as initiatives are developed. In advance of the Taxis Cost Index Report, which is due to be commenced in early 2009, my officials are already working on implementing the Act by preparing to commence provisions to improve enforcement; developing policies for taxi operator licensing; devising new specifications for taxi vehicles and taximeters; and improving the Department’s taxi licensing IT systems .

Better Regulation Task Force

Mr T Clarke asked the Minister of the Environment what groups will be represented on the Better Regulation Task Force.

(AQO 4121/08)

Mr S Wilson: The first meeting of the Better Regulation Board involved the CBI, the Federation of Small Businesses, the Ulster Farmers Union, the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Construction Employers Federation and Northern Ireland Water. The Environment Sector will be represented at the next meeting by the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside. The Quarry Products Association will also attend the next meeting.

Grants to Improve Listed Buildings

Rev Dr Robert Coulter asked the Minister of the Environment how many community based organisations have applied for grants to improve listed buildings over the last three years.

(AQO 4087/08)

Mr S Wilson: Nine community based organisations have applied for such grants over the past three financial years.

The following have received funding:-

Hearth Revolving Fund (2 grants)
Holywood Old School Building Preservation Trust
Irish Landmark Trust
Friends of Lissan Trust
Old Belmont School Preservation Trust
Sion Mills Building Preservation Trust (x2)
White House Preservation Trust
Caledon Regeneration Group

In addition, Gracehill Old School Trust received funding towards the acquisition of a listed building.

It is hoped that many more community based organisations will now take advantage of the additional funding specifically set aside for such organisations to assist in the rescue of our listed buildings at risk. The availability of this additional funding was announced by my predecessor, Arlene Foster, at the Environment and Heritage Service’s ‘Regeneration and Heritage’ Conference on 20 May.

Hightown Landfill Site

Mr McCausland asked the Minister of the Environment what conditions are attached to the Hightown Landfill site at Upper Hightown Road in Newtownabbey.

(AQO 4182/08)

Mr S Wilson: Planning permissions for the infill of Hightown Quarry have issued in 1988, 1989 and 1993. Conditions prevent the deposition of putrescible or household waste. Conditions also require that the final levels of infill do not exceed the contoured levels shown on the approved plans and that wheel wash facilities are provided for the duration of tipping operations.

An application for a Pollution Prevention Control Permit, in order to continue operating a landfill, was refused by the Department on 26 th June 2007. This decision was subsequently appealed by the operators and is now being dealt with by the Planning Appeals Commission. In the interim Macwill Services are being regulated under the conditions of their existing Waste Management Licence.

Copies of the conditions relating both to the planning approvals and to the Waste Management Licence are available in the Assembly Library.

Finance and Personnel

Data Protection Breaches

Mr Burns asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel how many public sector staff have been punished for data protection breaches in each of the last 5 years, broken down by department.

(AQW 7767/08)

The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr N Dodds): The information requested is provided in the following table.

DEPARTMENT	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	Total across all years
DCAL	0	0	0	0	0	0
DHSSPS	0	0	0	0	0	0
DETI	0	0	0	0	0	0
DSD	1	2	4	6	14	27
DRD	0	0	0	0	0	0
DE	0	0	0	0	0	0
DOE	0	0	0	0	0	0
DARD	0	0	0	0	0	0
OFMDFM	0	0	0	0	0	0
DEL	0	0	1	0	0	1
DFP	0	0	0	0	0	0

Team-Building Exercises

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel how many staff hours have been taken up with departmental or cross-departmental away days, or team-building exercises, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 7999/08)

Mr N Dodds:

The table below reflects the number of team building/away days over the last five years. It is encouraging to note the number of community and environmental projects that staff in the Department have committed their time to.

Year	Team Building	Corporate Social Responsibility	Total
2004	8	0	8
2005	10	1	11
2006	10	3	13
2007	3	5	8
2008	0	3	3

Information in relation to how many staff hours have been taken up with departmental or cross-departmental away days, or team building exercises in each of the last 5 years is not readily available and could only be compiled at disproportionate cost.

Team-Building Exercises

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel how many away days and team-building exercises have been organised by his Department for departmental staff in each of the last five years.

(AQW 8065/08)

Mr N Dodds:

Year	Team Building	Corporate Social Responsibility	Total
2004	8	0	8
2005	10	1	11
2006	10	3	13
2007	3	5	8
2008	0	3	3

Office of the Interim Assembly Commissioner for Standards

Mr Ross asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel how much funding his Department gives to the Office of the Interim Assembly Commissioner for Standards.

(AQW 8109/08)

Mr N Dodds:

The Assembly Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has a total funding allocation of £1.581million for 2008/09. Within this, a sum of £10,000 is identified by the Office of the Assembly Ombudsman for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Complaints for the provision of an investigative resource for the Committee on Standards and Privileges.

Ulster Savings Certificates

Mrs Long asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel (i) how many Ulster Savings Certificates are yet to be reclaimed; and (ii) how much money is owed to certificate holders.

(AQW 8149/08)

Mr N Dodds:

There are 85,680 Ulster Savings certificates, belonging to 27,628 holders, yet to be reclaimed as at 20th June 2008.

The total value of Ulster Savings certificates yet to be reclaimed is £6.2m, comprising £2.1m principal and £4.1m interest.

Ulster Savings Certificates

Mrs Long asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what plans he has to reunite Ulster Savings Certificate holders with their money.

(AQW 8150/08)

Mr N Dodds:

The Department has taken steps to contact certificate holders as far as is practicable since the 1990 policy review recommended the winding up of Ulster Savings. As a result, a number of holders and relatives of deceased certificate holders have reclaimed certificates. While Ulster Savings certificates to the value of £105m were held in 1997, this has now been reduced to £6.2m.

The Department has made information about the scheme available on its website and ensured that any enquiries through the Post Office and National Savings and Investments are directed to DFP. In addition, contact details regarding the scheme are available in the Phone Book in Northern Ireland and on the website of HM Revenue and Customs.

The Department continues to consider other opportunities to publicise the Ulster Savings scheme.

Ulster Savings Certificates

Mrs Long asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel whether he has any plans to make Ulster Savings Certificates traceable through the MyLostAccount.org.uk website.

(AQW 8152/08)

Mr N Dodds:

Whilst the Department has no immediate plans to make Ulster Savings certificates traceable through mylostaccount.org.uk, the feasibility of using this website is in the early stages of being explored.

The Department continues to consider all viable opportunities for raising awareness of the Ulster Savings Scheme.

Team-Building Exercises

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel the total cost incurred by the Department on away days or team-building exercises in each of the last five years.

(AQW 8160/08)

Mr N Dodds:

The total costs incurred by the Department on away days or team-building exercises in each of the last five years are set out in the table below.

Year	Cost of Away Days (£)	Cost of Team Building Exercises (£)	Total Cost (£)
2003-04	16,769	2,415	19,184
2004-05	26,305	26,104	52,409
2005-06	37,026	17,666	54,692
2006-07	34,407	9,196	43,603
2007-08	16,516	12,993	29,508

Building Regulations

Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will amend the building regulations to waive the fee for loft insulation to encourage energy conservation.

(AQW 8224/08)

Mr N Dodds: The fees that may be charged for building regulations work by district councils are established by the Building (Prescribed Fees) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 1997. The Department will shortly be conducting a review of these regulations, and will consider this matter as part of that review.

A district council may waive any fee if it chooses to do so.

Number of 11-18 Year Olds in Ballycastle

Mr McKay asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel how many young people between the ages of 11 and 18 there are in the Ballycastle electoral ward area; and for his Department's projection of the growth in this sector over the next 10 years.

(AQW 8371/08)

Mr N Dodds:

Population estimates and projections are produced for Northern Ireland and Local Government Districts only. Equivalent statistics are not produced at electoral ward level. Statistics provided therefore relate to the Ballymena, Ballymoney and Moyle Local Government Districts.

The table below shows the 2001 and 2006 population estimate and current principal population projection for the year 2015 for persons aged 11 to 18 for Northern Ireland and the areas noted above.

Table: population estimate and projection for persons aged 11-18 years in Northern Ireland and Ballymena, Ballymoney and Moyle Local Government Districts (2001, 2006 and 2015)

Year	Population aged 11-18 years
Year	Northern Ireland	Ballymena LGD	Ballymoney LGD	Moyle LGD
2001 Estimate	212,400	7,000	3,400	2,100
2006 Estimate	204,400	6,600	3,300	2,000
2015 Projection	184,700	6,200	3,500	1,700

Number of 11-18 Year Olds in the Glens

Mr McKay asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel how many young people between the ages of 11 and 18 there are in the Glens electoral ward area; and for his Department's projection of the growth of this sector over the next 10 years.

(AQW 8373/08)

Mr N Dodds:

The table below shows the 2001 and 2006 population estimate and current principal population projection for the year 2015 for persons aged 11 to 18 for Northern Ireland and the areas noted above.

Table: population estimate and projection for persons aged 11-18 years in Northern Ireland and Ballymena, Ballymoney and Moyle Local Government Districts (2001, 2006 and 2015)

Year	Population aged 11-18 years
Year	Northern Ireland	Ballymena LGD	Ballymoney LGD	Moyle LGD
2001 Estimate	212,400	7,000	3,400	2,100
2006 Estimate	204,400	6,600	3,300	2,000
2015 Projection	184,700	6,200	3,500	1,700

Numbers of 11-18 Year Olds

Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what are the projected numbers of 11 to 18 year olds for the years 2010, 2015 and 2020, and what percentage in each year is projected to be immigrants.

(AQW 8382/08)

Mr N Dodds:

The table attached gives the 2001 and 2006 population estimates and the current 2010, 2015 and 2020 principal population projections for persons aged 11 to 18 years in Northern Ireland.

Table population estimates and projections for persons aged 11-18 years in Northern Ireland, 2001-2020

Year	Northern Ireland population aged 11–18
2001 Estimate	212,400
2006 Estimate	204,400
2010 Projection	197,600
2015 Projection	184,700
2020 Projection	186,300

Population projections include assumptions on annual net migration levels but not on the overall future number of immigrants in the population.

Take-Up of Lone Pensioner Rate Relief

Mr Dallat asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel for his assessment of the take-up of lone pensioner rate relief.

(AQO 4069/08)

Mr N Dodds: Two new measures, Lone Pensioner Allowance and an increase to the savings limit for Rate Relief for pensioners, were introduced from 1 April 2008 to provide additional assistance towards the cost of paying rate bills.

Lone Pensioner Allowance, which provides for a 20% reduction in rates, is for pensioners aged 70 and over who live alone. It is administered jointly - Land and Property Services deals with owner-occupiers, while the Northern Ireland Housing Executive looks after those living in the social and private rented sector properties.

The initial take-up of Lone Pensioner Allowance has been very encouraging as, at 6 June 2008, around 14,250 applications had been received.

The Rate Relief scheme provides additional financial assistance to ratepayers on low incomes and, to encourage more pensioners to apply for this relief, the savings limit for entitlement was raised from £16,000 to £50,000 for pensioners aged 60 and above. Currently, almost 4,000 pensioners receive Rate Relief, and just over 59,000 pensioners receive Housing Benefit. The Housing Benefit and Rate Relief schemes are also administered jointly.

Rate Arrears

Mr Burns asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel for the scale and nature of the extra resources being brought in to address the rate arrears problem; and to identify the source of this additional money.

(AQO 4092/08)

Mr N Dodds: Land and Property Services has secured the provision of an additional 20 staff to assist with the clearance of backlogs of rating work. Funding for the additional staff was subject to the normal headcount approvals.

Public Sector Jobs in Rural Areas

Mr O'Loan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he has considered the approach of the Scottish Government, in its consideration of the location of public sector jobs, which includes a small units initiative to bring high quality jobs to remote and rural areas.

(AQO 4158/08)

Mr N Dodds: As you may know Professor George Bain is chairing the independent Review of policy on the location of public sector jobs in Northern Ireland. I understand that during the course of his Review he has taken evidence from each of the jurisdictions in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland on their experience of relocation. The evidence from Scotland suggests that a small number of posts can bring demonstrable benefits to remote and rural areas such as the Scottish islands. I understand that Professor Bain is considering this, along with all the other evidence that is available to him, in the context of his Review. His objective is to recommend a distribution of public sector jobs that best enhances the sustainable social and economic development of Northern Ireland. However it would be premature to speculate on any conclusions of the independent Review team at this stage.

Viewing of Publicly Owned Art in Departments

Mr Armstrong asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what arrangements are in place for members of the public to view publicly owned works of art held in secure areas of government buildings.

(AQO 4084/08)

Mr N Dodds: The Department of Finance and Personnel organises an annual joint touring exhibition of Government owned art with the Office of Public Works (OPW) in Dublin. The Exhibition provides the public in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland with the opportunity to view a selection of the best works of art from the two collections. There are usually two venues in the north and three in the south each year.

In addition to the touring exhibition, members of the public have been permitted to view specific pieces of art that are held in secure Government buildings. This is mainly on request for purposes of academic research or from family members of deceased artists. Staff in Properties Division will arrange for a private viewing.

Varney 2 Report

Mr Lunn asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what plans he has to respond to the Varney 2 report.

(AQO 4129/08)

Mr N Dodds: I will, after discussion with Executive colleagues, formally convey my response on the Varney 2 Report to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury.

Much of the analysis in this second report should be welcomed and it provides a useful backdrop to the development of the new Regional Economic Strategy. There are, however, some issues which generate concern (for example in the area of disposing of public assets) and I will need to relay these to the Chief Secretary.

Regional Economic Strategy

Dr Farry asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel for an update on the regional economic strategy.

(AQO 4133/08)

Mr N Dodds: The previous draft Regional Economic Strategy (RES) reflected the limited aspirations of the Direct Rule Administration. Work has recently commenced on the revision of the RES. This must reflect the ambitions of the Executive as set out in the Programme for Government.

My officials have recently reconstituted a RES inter-departmental working group to take forward the RES work programme. It is envisaged that a working paper will be available for consideration and input by key stakeholders later this year.

The revised RES will then be released for public consultation, and will be produced in time to assist in the formulation of the next Budget.

Water Charge Bills

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will issue a single household bill that will include a water charge.

(AQO 4055/08)

Mr N Dodds: Following the publication of the Independent Water Review Panel report, which recommends that from 2009/10 water and sewerage payments should be collected through the same billing and collection system as rates , the Executive agreed that this issue should be taken forward and examined jointly by both DRD and DFP.

Work has been ongoing within DRD, with the close involvement of officials from my own Department, in producing a business case which considers all the available options, in light of the many administrative, legislative and policy issues which would need to be addressed.

The work around this business case has yet to be completed so at this stage there are no conclusions to report.

The question of billing is also tied to that relating the methodology that will be used to determine how water and sewerage charges will be calculated from next year and onwards. This work has also not reached a conclusion.

Equal Pay Claims

Mr Hamilton asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what implications there are for the labour market from the successful resolution of the equal pay claim.

(AQO 4113/08)

Mr N Dodds: The resolution of the equal pay claim could have significant implications for the Northern Ireland Civil Service paybill. T he extent of the financial implications will ultimately depend on the outcome of discussions between officials and the trade unions and on the approach approved by the Executive. A ny equal pay adjustment that amounted to a significant increase in the salaries of the affected grades could distort the local labour market and aggravate the constraint on private sector economic activity through the crowding out effect. Such factors will be an important consideration in the discussions with the trade unions.

Levels of Sick Leave in Departments

Mr Storey asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what analysis he has made of efforts by Departments to reduce levels of sick leave.

(AQO 4111/08)

Mr N Dodds: Like my predecessor, Peter Robinson, I consider the level of sickness absence in the NICS to be unacceptable and I fully intend to maintain the pressure on Departments to improve their performance in this area.

I am aware that Peter Robinson met recently with all the Permanent Secretaries to discuss sickness absence and to hear what they were doing to address the problem within their respective Departments. He impressed on senior officials the Executive’s commitment to dealing robustly with the issue and reinforced the importance of senior management accountability for this issue.

My officials have now prepared an updated civil service wide action plan, setting out a number of key actions for all departments. Actions include top management commitment and greater accountability, improved case management, improved training and awareness for line managers and staff and a greater level of audit and compliance.

There will also be a new focus on local strategies where individual Departments and Agencies will analyse patterns of sickness absence within their organisations with a view to highlighting any trends or “hotspots” requiring particular attention.

There is now a much higher profile given to sickness absence across all NI Departments and I will ensure that it is kept to the fore of the agenda.

Major Capital Spends

Mr McCarthy asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to outline any reviews his Department will carry out on procedures for major capital spends.

(AQO 4126/08)

Mr N Dodds: The current procedures are set out in Government Accounting Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Practical Guide to the Green Book. The NI Practical Guide to the Green Book generally accords with the principles of the HM Treasury Green Book, and should be read in conjunction with it, which remains an authoritative guide to the principles of appraisal, evaluation, approval and management of projects.

In addition, The Strategic Investment and Regeneration of Sites (NI) Order 2003 provides for the Strategic Investment Board to advise the Executive on the formulation and implementation of its programme of major investment, and to provide advice and assistance to public bodies carrying out major capital projects.

Currently there are no plans to carry out a review of procedures for major capital spends.

Access to Benefits

Mrs M Bradley asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what are the main lessons taken from the study produced for his Department by A2B 'Access to Benefits on take-up of Rate Relief and Disabled Person's Allowance'; and what plans he has to implement these findings.

(AQO 4091/08)

Mr N Dodds: As you know, the issue of poor take up of rate reliefs among the elderly was something that arose following the review of the domestic rating system which my predecessor carried out last year. One of the first actions that he took following that review was to ask Help the Aged and Age Concern to undertake a study to identify what steps could be taken to improve this.

The report produced by Access to Benefits, in conjunction with Help the Aged and Age Concern, was a very detailed and thorough one. It contains some 35 recommendations in total, covering a wide range of areas. Some also go beyond the remit of this Department and have implications for others involved in the delivery of Government benefits.

In terms of what the main lessons are from the report, these relate to the need to increase the public awareness and understanding of the reliefs that are available; to simplify the process of application; to increase the level of joined-up working with other Government Departments; and to liaise more closely with the community and voluntary sector in this work.

As I said, the recommendations contained in the report are wide ranging and need to be considered carefully. I have asked the Land and Property Services Agency to examine the report and to identify what actions they could take to meet these recommendations and also to say what the implications would be in terms of staff and other resources. I will report back to this Assembly once that assessment has been carried out. I have also asked my officials to liaise with colleagues in both the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Social Security Agency around those recommendations which would entail a more joined up approach.

Linked to the issue of take up of reliefs is the question of data sharing. While this did not form a specific recommendation in the Access to Benefits report, the Department is currently considering what scope there is for increasing data sharing with other Government Departments with the aim of increasing the take up of reliefs. Legislative change will be required in order to achieve this and a consultation document around this issue, along with an associated Privacy Impact Assessment, will be issued in the coming weeks.

Tendering for Government Projects

Mr McLaughlin asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel in view of the downturn in the construction industry, what steps will the Minister take to ensure that indigenous construction companies are assisted and facilitated in the tendering process for Government projects.

(AQO 4156/08)

Mr N Dodds: Public procurement is governed by the Public Contracts Regulations 2006 which preclude favouring local companies in the procurement of works, supplies or services.

The Investment Strategy for public sector projects necessarily dictates a procurement strategy increasingly dependent upon the establishment of frameworks. Where local SMEs cannot meet minimum turnover criteria to sustain a framework obligation, CPD encourages local companies to form consortia in order to bid for frameworks in their own right, or to look for opportunities within the supply chains of firms or consortia successfully emerging from the framework procurement competitions.

CPD and the construction industry are jointly developing proposals for promoting equality and sustainability through sustainable procurement in construction. Under these the Principal Supply Chain Partners are encouraged to publish available supply chain opportunities on their websites, or where appropriate, in the local press.

Public Service Buildings and Sustainable Energy

Mr Durkan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what steps he is taking with Executive colleagues to ensure that more public service buildings convert from using fossil fuel to more sustainable energy options.

(AQO 4035/08)

Mr N Dodds:

Public service buildings include the NICS Government Office Estate, healthcare and district council buildings, the schools estate and buildings used for more specialised agricultural, scientific or other needs.

Within the DFP managed Government Office Estate, the policy has been to convert from oil to natural gas as the fossil fuel of choice on account of its lower CO 2 emissions. However, the Department recognises that there is value and security in diversity of energy supply, including the use of more sustainable options. The Sustainable Development Strategy and subsequent Implementation Plan includes a target for the Government Office Estate to be carbon neutral by 2015 and a further target to reduce CO 2 emissions by 30% below 1990 levels by 2025. This will require an increasing use of suitable cost effective renewable technologies.

A review of the office estate is ongoing and under the Workplace 2010 proposals, a number of the significant Government Office Estate buildings would transfer to a Private Sector Partner (PSP) in 2009. The PSP will be required to comply with a range of sustainability and energy efficiency requirements within the first six years of contract commencement. These would include, for example, the installation of biomass heating systems, solar water heating, combined heat and power, ground source heating and cooling and photo-voltaic panels.

While this major policy review is being developed, a feasibility study on buildings in the residual estate was conducted. Although this study indicated a lack of suitability and cost effectiveness of installing renewable technologies in a number of these remaining buildings, a project to install a range of renewable energy technologies in eleven DFP managed buildings is under way. Currently two of the office estate buildings are equipped with alternative energy supplies; the effectiveness of these supplies is being monitored.

DFP is also responsible for the overall policy and promotion of energy efficiency across both local and central government bodies within Northern Ireland. Established in 1993, the Central Energy Efficiency Fund administered by DFP provides capital grant assistance for energy and carbon dioxide saving measures, including the installation of renewable energy technologies, in buildings occupied by public bodies which cannot be financed from Departmental budgets or other sources. In total, twenty five renewables schemes from across the public sector have been funded (eleven of which have been funded since 2006).

Other steps within the wider public service buildings include the following:

Healthcare buildings have been pro-active in converting from using fossil fuel to more sustainable energy options when feasible. The Health Estates Sustainable Development Design Brief will encourage Health and Social Care Trusts to show evidence of having considered the option of installing sustainable low carbon technology on all new build if appropriate to the design.

There is a range of renewable technologies in operation within the schools estate, with further at planning stage.

Currently within the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Estate two renewable energy technologies have been installed. The wind turbines and biomass burners at Loughry and Greenmount campuses will provide 12% of CAFRE’s energy requirements.

Details of projects to install renewable energy technologies in District Council buildings are not retained centrally.

Health, Social Services and Public Safety

Multiple Sclerosis

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many people are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

(AQW 7836/08)

The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Mr M McGimpsey): The number of people suffering with multiple sclerosis in Northern Ireland is not currently available.

Banbridge Health Village

Mr Simpson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety why the expected decision on the business case for Banbridge Health Village was not completed by the anticipated March 2008 date.

(AQW 7849/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Banbridge Community Health Village is an ongoing health and social care development on the former Banbridge Hospital site. Several elements have already been completed including a supported living facility for older people with dementia in partnership with Fold; a supported living facility for people with physical disability in partnership with Oaklee; the Polyclinic and ambulance station refurbished; and Banbridge GPs relocated to the site since May 2007.

The current business case proposals are for a new Health and Care Centre along with a new Learning Disability Day Centre within the Banbridge community health village. A number of outstanding issues remain to be clarified with the Trust. A decision on approval cannot be taken until this appraisal process has been completed, which is now estimated should be by August of this year.

GP Waiting Times

Mr Moutray asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is the average waiting time for an appointment with a GP, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust area.

(AQW 7850/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Department does not gather or centrally hold information on average waiting times for appointments with GPs. As there are approximately 7.3 million GP consultations in Northern Ireland each year and over 360 GP practices, this information could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Banbridge Community Health Village

Mr Simpson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for an update on plans for Banbridge Community Health Village.

(AQW 7852/08)

Lurgan Hospital

Mr Simpson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline his plans for Lurgan Hospital over the next 10 years.

(AQW 7853/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Lurgan Hospital will continue to provide a wide range of services locally.

Currently the hospital provides day hospital, assessment, rehabilitation, as well as a range of specialist services including a child development clinic, mammography breast screening services, a stroke rehabilitation unit, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy.

It is also planned that a one-stop consultant led clinic and community stroke rehabilitation service will be operational by autumn 2008, and that a cardiology ICATS (Integrated Clinical Assessment and Treatment Service) clinic will be piloted during 2008/09.

Dermatology Unit in Craigavon

Mr Simpson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is the current situation in relation to the dermatology unit in Craigavon.

(AQW 7855/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The dermatology unit, currently situated at Lurgan Hospital, is in the process of moving to the Craigavon Area Hospital site. The move is necessary as the condition of the existing facility at Lurgan is not at an acceptable level for the delivery of a modern dermatology service. It is expected that the move will be completed by March 2009.

The Southern Health and Social Care Trust has approved a business case for the relocation, which has been the subject of a public and patient consultation exercise includi