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.
Monday 5 January 2009
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
OFFICE OF THE FIRST MINISTER AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER
Child Poverty
Mr Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what action it is taking to assist LifeStart and other similar bodies as part of its strategy to address child poverty.
(AQW 2716/09)
The First Minister and deputy First Minister (Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness): The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS), by way of the Children’s Fund, supported the costs associated with the Lifestart Westville Family Resource Centre, Enniskillen, from April 2003 to March 2008. In that time, it received grant assistance in the region of £82,900.
Since March 2008, DHSSPS has continued to fund the project and will be making available funding of around £20,500 up until 31 March 2009. Decisions about funding after this date will be based on a review of the project’s performance, and the extent to which its activities continue to contribute to key children’s service planning priorities in the Western Board area.
Key actions within the draft DHSSPS parenting strategy ‘Families Matter’ include increasing the provision of parenting education programmes to assist with child health and development, household management and stress management; reducing the negative impact of parental separation on children by developing and expanding family mediation services; and providing a fully responsive regional help-line to enable parents to obtain timely advice and support.
We welcome and endorse all the work that Departments carry out which contributes to meeting the Executive’s targets for eliminating child poverty and is consistent with its anti-poverty strategy ‘Lifetime Opportunities’.
Children's Health
Mr Beggs asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what part walking and cycling initiatives play in the Department's policies for inproving children's health.
(AQW 3088/09)
The First Minister and deputy First Minister: The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has lead responsibility for developing policies to improve children’s health and we understand that you have also submitted your question to him.
Civic Forum
Mr Craig asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister how many responses were received to the consultation on the future of the Civic Forum.
(AQW 3226/09)
The First Minister and deputy First Minister: A total of 60 written responses were received to the consultation on the Review of the Civic Forum. These responses are available to view on the Review website at www.ofmdfmni.gov.uk/civic-forum-review.
Strategy for Cohesion, Sharing and Integration
Mrs D Kelly asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, given the continuing delays in bringing the strategy for cohesion, sharing and integration before the Assembly Committee, what assurance can it give that this strategy remains a priority.
(AQW 3314/09)
The First Minister and deputy First Minister: As we have stated previously, the Executive is fully committed to a vision for the future of all of the people who live here, to moving society forward and making a real difference to the lives of all our people. We are, and continue to be, fully committed to challenging sectarianism and racism and have indicated that our vision is for a future based on tolerance, equality, mutual respect and respect for the law.
The Programme for Government, including the key goals and associated PSA framework, was developed with a focus on addressing the key challenges and seizing the opportunities to deliver a shared and better future.
We met with the Committee for OFMDFM in October and stated that we would bring the Programme for Cohesion, Sharing and Integration before it by the Halloween recess. That has not been possible as work is still ongoing. However, it is our intention to bring forward these proposals to the Committee and to the Assembly as soon as practicably possible.
We would wish, however, to draw attention to the emphasis in the Executive’s Programme for Government and Budget which quite clearly confirms our commitment to tackling racism and sectarianism. We are giving a clear lead and endorsing ongoing work on the ground which is proving so successful in building new relationships within and between communities. We have committed an additional ₤7.5m direct expenditure over the next three years – 2008/2011, with a total investment of approximately ₤29m on good relations and good race relations.
Transfer of Policing and Justice
Mr Burnside asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister if it has had discussions with the UK Government about the transfer of Policing and Justice powers to the Assembly and Executive; and if this included a commitment to be made by all MLAs and the Executive to cooperate fully in all particulars, if requested, with the Historic Enquiries Team.
(AQW 3330/09)
The First Minister and deputy First Minister: There have been discussions at Ministerial level with the UK Government on the devolution of policing and justice powers. There has also been engagement at official level in the context of administrative preparations for the transfer of these responsibilities.
Maze Prison Site
Mr Craig asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what progress has been made in relation to the development of the Maze site.
(AQW 3432/09)
The First Minister and deputy First Minister: At present, an extensive programme to demolish buildings and structures is under way and this will be completed in this calendar year. The first phase of substantial remediation work to remove contamination at part of the site is also near completion.
Recently, we approved a £3·5 million second-stage remediation programme that is essential to prepare the site for future use. As the funding suggests, second-stage remediation is extensive and will entail, for example, the removal of diesel oil spillages and contaminates from other parts of the site.
We are acutely aware that a redevelopment of this size will impact directly on the Lisburn and the wider community and can confirm that it is our desire to see a decision about the redevelopment of Maze/Long Kesh reached as speedily as possible.
Interface Violence
Mr A Maskey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the programmes it is carrying out in relation to the prevention of interface violence in (i) primary schools; (ii) post primary schools, in Belfast and what plans does it have to introduce such programmes if none exist.
(AQW 3486/09)
The First Minister and deputy First Minister: Our department does not currently directly operate any programmes designed specifically to address the issues of interface violence within primary or post primary schools. However, funding of ₤400,000 per annum is provided by OFMDFM to the Department of Education for the provision of a range of Summer Intervention Programmes, which are delivered by the Education and Library Boards through the youth service. The Belfast Education and Library Board has received £160k of this funding. A further ₤100k has been provided to the North Belfast Community Action Unit for youth diversionary programmes to help reduce tensions over the summer months.
European Policies and Legislation
Mr Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister which Department (i) has direct responsibility; and (ii) is accountable, for the implementation of policies and legislation originating from Europe.
(AQW 3586/09)
The First Minister and deputy First Minister: Each Department is responsible and accountable for the implementation of European policies and legislation that fall within its devolved responsibilities.
Ebrington Regeneration
Mr Durkan asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to the answer to AQW 2966/09, to detail (i) the reasons for its proposed surrender in the December 2008 Monitoring Round of £0.998 million in relation to capital requirements at the Ebrington regeneration site; (ii) the nature of, and reasons for the delays; and (iii) the measures being taken to ensure progress is expedited in the future.
(AQW 3665/09)
The First Minister and deputy First Minister: Amounts surrendered from Ebrington and other projects free up funds for other necessary investment. The earlier this is done before the end of the financial year, the greater the chance that the funds can be used elsewhere. Ilex has a range of key regeneration projects underway at the former Ebrington Barracks which are at various stages in the process of delivery. The surrender of funds represents a re-adjustment in the timing of a number of these projects to all of which Ilex remain committed. Some indeed are ahead of schedule and none should be significantly delayed.
Measures being taken to ensure progress is expedited include the recent appointment of programme management consultants to accelerate activity and work to improve turnaround times for departmental approval of business cases.
AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Capital Projects
Dr Farry asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what actions her Department is taking to bring forward the delivery of capital projects, to help address the economic downturn.
(AQW 3010/09)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms M Gildernew): The Department’s capital budgets for 2008-09, 2009-10 & 2010-11 were set as part of Budget 2007 and the capital programme was outlined in Investment Strategy Northern Ireland (ISNI), with further details contained in the Department’s Investment Delivery Plans published on 3 July 2008.
The Department is concentrating on delivering its agreed capital investment programme in full within the resources available.
Cereal Growers
Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the action she has taken to assist cereal growers, following increased costs of production, a drop in prices for cereal crops and the poor weather of 2008, that prevented harvesting of crops.
(AQW 3047/09)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: My Department is continuing to assist cereal producers in a range of ways aimed at improving efficiency and reducing input costs.
The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) provides a range of education and training programmes and encourages cereal farms here to adopt cost-efficient technologies through its technology transfer projects. CAFRE also offers benchmarking to the cereal sector to help them identify areas for potential improvement.
The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) provides information on reduced nutrient and pesticide inputs to help meet the industry’s environmental and economic objectives.
In addition, as a targeted measure to aid those who have suffered loss as a consequence of the flooding of 16th of August 2008, I have submitted proposals to make hardship payments to cereal and potato growers, to my Executive colleagues for consideration.
Dairy Farmers
Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what action she has taken to assist dairy farmers as a result of falling prices being paid for their produce.[R]
(AQW 3048/09)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: In recognition of the deteriorating market situation I have been working hard to try and achieve a re-introduction of export refunds for dairy products. Following the sharp drop in prices at the October United Dairy Farmers’ milk auction I immediately spoke to the DEFRA Secretary of State to seek his support on the matter. Subsequently the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Investment and I issued a joint letter to Hilary Benn pressing the case for the local dairy industry and making clear our view that Britain should be taking the initiative within the EU by requesting early re-introduction of export refunds. We are also seeking a meeting with the European Commissioner, Marianne Fischer Boel, to ensure that she is aware of the seriousness of the situation. In addition the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, at my request, have written to the Prime Minister to lobby his support on the matter. The Finance Minister, Nigel Dodds, and I subsequently had a meeting with Hilary Benn to impress upon him further the challenges being faced by the sector. This followed a meeting I had with industry representatives when they outlined the case for export refunds to be re-introduced. The dairy industry makes an important contribution to the agri-food industry and I will continue to do what I can to support it in these difficult times.
U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what contribution her Department has made or will be making to the consultation by the UK Department of Work and Pensions on reservations to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
(AQW 3050/09)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: Since January 2007, officials within OFMdFM have taken the lead in preparing for implementation here of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. As part of this process DARD has had the opportunity at several stages to consider its legislation, policies, practices and procedures to check its compatibility with the provisions of the Convention and we do not have any difficulty with the areas of competency covered by the Convention.
U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what preparations her Department has made for the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
(AQW 3052/09)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: Since January 2007, officials within OFMdFM have taken the lead in preparing for implementation here of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. As part of this process DARD has had the opportunity at several stages to consider its legislation, policies, practices and procedures to check its compatibility with the provisions of the Convention and we do not have any difficulty with the areas of competency covered by the Convention.
On a general note the Department is doing good work in promoting and raising awareness of disability issues. We have appointed a Disability Champion whose role is to support and promote disability equality across all aspects of our business.
DARD’s Disability Forum was launched in 2002 and aims to provide an opportunity for staff with disabilities to have a voice, to develop confidence and to express their views directly to decision makers. The Forum has been kept informed of developments in relation to the Convention.
The Department has developed close links with Disability Action and in January 2008, they formally agreed to work with DARD to help raise awareness of disability equality including the new duties.
Five members of DARD staff attended a recent panel debate on the Convention, organised by Disability Action. Panel members included representatives from the Equality Commission for NI and the NI Human Rights Commission.
One member of Equality Branch staff is completing a Human Rights Course with a specific focus on disability.
Benchmarking
Mr I McCrea asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how many farmers have taken up benchmarking in Mid Ulster, in each of the last three years.
(AQW 3053/09)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: My Department does not record details of the number of farmers benchmarking on a Constituency basis. The figures given relate to the Cookstown, Dungannon and Magherafelt District Council areas. In each of the last three years the number of farmers undertaking either physical or financial benchmarking, or both, from within these Council areas is: -
2005/06 – 107
2006/07 – 93
2007/08 – 99
Fishing Industry
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if her Department has access to all records of terms and conditions of employment for foreign workers being offered work in the fishing industry.
(AQW 3142/09)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: My Department has no access to these records. They are a commercial matter between the fishing businesses, workers and the employment agencies involved.
Fishing Industry
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she is aware of any alleged mistreatment of foreign workers employed in the fishing industry.
(AQW 3143/09)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: My officials have briefed me on meetings they have had with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, International Transport Federation and the Council for Ethnic Communities which took place to hear their concerns about the treatment of Philippino fishermen in the local industry.
I condemn totally any exploitation of workers in whatever way and I have asked my Department to work with those organisations, representations of the local industry and other agencies which have statutory responsibilities in this area to address the concerns raised.
Fishing Industry
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for her assessment of the of the contracts issued to workers from the Philippine Islands who are employed in the fishing industry.
(AQW 3144/09)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: I have no access to those contracts but I understand that a variety of arrangements exist depending on the employment agency used by the fishing business and agreements made between the fishing business and the Filipino fishermen themselves.
Fishing Industry
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will undertake a study to ensure that all foreign workers employed in the fishing industry are treated with the equality afforded to indigenous workers.
(AQW 3145/09)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: I don’t believe a study is necessary. A fundamental change that is needed is to ensure that foreign workers involved in our fishing industry are here under the authority of a work permit which will guarantee their employment rights. The Borders Agency which is responsible for the immigration arrangements for migrant workers is aware of the important contribution these workers make to our fishing industry has agreed to consider the visa status of migrant fishermen from outside the EU.
Hunting with Dogs
Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what consideration she has given to introducing a ban on hunting with dogs, similar to the Hunting Act 2004 that applies in England and Wales.
(AQW 3162/09)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: There has been very little public and political debate on hunting in the North. Any decision to introduce a ban on hunting here would have to be taken in conjunction with other Ministerial colleagues at the Executive and is not solely a matter for my Department. However, my party position is that we are opposed to bloodsports.
My Department has no powers to prohibit or regulate hunting or coursing with dogs as its’ responsibilities towards animals in the wild are very limited. The Department does have responsibility for the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 1972, Section 15 of which specifically exempts from its’ provisions the coursing or hunting of any animal, other than a domestic animal.
This provision does not legitimise hunting or coursing, it simply precludes enforcers from making use of the offences of cruelty contained within the Act in respect of these activities.
However, it should be noted that the hunting exemption in the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 1972 does not apply if unnecessary suffering is caused to an animal or if the animal is released in an injured, mutilated or exhausted condition. Similarly, the exemption does not apply if an animal is hunted in an enclosed space from which it has no reasonable chance of escape.
Therefore, unlike in Britain, if sufficient evidence is forthcoming that unnecessary suffering has been caused to an animal during a hunt, a prosecution can be taken under existing legislation.
Flood Prevention
Mr Butler asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (i) to provide details of her Department's investigation into the problems of flooding; and (ii) what measures her Department is taking to prevent future flooding, on the A26 between Glenavy and Moira.
(AQW 3204/09)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: Following investigation DARD Rivers Agency has established that the heavy flooding that was experienced on the A26 road was as a result of the exceptional levels of rainfall in August 2008. In order to reduce the risk of future flooding DARD Rivers Agency has carried out maintenance works during late October – early November 2008 to the designated section of the County Drain, which the A26 road drainage system discharges into.
Animal Diseases' Testing
Dr Farry asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to report on the nature of the additional cost pressures of £16.8m and £18m anticipated in 2009/10 and 2010/11, respectively, in relation to animal diseases' testing and compensation.
(AQW 3221/09)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: Approximately half of the bid reflects the historic underprovision in the animal disease compensation baselines. The balance is to improve the testing regimes for TB and Brucellosis in order to detect and remove potentially infected animals earlier, and to promote better biosecurity on farms. These measures will reduce the risks of spreading disease
Telephone Communication Masts
Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the total revenue generated through her Department leasing its land or property to facilitate the erection of telephone communication masts.
(AQW 3264/09)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: The Department and its Forest Service Agency generated revenue of £130,000 for the period 8 May 2007 to 8 December 2008.
Fisheries Meeting
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development who will be accompanying her to the fisheries meeting in Brussels in December 2008, broken down by (i) officials; and (ii) representatives of fishing organisations.
(AQW 3275/09)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: I will be accompanied by my Special Advisor, Personal Secretary and 4 officials to the Fisheries Council in December. During Council I will be meeting with representatives from the local industry to keep them apprised of developments. The NI Fish Producers Organisation and the Anglo North Irish Fish Producers Organisation usually send 2 representatives each to Brussels.
Fishing Fleet
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she has had discussions with her counterpart in the Republic of Ireland on assistance that can be given to the Northern Ireland Fishing Fleet at the EU fisheries meeting in Brussels in December 2008.
(AQW 3276/09)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: I met with Brendan Smith TD in September when we discussed a range of issues that had the potential to impact on fishing opportunities for both our fleets in the Irish Sea and we agreed that there was a good deal of common ground. By way of follow up to that meeting my colleague Conor Murphy, who attended the November Council on my behalf also met with Fisheries Minister Tony Killeen TD.
The purpose of that meeting was to confirm our priorities in the Brussels negotiations for Irish Sea stocks and ensure there was a consistent message given to the Commission about the unacceptability of its proposals to cut Irish Sea stocks, such as Nephrops when the science confirmed that they were being fished sustainably.
Fisheries Meeting
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what discussions she has had with DEFRA before the fisheries meeting in Brussels in December 2008.
(AQW 3277/09)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: While I was on leave my colleague, Conor Murphy, Minister for Regional Development participated in 2 meetings with Huw Irranca Davies the DEFRA Fisheries Minister. I also have had several discussions with Huw Irranca Davies to impress on him my priorities for the December Fisheries Council and further discussion with Hilary Benn on Wednesday 10th Dec in London.
Efficiency Savings
Dr Farry asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development which policies and practices within her Department have been changed to deliver the 3% efficiency savings required under the Budget 2008-11.
(AQW 3292/09)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: My Department has in place 12 Efficiency Delivery Plans (EDPs) in place to deliver the 3% efficiency savings required under the Budget 2008-11. Policies and practices have changed in respect of in respect of 5 of our EDPs as follows:
Forest Service Receipts:
This EDP relates to the achievement of additional receipts from timber sales through adjusting the balance between higher value roadside sales, as opposed to standing sales.
Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) Grant in Aid reductions:
AFBI will seek to attract additional non-DARD funding and further savings will be delivered through centralising procurement activities throughout the organisation.
TB (Tb) and Brucellosis (Br) Control Programmes:
The Department has modified its Tb and Br disease management process mainly by extending the use of key performance indicators. This is aimed at improving the management and delivery of critical elements of the programmes.
Identification, Registration and Movement of Animals Procedures:
The Department has assisted market operators and meat plants to fulfil their responsibilities for movement notification of cattle and sheep, thereby allowing the release of the Department's own staff for other duties.
The NI Rural Development Programme (NIRDP)
The majority of measures under Axis 1 and all of the measures under Axis 3 of the NIRDP 2007 - 2013 will be delivered by third party agents on behalf of the Department. One delivery agent will deliver a range of measures under Axis 1 of the Programme, while Axis 3 measures will be delivered by groups of councils and local action groups (LAGs) working together. This represents a change from previous Rural Development Programmes where DARD was more directly involved in delivering schemes and in managing LAGs.
Those DARD staff previously involved in delivery will now manage contracts with delivery agents, once all the new procedures are set up.
Forestry Planting
Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for the number of new hectares of forestry planted in the private sector in each year since 1970.[R]
(AQW 3297/09)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: Records of private planting, supported by grant administered by Forest Service, are held dating back to 1979/80. Details are provided below.
|
Year |
New planting on private land supported by grant administered by Forest Service (hectares) |
|---|---|
| 1979/80 | 12 |
| 1980/81 | 100 |
| 1981/82 | 165 |
| 1982/83 | 8 |
| 1983/84 | 42 |
| 1984/85 | 54 |
| 1985/86 | 36 |
| 1986/87 | 240 |
| 1987/88 | 306 |
| 1988/89 | 140 |
| 1989/90 | 1065 |
| 1990/91 | 620 |
| 1991/92 | 466 |
| 1992/93 | 883 |
| 1993/94 | 908 |
| 1994/95 | 599 |
| 1995/96 | 812 |
| 1996/97 | 615 |
| 1997/98 | 519 |
| 1998/99 | 628 |
| 1999/2000 | 646 |
| 2000/01 | 588 |
| 2001/02 | 625 |
| 2002/03 | 513 |
| 2003/04 | 414 |
| 2004/05 | 342 |
| 2005/06 | 592 |
| 2007/07 | 549 |
| 2007/08 | 537 |
Short Rotation Coppice
Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for the number of new hectares of short rotation coppice planted in the private sector by each year since 1995.
(AQW 3298/09)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development:
YEAR PLANTED |
HECTARES PLANTED |
|---|---|
| 1995-2005 | 48.09 |
| 2005 | 176.30 |
| 2006 | 212.90 |
| 2007 | 305.7 |
| 2008 to date | 38.1 |
| TOTAL | 781.09 |
The Department only holds information relating to planting of Short Rotation Coppice carried out in the private sector which it has grant-aided. Figures refer to planting completed and for which grant aid has been paid between January and December of the given year. Prior to 2005, standard grant payments were available for SRC under the Woodland Grant Scheme. The Short Rotation Coppice Challenge Fund commenced in 2005.
Forestry Planting
Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what targets have been set for forestry planting in each year since 1970 by the (i) Forest Service; and (ii) private sector.[R]
(AQW 3299/09)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: Formal targets were not set before the Forest Service Agency was established in April 1998. Since then, afforestation targets have been set and published each year in the Agency’s annual Business Plan. Details are shown in the table below.
Year |
New Planting Targets (hectares) for Forest Service managed land |
New Planting Targets (hectares) for private land supported by grant administered by Forest Service |
Combined new planting target(hectares) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998/99 | 200 | 600 | 800 |
| 1999/2000 | 200 | 600 | 800 |
| 2000/01 | 100 | 600 | 700 |
| 2001/02 | 50 | 650 | 700 |
| 2002/03 | 650* | ||
| 2003/04 | 500* | ||
| 2004/05 | 500* | ||
| 2005/06 | 500* | ||
| 2006/07 | 500, including100 ha of Short Rotation Coppice (Willow) | ||
| 2007/08 | 550, including100 ha of Short Rotation Coppice (Willow) | ||
| 2008/09 | 550* |
* An overall target only was set
Lost Livestock
Mr McGlone asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what measures she has sought, or provided, to compensate farmers for livestock lost directly as a consequence of severe flooding in August 2008.
(AQW 3337/09)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: There is no compensation available for the loss of livestock due to the severe flooding in August 2008.
The flooding damage assessment carried out by my Department showed that the greatest losses were suffered by the potato and cereals farmers, with losses estimated at around £1 million. Given significant budgetary constraints, I have had to focus my proposals for government intervention on those worst affected.
Countryside Management Scheme
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (i) how many farm visits took place during the assessment of applications for the Countryside Management Scheme this year; and (ii) if every farm business that applied from within a prioritised area, received a farm visit.
(AQW 3364/09)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: Countryside Management Scheme farm visits to applicants with land in designated sites (prioritised areas) are currently being made and almost 1000 farms have been visited to date (12/12/08).
(ii) Approximately 300 farm businesses remain to be visited.
Dioxin Contamination
Mr Weir asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what measures are being taken to ensure that pig farms do not have their products banned as a result of the dioxin scare.
(AQW 3376/09)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: The information we received on Friday 5th December from the authorities in Dublin was promptly acted upon. We became aware that the farms notified to us by DAFF as recipients of the affected material did not have pigs on them; however we did have to establish that there were no forward movements of that material from those farms to any pig herds here. Our traceability system was absolutely key to the prompt action taken.
It is our detailed investigations that have provided the necessary confidence to inform the FSA statement that our pork and pigmeat products are safe. I welcome the fact that in such a short space of time those products were back on supermarket shelves and the industry was again moving.
We moved very rapidly, in a period of just 3 days, from a position where the safety of our pork was in question to one where the clear message from the FSA is that pork from pigs born and reared in the North of Ireland is safe.
Processing quickly resumed at our pork factories and our pigmeat is again on supermarket shelves.
The action to withdraw local pork and pigmeat products from sale on Monday 8th December was absolutely essential to protect the industry from the very real risk of Brussels closing our pig production and processing industry.
Contaminated Pigs
Mr Weir asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what action has been taken to isolate the farms that are contaminated with dioxin in pigs.
(AQW 3377/09)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: You are aware that on 5th December 2008 the authorities in the South notified my staff about concerns in relation to nine premises that had received feed potentially contaminated with dioxins.
My staff immediately identified farm premises from the Animal and Public Health Information System (APHIS) and restricted those premises until further investigations could be carried out. Herd owners were contacted and informed why this action was necessary. Animals on restricted sites were flagged on APHIS to ensure they could not enter the food chain until investigations were completed.
Tracing was also carried out to identify any pigs that had come here from the South either for direct slaughter or for breeding and production since 1st September which was the earliest date potentially contaminated feed was in use.
Any potentially infected herds were restricted and animals were not allowed to move off. In light of the nature of this case there was no need to isolate farms.
Contaminated Pigs
Mr Weir asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what action has been taken to identify the farms that have been effected by the dioxin contamination in pigs
(AQW 3378/09)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: You are aware that on 5th December 2008 the authorities in the South notified my staff about concerns in relation to nine premises that had received feed potentially contaminated with dioxins.
My staff immediately identified farm premises from the Animal and Public Health Information System (APHIS) and restricted those premises until further investigations could be carried out. Herd owners were contacted and informed why this action was necessary. Animals on restricted sites were flagged on APHIS to ensure they could not enter the food chain until investigations were completed.
Tracing was also carried out to identify any pigs that had come here from the South either for direct slaughter or for breeding and production since 1st September which was the earliest date potentially contaminated feed was in use.
Any potentially infected herds were restricted and animals were not allowed to move off. In light of the nature of this case there was no need to isolate farms.
Pork Industry
Mr Savage asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what steps (i) have been taken; and (ii) will be taken to ensure the protection of the pork industry at this time.
(AQW 3424/09)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: My officials have taken swift action to ascertain if pigs were present on any of the premises which received potentially contaminated feed from the South and I am pleased to be able to confirm that none of the premises contained pigs. Officials have, however, identified 5 consignments of live pigs which were imported to the North from the South since 1 September 2008. It has now been confirmed that none of these consignments came from an affected herd.
The following outlines the steps my Department has taken to protect the pork industry here.
On Friday 5 December, affected herds on the Department's traceability system (APHIS) were restricted, herd owners contacted and the measures explained to them. Meat inspection staff were put on alert in case animals from the affected herds were presented for slaughter. The Department's Quality Assurance Branch (QAB), which is responsible for animal feed, was also alerted. Information was shared with the FSA concerning advice on potential risk to consumers and actions taken by DARD.
Over the weekend of 6/7 December, I held meetings with senior Departmental officials. Veterinary officers also met representatives of the FSA and informed the Northern Ireland Meat Exporters Association of implications for them. Tracings continued to identify potentially affected animals and notify herd owners.
On Monday 8 December meat plants were updated as further information became available. Tracing of potential infected feed continued with appropriate restrictions being placed on premises to ensure potentially contaminated meat could not enter the food chain. Further meetings were held with the FSA following which I made a statement to the Assembly. A Press Release was subsequently issued advising that the FSA had confirmed that there was no risk from pigs born and bred here.
On Tuesday 9 December meat plants recommenced the slaughter of pigs and I made a further statement to update the Assembly. I also issued a press announcement to give a clear message that there is no risk from pork or pork products sourced from the North.
I believe that the foregoing amply demonstrates that the Department can act swiftly and comprehensively in an emergency situation. My officials maintain regular contacts with their colleagues in the South and with the industry here to ensure that all available relevant information is shared at the earliest opportunity. The Department is also supporting the pig industry through the provision of export trade certificates.
Monitoring of the current situation will continue and I will continue to take such steps as are necessary in the future to protect the pork industry here.
Pork Industry
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if compensation will be available for those who lost pigs and pork produce due to feedstuff coming from the Irish Republic.
(AQW 3472/09)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: The issue of compensation is an evolving one and I have raised with the DAF Minister, Brendan Smith, the question of access to the compensation package recently announced in the South. Officials are currently liaising with DAFF on the details of the scheme.
Following the announcement on Thursday of the EU approval for Private Storage Aid for the South I lobbied the Defra Minister for a similar scheme for the North. I felt strongly that our industry should not be put at any economic disadvantage to their southern counterparts. A formal written request has been made to Commissioner Fischer-Boel and we await her response.
Pork Industry
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development why officials from her Department and FSA were not available over the weekend of 6 and 7 December 2008, when her Department was aware that the problems with pork were unfolding.
(AQW 3473/09)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: I assure you that I and my officials were available over the weekend of the 6th and 7th of December.
Over the weekend of 6/7 December, I held discussions with senior Departmental officials. Veterinary officers also met representatives of the FSA and contacted the NI Meat Exporters Association to inform them of implications for them.
The extent of the incident unfolded throughout the weekend and I believe that our actions amply demonstrate that the Department can act swiftly and comprehensively in an emergency situation.
Milk Prices
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what steps she is taking to support dairy farmers following the downfall in milk prices.
(AQW 3540/09)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: In recognition of the deteriorating market situation I have been working hard to try and achieve a re-introduction of export refunds for dairy products. Following the sharp drop in prices at the October United Dairy Farmers’ milk auction I immediately spoke to the DEFRA Secretary of State to seek his support on the matter. Subsequently the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Investment and I issued a joint letter to Hilary Benn pressing the case for the local dairy industry and making clear our view that Britain should be taking the initiative within the EU by requesting early re-introduction of export refunds. We are also seeking a meeting with the European Commissioner, Marianne Fischer Boel, to ensure that she is aware of the seriousness of the situation. In addition the First Minister and deputy First Minister, at my request, have written to the Prime Minister to lobby his support on the matter. The Finance Minister, Nigel Dodds and I (supported by Dr David Dobbin, Dairy UK (NI)) subsequently had a meeting with Hilary Benn to impress upon him further the challenges being faced by the sector. This followed a meeting I had with industry representatives when they outlined the case for export refunds to be re-introduced. The dairy industry makes an important contribution to the agri-food industry and I will continue to do what I can to support it in these difficult times.
Contaminated Pigs
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if her Department was able to trace the pigs that were allegedly contaminated with dioxins.
(AQW 3542/09)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: We have traced all pigs imported from the South through the EU Traces system both for further keep and for direct slaughter. There are considerable numbers of direct slaughter pigs identified and a smaller number of pigs for further keep. The plants involved in the slaughter of the direct slaughter pigs have been provided with this information to help them identify any product containing pork from these animals. The industry has withdrawn that product from sale.
The authorities in the South provided my Department with a comprehensive list of all business premises that received potentially contaminated feed. Following investigations we were able to confirm to the FSA that no pigs in the North had been fed contaminated feed.
Contaminated Pigs
Mr McClarty asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what measures she is taking to ensure stakeholders will not be affected, financially or commercially, by the recent pork, and other livestock, contamination.
(AQW 3556/09)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: My priority is to get the industry moving again and to rebuild consumer confidence in relation to the safety of food produced on farms in the north. To that end I was successful in securing Private Storage Aid in line with the south.
Immediately on hearing that the EU had approved the PSA scheme in the south, I lobbied the Defra Minister, Hilary Benn, for a similar scheme here, making a strong case that our pig industry should not be placed at any economic disadvantage to that in the south. A formal written request was made to Commissioner Fischer-Boel and, at the Commission’s meeting on 18 December, it was agreed to extend Private Storage Aid to pigmeat from the north. It is estimated that this could be worth £6m to the industry here.
You will appreciate that the issue of compensation is an evolving one and I have raised with Brendan Smith, the DAFF Minister, the question of access to the compensation package recently announced in the south. I have also written to him jointly with Arlene Foster, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment. Discussions between us are ongoing.
In conjunction with Invest NI, I am also exploring options to provide additional assistance to processors to raise awareness of pork quality and to increase consumer confidence in pork produce. The breakfast reception which I hosted jointly with the Health and Economy Ministers, on Monday 15th will, I hope, also send out a clear message to the public that pork in the north of Ireland is a healthy and nutritious product which is safe to eat. My Department is also supporting the industry through the provision of Export Trade Certificates.
Regarding other livestock, there are no concerns over milk and milk products in the north of Ireland. Sheep and poultry remain unaffected and 8 beef herds have been restricted to ensure that no animals from these herds can enter the food chain.
Rural Poverty Strategy
Mr Burns asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development which projects she intends to fund as part of the rural poverty strategy, in the South Antrim constituency.
(AQW 3598/09)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: My Department is currently developing a policy framework for addressing poverty and social exclusion in rural areas. Several priority areas for action have been identified, including rural fuel poverty, rural childcare, rural transport, rural community development and a challenge fund for projects that address poverty and social exclusion in rural areas.
As some further consultation with stakeholders will take place over the coming months it is too early at this time to say which projects will be funded.
However, it is my intention to provide an opportunity for rural dwellers right across the North to benefit from projects under the different strands of this framework.
Countryside Management Scheme
Mr Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how many farm businesses were admitted into the Northern Ireland Countryside Management Scheme up to 1 December 2008.
(AQW 3601/09)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: At the 1 December 2008, there were 8700 farm businesses in the existing Countryside Management Scheme.
On 15 September 2008, farm visits for the new Countryside Management Scheme (NICMS) commenced. At 1 December 2008, 904 farm visits had been completed. It is anticipated that in early 2009 up to 1300 farm businesses will be accepted into NICMS upon signing Scheme agreements. Therefore to date no farm businesses have yet been accepted into the new Countryside Management Scheme.
Local Action Groups Plan
Mr Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline the progress made in implementing each Local Action Groups' action plans under the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme.
(AQW 3602/09)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: I can advise that since initial receipt of the strategies all clusters were advised of general weaknesses and afforded the opportunity to review their respective strategies in the light of same. The revised strategies have now all been assessed as complete with written notification of this along with confirmation of 1st tranche funding having issued to all Joint Committees on 12th December.
Farm Modernisation Programme
Mr Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what progress has been made in implementing the Farm Modernisation Programme.
(AQW 3603/09)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: At its meeting on 7 October 2008 I advised the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee that the Farm Modernisation Programme will open for applications in January 2009, which is still the case.
When the Programme is opened an information pack comprising the following guidance will be available from a range of DARD offices across the north of Ireland:
- An Explanatory Booklet detailing the Programme requirements
- A List of Eligible Items with maximum amount of financial support allowable per item
- An Application Form
- An Information Leaflet detailing the location of the DARD offices and the date and arrangements for receipt of application forms.
These information packs will be available for 1-2 weeks before the Programme opens for receipt of application forms.
CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE
Maritime Industry Museum
Mr Newton asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what plans his Department has to establish a maritime industry museum in the Titanic Quarter.
(AQW 2796/09)
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr G Campbell): The Executive has recently announced their support for the Titanic Signature Project (TSP). The TSP will tell the story of the maritime and industrial heritage of Belfast and the wider region, focussed to a large extent around the Titanic story.
My Department, through National Museums Northern Ireland, is committed to reviewing the future interpretation of our maritime and industrial heritage collections. This includes the option of a national maritime and industrial heritage museum but will have to acknowledge other developments including the TSP offering and exhibitions.
In light of these developments I intend meeting with the Chair and Chief Executive of National Museums in the New Year to discuss how best this matter can be progressed.
U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what contribution his Department has made or will be making to the consultation by the UK Department of Work and Pensions on reservations to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with disabilities.
(AQW 3060/09)
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: In January 2007, my Department was asked by OFMDFM to scrutinise its legislation, policies, practices and procedures to check their compatibility with the provisions of the Convention. In September 2008 we were also asked to confirm whether we had any difficulty with the areas of competency covered by the Convention. After consultation with our business areas and Arms Lengths Bodies (ALBs) we concluded that we had no concerns on being able to fulfil the requirements of the Convention.
U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what preparations his Department has made for the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
(AQW 3061/09)
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: In preparation for the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure has scrutinised its legislation, policies, practices and procedures to check their compatibility with the provisions of the Convention.
Re-Imaging Communities Programme
Mr McKay asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure how much has been spent (i) in total; and (ii) for each scheme, on the Re-Imaging Communities Programme in the North Antrim area, in each of the last three years.
(AQW 3170/09)
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: Listed below is the total spent on the Re-Imaging Communities Programme in the North Antrim Area and amount spent on each scheme.
(i) The total spent on the Re-Imaging Communities Programme in the North Antrim Area over the last three years is £131,295. There has been no spend to date in 2007/08 or 08/09.
(ii) Amount spent on each scheme:
| Group | Year | Money Spent |
|---|---|---|
| Dunclug Partnership | 2006/07 | £5,500 |
| Broughshane and District Community Association | 2006/07 | £8,623 |
| Moyle District Council | 2006/07 | £9,180 |
| Harryville Partnership Initiative | 2006/07 | £15,000 |
| Broughshane and District Community Association Ltd | 2006/07 | £22,690 |
| Mosside Development Group | 2006/07 | £56,052 |
| Kells and Connor Improvement Association | 2006/07 | £14,250 |
| £131,295 |
Irish Language Events
Mr Butler asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to his answer to AQW 771/09, how many Irish language events he has (i) been invited to; and (ii) attended, since becoming Minister; and (iii) declined invitations and the reasons why.
(AQW 3203/09)
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: Since becoming Minister I have received two invitations to Irish language events but have been unable to attend due to diary commitments.
Telephone Communication Masts
Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the total revenue generated through his Department leasing its land or property to facilitate the erection of telephone communication masts.
(AQW 3262/09)
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: The Department has received no revenue from leasing its land or property to facilitate the erection of telephone communication masts during the past 5 years.
Executive Meetings
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what proposals he put forward, at the Executive Meeting on 27 November 2008 to help stimulate the economy.
(AQW 3326/09)
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: I am unable to discuss details of any proposals put to the Executive Committee as Executive business is confidential.
Soccer Advisory Panel
Mr Durkan asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to provide an update on the implementation of (i) the recommendations from the Soccer Advisory Panel; and (ii) the Soccer Strategy.
(AQW 3384/09)
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: Primary responsibility for implementing the recommendations from the Soccer Advisory Panel and the Soccer Strategy rests with the Irish Football Association (IFA). The IFA has made considerable progress over the past 4 years in this regard. Progress has included:
- The setting up of a new, more streamlined and competence based Executive Board;
- The merger of the IFA and Irish Football League;
- The appointment, by open recruitment, of external members to the Board to provide independent expertise;
- The appointment, by open recruitment, of a Chief Executive, accountable to the Board, with suitable business management acumen and skills. This post is currently vacant but will be filled again by open recruitment; and
- The development of youth and facilities strategies .
However, a number of issues relating to governance and accountability remain to be addressed. Work on these issues is ongoing.
Soccer Strategy
Mr Durkan asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (i) how much funding has been designated under the Soccer Strategy for the development of Junior Soccer; (ii) how much of that funding has been spent to date; and (iii) what proposals he has for future investment in Junior Soccer.
(AQW 3385/09)
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: No funding has been designated under the Soccer Strategy specifically for the development Junior Soccer. Football clubs can, however, seek financial assistance from Sport Northern Ireland through other funding programmes.
Efficiency Savings
Dr Farry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what policies and practices in his Department have changed in delivering the 3% efficiency savings required by the 2008-11 Budget.
(AQW 3410/09)
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: The Department has a target to deliver cash releasing efficiencies of £3.6m, £7.0m and £10.4m over the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) period 2008-09 to 2010-11.
It will do this by:
- Reducing administration costs both in the Department and in its sponsored bodies. This will be achieved through a variety of means including: reducing staff numbers through natural wastage; transferring staff to front line operations from back office support; market testing more services to drive down costs; and reducing the number of consultancy assignments. For instance, Museums Branch has made no spend on consultancy this year to date.
The establishment of the Northern Ireland Library Authority will also deliver efficiency gains in administration costs by concentrating the public library functions of the five existing Education and Library Boards in one body. - Reviewing funding requirements across a number of areas. Several of the Department’s programmes are time-bounded - for example, the Smithsonian Festival - and do not require funding through the CSR period. In other cases, Ministerial commitments to funding have been delivered in full or in part by the start of the CSR period and so budgets can be reduced accordingly.
A further saving was planned to be generated through increasing trading receipts at Ordnance Survey NI (OSNI). In recent years OSNI has moved towards self sufficiency and so has required less budget support from this Department.
At the point at which the efficiency savings for the CSR period were calculated and published, OSNI was still an agency of DCAL and so its anticipated savings were amalgamated with the Department’s.
Since OSNI has now moved to the new Land and Properties Agency (LPA), subsequent to the CSR exercise, the savings will now be delivered through that Agency and its parent Department, DFP.
Ulster-Scots Language Society
Mr McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if (i) Foras na Gaeilge; (ii) the Ulster-Scots Agency; (iii) Pobal; and (iv) the Ulster-Scots Language Society are included on the list of Departmental consultees.
(AQW 3417/09)
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: All of the above organisations are included on the Departmental consultation list.
Board of Foras na Gaeilge
Mr McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he will ensure that the minutes of the Board of Foras na Gaeilge are placed on its website in English, within two weeks from when they were approved.
(AQW 3418/09)
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: In 2007 Minister Poots asked the Foras na Gaeilge Board to consider placing an English version of their Board minutes in the public domain. The proposal was rejected at a Foras na Gaeilge Board meeting in November 2007 on the basis that Irish is the working language of the agency.
Given the need for transparency and accountability in arms length bodies, which are in receipt of significant amounts of public funds, I intend to pursue this as a matter of urgency with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in the Republic of Ireland.
Arm's Length Bodies
Mr McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure for a breakdown of the (i) reason for travel; (ii) class of air travel for each journey; and (iii) grade of the person travelling, for all foreign travel undertaken by his Department's arm's length bodies, in each of the last two years.
(AQW 3420/09)
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: I would refer the Member to the information provided in the tables attached. I also attach a glossary, explaining job titles, for the Member’s convenience.
1 APRIL 2006 – 31 MARCH 2007
NATIONAL MUSEUMS NORTHERN IRELAND (NMNI)
| ARMS LENGTH BODY | REASON FOR TRAVEL | CLASS OF AIR TRAVEL FOR EACH JOURNEY | GRADE OF PERSON TRAVELLING |
|---|---|---|---|
| NMNI | Attend European Association of Fisheries Economists (EAFE) Conference | Economy | Cur D |
| NMNI | Attend International Marine Biology conference | Economy | Cur D |
| NMNI | Attend International Marine Biology conference | Economy | Cur F |
| NMNI | Lecture at Ulster American Heritage Symposium | Economy | Cur D |
| NMNI | Attend European World of Bluegrass (EWOB) Conference in preparation for Bluegrass Festival at Ulster American Folk Park | Economy | Cur E |
| NMNI | Attend European World of Bluegrass (EWOB) Conference in preparation for Bluegrass Festival at Ulster American Folk Park | Economy | MSG1 |
| NMNI | Lecture at Ulster American Heritage Symposium | Economy | Cur E |
| NMNI | Lecture at Ulster American Heritage Symposium | Economy | UG7 |
| NMNI | Attend International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) in preparation for Bluegrass Festival at Ulster American Folk Park | Economy | MSG2 |
| NMNI | Preparation & attendance at Rediscover NI at Smithsonian Festival | Business | Cur D |
| NMNI | Preparation & attendance at Rediscover NI at Smithsonian Festival | Business | UG6 |
| NMNI | Preparation & attendance at Rediscover NI at Smithsonian Festival | Economy | UG3 |
W5
| ARMS LENGTH BODY | REASON FOR TRAVEL | CLASS OF AIR TRAVEL FOR EACH JOURNEY | GRADE OF PERSON TRAVELLING |
|---|---|---|---|
| W5 | Speaker at Science conference | Economy | Chief Executive |
ARMAGH PLANETARIUM
| ARMS LENGTH BODY | REASON FOR TRAVEL | CLASS OF AIR TRAVEL FOR EACH JOURNEY | GRADE OF PERSON TRAVELLING |
|---|---|---|---|
| Armagh Planetarium | Attend International Planetarium Society annual conference | Economy | Grade 6 |
| Armagh Planetarium | European Space Agency meeting | Economy | Grade 6 |
| Armagh Planetarium | European Space Agency meeting | Economy | Curatorial Grade D |
| Armagh Planetarium | Digistar Users Group meeting | Economy | Grade 6 |
| Armagh Planetarium | Digistar Users Group meeting | Economy | Curatorial Grade D |
| Armagh Planetarium | European Space Agency Education Department conference | Economy | Grade 6 |
ARMAGH OBSERVATORY
| ARMS LENGTH BODY | REASON FOR TRAVEL | CLASS OF AIR TRAVEL FOR EACH JOURNEY | GRADE OF PERSON TRAVELLING |
|---|---|---|---|
| Armagh Observatory | Attend Meeting | Economy | Grade 6 |
| Armagh Observatory | Attend Meeting/Present Results | Economy | Grade 7 |
| Armagh Observatory | Attend Meeting/Present Results | Economy | Grade 7 |
| Armagh Observatory | Attend Meeting | Economy | Grade 7 |
| Armagh Observatory | Present Proposal | Economy | Grade 7 |
| Armagh Observatory | Attend Meeting | Economy | Grade 7 |
| Armagh Observatory | Attend Workshop | Economy | Student |
| Armagh Observatory | Workshop | Economy | PDRA |
| Armagh Observatory | Workshop | Economy | Student |
| Armagh Observatory | Attend Meeting | Economy | Grade 7 |
| Armagh Observatory | Attend Meeting | Economy | PDRA |
| Armagh Observatory | Attend Workshop | Economy | Student |
NORTHERN IRELAND MUSEUMS COUNCIL (NIMC)
| ARMS LENGTH BODY | REASON FOR TRAVEL | CLASS OF AIR TRAVEL FOR EACH JOURNEY | GRADE OF PERSON TRAVELLING |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIMC | NIMC Training - Museum Study Tour | Economy | SO |
NORTHERN IRELAND EVENTS COMPANY (NIEC)
| ARMS LENGTH BODY | REASON FOR TRAVEL | CLASS OF AIR TRAVEL FOR EACH JOURNEY | GRADE OF PERSON TRAVELLING |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIEC | Sport Accord | Economy and Business | Chairman of NIEC Board |
| NIEC | Sport Accord | Economy and Business | Senior Events Manager |
| NIEC | Sport Accord | Economy and Business | Marketing Manager |
| NIEC | World Police and Fire-fighter Games | Business | Acting Chief Executive |
| NIEC | World Transplant Games Bid | Economy and Business | Acting Chief Executive |
| NIEC | World Transplant Games Bid | Economy and Business | Chairman of NIEC Board |
| NIEC | World Transplant Games Bid | Economy and Business | Chief Executive of Sport NI |
| NIEC | Motocross of Nations 2007 | Economy | Marketing Manager |
| NIEC | Motocross of Nations 2007 | Economy | Events Manager |
| NIEC | Motocross of Nations 2007 | Economy | Acting Chief Executive |
WATERWAYS IRELAND
| ARMS LENGTH BODY | REASON FOR TRAVEL | CLASS OF AIR TRAVEL FOR EACH JOURNEY | GRADE OF PERSON TRAVELLING |
| Waterways Ireland | Meet Consultants re Automatic Lift Bridges | Economy | Dir 2 |
| Waterways Ireland | Meet Consultants re Automatic Lift Bridges | Economy | P2 |
| Waterways Ireland | Meet Consultants re Automatic Lift Bridges | Economy | P2 |
| Waterways Ireland | World Canal Conference - Representative | Economy | A3 |
FORAS NA GAEILGE
| ARMS LENGTH BODY | REASON FOR TRAVEL | CLASS OF AIR TRAVEL FOR EACH JOURNEY | GRADE OF PERSON TRAVELLING |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foras Na Gaeilge | Meeting | Economy | Assistant Editor |
| Foras Na Gaeilge | Conference | Economy | Assistant Editor |
| Foras Na Gaeilge | Meeting | Economy | Assistant Editor |
| Foras Na Gaeilge | Meeting | Economy | Assistant Editor |
| Foras Na Gaeilge | Conference | Economy | Programme Manager |
| Foras Na Gaeilge | Conference | Economy | Senior Editor |
| Foras Na Gaeilge | Conference | Economy | Programme Manager |
| Foras Na Gaeilge | Irish Fair | Economy | HEO |
| Foras Na Gaeilge | Irish Fair | Economy | HEO |
| Foras Na Gaeilge | Conference | Economy | Director |
| Foras Na Gaeilge | Conference | Economy | Director |
NI SCREEN
| ARMS LENGTH BODY | REASON FOR TRAVEL | CLASS OF AIR TRAVEL FOR EACH JOURNEY | GRADE OF PERSON TRAVELLING |
| NI Screen | Film Festival | Economy | Head of Production |
| NI Screen | Film Festival | Economy | Head of Production |
| NI Screen | Course | Economy | Production Coordinator |
| NI Screen | Marketing & Distribution Training | Economy | Production Coordinator |
| NI Screen | Media meeting | Economy | Media Manager |
| NI Screen | Media meeting | Economy | Media Manager |
| NI Screen | Film Festival | Economy | Media Manager |
| NI Screen | Animation Market | Economy | Media Manager |
| NI Screen | Animation Market | Economy | Media Manager |
| NI Screen | Course | Economy | Funding Programmes Manager |
| NI Screen | B Canal event | Economy | Director of Policy Development |
| NI Screen | Creative Entrepreneur | Economy | Director of Policy Development |
| NI Screen | Film Festival | Economy | Head of Finance |
| NI Screen | Course | Economy | Head of Marketing |
| NI Screen | Film Festival | Economy | Head of Marketing |
| NI Screen | Film Festival | Economy | Chief Executive |
ARTS COUNCIL NORTHERN IRELAND (ACNI)
| ARMS LENGTH BODY | REASON FOR TRAVEL | CLASS OF AIR TRAVEL FOR EACH JOURNEY | GRADE OF PERSON TRAVELLING |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACNI | Folk Life Festival | Economy | CE |
| ACNI | Irish Festival | Economy | CE |
| ACNI | Architecture Biennale | Economy | DP |
| ACNI | SmithsonianLaunch | Premium Economy Flexible | Chair of Council |
| ACNI | SmithsonianFestival | Premium Economy Flexible | SCS |
SPORT NI
| ARMS LENGTH BODY | REASON FOR TRAVEL | CLASS OF AIR TRAVEL FOR EACH JOURNEY | GRADE OF PERSON TRAVELLING |
| Sport NI | Cricket World Cup | Economy | Grade 5 |
| Sport NI | Cricket World Cup | Business | Council Member |
1 APRIL 2007 – 31 MARCH 2008
NATIONAL MUSEUMS NORTHERN IRELAND (NMNI)
| ARMS LENGTH BODY | REASON FOR TRAVEL | CLASS OF AIR TRAVEL FOR EACH JOURNEY | GRADE OF PERSON TRAVELLING |
|---|---|---|---|
| NMNI | Attend International Natural Science Symposium | Economy | Cur E |
| NMNI | Attend & give lecture at 5th European Association of Fisheries Economists (EAFE) | Economy | Cur D |
| NMNI | Preparation & attendance at Rediscover NI at Smithsonian Festival | Economy | Cur D |
| NMNI | Preparation & attendance at Rediscover NI at Smithsonian Festival | Economy | UG6 |
| NMNI | Preparation & attendance at Rediscover NI at Smithsonian Festival | Economy | UG7 |
| NMNI | Preparation & attendance at Rediscover NI at Smithsonian Festival | Economy | UG7 |
| NMNI | Preparation & attendance at European World of Bluegrass (EWOB) Conference for Bluegrass Festival at Ulster American Folk Park | Economy | Cur E |
| NMNI | Research for a prospective collections acquisition | Economy | Cur D |
| NMNI | Preparation & attendance at Rediscover NI at Smithsonian Festival | Economy | Cur D |
| NMNI | Preparation & attendance at Rediscover NI at Smithsonian Festival | Economy | Cur D |
| NMNI | Preparation & attendance at Rediscover NI at Smithsonian Festival | Business | UG6 |
| NMNI | Preparation & attendance at Rediscover NI at Smithsonian Festival | Economy | MSG4 |
| NMNI | Preparation & attendance at Rediscover NI at Smithsonian Festival | Economy | MSG4 |
| NMNI | Preparation & attendance at Rediscover NI at Smithsonian Festival | Economy | MSG4 |
| NMNI | Preparation & attendance at Rediscover NI at Smithsonian Festival | Economy | UG7 |
| NMNI | Preparation & attendance at Rediscover NI at Smithsonian Festival | Business | UG3 |
| NMNI | Preparation & attendance at Rediscover NI at Smithsonian Festival | Economy | MSG4 |
| NMNI | Preparation & attendance at Rediscover NI at Smithsonian Festival | Economy | MSG4 |
| NMNI | Preparation & attendance at Rediscover NI at Smithsonian Festival | Economy | MSG4 |
| NMNI | Preparation & attendance at Rediscover NI at Smithsonian Festival | Business | PTO |
| NMNI | Research relating to a prospective collections acquisition | Economy | Cur D |
| NMNI | Course | Business | UG3 |
| NMNI | Attendance at Fundraising Event | Business | UG7 |
| NMNI | Attendance at Fundraising Event | Business | UG3 |
W5
| ARMS LENGTH BODY | REASON FOR TRAVEL | CLASS OF AIR TRAVEL FOR EACH JOURNEY | GRADE OF PERSON TRAVELLING |
|---|---|---|---|
| W5 | Speaker at Science conference | Economy | Senior Manager |
ARMAGH PLANETARIUM
| ARMS LENGTH BODY | REASON FOR TRAVEL | CLASS OF AIR TRAVEL FOR EACH JOURNEY | GRADE OF PERSON TRAVELLING |
|---|---|---|---|
| Armagh Planetarium | European Space Agency meeting | Economy | Grade 6 |
| Armagh Planetarium | International Planetarium Society meeting | Economy | Grade 6 |
| Armagh Planetarium | Official opening of Cork Observatory | Economy | Grade 6 |
| Armagh Planetarium | Official opening of Cork Observatory | Economy | Curatorial Grade D x 2 |
ARMAGH OBSERVATORY
| ARMS LENGTH BODY | REASON FOR TRAVEL | CLASS OF AIR TRAVEL FOR EACH JOURNEY | GRADE OF PERSON TRAVELLING |
| Armagh Observatory | Attend Meetings | Economy | Research Fellow |
| Armagh Observatory | Attend Conference/Present Paper | Economy | Student |
| Armagh Observatory | Attend Conference | Economy | Grade 7 |
| Armagh Observatory | Attend Conference | Economy | Student |
| Armagh Observatory | Attend Conference/Present Results | Economy | Student |
| Armagh Observatory | Attend Conference/Present Results | Economy | Grade 7 |
| Armagh Observatory | Observing | Economy | Grade 7 |
| Armagh Observatory | Observing | Economy | Student |
| Armagh Observatory | Observing | Economy | Student |
| Armagh Observatory | Attend Meeting | Economy | Student |
| Armagh Observatory | Collaborative Research | Economy | Student |
| Armagh Observatory | Attend Meeting | Economy | Student |
| Armagh Observatory | Attend Conference | Economy | PDRA |
| Armagh Observatory | Attend Conference / Seminars | Economy | Grade 7 |
| Armagh Observatory | Attend Meeting | Economy | Grade 7 |
| Armagh Observatory | Observing | Economy | Staff Officer |
| Armagh Observatory | Attend Workshop | Economy | Grade 7 |
| Armagh Observatory | Attend Conference | Economy | Grade 7 |
| Armagh Observatory | Attend Workshop | Economy | Grade 7 |
| Armagh Observatory | Observing | Economy | Student |
| Armagh Observatory | Attend Workshop | Economy | Student |
| Armagh Observatory | Observing | Economy | Staff Officer |
ULSTER SCOTS AGENCY
| ARMS LENGTH BODY | REASON FOR TRAVEL | CLASS OF AIR TRAVEL FOR EACH JOURNEY | GRADE OF PERSON TRAVELLING |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ulster Scots Agency | Board Meeting | Economy | Board Member |
| Ulster Scots Agency | Board Meeting | Economy | Board Member |
| Ulster Scots Agency | Board Meeting | Economy | Board Member |
| Ulster Scots Agency | Board Meeting | Economy | Board Member |
| Ulster Scots Agency | Language Conference | Economy | Director |
WATERWAYS IRELAND
| ARMS LENGTH BODY | REASON FOR TRAVEL | CLASS OF AIR TRAVEL FOR EACH JOURNEY | GRADE OF PERSON TRAVELLING |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterways Ireland | VNE (Voies Navigables d’Europe) Project Meeting | Economy | A2 |
FORAS NA GAEILGE
| ARMS LENGTH BODY | REASON FOR TRAVEL | CLASS OF AIR TRAVEL FOR EACH JOURNEY | GRADE OF PERSON TRAVELLING |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foras Na Gaeilge | Conference | Economy | CEO |
| Foras Na Gaeilge | Meeting | Economy | CEO |
| Foras Na Gaeilge | Meeting | Economy | CEO |
| Foras Na Gaeilge | Conference | Economy | Programme Manager |
| Foras Na Gaeilge | Conference | Economy | Director/Deputy CEO |
| Foras Na Gaeilge | Meeting | Economy | Director/Deputy CEO |
| Foras Na Gaeilge | Meeting | Economy | Director/Deputy CEO |
| Foras Na Gaeilge | Conference | Economy | Director/Deputy CEO |
| Foras Na Gaeilge | Book Fair | Economy | Senior Editor |
| Foras Na Gaeilge | Book Fair | Economy | Senior Editor |
| Foras Na Gaeilge | Conference | Economy | Assistant Principal |
| Foras Na Gaeilge | Conference | Economy | Assistant Principal |
| Foras Na Gaeilge | Training course | Economy | Assistant Principal |
| Foras Na Gaeilge | Training course | Economy | Assistant Editor |
| Foras Na Gaeilge | Training course | Economy | Editor |
| Foras Na Gaeilge | Irish Fair | Economy | HEO |
| Foras Na Gaeilge | Irish Fair | Economy | CO |
NI SCREEN
| ARMS LENGTH BODY | REASON FOR TRAVEL | CLASS OF AIR TRAVEL FOR EACH JOURNEY | GRADE OF PERSON TRAVELLING |
|---|---|---|---|
| NI Screen | Creative Entrepreneur Programme | Economy | Director of Policy Development |
| NI Screen | Training | Economy | Production Coordinator |
| NI Screen | Film Festival | Economy | Head of Marketing |
| NI Screen | Film Festival | Economy | Chief Executive |
| NI Screen | Paint Hall Production | Economy | Head of Production |
| NI Screen | Paint Hall Production | Economy | Head of Production |
| NI Screen | Creative Entrepreneur Programme | Economy | Director of Policy Development |
| NI Screen | Training | Economy | Production Coordinator |
| NI Screen | Film Festival | Economy | Head of Marketing |
| NI Screen | Film Festival | Economy | Head of Marketing |
| NI Screen | Paint Hall Production | Economy | Chief Executive |
| NI Screen | Paint Hall Production | Economy | Head of Production |
| NI Screen | Media Conference | Economy | Media Manager |
| NI Screen | Training | Economy | Production Coordinator |
| NI Screen | Film Festival | Economy | Head of Marketing |
| NI Screen | Film Festival | Economy | Head of Marketing |
| NI Screen | Paint Hall Production | Economy | Chief Executive |
| NI Screen | Paint Hall Production | Economy | Head of Production |
ARTS COUNCIL NORTHERN IRELAND (ACNI)
|
ARMS LENGTH BODY |
REASON FOR TRAVEL |
CLASS OF AIR TRAVEL FOR EACH JOURNEY |
GRADE OF PERSON TRAVELLING |
|
ACNI |
Art Exhibition |
Economy |
SCS |
|
ACNI |
Art Exhibition |
Economy |
Chair of Council |
|
ACNI |
Art Exhibition |
Economy |
Grade 7 |
|
ACNI |
Desire Conference |
Regular Fare |
DP |
|
ACNI |
Art Exhibition |
Economy |
CE |
|
ACNI |
Art Exhibition |
Economy |
SO |
|
ACNI |
Smithsonian Festival |
Economy / Coach Class |
Grade 7 |
|
ACNI |
South by South West Festival |
Economy |
CE |
|
ACNI |
Exhibition |
Economy |
CE |
|
ACNI |
International Theatre Festival |
Economy |
CE |
SPORT NI
| ARMS LENGTH BODY | REASON FOR TRAVEL | CLASS OF AIR TRAVEL FOR EACH JOURNEY | GRADE OF PERSON TRAVELLING |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sport NI | Sport Accord Conference – attempting to attract sporting events to NI | Economy | Grade 7 |
| Sport NI | Sport Accord Conference – attempting to attract sporting events to NI | Economy | SO |
| Sport NI | International Mountain Leader Award | Economy | Instructor |
| Sport NI | World Rowing Championships | Economy | SO |
| Sport NI | European Association for Sport Management Conference – Speaker at conference | Economy | DP |
| Sport NI | Tour of Ireland – Cycling | Economy | SO |
| Sport NI | Tour of Ireland – Cycling | Economy | Grade 7 |
| Sport NI | World Rugby Championships | Economy | Council member |
| Sport NI | World Rugby Championships | Economy | Council member |
| Sport NI | World Rugby Championships | Economy | Grade 7 |
| Sport NI | World Rally Championships | Economy | Grade 7 |
| Sport NI | World Rally Championships | Economy | SO |
| Sport NI | Meeting with Coaching Ireland and Irish Sports Council re preparation of Coaching Strategy for Ireland | Economy | DP |
| Sport NI | International Sports Symposium | Economy | SO |
GLOSSARY
Con Conservation Grade
PTO Professional Technical Officer
Cur Curatorial Grade
MSG Messenger Grade
UG Unified Grade
SO Staff Officer
DP Deputy Principal
CE Chief Executive
CEO Chief Executive Officer
HEO Higher Executive Officer
UG Unified Grade
A3 Analogous to Staff Officer
A2 Analogous to Staff Officer / Deputy Principal
Dir 2 Analogous to Grade 7
P2 Senior Engineer
SCS Senior Civil Service
PDRA Post – Doctoral Research Assistant
European Charter on Minority Languages
Mr Butler asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to demonstrate how his Department and its arms length bodies, have applied, in practice, the European Charter on Minority Languages in relation to the Irish language.
(AQW 3459/09)
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: Northern Ireland is currently in full compliance with the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. The details of the steps taken by my Department to implement the Charter are contained in a paper, entitled ‘Northern Ireland’s input to the UK’s Third Periodical Report to the Council of Europe’, which is awaiting Executive consideration. Once the paper has Executive approval a copy will be laid in the Assembly’s library.
Sport NI
Lord Browne asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if mixed Martial Arts (Cage Fighting) is recognised by Sport NI as a legitimate sport.
(AQW 3464/09)
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: Sport Northern Ireland is responsible for the development of sport in Northern Ireland and has advised that it does not currently recognise mixed Martial Arts (Cage Fighting) as a sporting activity.
Minority Languages
Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he asked the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency to include questions about minority languages in the 2011 Census.
(AQW 3465/09)
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: My Department has engaged with the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency to include questions on minority languages in the 2011 Census.
Minority Languages
Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he has figures for the number of (i) native speakers of all minority languages; and (ii) people using sign language; and to reference the sources for these figures.
(AQW 3466/09)
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: There are over 70 minority languages spoken in Northern Ireland (Holder, 2003). The Department does not have accurate contemporary statistic for the number of native speakers of each. The statistics available to the Department and the relevant sources are detailed in table format below:
Estimated number of speakers of Irish and Ulster-Scots:
| Language | Speakers | Source and comments |
|---|---|---|
| Irish | 106,844 | Persons aged three and over (NI census, 2001). In total 167,490 persons have 'some knowledge' of Irish |
| Ulster-Scots | 35,000 | Estimate based on 2 per cent of population. (NI Life and Times Survey, 1999) |
Estimated numbers of people using sign language:
| British Sign Language | 5,000 | Estimate: Sign Language Partnership (Deaf Organisations Represented) |
|---|---|---|
| Irish Sign Language | 1,500 | Estimate: Sign Language Partnership (Deaf Organisations Represented) |
3: Estimated numbers of speakers of other minority language:
| Language | Speakers | Source and comment |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese | 4,200 | Various dialects are spoken. NI census (2001) recorded 4,200 people of Chinese ethnic origin. Holder (2003) estimates 8,000 |
| Cant/Shelta/Gammon | 1,700 | Oral languages of the Irish Traveller Community Holder (2003), Kirk and O Baoill (2002) |
| Arabic | 1,000–1,500 | Holder (2003), Modern Standard Arabic, also including speakers of Western and Eastern Arabic |
| Portuguese | 1,000+ | Holder (2003) |
| Tagalog | 600 | Holder (2003) (National Language of the Philippines) |
| Bengali | 450–500 | Holder (2003) |
| Hindi or Punjabi | 1,700 | Holder (2003) |
| Southern Indian Languages | 500 | Holder (2003) includes Tamil, Kannada, Kanta, Malay ala, Marati, Oriya and Telugu |
| Farsi | 350 | Holder (2003) |
There are also speakers of other European, African and Asian languages in Northern Ireland not detailed above as figures are not available for these.
Ulster-Scots and Irish Language
Mr F McCann asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the nine official publications drafted about Ulster-Scots and the Irish Language in the past five years, including (i) dates; (ii) subject matter; and (iii) where they can be accessed.
(AQW 3561/09)
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: The nine official publications drafted in relation to Ulster-Scots and the Irish Language in the past five years with relevant details are as shown in the table below:-
| DATE | TITLE/SUBJECT | ACCESSED |
|---|---|---|
| June 2004 | Policy on Provision of financial Support for Irish language Film & Television Production in Northern Ireland (including EQIA) | By emailing cldpb@dcalni.gov.uk |
| Oct 2004 | Establishing the demand for Services and activities in the Ulster-Scots Language | By emailing lob@dcalni.gov.uk |
| Dec 2004 | Irish Language Broadcast Fund summary of responses to the public consultation on proposed policy provision | By emailing cldpb@dcalni.gov.uk |
| 15 Dec 2005 | Gaeltacht Quarter – The establishment of a Development board and related Issues | By emailing cldpb@dcalni.gov.uk |
| 13 Dec 2006 | Consultation paper on proposed Irish language Legislation in Northern Ireland | www.dcalni.gov.uk |
| 19 Jan 2007 | Proposed Irish Language Legislation - Consultation on Equality Impact Assessment | www.dcalni.gov.uk |
| 13 Mar 2007 | Irish Language Legislation for NI – A Consultation by DCAL, NI – 13 March 2007 | www.dcalni.gov.uk |
| July 2007 | Public Consultation on proposals for an Ulster-Scots Academy | www.dcalni.gov.uk |
| Sept 2008 | The Synopses from the Public Consultation on proposals for an Ulster-Scots Academy | www.dcalni.gov.uk |
Sports Grounds
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what interaction his Department has had with local councils about health and safety training and specifications at local sports grounds.
(AQW 3584/09)
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) is responsible for providing of advice and guidance on health and safety matters at sports grounds. Three years ago a working group was established involving representatives of the District Councils and SNI to consider how the Safety of Sports Grounds (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 should be implemented. It also discussed technical and administrative issues relating to safety at sporting venues.
District Councils were also represented on the working party (chaired by SNI) which drafted the first edition of the Northern Ireland Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds (the Red Guide), published by DCAL in July 2007. The representation included both Building Control and Environmental Health Officers and copies of the Red Guide were issued to all 26 District Councils.
More recently, the newly established overseeing body has met with the District Councils to discuss plans for the implementation of the certification scheme and the associated training needs of council staff.
Sports Stewards
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (i) how many sports stewards have completed safety training at each of the three levels in each sport; and (ii) how much money his Department has made available for steward training in each of those sports.
(AQW 3585/09)
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: The planned sports ground safety certification scheme, as detailed in the Safety of Sports Grounds (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and related guidance, will require stewards to be trained to NVQ Level 2, 3 and 4. Sport Northern Ireland, which has responsibility for the safety of sports grounds overseeing function, is currently consulting with Skills Active, accrediting organisations and colleges of Higher and Further Education over the provision of this training which is expected to commence in the 2009/10 academic year.
Since the launch of its Safety Management Programme in 2000, SNI has awarded approximately £749,000 for safety management, which includes steward training, as follows:
| Sport | Funding |
|---|---|
| Soccer | £490,000 |
| GAA | £212,000 |
| Rugby | £47,000 |
Public Record Office at Titanic Quarter
Mr McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to the answer to AQW 2687/09 and AQW 2688/09, why his Department did not carry out a site specific flood risk assessment before deciding, in August 2007, to locate the new Public Record Office at Titanic Quarter.
(AQW 3623/09)
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: As part of the tender submission in June 2007, Titanic Quarter Ltd (TQL) provided details of a flood risk assessment carried out by RPS Consulting Engineers for Phase 2 of the Titanic Quarter development, covering an area of 39 acres in close proximity to the PRONI site. The information contained in this assessment provided sufficient assurance to allow TQL to be appointed as the preferred bidder in August 2007, which enabled TQL to develop their design proposals in greater detail. This appointment required TQL to obtain full Planning Permission, which included approval of a site specific flood risk assessment in accordance with Planning Policy Statement 15. The granting of Planning Permission for the Titanic Quarter site was a condition precedent to PRONI entering into the development and land purchase agreement in November 2008.
EDUCATION
School Maintenance Programme
Mr Durkan asked the Minister of Education to detail the works that have been delayed in the Schools Maintenance Programme in (i) the Derry City Council area; and (ii) the Foyle constituency, broken down by school.
(AQW 2622/09)
The Minister of Education (Ms C Ruane): Tá sé socraithe agam go gcuirfear an t-eolas a iarradh i Leabharlann an Tionóil.
I have arranged for the information requested to be placed in the Assembly Library
School Maintenance Programme
Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail the works that have been delayed in the schools maintenance programme, broken down by schools, in the North Down constituency,
(AQW 2671/09)
The Minister of Education: Tá sé socraithe agam go gcuirfear an t-eolas a iarradh i Leabharlann an Tionóil.
I have arranged for the information requested to be placed in the Assembly Library.
Capital New Build Schemes
Mr O'Dowd asked the Minister of Education if construction work for the capital new build schemes at St Mary's Primary School and St Patrick's College, Banbridge, are on schedule to proceed in the 2008-09 financial year; and when work will start.
(AQW 2771/09)
The Minister of Education: Tá an Roinn fós ag fanacht ar iarrtais Chéim D (sracphleananna agus costais deiridh) don dá thionscadal ó na comhairleoirí deartha scoile faoi seach.
Stage D submissions (final sketch plans and costs) for both projects are still awaited by the department from the schools’ respective design consultants. In light of this it estimated that construction work on both projects will now start in 2009/10 rather than this year and complete in 2011/12. This is subject to all the necessary planning and building processes being completed satisfactorily, and the availability of resources in any particular year.
Overhead Power Cables
Mr Gardiner asked the Minister of Education how many schools within the Southern Education and Library Board area are sited within 200 metres of overhead power cables.
(AQW 2838/09)
The Minister of Education: Tá 3 scoil i limistéar Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Deiscirt suite taobh istigh de 200 méadar ó cháblaí leictreachais lastuas.
3 schools within the Southern Education and Library Board are sited within 200 metres of overhead power cables.
Temporary Teaching Positions
Mr Easton asked the Minister of Education how many teachers have taken early retirement and subsequently taken temporary teaching positions, in each of the last 3 years.
(AQW 2889/09)
The Minister of Education: Seo a leanas líon na múinteoirí a chuaigh ar luathscor agus a chuaigh isteach i bpost sealadach teagaisc ina dhiaidh sin, i ngach bliain le 3 bliana anuas:
The number of teachers who have taken early retirement and subsequently taken temporary teaching positions, in each of the last 3 years is as follows:
| Financial Year | Number of teachers retiring on grounds of redundancy or efficient discharge | Number of teachers who subsequently became re-employed |
|---|---|---|
| 2005/06 | 581 | 384 |
| 2006/07 | 550 | 311 |
| 2007/08 | 557 | 277 |
The Department has advised employers that retired teachers should only be re-employed to provide short-term cover where newly qualified teachers or experienced non-retired teachers are unavailable.
Classroom Assistants
Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of Education what action she is taking to provide funding for the job evaluation of classroom assistants in the grant maintained integrated sector.
(AQW 2920/09)
The Minister of Education: The recent agreement on the outcome of the Job Evaluation was for Classroom Assistants for whom the Education and Library Boards are the employing authorities, and in this context this agreement does not have a direct read across to employees of other employing authorities. Any decision within grant-maintained integrated or voluntary grammar schools to implement rates of pay in line with the outcome of the Job Evaluation process in the Education and Library Boards in respect of particular categories of staff is a matter for individual schools’ Board of Governors as employing authorities to consider within the constraints of the total resources available to the school.
Cé gur saincheist í seo a bhaineann le Boird Gobharnóirí mar údaráis fostóra, d’éist mé leis na hábhair imní a d’ardaigh scoileanna faoi na himpleachtaí féideartha airgeadais do scoileanna imeasctha faoi chothabháil stáit agus do scoileanna deonacha gramadaí agus bhreathnaigh mé iad.
Although this is an issue for Boards of Governors as employing authorities, I have listened and taken on board the concerns raised by schools about the potential financial implications for grant-maintained integrated and voluntary grammar schools. I had sought additional resources in the September monitoring round to help alleviate the impact on school budgets, but in light of the overall constrained financial position at that time the bid was not successful. However, I have asked for this bid to be reconsidered as a part of the December monitoring round and I will continue to use my best endeavours to secure additional resources.
School Maintenance Programme
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education what funding was allocated to each Education and Library Board for school maintenance in each of the last 3 financial years.
(AQW 2974/09)
The Minister of Education: Tugtar blocdheontas do na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne (ELBs) ag tús na bliana airgeadais lena thacú le soláthar réimse seirbhísí, cothabháil tiarna talaimh san áireamh.
The Education and Library Boards’ (ELBs) are provided with a block grant at the beginning of the financial year to support the delivery of a range of services, including landlord maintenance. The ELBs have the discretion to determine the amount of the block grant they wish to attribute to their landlord maintenance budget, taking into consideration the level of backlog maintenance and health and safety risks in their Board area, along with other budgetary pressures.
The following additional allocations for maintenance were made to ELBs over and above their block grant allocation in each of the last three financial years:
£000s
| 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | |
| Belfast Education and Library Board | 334 | 100 | 1,222 |
| North Eastern Education and Library Board | 428 | 100 | 100 |
| South Eastern Education and Library Board | 382 | 100 | 545 |
| Southern Education and Library Board | 449 | 100 | 200 |
| Western Education and Library Board | 358 | 100 | 100 |
| Total | 1,959 | 500 | 2,167 |
School Maintenance Programme
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education to detail the maintenance work carried out in schools, including the cost of the work, in each of the last 3 financial years, broken down by (i) school; and (ii) Education and Library Board area.
(AQW 2975/09)
The Minister of Education: Tá socraithe agam go gcuirfear an t-eolas a iarradh i Leabharlann an Tionóil.
I have arranged for the information requested to be placed in the Assembly Library.
Capital Projects
Dr Farry asked the Minister of Education what actions her Department is taking to bring forward the delivery of capital projects, to help address the economic downturn.
(AQW 3012/09)
The Minister of Education: Tá mé sásta gur tháinig an Coiste Feidhmiúcháin ar chomhaontú chun £4 mhilliún sa bhreis a chur ar fáil fá choinne cothabhála scoile mar chuid de phacáiste chun deileáil leis an mheathlú geilleagrach.
I am pleased that the Executive has agreed to provide an additional £4 million for school maintenance as part of a package to deal with the economic downturn.
I am fully aware of the importance of the construction industry to the local economy. Earlier this month, work commenced on a project to provide two new girls’ colleges in Derry. This will provide much needed support for the local construction industry. In addition there are currently 23 major works projects currently on site.
In regard to future major school building projects the implications of the High Court judgement on the Major Works Framework is currently being assessed, and in the meantime my Department is drawing up an alternative procurement approach, outside the framework, to avoid prolonged delays in delivering projects which are ready to enter the procurement stage.
Special Needs Requirements
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Education if it is standard procedure that only two pupils per school be assessed for numeracy special needs requirements per year.
(AQW 3029/09)
The Minister of Education: Tá curtha in iúl ag Príomhfheidhmeannaigh na mBord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne dom nach gnáthchleachtas é nach ndéantar measúnú ach ar bheirt daltaí in aghaidh na scoile le haghaidh ceanglas a bhaineann le riachtanais speisialta uimhearthachta agus/nó litearthachta in aghaidh na bliana.
I have been advised by the Chief Executives of the Education and Library Boards that it is not standard procedure that only two pupils per school be assessed for numeracy and/or literacy special needs requirements per year. All Boards, with the exception of the South Eastern Education and Library Board (SEELB), use a Time Allocation model of service delivery which gives schools access to a fair allocation of educational psychology service time. Using this system each school has its own waiting list of referrals to the Boards’ educational psychology services. It is, therefore, the schools which prioritise the pupils whom they deem to be most in need of assessment, usually through discussion with the Boards’ educational psychology services. This model allows schools to appraise the needs of pupils on their waiting lists on an ongoing basis including those pupils with literacy and/or numeracy needs.
In all Boards if information is presented to the educational psychologist (EP) during consultation that indicates that the pupil has exceptional circumstances such referrals will receive priority.
There is therefore no set limit throughout the north of Ireland to the number of referrals a school can make although the number of pupils who can be assessed by an educational psychologist may be limited within a given area due to the overall capacity of the service.
Special Needs Requirements
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Education if it is standard procedure that only two pupils per school be assessed for literacy special needs requirements per year.
(AQW 3030/09)
The Minister of Education: Tá curtha in iúl ag Príomhfheidhmeannaigh na mBord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne dom nach gnáthchleachtas é nach ndéantar measúnú ach ar bheirt daltaí in aghaidh na scoile le haghaidh ceanglas a bhaineann le riachtanais speisialta uimhearthachta agus/nó litearthachta in aghaidh na bliana.
I have been advised by the Chief Executives of the Education and Library Boards that it is not standard procedure that only two pupils per school be assessed for numeracy and/or literacy special needs requirements per year. All Boards, with the exception of the South Eastern Education and Library Board (SEELB), use a Time Allocation model of service delivery which gives schools access to a fair allocation of educational psychology service time. Using this system each school has its own waiting list of referrals to the Boards’ educational psychology services. It is, therefore, the schools which prioritise the pupils whom they deem to be most in need of assessment, usually through discussion with the Boards’ educational psychology services. This model allows schools to appraise the needs of pupils on their waiting lists on an ongoing basis including those pupils with literacy and/or numeracy needs.
In all Boards if information is presented to the educational psychologist (EP) during consultation that indicates that the pupil has exceptional circumstances such referrals will receive priority.
There is therefore no set limit throughout the north of Ireland to the number of referrals a school can make although the number of pupils who can be assessed by an educational psychologist may be limited within a given area due to the overall capacity of the service.
U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Education what contribution her Department has made or will be making to the consultation by the UK Department of Work and Pensions on reservations to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with disabilities.
(AQW 3062/09)
The Minister of Education: Faoin dlínse seo, bíonn príomh fhreagracht ag Oifig an Chéad - Aire agus an Leas Chéad Aire (OFMDFM) i leith breithnithe Choinbhinsiún na Náisiún Aontaithe ar Chearta Daoine faoi Mhíchumas (an Coinbhinsiún) a chur chun cinn.
Within this jurisdiction the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) has lead responsibility for progressing considerations on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (the Convention).
On 2 January 2007 OFMDFM wrote to departments (on behalf of the Department of Work and Pensions) to ask them to scrutinise their legislation, policies, practices and procedures to check their compatibility with the provisions of the Convention.
The Department of Education is currently considering a proposed reservation for England, Scotland, Wales and ourselves in respect of Article 24 of the convention and will, after taking advice and having reached a considered view; contribute to the consultation process in relation to this reservation.
Article 55 Orders
Mr Storey asked the Minister of Education how many Article 55 orders were obtained under the Children Order 1995 (i) in total; and (ii) by each Education and Library Board, in relation to non attendance in schools, in each of the last three years.
(AQW 3087/09)
The Minister of Education: Liostaithe sa tábla thíos, tá lion na nOrduithe Maoirsithe Oideachais a fuair gach Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne le trí bliana anuas.
The number of Education Supervision Orders obtained by each of the Education and Library Boards in the last three years is listed in the table below:
| 2005/06 | 2006/07 | 2007/08 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| BELB | * |
0 |
# |
| NEELB | 7 |
12 |
11 |
| SEELB | 7 |
0 |
* |
| SELB | 0 |
0 |
0 |
| WELB | * |
13 |
10 |
| Total | 20 |
25 |
27 |
Notes
1. * denotes figures fewer than five.
2. # denotes a figure >=5 which has been treated to prevent disclosure of small numbers elsewhere.
Non Attendance in Schools
Mr Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of cases in which prosecutions for non attendance in schools included (i) both parents; and (ii) one parent, (a) in total; and (b) broken down by Education and Library Board, in each of the last three years.
(AQW 3090/09)
The Minister of Education: Leagtar amach sa tábla thíos líon na n-ionchúiseamh a bhaineann le tuismitheoirí i ngach Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne le trí bliana anuas.
The number of parent prosecutions in each Education and Library Board over the last three years is set out in the tables below:
2005/06
| YEAR | ONE PARENT | BOTH PARENTS | TOTAL PARENT PROSECUTIONS |
|---|---|---|---|
| BELB | 16 |
0 |
16 |
| NEELB | 5 |
0 |
5 |
| SEELB | 9 |
0 |
9 |
| SELB | # |
* |
23 |
| WELB | 29 |
11 |
51 |
2006/07
| YEAR | ONE PARENT | BOTH PARENTS | TOTAL PARENT PROSECUTIONS |
|---|---|---|---|
| BELB | # |
* |
22 |
| NEELB | 0 |
* |
* |
| SEELB | * |
0 |
* |
| SELB | # |
* |
30 |
| WELB | 36 |
13 |
62 |
2007/08
| YEAR | ONE PARENT | BOTH PARENTS | TOTAL PARENT PROSECUTIONS |
|---|---|---|---|
| BELB | # |
* |
29 |
| NEELB | 5 |
* |
# |
| SEELB | * |
* |
* |
| SELB | # |
* |
48 |
| WELB | # |
* |
20 |
Notes
1. * denotes figures fewer than five.
2. # denotes a figure >=5 which has been treated to prevent disclosure of small numbers elsewhere.
3. An incidence of ‘both parents’ prosecuted, is counted as 2 in the total prosecutions.
Please note that these figures do not include the number of parents who appeared in the Family Proceedings Court for Education Supervision Order hearings.
Article 55 Orders
Mr Storey asked the Minister of Education which courts granted Article 55 orders obtained under the Children Order 1995 for non attendance in schools, since June 2005.
(AQW 3092/09)
The Minister of Education: Tá tugtha le fios ag na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne dom go bhfuil Orduithe Maoirsithe Oideachais deonaithe ag na cúirteanna seo a leanas, ó mhí an Mheithimh 2005:
I understand from the Education and Library Boards that, since June 2005, the following courts have granted Education Supervision Orders:
Antrim Family Proceedings Court
Ballymena Family Proceedings Court
Belfast Family Proceedings Court
Coleraine Family Proceedings Court
Derry Family Proceedings Court
Newtownards Family Proceedings Court
Omagh Family Proceedings Court
Non Attendance in Schools
Mr Storey asked the Minister of Education for the number of prosecutions for non attendance in schools broken down by (i) total; and (ii) Education and Library Board, in each of the last three years.
(AQW 3093/09)
The Minister of Education: Tá líon na n-ionchúiseamh a bhaineann le tuismitheoirí amháin leagtha amach sa tábla thíos:
The number of parent only prosecutions is set out in the table below:
| Number of Parent Prosecutions | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005/06 | 2006/07 | 2007/08 | |
| BELB | 16 |
22 |
29 |
| NEELB | 5 |
* |
# |
| SEELB | 9 |
* |
* |
| SELB | 23 |
30 |
48 |
| WELB | 51 |
62 |
20 |
| Total | 104 |
117 |
107 |
Notes
1. * denotes figures fewer than five.
2. # denotes a figure >=5 which has been treated to prevent disclosure of small numbers elsewhere.
3. An incidence of ‘both parents’ prosecuted, is counted as 2 in the total prosecutions.
These figures do not include the numbers of parents who have appeared in the Family Proceedings Court for Education Supervision Order hearings.
School Crossing Patrol Staff
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Education to detail the reduction in the provision of school crossing patrol staff, in each parliamentary constituency.
(AQW 3094/09)
The Minister of Education: Tá an t-eolas seo a leanas tugtha ag na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne agus léiríonn sé an t-ísliú ó thaobh líon na bpatról trasnaithe scoile de ón bhliain 2003/04:
The Education and Library Boards have provided the following information which shows the reduction in the number of school crossing patrols since 2003/04:
| 2003/04 | 2004/05 | 2005/06 | 2006/07 | 2007/08 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belfast East | 6 | - | 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Belfast North | 6 | - | - | 3 | 4 |
| Belfast South | 6 | - | - | 2 | 1 |
| Belfast West | 3 | - | 1 | 4 | 6 |
| East Antrim | 3 | - | 1 | - | - |
| North Antrim | - | - | 1 | - | 2 |
| South Antrim | - | - | - | 1 | - |
| North Down | - | - | 1 | - | 2 |
| 2003/04 | 2004/05 | 2005/06 | 2006/07 | 2007/08 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Down | - |
- |
1 |
1 |
- |
| Fermanagh & South Tyrone | 2 |
1 |
5 |
2 |
1 |
| Foyle | - |
- |
19 |
2 |
- |
| Lagan Valley | 1 |
5 |
2 |
- |
3 |
| East Derry | 1 |
- |
3 |
1 |
- |
| Mid Ulster | - |
2 |
6 |
- |
- |
| Newry and Armagh | 3 |
2 |
10 |
1 |
- |
| Strangford | - |
1 |
1 |
- |
4 |
| West Tyrone | 7 |
1 |
14 |
2 |
1 |
| Upper Bann | 4 |
4 |
25 |
5 |
1 |
| Total | 42 |
16 |
91 |
29 |
29 |
School crossing patrols are not arbitrarily removed but are only removed by Boards where an easement indicates that the level of hazards has diminished sufficiently to warrant such action.
School Crossing Patrol Staff
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Education to outline the total cost savings as a result of the reduction in school crossing patrol staff, broken down by parliamentary constituency.
(AQW 3097/09)
The Minister of Education: Tá an t-eolas seo a leanas curtha ar fáil ag na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne agus léiríonn sé an coigilteas ar chostais a rinneadh trí hísliú ar líon na bpatról trasnaithe scoile ón bhliain 2003/04:
The Education and Library Boards have provided the following information which shows the cost savings through the reduction in the number of school crossing patrols since 2003/04:
Delegated Schools Budget
Mr Gallagher asked the Minister of Education to detail the delegated schools budget for each post-primary school in the Western Education and Library Board for each financial year since 2004-05.
(AQW 3153/09)
The Minister of Education: Leagtar amach sa tábla thíos an leithdháileadh cistithe do gach iarbhunscoil i limistéar Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Iarthair i ngach bliain airgeadais ó 2004-05:
The funding allocation for each post primary school in Western Education and Library Board for each financial year since 2004-05 is set out in the table below:
Post Primary School Name |
Delegated Resources 2004/05 Excluding Carry-Over £ |
Delegated Resources 2005/06 Excluding Carry-Over £ |
Delegated Resources 2006/07 Excluding Carry-Over £ |
Delegated Resources 2007/08 Excluding Carry-Over £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Castlederg High School | £1,304,191 |
£1,470,079 |
£1,639,820 |
£1,727,703 |
| Clondermot High School | £2,029,197 |
£0 |
£0 |
£0 |
| Duke of Westminster High School | £769,746 |
£0 |
£0 |
£0 |
| Enniskillen High School | £1,872,873 |
£0 |
£0 |
£0 |
| Faughan Valley High School | £1,454,202 |
£0 |
£0 |
£0 |
| Limavady High School | £2,699,329 |
£2,888,973 |
£3,099,324 |
£3,038,752 |
| Lisnaskea High School | £668,451 |
£750,120 |
£772,472 |
£713,194 |
| Omagh High School | £1,332,205 |
£1,535,949 |
£1,761,815 |
£1,710,085 |
| Strabane High School | £1,042,275 |
£1,106,581 |
£1,113,513 |
£1,178,670 |
| Lisneal College | £0 |
£3,772,889 |
£3,737,341 |
£3,714,415 |
| Devenish College | £0 |
£2,619,393 |
£2,681,095 |
£2,613,008 |
| Dean Brian Maguirc College | £1,513,587 |
£1,657,690 |
£1,693,687 |
£1,752,106 |
| Our Lady Of Mercy High School | £1,323,553 |
£554,378 |
£0 |
£0 |
| St Aidans High School | £775,772 |
£879,880 |
£840,686 |
£838,628 |
| Immaculate Conception College | £1,000,312 |
£1,074,000 |
£1,216,333 |
£1,173,537 |
| St Brigid's College, Carnhill | £3,078,684 |
£3,562,225 |
£3,820,091 |
£3,617,309 |
| St Cecilia's College | £3,194,470 |
£3,412,848 |
£3,670,290 |
£3,729,079 |
| St Colman's High School | £2,827,862 |
£1,179,468 |
£0 |
£0 |
| St Comhghall's High School | £1,243,872 |
£1,276,422 |
£1,231,652 |
£1,210,403 |
| St Eugene's High Roslea | £970,948 |
£1,045,892 |
£1,039,940 |
£1,046,203 |
| St Eugene's High School | £683,515 |
£710,875 |
£754,699 |
£717,653 |
| St Fanchea's College | £1,216,776 |
£1,324,355 |
£1,325,980 |
£1,336,842 |
| St John's High School | £879,799 |
£885,559 |
£862,990 |
£768,761 |
| St Joseph's College Enniskillen | £988,032 |
£1,033,492 |
£965,245 |
£1,009,463 |
| St Joseph's High Plumbridge | £743,650 |
£747,369 |
£741,209 |
£514,855 |
| St Joseph's Sec Creggan | £2,934,628 |
£3,384,618 |
£3,682,199 |
£3,712,418 |
| St Mary's College Derry | £3,026,456 |
£3,434,272 |
£3,635,909 |
£3,689,947 |
| St Mary's Sec Brollagh | £686,023 |
£720,907 |
£723,988 |
£766,354 |
| St Mary's Sec Irvinestown | £676,926 |
£800,440 |
£805,369 |
£793,002 |
| St Mary's High Limavady | £2,846,907 |
£3,043,353 |
£3,212,917 |
£3,229,483 |
| St Patrick's & St Brigid's High | £1,670,790 |
£1,821,983 |
£1,925,189 |
£1,988,570 |
| St Patrick's High Dungiven | £1,249,224 |
£1,299,597 |
£1,325,939 |
£1,335,357 |
| St Peter's High School | £1,534,039 |
£1,517,653 |
£1,577,820 |
£1,623,618 |
| Sacred Heart College | £3,005,596 |
£3,347,454 |
£3,620,339 |
£3,786,456 |
| Holy Cross College | £0 |
£3,426,769 |
£5,712,425 |
£5,641,766 |
| Enniskillen Collegiate | £1,649,401 |
£1,783,220 |
£1,847,501 |
£1,924,311 |
| Limavady Grammar | £2,836,179 |
£3,133,428 |
£3,278,431 |
£3,346,824 |
| Omagh Academy | £2,096,972 |
£2,329,829 |
£2,379,684 |
£2,485,635 |
| Strabane Grammar | £1,307,130 |
£1,438,577 |
£1,599,761 |
£1,608,927 |
South Eastern Education and Library Board
Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education how many children, whose first language is not English, are enrolled in (i) nursery; (ii) primary; (iii) special needs; and (iv) post primary schools, in the South Eastern Education and Library Board, broken down by first language.
(AQW 3181/09)
The Minister of Education: Tá an t-eolas cuimsithe sna táblaí thíos.
The information is contained in the tables below.
Pupils with English as an additional language attending nursery schools in the SEELB area – 2007/08
| First language | No. of EAL pupils |
|---|---|
| Cantonese | 5 |
| Other | 12 |
| Total | 17 |
Pupils with English as an additional language attending primary schools in the SEELB area – 2007/08
| First language | No. of EAL pupils |
|---|---|
| Arabic | 19 |
| Bengali | 24 |
| Cantonese | 47 |
| Filipino | 64 |
| German | 9 |
| Hindi | 12 |
| Indian | 8 |
| Italian | 11 |
| Latvian | 5 |
| Lithuanian | 21 |
| Malaysian | 9 |
| Mandarin | 7 |
| Malayam | 12 |
| Other | 141 |
| Polish | 101 |
| Russian | 5 |
| Spanish | 13 |
| Tagalog | 8 |
| Urdu | 6 |
| Total | 522 |
Pupils with English as an additional language attending post primary schools in the SEELB area – 2007/08
| First language | No. of EAL pupils |
|---|---|
| Bengali | 10 |
| Cantonese | 56 |
| German | 7 |
| Hindi | 6 |
| Lithuanian | 30 |
| Mandarin | 5 |
| Other | 61 |
| Polish | 51 |
| Total | 226 |
Pupils attending special schools in the SEELB whose first language is not English broken down by first language – 2007/08
| First language | No. of EAL pupils |
|---|---|
| Other | 5 |
| Total | 5 |
Source: Annual school census
Note:
Primary includes nursery, reception and year 1 – 7 classes
A child with English as an additional language is defined as one for whom English is not their first language and who has significant difficulty with the English language and requires assistance.
Occurrences of languages in less than 5 cases have been grouped into the ‘Other’ category.
U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Education what preparations her Department has made for the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
(AQW 3191/09)
The Minister of Education: Since January 2007, officials within the Department of Education have scrutinised their legislation, policies, practices and procedures to check their compatibility with the provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (the Convention) and to assess whether they had any difficulty with the areas of competency covered by the Convention and to confirm how they arrived at their policy position.
The Department’s Disability Action Plan will be updated to reflect any new actions to be carried out under the terms of the Convention.
Thaispeáin an Tuarascáil Bhliantúil ar Dhul chun cinn na Roinne 2007/02, don Chomisiún Cothroime, gur thug an Roinn faoi bhearta gníomhaíochta de bhun a dualgais bainte leis an mhí chumas.
The Department’s 2007/08 Annual Progress Report to the Equality Commission reflected action measures carried out in pursuance of its disability duties.
Rationalisation of Schools
Dr Farry asked the Minister of Education to report on the nature of the additional cost pressures of £22.7m and £19.5m anticipated in 2009/10 and 2010/11 respectively in relation to the rationalisation of schools.
(AQW 3220/09)
The Minister of Education: Éilíonn fostóirí na múinteoirí meicníocht chun luathscaoileadh na múinteoirí a éascú.
Teachers’ employers require a mechanism to facilitate the early release of teachers. For example, they need to be able to:
- make necessary organisational changes in schools arising from curricular changes, rationalisation or falling enrolments;
- retire teachers whose performance and effectiveness have been significantly affected through not being able to cope with the demands of curricular, technological, or other changes; and
- facilitate the entry of young teachers into permanent full-time employment in local schools.
Having moved in 2008 to "hard charge" teachers’ employers for the cost of discretionary "added years" enhancements, my Department plans to amend existing legislation in 2009 to make employers liable in addition for the cost of early payment of pension in cases where they have agreed to grant premature retirement, or to make an enhanced severance payment as an alternative.
The Teachers’ Pension Scheme can no longer meet the costs associated with premature retirement as the Scheme’s liabilities would otherwise continue to increase at a much faster rate than the current level of contributions can sustain. The resources are therefore required to enable teachers’ employers to meet these costs in future.
Teaching Staff
Mr Craig asked the Minister of Education how many attacks there have been on teaching staff in the Lagan Valley constituency in the last five years.
(AQW 3229/09)
The Minister of Education: Ní bhailíonn an Roinn Oideachais an t-eolas a iarradh.
The Department of Education does not collect the information requested.
However, statistics on the reasons for suspension and expulsion are gathered each school year from Education and Library Boards. The table below provides the number of occasions where pupils were suspended for physical attacks on staff, in Lagan Valley constituency schools, in the last five years.
School Year |
No of occasions where pupils were suspended for physical attacks on staff |
|---|---|
2002/03 |
15 |
2003/04 |
14 |
2004/05 |
8 |
2005/06 |
21 |
2006/07 |
10 |
Notes:
Includes pupils at Key Stage 1 – 4 in primary, post-primary and special schools.
Teaching Posts
Mr Newton asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to answer AQW 2798/08, to detail the number of teaching posts being filled by substitute/temporary teachers in (i) primary and (ii) secondary schools, in the East Belfast constituency.
(AQW 3241/09)
The Minister of Education: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh sa tábla thíos:
The information requested is detailed in the table below:
| School Type | Daily Paid Temporary teachers | Hourly Paid Temporary Teachers | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary | 146 |
19 |
165 |
| Secondary | 62 |
3 |
65 |
| Total | 208 |
22 |
230 |
Telephone Communication Masts
Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of Education to detail the total revenue generated through her Department leasing its land or property to facilitate the erection of telephone communication masts.
(AQW 3246/09)
The Minister of Education: Níl aon réadmhaoin ag an Roinn Oideachais agus mar sin de, ní shaothraíonn sí ioncam ó thalamh nó ó réadmhaoin a léasú d’fhonn tógáil crann cumarsáide teileafóin a éascú.
The Department of Education does not own any property and therefore does not generate any revenue from leasing land or property to facilitate the erection of telephone communication masts.
Extended Schools Programmes
Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education how many schools in the South Eastern Education and Library Board area operate extended schools programmes; and how many have had their funding cut in the last year.
(AQW 3251/09)
The Minister of Education: Bíonn seirbhísí sínte ar fáil, thar an lá scoile tradisiúnta, ag formhór na scoileanna laistigh den limistéar SEELB agus bíonn an cumas orthu seo a dhéanamh mar gheall ar chónascadh idir iarrachtaí dheonacha, cistí scoile agus acmhainní a fritheadh ó eagraíochtaí a thugann deontais.
Most schools within the SEELB area offer extended services beyond the traditional school day and are able to do so through a combination of voluntary effort, school funds and resources raised from grant making organisations.
My Department supports extended activities in the most disadvantaged areas through the Extended Schools programme. As you know I have been highly supportive of this programme and have recently secured an additional £5m from the September monitoring round to restore previous funding levels.
In the current financial year 53 schools in the South Eastern Education and Library Board were allocated funding from the Extended Schools programme.
Of these schools
- 23 have had funding reduced when compared to 2007/08 allocations. This has been due to either a drop in pupil enrolment figures or because the school concerned decided to withdraw from a clustering arrangement (schools which cluster are entitled to an additional 15% allocation).
- A further 4 schools that were previously fully funded were allocated reduced funding because the percentage of pupils enrolled who are classified as disadvantaged or lived in disadvantaged areas fell just below the qualifying threshold.
There were 23 schools which were no longer eligible for the programme because the percentage of qualifying pupils enrolled fell short of the qualifying threshold. In those cases I was able to provide funding for the period April-June 2008 to see the schools through to the end of the last school year.
Educational Psychologists
Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education how many children are waiting to see an educational psychologist in each school, in the South Eastern Education and Library Board area.
(AQW 3252/09)
The Minister of Education: I have been advised by the Chief Executive of the South-Eastern Education and Library Board that the number of children waiting to see an educational psychologist (EP) in the South Eastern Education and Library Board (SEELB) area is as detailed in the tables below. In line with the Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) policy in cases where the number of pupils is 4 or less these have been suppressed and are listed separately.
It should also be noted that these figures do not include children waiting for reviews of their special educational needs (SEN) at Stage 3 of the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs (COP), waiting for annual reviews of their statements of SEN at Stage 5 of the COP or assessments in relation to the Transfer Procedure.
I gcás na scoileanna ar fad i limistéar an SEELB nach bhfuil liostaithe, níl aon pháistí ag fanacht ar shíceolaí oideachais a fheiceáil faoi láthair.
For all schools in the SEELB not listed there are currently no children waiting to see an EP.
STAGE 3 ASSESSMENT REFERRALS – 5 OR MORE CHILDREN
| CASTLE GARDENS P.S. | 5 |
| CEDAR I.P.S. | 5 |
| CHRIST THE REDEEMER P.S. | 6 |
| REDBURN P.S. | 5 |
| ST. MACARTAN’S P.S. | 5 |
| ST.MARY’S P.S. (NEWCASTLE) | 5 |
STAGE 3 ASSESSMENT REFERRALS – 4 OR LESS CHILDREN
| ABBEY P.S. |
| ACADEMY P.S. |
| ALL CHILDREN’S I.P.S. |
| ANAHILT P.S. |
| ANDREWS P.S. |
| BALLYCLOUGHAN P.S. |
| BALLYHOLME P.S. |
| BALLYKINLAR P.S. |
| BALLYMACASH P.S. |
| BALLYMACRICKETT P.S. |
| BALLYMACWARD P.S. |
| BALLYNAHINCH P.S. |
| BALLYNAHINCH H.S. |
| BALLYWALTER P.S. |
| BANGOR CENTRAL I.P.S. |
| BARBOUR N.S. |
| BELVOIR PARK P.S. |
| BLOOMFIELD ROAD P.S. |
| BRANIEL P.S. |
| CAIRNSHILL P.S. |
| CARR P.S. |
| CARROWDORE P.S. |
| CARRYDUFF PLAY GROUP |
| CARRYDUFF P.S. |
| CASTLEREAGH N.S. |
| CHIRPY CHICKS PLAY GROUP |
| CONNOR HOUSE P.S. |
| CONVENT OF MERCY N.S. |
| CRAWFORDBURN P.S. |
| CUMRAN P.S. |
| DE LA SALLE H.S. |
| DERRIAGHY P.S. |
| DERRYBOY P.S. |
| DONAGHADEE P.S. |
| DOWN H.S. PREP |
| DOWNPATRICK P.S. |
| DOWNSHIRE P.S. |
| DRUMLINS I.P.S. |
| DUNDONALD P.S. |
| FORTHILL I.C. |
| FRIENDS’ SCHOOL PREP. |
| GLASSWATER PLAYGROUP |
| GLASSWATER P.S. |
| GLASTRY COLLEGE |
| GLENCRAIG I.P.S. |
| GLENLOLA COLLEGIATE |
| GOOD SHEPHERD P.S. |
| GRANGE PARK P.S. |
| GROVE PLAYGROUP |
| HARMONY HILL P.S. |
| HARMONY HILL NURSERY UNIT |
| HOLY FAMILY P.S. |
| HOLYWOOD P.S. |
| KIDS KABIN PLAYGROUP |
| KILCOOLEY P.S. |
| KILLINCHY P.S. |
| KILLOWEN P.S. |
| KILMAINE P.S. |
| KIRCUBBIN N.S. |
| KIRCUBBIN I.P.S. |
| KNOCKBREDA H.S. |
| KNOCKBREDA P.S. |
| LAGAN COLLEGE |
| LARGYMORE P.S. |
| LISBURN CENTRAL P.S. NURSERY UNIT |
| LONDONDERRY P.S. |
| MAGHABERRY P.S. |
| MEADOW BRIDGE P.S. |
| MILLENNIUM I.P.S. |
| MILLISLE P.S. |
| NAISCOIL UACHTER TIRE |
| NEWCASTLE P.S. |
| NEWTOWNARDS MODEL P.S. |
| OAKWOOD I.P.S. |
| POND PARK N.S. |
| PORTAFERRY I.P.S. |
| PRIORY COLLEGE |
| RATHKELTAIR PLAYGROUP |
| RATHMORE P.S. |
| REGENT HOUSE |
| REGENT HOUSE PREP. |
| RIVERDALE P.S. |
| SACRED HEART P.S. |
| SEGAL HOUSE N.S. |
| SEYMOUR HILL P.S. |
| ST.ANNE’S P.S. |
| ST.BRIGID’S P.S. |
| ST.COLMAN’S P.S. |
| ST.COLMCILLE’S N.S. |
| ST.COLMCILLE’S P.S. |
| ST.COMGALL’S P.S. |
| ST.FINIAN’S P.S. |
| ST.ITA’S P.S. NURSERY UNIT |
| ST.ITA’S P.S. |
| ST.JOSEPH’S P.S. (BALLYCRUTTLE) |
| ST. JOSEPH’S P.S. (CARNACAVILLE) |
| ST.JOSEPH’S P.S. (CARRYDUFF) |
| ST. JOSEPH’S P.S. (CROSSGAR) |
| ST. JOSEPH’S P.S. (KILLOUGH) |
| ST. JOSEPH’S P.S. (LISBURN) |
| ST. JOSEPH’S P.S. (TYRELLA) |
| ST. KIERAN’S P.S. |
| ST. MALACHY’S P.S. (BANGOR) |
| ST.MALACHY’S P.S. (CASTLEWELLAN) |
| ST. MALACHY’S P.S. (KILCLIEF) |
| ST. MALAHY’S P.S. (KILCOO) |
| ST. MALACHY’S P.S. NURSERY UNIT |
| ST. MARK’S P.S. NURSERY UNIT |
| ST. MARY’S P.S. (AUGHLISNAFIN) |
| ST.MARY’S P.S. (DUNSFORD) |
| ST.MARY’S P.S. (KILLYLEAGH) |
| ST. MARY’S P.S. NURSERY UNIT |
| ST. NICHOLAS’ P.S. |
| ST. PATRICK’S P.S. (BALLYGALGET) |
| ST. PATRICK’S P.S. (DOWNPATRICK) |
| ST.PATRICK’S P.S. (HOLYWOOD) |
| ST.PATRICK’S P.S. (LEGAMADDY) |
| TIGGERS PALACE NURSERY |
| TINY TOONS PLAYGROUP |
| TOWERVIEW P.S. |
| TULLYCARNET P.S. |
| VICTORIA P.S. (BALYHALBERT) |
| VICTORIA P.S. (NEWTOWNARDS) |
| WALLACE H.S. PREP. |
| WALLACE H.S. |
| WEST WINDS P.S. |
STAGE 4 ASSESSMENT REFERRALS – 4 OR LESS CHILDREN
| BALLYMACASH P.S. NURSERY UNIT |
| BALLYMACRICKETT P.S. |
| CAIRNSHILL P.S. |
| CONVENT OF MERCY P.S. |
| CUMRAN P.S. |
| HOLY TRINITY N.S. |
| LAURELHILL COMMUNITY COLLEGE |
| LOUGH VIEW I.P.S. |
| MALONE I.C. |
| MEADOW BRIDGE P.S. |
| RATHMORE P.S. |
| REDBURN P.S. |
| ST.KIERAN’S P.S. |
| ST.MARY’S P.S. (KIRCUBBIN) |
| ST. NICHOLAS’ P.S. |
| VICTORIA P.S. (BALLYHALBERT) |
| WALLACE H.S. |
SCREENING REFERRALS FOR SPECIFIC LEARNING DIFFICULTIES – 5 OR MORE CHILDREN
| BALLYNAHINCH P.S. | 6 |
SCREENING REFERRALS FOR SPECIFIC LEARNING DIFFICULTIES – 4 OR LESS CHILDREN
| ABBEY P.S. |
| ACADEMY P.S. |
| ALL CHILDREN’S I.P.S. |
| ANAHILT P.S. |
| ANDREWS MEMORIAL P.S. |
| BALLYCARRICKMADDY P.S. |
| BALLVESTER P.S. |
| BLOOMFIELD ROAD P.S. |
| BRANIEL P.S. |
| CAIRNSHILL P.S. |
| CARRYDUFF P.S. |
| CASTLE GARDENS P.S. |
| CHRIST THE REDEEMER P.S. |
| DOWNPATRICK P.S. |
| DROMARA P.S. |
| FRIENDS’ SCHOOL PREP. |
| HOLY FAMILY P.S. |
| KILLINCHY P.S. |
| KILLOWEN P.S. |
| KILMAINE P.S. |
| KIRKISTOWN P.S. |
| KNOCKBREDA P.S. |
| LEADHILL P.S. |
| LISNASHARRAGH P.S. |
| LONDONDERRY P.S. |
| MAGHERABERRY P.S. |
| MEADOW BRIDGE P.S. |
| POND PARK P.S. |
| ST. ALOYSIUS P.S. |
| ST. BERNARD’S P.S. |
| ST. BRIGID’S P.S. |
| ST.MALACHY’S P.S. (BANGOR) |
| ST.MALACHY’S P.S. (KILCOO) |
| ST.MARY’S P.S. (DUNSFORD) |
| ST. MARY’S P.S. (SAINTFIELD) |
| TOWERVIEW P.S. |
| 1 SCHOOL NOT RECORDED |
Post Primary Schools
Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of pupils enrolled at each post primary school in the South Eastern Education and Library Board area, for each year since 2004.
(AQW 3253/09)
The Minister of Education: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh cuimsithe sa tábla thíos.
The information requested is contained in the table below.
Post primary schools enrolment – SEELB – 2004/05 – 2007/08
| School name | 2004/ 05 | 2005/ 06 | 2006/ 07 | 2007/ 08 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASSUMPTION GS | 929 | 921 | 907 | 909 |
| BANGOR ACADEMY AND 6TH FORM COLLEGE | 1,461 | 1,396 | 1,329 | 1,289 |
| BANGOR GS | 886 | 888 | 912 | 894 |
| COMBER HIGH SCHOOL | 356 | 356 | 371 | 387 |
| DE LA SALLE SECONDARY SCHOOL | 392 | 390 | 376 | 341 |
| DONAGHADEE HIGH SCHOOL | 259 | 280 | 248 | 213 |
| DOWN ACADEMY | 298 | 294 | 274 | 240 |
| DOWN HIGH SCHOOL | 916 | 941 | 918 | 941 |
| DUNDONALD HIGH SCHOOL | 492 | 434 | 375 | 332 |
| DUNMURRY HIGH SCHOOL | 305 | 300 | 326 | 310 |
| FORT HILL COLLEGE | 858 | 865 | 868 | 869 |
| FRIENDS' SCHOOL | 970 | 971 | 976 | 976 |
| GLASTRY COLLEGE | 598 | 609 | 620 | 624 |
| GLENLOLA COLLEGIATE | 1,079 | 1,082 | 1,078 | 1,073 |
| KNOCKBREDA HIGH SCHOOL | 655 | 646 | 609 | 574 |
| LAGAN COLLEGE | 1,068 | 1,105 | 1,156 | 1,200 |
| LAURELHILL COMMUNITY COLLEGE | 964 | 957 | 952 | 934 |
| LISNAGARVEY HIGH SCHOOL | 368 | 350 | 322 | 280 |
| LISNASHARRAGH HIGH SCHOOL | 242 | 239 | 193 | 69 |
| MOVILLA HIGH SCHOOL | 779 | 698 | 652 | 593 |
| NEWTOWNBREDA HIGH SCHOOL | 825 | 790 | 742 | 707 |
| OUR LADY AND ST PATRICK'S COLLEGE | 1,251 | 1,248 | 1,256 | 1,250 |
| PRIORY COLLEGE | 478 | 474 | 421 | 423 |
| REGENT HOUSE SCHOOL | 1,393 | 1,394 | 1,385 | 1,413 |
| SAINTFIELD HIGH SCHOOL | 328 | 336 | 343 | 348 |
| SHIMNA INTEGRATED COLLEGE | 493 | 514 | 506 | 510 |
| ST COLMAN'S HIGH SCHOOL, BALLYNAHINCH | 422 | 368 | 333 | 294 |
| ST COLMCILLE'S HIGH SCHOOL, CROSSGAR | 445 | 449 | 460 | 451 |
| ST COLM'S HIGH SCHOOL, TWINBROOK | 693 | 704 | 701 | 692 |
| ST COLUMBANUS' COLLEGE, BANGOR | 492 | 519 | 524 | 545 |
| ST COLUMBA'S HIGH SCHOOL, PORTAFERRY | 306 | 293 | 288 | 271 |
| ST MALACHY'S HIGH SCHOOL, CASTLEWELLAN | 994 | 998 | 1,005 | 1,022 |
| ST MARY'S HIGH SCHOOL, DOWNPATRICK | 583 | 578 | 546 | 533 |
| ST PATRICK'S GS, DOWNPATRICK | 727 | 716 | 716 | 710 |
| ST PATRICK'S HIGH SCHOOL , LISBURN | 302 | 318 | 302 | 320 |
| STRANGFORD INTEGRATED COLLEGE | 475 | 469 | 488 | 503 |
| SULLIVAN UPPER SCHOOL | 1,067 | 1,065 | 1,066 | 1,061 |
| THE HIGH SCHOOL BALLYNAHINCH | 367 | 377 | 384 | 375 |
| WALLACE HIGH SCHOOL | 1,157 | 1,152 | 1,165 | 1,158 |
Source: Annual school census
Primary Schools
Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of pupils enrolled at each primary school in the South Eastern Education and Library Board area, for each year since 2004.
(AQW 3254/09)
The Minister of Education: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh cuimsithe sa tábla thíos.
The information requested is contained in the table below.
Primary schools – Enrolment by school – SEELB – 2004/05 – 2007/08
| School name | 2004/ 05 | 2005/ 06 | 2006/ 07 | 2007/ 08 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABBEY PS, LOUGHRIES | 634 | 621 | 623 | 618 |
| ACADEMY PS | 418 | 425 | 423 | 422 |
| ALEXANDER DICKSON PS | 182 | 171 | 153 | 125 |
| ALL CHILDRENS INTEGRATED PS | 209 | 201 | 201 | 199 |
| ANAHILT PS, DROMARA | 238 | 235 | 215 | 188 |
| ANDREWS MEMORIAL PS, COMBER | 390 | 376 | 366 | 346 |
| ANNSBOROUGH PS, DUNDRUM | 46 | 47 | 51 | 50 |
| BALLYCARRICKMADDY PS | 162 | 175 | 167 | 158 |
| BALLYCLOUGHAN PS | 54 | 56 | 47 | 37 |
| BALLYHOLME PS | 593 | 578 | 591 | 600 |
| BALLYKEIGLE PS | 59 | 58 | 59 | 59 |
| BALLYMACASH PS | 379 | 371 | 354 | 366 |
| BALLYMACRICKETT PS | 283 | 285 | 303 | 282 |
| BALLYMACWARD PS | 105 | 105 | 96 | 93 |
| BALLYMAGEE PS | 400 | 403 | 403 | 404 |
| BALLYNAHINCH PSE | 382 | 374 | 357 | 332 |
| BALLYVESTER PS | 86 | 85 | 73 | 67 |
| BALLYWALTER PS | 187 | 196 | 175 | 175 |
| BANGOR CENTRAL PS | 532 | 534 | 561 | 562 |
| BANGOR GRAMMAR SCHOOL PREP DEPT | 138 | 136 | 132 | 137 |
| BELVOIR PARK PS, MINNOWBURN | 318 | 311 | 289 | 290 |
| BLOOMFIELD ROAD PS, BANGOR | 331 | 319 | 314 | 307 |
| BRANIEL PS, LOWER BRANIEL | 375 | 378 | 369 | 362 |
| BROOKLANDS PS, GRAHAMS BRIDGE | 602 | 613 | 598 | 575 |
| BROWNLEE PS, HILDEN | 142 | 153 | 154 | 160 |
| BUNSCOIL BHEANNA BOIRCHE | 51 | 50 | 54 | 48 |
| CAIRNSHILL PS, KNOCKBRACKEN | 572 | 545 | 515 | 507 |
| CARR PS, BALLYMACBRENNAN | 86 | 79 | 61 | 68 |
| CARRICKMANNON PS, BALLYGOWAN | 84 | 88 | 87 | 90 |
| CARROWDORE PS, CARROWDORE | 148 | 145 | 141 | 133 |
| CARRYDUFF PS, CARRYDUFF EAST | 189 | 174 | 157 | 165 |
| CASTLE GARDENS PS, GREGSTOWN | 345 | 341 | 344 | 326 |
| CASTLEWELLAN PS, CASTLEWELLAN | 78 | 74 | 75 | 73 |
| CEDAR INTEGRATED PS, KILMORE | 215 | 218 | 216 | 222 |
| CHARLEY MEMORIAL PS, DRUMBO | 20 | 15 | 10 | 0 |
| CHRIST THE KING PS, SEAFORDE | 144 | 148 | 130 | 105 |
| CHRIST THE REDEEMER PS, DERRYAGHY | 451 | 524 | 553 | 574 |
| CLANDEBOYE PS, RATHGAEL | 272 | 253 | 227 | 188 |
| CLOUGH PS | 134 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| COMBER PS | 399 | 362 | 369 | 356 |
| CONLIG PS | 45 | 51 | 46 | 43 |
| CONVENT OF MERCY PS, AUDLEYS ACRE | 253 | 234 | 220 | 201 |
| CRAWFORDSBURN PS, | 177 | 211 | 207 | 188 |
| CREGAGH PS, CREGAGH | 159 | 163 | 175 | 177 |
| CROSSGAR PS, CROSSGAR | 71 | 64 | 52 | 0 |
| CUMRAN PRIMARY SCHOOL, SEAFORDE | 0 | 157 | 157 | 171 |
| DERRIAGHY PS | 53 | 56 | 53 | 43 |
| DERRYBOY PS | 79 | 74 | 80 | 80 |
| DONAGHADEE PS | 418 | 405 | 417 | 418 |
| DOWN HIGH SCHOOL PREP DEPT | 137 | 138 | 127 | 128 |
| DOWNPATRICK PS | 176 | 194 | 201 | 213 |
| DOWNSHIRE PS, DUNDRUM | 24 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| DOWNSHIRE PS, HILLSBOROUGH | 0 | 488 | 501 | 538 |
| DROMARA PS | 128 | 135 | 150 | 162 |
| DRUMAGHLIS PS, KILMORE | 50 | 47 | 36 | 0 |
| DRUMAROAD PS, DUNMORE | 33 | 35 | 33 | 36 |
| DRUMBO PS | 19 | 18 | 12 | 0 |
| DRUMLINS INTEGRATED PS, KILMORE | 12 | 23 | 36 | 61 |
| DUNDONALD PS | 575 | 577 | 560 | 572 |
| DUNMURRY PS | 166 | 166 | 164 | 158 |
| FORT HILL PS, HILDEN | 257 | 258 | 260 | 239 |
| FRIEND'S SCHOOL PREP DEPT | 155 | 158 | 153 | 145 |
| GILNAHIRK PS | 419 | 406 | 393 | 396 |
| GLASSWATER CONTROLLED PS | 0 | 0 | 0 | 76 |
| GLENCRAIG PS, CRAIGAVAD | 187 | 211 | 226 | 228 |
| GLENLOLA COLLEGIATE PREP DEPT | 86 | 88 | 71 | 76 |
| GRANGE PARK PS, BRYANSBURN | 351 | 361 | 364 | 364 |
| GREY ABBEY PS | 72 | 76 | 76 | 72 |
| GROOMSPORT PS | 21 | 20 | 25 | 0 |
| GUINESS PS, DUNMORE | 26 | 25 | 22 | 18 |
| HARMONY HILL PS | 685 | 671 | 631 | 614 |
| HILDEN INTEGRATED PS, LAMBEG | 67 | 57 | 51 | 36 |
| HILLHALL PS | 52 | 48 | 39 | 0 |
| HILLSBOROUGH PS | 386 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| HOLYWOOD PS | 382 | 367 | 355 | 332 |
| KILCOOLEY PS | 146 | 134 | 138 | 127 |
| KILLINCHY PS | 301 | 319 | 309 | 320 |
| KILLOWEN PS, LISNAGARVY | 410 | 389 | 376 | 371 |
| KILLYLEAGH PS | 100 | 95 | 99 | 93 |
| KILMAINE PS, BALLYMACONNELL | 648 | 649 | 654 | 654 |
| KIRCUBBIN PS | 117 | 110 | 104 | 105 |
| KIRKISTOWN PS | 84 | 92 | 101 | 108 |
| KNOCKBREDA PS, WYNCHURCH | 164 | 156 | 129 | 131 |
| KNOCKMORE PS | 171 | 171 | 163 | 163 |
| LAMBEG PS | 20 | 31 | 23 | 0 |
| LARGYMORE PS, HILLHALL | 168 | 165 | 146 | 139 |
| LEAD HILL PS | 180 | 157 | 141 | 143 |
| LEGAMADDY PS, KILLOUGH | 178 | 183 | 183 | 176 |
| LISBURN CENTRAL PS | 282 | 251 | 234 | 204 |
| LISNASHARRAGH PS | 269 | 236 | 227 | 202 |
| LONDONDERRY PS | 299 | 304 | 313 | 315 |
| LOUGHRIES PS, CARROWDORE | 80 | 79 | 72 | 72 |
| LOUGHVIEW INTEGRATED PS | 383 | 412 | 434 | 433 |
| LOWER BALLINDERRY PS | 170 | 183 | 186 | 175 |
| MAGHABERRY PS | 267 | 263 | 262 | 264 |
| MCKINNEY PS, GLENAVY | 151 | 154 | 153 | 150 |
| MEADOW BRIDGE PS, MAGHABERRY | 247 | 244 | 247 | 243 |
| MILLENNIUM INTEGRATED PS | 107 | 131 | 173 | 183 |
| MILLISLE PS | 138 | 142 | 143 | 146 |
| MOIRA PS | 383 | 383 | 357 | 363 |
| MONEYREA PS | 143 | 138 | 138 | 142 |
| NEWCASTLE PS | 217 | 213 | 193 | 191 |
| NEWPORT PS | 41 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| NEWTOWNARDS MODEL PS | 367 | 365 | 375 | 387 |
| NEWTOWNBREDA PS | 193 | 159 | 144 | 121 |
| OAKWOOD INTEGRATED PS | 190 | 201 | 207 | 209 |
| OLD WARREN PS | 137 | 135 | 127 | 117 |
| OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE, POLEGLASS | 287 | 324 | 355 | 383 |
| POND PARK PS, BALLYMACASH | 585 | 580 | 572 | 551 |
| PORTAFERRY INTEGRATED PS | 84 | 87 | 83 | 81 |
| PORTAVOGIE PS | 209 | 195 | 197 | 207 |
| RATHMORE PS, SPRING HILL | 447 | 461 | 477 | 482 |
| REDBURN PS | 145 | 135 | 117 | 83 |
| REGENT HOUSE SCHOOL PREP DEPT | 140 | 143 | 137 | 132 |
| RIVERDALE PS, BALLYMACBRENNAN | 190 | 181 | 188 | 188 |
| ROWANDALE INTEGRATED PS | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 |
| SACRED HEART PS, DUNDRUM | 90 | 90 | 82 | 79 |
| SCOIL NA FUISEOIGE, TWINBROOK | 137 | 139 | 134 | 133 |
| SEYMOUR HILL PS, SEYMOUR HILL | 203 | 196 | 194 | 174 |
| SPA PS, DUNMORE | 193 | 194 | 183 | 175 |
| ST ALOYSIUS PS, OLD WARREN | 285 | 281 | 277 | 284 |
| ST ANNE'S PS, DONAGHADEE SOUTH | 40 | 38 | 34 | 34 |
| ST BERNARD'S PS, WYNCHURCH | 394 | 394 | 388 | 394 |
| ST BRIGID'S PS, QUOILE | 144 | 144 | 154 | 167 |
| ST CAOLAN'S, DERRYBOY | 78 | 74 | 71 | 64 |
| ST COLMAN'S PS, HARMONY HILL | 332 | 319 | 316 | 301 |
| ST COLMAN'S PS, MAGHABERRY | 29 | 31 | 20 | 18 |
| ST COLMCILLE'S PS, CATHEDRAL | 214 | 211 | 211 | 216 |
| ST COMGALL'S PS, BRYANSBURN | 295 | 289 | 287 | 286 |
| ST FINIAN'S PS, CENTRAL (ARDS) | 113 | 107 | 126 | 123 |
| ST ITA'S PRIMARY SCHOOL, CARRYDUFF | 0 | 307 | 382 | 427 |
| ST JOSEPH'S PS, ARDGLASS | 54 | 54 | 53 | 48 |
| ST JOSEPH'S PS, CARRYDUFF | 808 | 527 | 480 | 452 |
| ST JOSEPH'S PS, HILDEN | 223 | 252 | 274 | 288 |
| ST JOSEPH'S PS, DOWNPATRICK | 76 | 70 | 75 | 74 |
| ST JOSEPH'S PS, KILLOUGH | 80 | 85 | 82 | 82 |
| ST JOSEPH'S PS, KILMORE | 121 | 117 | 120 | 108 |
| ST JOSEPH'S PS, MURLOUGH | 145 | 149 | 151 | 150 |
| ST JOSEPH'S PS, STRANGFORD | 50 | 51 | 56 | 57 |
| ST KIERANS PS, COLLIN GLEN | 501 | 457 | 437 | 387 |
| ST LUKE'S PS, KILWEE | 255 | 227 | 226 | 222 |
| ST MACARTAN'S PS, DRUMANESS | 151 | 147 | 166 | 175 |
| ST MALACHY'S PS, CASTLEWELLAN | 293 | 301 | 291 | 293 |
| ST MALACHY'S PS, CLANDEBOYE | 379 | 372 | 362 | 321 |
| ST MALACHY'S PS, STRANGFORD | 62 | 62 | 60 | 64 |
| ST MALACHY'S PS, TOLLYMORE | 117 | 117 | 118 | 122 |
| ST MARK'S PS, TWINBROOK | 587 | 553 | 522 | 480 |
| ST MARY'S PS, ABBEY | 426 | 389 | 401 | 384 |
| ST MARY'S PS, ARDGLASS | 81 | 86 | 85 | 89 |
| ST MARY'S PS, BALLYGOWAN | 20 | 16 | 3 | 0 |
| ST MARY'S PS, COMBER EAST | 34 | 35 | 37 | 42 |
| ST MARY'S PS, KILLYLEAGH | 130 | 117 | 126 | 123 |
| ST MARY'S PS, KILMORE | 64 | 66 | 70 | 60 |
| ST MARY'S PS, KIRCUBBIN | 127 | 138 | 122 | 125 |
| ST MARY'S PS, PORTAFERRY | 252 | 248 | 236 | 228 |
| ST MARY'S, AUGHLISNAFIN | 137 | 130 | 133 | 133 |
| ST NICHOLAS' PS, ARDGLASS | 131 | 131 | 128 | 122 |
| ST PATRICK'S BOYS' PS, BALLYMOTE | 321 | 322 | 305 | 306 |
| ST PATRICK'S PS, BALLYMAGLAVE | 270 | 254 | 250 | 257 |
| ST PATRICK'S PS, HOLYWOOD | 254 | 250 | 252 | 237 |
| ST PATRICK'S PS, KIRCUBBIN | 89 | 85 | 89 | 96 |
| ST PATRICK'S PS, STRANGFORD | 136 | 132 | 128 | 142 |
| ST PATRICK'S PS, TOLLYMORE | 44 | 46 | 47 | 46 |
| SULLIVAN UPPER SCHOOL PREP DEPT | 178 | 180 | 178 | 184 |
| THE GOOD SHEPHERD PS , POLEGLASS | 413 | 394 | 366 | 348 |
| THE HOLY FAMILY PS, DRUMANESS | 205 | 198 | 201 | 191 |
| TONAGH PS | 158 | 153 | 155 | 152 |
| TOWERVIEW PS, BALLYMACONNELL | 379 | 377 | 370 | 385 |
| TULLYCARNET PS | 158 | 126 | 107 | 88 |
| TYRELLA PS | 91 | 58 | 53 | 32 |
| VICTORIA PS (BALLYHALBERT) | 115 | 137 | 136 | 138 |
| VICTORIA PS, CENTRAL (ARDS) | 543 | 555 | 556 | 573 |
| WALLACE HIGH SCHOOL PREP DEPT | 165 | 160 | 152 | 146 |
| WEST WINDS PS | 165 | 149 | 156 | 143 |
Source: Annual school census
Note:
1. Primary includes nursery, reception and year 1 – 7 classes.
Transfer Test
Mr McKay asked the Minister of Education what percentage of children who sat their transfer test in 2007 from (i) Dunclug; (ii) Fairgreen; (iii) Park; (iv) Ballyloughan; (v) Academy; (vi) Ardeevin; and (vii) Galgorm areas in Ballymena, were admitted to grammar schools.
(AQW 3255/09)
The Minister of Education: Tá curtha in iúl ag Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Oirthuaiscirt (NEELB) don Roinn nach mbailítear eolas ar chéatadán na bpáistí a dhéanann an Teist Aistrithe miondealaithe de réir na gceantar geografach a iarradh.
The North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB) have advised the Department that they do not collect information on the percentage of children who sit the transfer test broken down by the geographical areas requested. The information is, however, available broken down by Primary Schools in the Board area, and the 2007 figures for the primary schools that serve the geographical areas listed are provided in the table below.
| Primary School | % Pupils that Sat Transfer Test Admitted to Grammar School |
|---|---|
| Carniny | 73% |
| St. Colmcille's | 70% |
| Ballymena | 74% |
| Camphill | 42% |
| Ballykeel | 40% |
| St Brigid's Ballymena | 38% |
| Braidside Integrated | 25% |
| Dunclug | 27% |
| Harryville | 8% |
| Ballee | 0% |
| Seaview | 89% |
| Braid | 71% |
| Glenravel | 72% |
| Gracehill | 75% |
| St Mary's Cushendall | 69% |
| St Joseph's Dunloy | 72% |
| Fourtowns | 66% |
| Broughshane | 67% |
| Moorfields | 63% |
| Buick | 69% |
| Longstone | 57% |
| Carnaghts | 52% |
| Glenann | 71% |
| St John's Carnlough | 75% |
| Kells and Connor | 56% |
| Kirkinriola | 50% |
| St Mary's Portglenone | 58% |
| St Patrick's Glenariff | 50% |
| St Mary's Cargan | 46% |
| St Patrick's Rasharkin | 58% |
| Millquarter | 45% |
| Clough | 47% |
| The Diamond | 67% |
| Hazelbank | 53% |
| Cloughmills | 100% |
| St Brigid's Cloughmills | 55% |
| Portglenone | 50% |
| St Ciaran's | 50% |
| Carnalbanagh | 0% |
| Carnlough Int | 0% |
| Rasharkin | 0% |
| St Paul's Ahoghill | 0% |
| Armoy | 100% |
| Ballycastle | 75% |
| Ballymoney Model | 75% |
| Ballytober | 60% |
| Balnamore | 75% |
| Barnish | 100% |
| Bunscoil an Chaistil | 0% |
| Bushmills | 67% |
| Bushvalley | 56% |
| Carnalridge | 73% |
| Carrowreagh | 29% |
| Dunseverick | 44% |
| Eden | 50% |
| Garryduff | 31% |
| Kilmoyle | 64% |
| Knockahollet | 38% |
| Landhead | 67% |
| Leaney | 94% |
| Lislagan | 22% |
| Millstrand Int | 62% |
| Portrush | 95% |
| St. Anne's | 64% |
| St. Brigid's | 57% |
| St. Mary's | 0% |
| St. Olcan's | 0% |
| St Patrick's | 29% |
| St Patrick's & St Brigid's | 60% |
| St Patrick's | 44% |
| Straidbilly | 38% |
| William Pinkerton Memorial | 0% |
Note: Figures do not include pupils admitted to the grammar stream at Slemish College.
Transfer Test
Mr McKay asked the Minister of Education what percentage of children who sat their transfer test in 2007 from (i) Summerfield; (ii) Castle Demesne; (iii) Ballykeel; (iv) Moat; (v) Ballee; (vi) Harryville; and (vii) Kells areas in Ballymena, were admitted to grammar schools.
(AQW 3256/09)
The Minister of Education: Tá curtha in iúl ag Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Oirthuaiscirt (NEELB) don Roinn nach mbailítear eolas ar chéatadán na bpáistí a dhéanann an Teist Aistrithe miondealaithe de réir na gceantar geografach a iarradh.
The North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB) have advised the Department that they do not collect information on the percentage of children who sit the transfer test broken down by the geographical areas requested. The information is, however, available broken down by Primary Schools in the Board area, and the 2007 figures for the primary schools that serve the geographical areas listed are provided in the table below.
| Primary School | % Pupils that Sat Transfer Test Admitted to Grammar School |
|---|---|
| Carniny | 73% |
| St. Colmcille's | 70% |
| Ballymena | 74% |
| Camphill | 42% |
| Ballykeel | 40% |
| St Brigid's Ballymena | 38% |
| Braidside Integrated | 25% |
| Dunclug | 27% |
| Harryville | 8% |
| Ballee | 0% |
| Seaview | 89% |
| Braid | 71% |
| Glenravel | 72% |
| Gracehill | 75% |
| St Mary's Cushendall | 69% |
| St Joseph's Dunloy | 72% |
| Fourtowns | 66% |
| Broughshane | 67% |
| Moorfields | 63% |
| Buick | 69% |
| Longstone | 57% |
| Carnaghts | 52% |
| Glenann | 71% |
| St John's Carnlough | 75% |
| Kells and Connor | 56% |
| Kirkinriola | 50% |
| St Mary's Portglenone | 58% |
| St Patrick's Glenariff | 50% |
| St Mary's Cargan | 46% |
| St Patrick's Rasharkin | 58% |
| Millquarter | 45% |
| Clough | 47% |
| The Diamond | 67% |
| Hazelbank | 53% |
| Cloughmills | 100% |
| St Brigid's Cloughmills | 55% |
| Portglenone | 50% |
| St Ciaran's | 50% |
| Carnalbanagh | 0% |
| Carnlough Int | 0% |
| Rasharkin | 0% |
| St Paul's Ahoghill | 0% |
| Armoy | 100% |
| Ballycastle | 75% |
| Ballymoney Model | 75% |
| Ballytober | 60% |
| Balnamore | 75% |
| Barnish | 100% |
| Bunscoil an Chaistil | 0% |
| Bushmills | 67% |
| Bushvalley | 56% |
| Carnalridge | 73% |
| Carrowreagh | 29% |
| Dunseverick | 44% |
| Eden | 50% |
| Garryduff | 31% |
| Kilmoyle | 64% |
| Knockahollet | 38% |
| Landhead | 67% |
| Leaney | 94% |
| Lislagan | 22% |
| Millstrand Int | 62% |
| Portrush | 95% |
| St. Anne's | 64% |
| St. Brigid's | 57% |
| St. Mary's | 0% |
| St. Olcan's | 0% |
| St Patrick's | 29% |
| St Patrick's & St Brigid's | 60% |
| St Patrick's | 44% |
| Straidbilly | 38% |
| William Pinkerton Memorial | 0% |
Note: Figures do not include pupils admitted to the grammar stream at Slemish College.
Transfer Test
Mr McKay asked the Minister of Education what percentage of children who sat their transfer test in 2007 from (i) Glebe; (ii) Route; (iii) Fairhill; (iv) Carniny; and (v) Newhill areas in Ballymoney, were admitted to grammar schools.
(AQW 3257/09)
The Minister of Education: Tá curtha in iúl ag Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Oirthuaiscirt (NEELB) don Roinn nach mbailítear eolas ar chéatadán na bpáistí a dhéanann an Teist Aistrithe miondealaithe de réir na gceantar geografach a iarradh.
The North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB) have advised the Department that they do not collect information on the percentage of children who sit the transfer test broken down by the geographical areas requested. The information is, however, available broken down by Primary Schools in the Board area, and the 2007 figures for the primary schools that serve the geographical areas listed are provided in the table below.
| Primary School | % Pupils that Sat Transfer Test Admitted to Grammar School |
|---|---|
| Carniny | 73% |
| St. Colmcille's | 70% |
| Ballymena | 74% |
| Camphill | 42% |
| Ballykeel | 40% |
| St Brigid's Ballymena | 38% |
| Braidside Integrated | 25% |
| Dunclug | 27% |
| Harryville | 8% |
| Ballee | 0% |
| Seaview | 89% |
| Braid | 71% |
| Glenravel | 72% |
| Gracehill | 75% |
| St Mary's Cushendall | 69% |
| St Joseph's Dunloy | 72% |
| Fourtowns | 66% |
| Broughshane | 67% |
| Moorfields | 63% |
| Buick | 69% |
| Longstone | 57% |
| Carnaghts | 52% |
| Glenann | 71% |
| St John's Carnlough | 75% |
| Kells and Connor | 56% |
| Kirkinriola | 50% |
| St Mary's Portglenone | 58% |
| St Patrick's Glenariff | 50% |
| St Mary's Cargan | 46% |
| St Patrick's Rasharkin | 58% |
| Millquarter | 45% |
| Clough | 47% |
| The Diamond | 67% |
| Hazelbank | 53% |
| Cloughmills | 100% |
| St Brigid's Cloughmills | 55% |
| Portglenone | 50% |
| St Ciaran's | 50% |
| Carnalbanagh | 0% |
| Carnlough Int | 0% |
| Rasharkin | 0% |
| St Paul's Ahoghill | 0% |
| Armoy | 100% |
| Ballycastle | 75% |
| Ballymoney Model | 75% |
| Ballytober | 60% |
| Balnamore | 75% |
| Barnish | 100% |
| Bunscoil an Chaistil | 0% |
| Bushmills | 67% |
| Bushvalley | 56% |
| Carnalridge | 73% |
| Carrowreagh | 29% |
| Dunseverick | 44% |
| Eden | 50% |
| Garryduff | 31% |
| Kilmoyle | 64% |
| Knockahollet | 38% |
| Landhead | 67% |
| Leaney | 94% |
| Lislagan | 22% |
| Millstrand Int | 62% |
| Portrush | 95% |
| St. Anne's | 64% |
| St. Brigid's | 57% |
| St. Mary's | 0% |
| St. Olcan's | 0% |
| St Patrick's | 29% |
| St Patrick's & St Brigid's | 60% |
| St Patrick's | 44% |
| Straidbilly | 38% |
| William Pinkerton Memorial | 0% |
Note: Figures do not include pupils admitted to the grammar stream at Slemish College.
Transfer Test
Mr McKay asked the Minister of Education what percentage of children who sat their transfer test in 2007 from (i) Dunminning; (ii) Portglenone; (iii) Cullybackey; (iv) Ahoghill; (v) Grange areas in Ballymena, were admitted to grammar schools.
(AQW 3259/09)
The Minister of Education: Tá curtha in iúl ag Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Oirthuaiscirt (NEELB) don Roinn nach mbailítear eolas ar chéatadán na bpáistí a dhéanann an Teist Aistrithe miondealaithe de réir na gceantar geografach a iarradh.
The North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB) have advised the Department that they do not collect information on the percentage of children who sit the transfer test broken down by the geographical areas requested. The information is, however, available broken down by Primary Schools in the Board area, and the 2007 figures for the primary schools that serve the geographical areas listed are provided in the table below.
| Primary School | % Pupils that Sat Transfer Test Admitted to Grammar School |
|---|---|
| Carniny | 73% |
| St. Colmcille's | 70% |
| Ballymena | 74% |
| Camphill | 42% |
| Ballykeel | 40% |
| St Brigid's Ballymena | 38% |
| Braidside Integrated | 25% |
| Dunclug | 27% |
| Harryville | 8% |
| Ballee | 0% |
| Seaview | 89% |
| Braid | 71% |
| Glenravel | 72% |
| Gracehill | 75% |
| St Mary's Cushendall | 69% |
| St Joseph's Dunloy | 72% |
| Fourtowns | 66% |
| Broughshane | 67% |
| Moorfields | 63% |
| Buick | 69% |
| Longstone | 57% |
| Carnaghts | 52% |
| Glenann | 71% |
| St John's Carnlough | 75% |
| Kells and Connor | 56% |
| Kirkinriola | 50% |
| St Mary's Portglenone | 58% |
| St Patrick's Glenariff | 50% |
| St Mary's Cargan | 46% |
| St Patrick's Rasharkin | 58% |
| Millquarter | 45% |
| Clough | 47% |
| The Diamond | 67% |
| Hazelbank | 53% |
| Cloughmills | 100% |
| St Brigid's Cloughmills | 55% |
| Portglenone | 50% |
| St Ciaran's | 50% |
| Carnalbanagh | 0% |
| Carnlough Int | 0% |
| Rasharkin | 0% |
| St Paul's Ahoghill | 0% |
| Armoy | 100% |
| Ballycastle | 75% |
| Ballymoney Model | 75% |
| Ballytober | 60% |
| Balnamore | 75% |
| Barnish | 100% |
| Bunscoil an Chaistil | 0% |
| Bushmills | 67% |
| Bushvalley | 56% |
| Carnalridge | 73% |
| Carrowreagh | 29% |
| Dunseverick | 44% |
| Eden | 50% |
| Garryduff | 31% |
| Kilmoyle | 64% |
| Knockahollet | 38% |
| Landhead | 67% |
| Leaney | 94% |
| Lislagan | 22% |
| Millstrand Int | 62% |
| Portrush | 95% |
| St. Anne's | 64% |
| St. Brigid's | 57% |
| St. Mary's | 0% |
| St. Olcan's | 0% |
| St Patrick's | 29% |
| St Patrick's & St Brigid's | 60% |
| St Patrick's | 44% |
| Straidbilly | 38% |
| William Pinkerton Memorial | 0% |
Note: Figures do not include pupils admitted to the grammar stream at Slemish College.
Energy for Schools
Dr Farry asked the Minister of Education to report on the nature of the additional cost of £8.8m for energy for schools in 2009/10, considering the changing global energy market.
(AQW 3266/09)
The Minister of Education: Baineann an tairiscint fá choinne acmhainní breise de £8.8 milliún i leith costas fuinnimh agus fóntais sa bhliain 2009 -10 do Bhoird, do scoileanna agus don earnáil ógra, baineann sí le brúnna boilscithe a bhaineann le táillí leictreachais, táillí gáis agus táillí tráchtála uisce.
The bid for additional resources of £8.8 million for energy and utility costs in 2009-10 for Boards, schools and the youth sector is in respect of inflationary pressures relating to electricity, gas and commercial water charges. The bid is based on the significant inflationary increases in the third quarter of the 2008-09 financial year.
St Malachy's Youth Centre
Mr A Maskey asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to the answer to AQW 2769/09, if her Department received an economic appraisal for the proposed St Malachy's Youth Centre in November 2008.
(AQW 3282/09)
The Minister of Education: Fuair an Roinn breithmheas leasaithe eacnamaíochta ar an 25 Meitheamh 2008.
The Department received a revised economic appraisal on the 25 June 2008. Comments and questions regarding the economic appraisal were sent back to St Malachy’s for action and the Department is awaiting a response.
Playgroups
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Education how she is going to ensure that every pre-school child has a PEAG place in the playgroup of their parents' choice.
(AQW 3285/09)
The Minister of Education: Faoin Chlár um Leathnú ar Oideachas Réamh Scoile (PSEEP), bíonn áiteanna chistithe curtha ar fáil i meascán d’aonaid rialaithe, d’aonaid faoi chothabháil, d’aonaid imeasctha agus d’aonaid Ghaelscolaíochta san earnáil reachtúil, agus i naíolanna san earnáil dheonach agus san earnáil phríobháideach.
Under the Pre-School Education Expansion Programme (PSEEP) funded places have been provided in a mixture of controlled, maintained, integrated and Irish medium units in the statutory sector, and playgroups and day nurseries in the voluntary and private sector.
Since the start of the Programme (1998/99) the Department’s view has been that all places are open to all children, though, in any given area, we try to provide choice through a mixture of providers.
For the 2008/09 school year my Department initially provided funding for 6,930 pre-school places in the voluntary/private playgroup sector.
At 30th September 2008, Education and Library Boards indicated an uptake of 6,880 funded pre-school places in the voluntary/private sector i.e. a reduced requirement of 50 places. This indicates that there are sufficient places available for every child in their final pre-school year. However, it should be noted that demand is not always geographically matched to supply.
Playgroups
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Education (i) what stage has been reached in the allocation of PEAG places for 2009; and (ii) what criteria is used in assessing the number of PEAG places a playgroup is allocated per year.
(AQW 3286/09)
The Minister of Education: Thug mo Roinn an teolas do na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne ar an 28ú Samhain 2008 maidir le líon na n-áiteanna mhaoinithe i naíscoileanna a leithdháileadh sna earnalacha dheonacha / phríobháideacha don bhliain acadúil 2009/10.
My Department notified Education and Library Boards on 28th November 2008 of the number of funded places pre-school education places allocated in the voluntary/private sector for the 2009/10 academic year.
The Education and Library Boards are now in the process of advising individual voluntary playgroups of their allocation of places.
This process, over the five Education and Library Boards, will be completed by early to mid January 2009.
(ii) The Education and Library Boards use a number of indicators in assessing the number of places individual playgroups are allocated each year. These include:-
- Current provision – uptake of places i.e. the number of places the playgroup received in the previous year.
- Enrolment patterns i.e. the average number of places filled over the last few years.
- Degree of shortfall/surplus in an area including specific requests for additional places due to local pressures.
- Provision and uptake of places at neighbouring settings.
Playgroups
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Education what consideration is given to fluctuating intakes at playgroups in the allocation of PEAG places.
(AQW 3287/09)
The Minister of Education: Socraíonn PEAGanna leithdháileadh tosaigh na n-áiteanna cistithe chuig suíomhanna naíonraí deonacha bunaithe ar mheasúnú riachtanais a thugann aird ar leithdháiltí ó bhlianta roimhe agus ón bhliain reatha.
PEAG’s determine the initial allocation of funded places to voluntary pre-school settings based on an assessment of need which takes account of previous and current year’s allocations. They closely monitor admissions to identify surplus places for reallocation to areas of shortfall.
Playgroups
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Education if she can confirm to playgroups the number of PEAG places they have been allocated, in January 2009.
(AQW 3288/09)
The Minister of Education: My Department issued letters to the Education and Library Boards on 28th November 2008 informing them of the number of funded pre-school education places allocated in the voluntary/private sector for the 2009/10 academic year.
The Education and Library Boards are now in the process of advising individual voluntary playgroups of their allocation of places for the 2009/10 academic year.
Beidh an próiseas seo, a bhaineann leis an cúig Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne, críochnaithe uair éigin go luath i mí Eanáir nó i lár na míosa sin.
This process, over the five Education and Library Boards, will be completed by early to mid January 2009.
Schools in Rural Areas
Mr Doherty asked the Minister of Education if she will liaise with the Department for Regional Development to develop and implement a strategy to ensure that schools located in rural areas remain accessible in inclement weather conditions.
(AQW 3290/09)
The Minister of Education: Déanfaidh na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne iarracht i gcónaí lena chinntiú go soláthraítear seirbhísí i rith tréimhsí drochaimsire.
The Education and Library Boards will always attempt to ensure that school transport services are provided during periods of inclement weather. However, children’s safety is of the utmost concern, so it is possible vehicles may not be able to travel to schools under certain road conditions. In that instance, I would be happy to support any initiative to improve road conditions that my Ministerial colleague in the Department for Regional Development might bring forward.
School Maintenance Programme
Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of Education for her assessment of how many pupils are being taught in sub-standard accommodation due to the £217m backlog in school maintenance.
(AQW 3291/09)
The Minister of Education: Ní thugann sé le tuiscint go mbíonn an chóiríocht scoile go hiomlán ina droch chóiríocht nuair a aithnaítear go bhfuil oibreacha chothábhála de dhíth ar scoil.
The identification of maintenance works for a school does not imply that the overall accommodation is sub-standard. The required maintenance varies significantly from school to school. There has been significant under-investment in the education estate over many years and action is being taken to address the problem with around 100 major capital projects either currently on site or in planning.
Efficiency Savings
Dr Farry asked the Minister of Education which policies and practices within her Department have been changed to deliver the 3% efficiency savings required under the Budget 2008-11.
(AQW 3294/09)
The Minister of Education: Caithfidh an Roinn coigiltí éifeachtachta den iomlán £372 milliún a sholáthar thar tréimhse trí bliana ó 2008/09 go dtí 2010/11.
The Department is required to deliver efficiency savings totalling almost £372million over the three year period 2008-09 to 2010-11. These savings will be delivered through a range of policies and practices many of which will be determined where the services are delivered at the front line. Key elements of the efficiency programme include the streamlining of administration and establishment of the Education and Skills Authority; the implementation of Special Education and Inclusion Review.
The Department has published a Summary Efficiency Delivery Plan on its website. This document sets out further details on each of the policy areas and practices which will be directly impacted by the requirement to deliver the Budget 2008-11 efficiencies. The plan can be accessed at the following website page:
http://www.deni.gov.uk/de_edp_introduction_rv.pdf
Schools Budget
Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education to provide the delegated schools budget for each primary school in the South Eastern Education and Library Board, for each financial year since 2004-5.
(AQW 3307/09)
The Minister of Education: Leagtar amach sna táblaí thíos leithdháileadh cistithe fá choinne gach bunscoil agus gach iar-bhunscoil Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Oirdheiscirt i ngach bliain airgeadais ó 2004-05.
The funding allocation for each primary and post primary school in the South Eastern Education and Library Board for each financial year since 2004-05 is set out in the tables below:
| Primary School Name | Delegated Resources 2004/05 Excluding Carry-Over £ | Delegated Resources 2005/06 Excluding Carry-Over £ | Delegated Resources 2006/07 Excluding Carry-Over £ | Delegated Resources 2007/08 Excluding Carry-Over £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abbey | 1,221,079 | 1,308,701 | 1,338,603 | 1,412,970 |
| Academy | 775,376 | 839,316 | 895,508 | 934,652 |
| Alexander Dickson | 391,543 | 408,872 | 419,631 | 392,999 |
| Anahilt | 506,058 | 506,736 | 524,622 | 519,129 |
| Andrews Memorial | 805,004 | 810,156 | 823,947 | 859,618 |
| Ballycarrickmaddy | 345,208 | 360,606 | 403,314 | 415,065 |
| Ballycloughan | 156,050 | 162,578 | 174,302 | 168,160 |
| Ballyholme | 1,175,360 | 1,216,818 | 1,265,732 | 1,351,578 |
| BallykEIgle | 136,653 | 165,389 | 186,605 | 196,731 |
| Ballymacash | 750,449 | 823,904 | 834,003 | 815,032 |
| Ballymagee | 802,935 | 851,148 | 893,003 | 944,152 |
| Ballynahinch | 833,849 | 811,169 | 938,273 | 923,777 |
| Ballyvester | 200,312 | 218,233 | 234,462 | 222,103 |
| Ballywalter | 407,042 | 451,886 | 474,674 | 482,877 |
| Belvoir Park | 726,807 | 739,714 | 785,241 | 766,501 |
| Bloomfield Road | 675,915 | 724,167 | 752,406 | 773,149 |
| Braniel | 760,169 | 797,175 | 849,595 | 874,146 |
| Brooklands | 1,254,583 | 1,302,079 | 1,443,866 | 1,472,998 |
| Brownlee | 286,104 | 353,059 | 409,978 | 435,288 |
| Cairnshill | 1,125,249 | 1,142,559 | 1,159,243 | 1,150,293 |
| Carr | 207,003 | 219,583 | 227,779 | 212,128 |
| Carrickmannon | 207,669 | 224,413 | 250,312 | 265,569 |
| Carrowdore | 337,925 | 340,830 | 355,677 | 365,320 |
| Carryduff | 433,224 | 425,342 | 447,598 | 401,427 |
| Castle Gardens | 751,611 | 758,151 | 794,536 | 837,037 |
| Castlewellan | 192,081 | 208,021 | 226,139 | 231,832 |
| Charley Memorial | 99,482 | 90,685 | 92,050 | 35,810 |
| Clandeboye | 609,066 | 609,479 | 618,876 | 600,423 |
| Clough | 287,292 | 30,905 | Closed | Closed |
| Cumran | 0 | 331,540 | 388,961 | 459,486 |
| Comber | 779,280 | 846,026 | 819,629 | 868,648 |
| Conlig | 159,351 | 156,848 | 181,113 | 168,577 |
| Crawfordsburn | 400,046 | 409,905 | 494,080 | 514,440 |
| Cregagh | 358,498 | 402,782 | 460,510 | 511,311 |
| Crossgar | 174,833 | 194,742 | 193,071 | 73,026 |
| Derriaghy | 175,082 | 173,767 | 203,983 | 208,250 |
| Derryboy | 181,710 | 213,662 | 224,223 | 244,010 |
| Donaghadee | 837,923 | 890,784 | 913,769 | 954,682 |
| Downpatrick | 398,324 | 420,463 | 513,431 | 545,761 |
| Downshire Dundrum | 87,711 | 13,719 | Closed | Closed |
| Downshire Hillsborough | 0 | 845,503 | 1,042,407 | 1,153,431 |
| Dromara | 272,954 | 306,778 | 344,175 | 404,212 |
| Drumbo | 95,679 | 95,917 | 106,667 | 37,445 |
| Dundonald | 1,123,557 | 1,202,029 | 1,313,516 | 1,362,551 |
| Dunmurry | 374,347 | 388,354 | 413,586 | 441,877 |
| Fort Hill | 527,948 | 566,709 | 623,780 | 668,532 |
| Gilnahirk | 823,547 | 865,982 | 883,118 | 915,838 |
| Glencraig IPS | 409,454 | 462,522 | 525,078 | 568,036 |
| Grange Park | 678,414 | 737,251 | 786,544 | 830,890 |
| Greyabbey | 194,692 | 197,862 | 215,709 | 228,342 |
| Groomsport | 103,680 | 97,279 | 104,904 | 49,903 |
| Harmony Hill | 1,344,728 | 1,462,161 | 1,490,378 | 1,462,779 |
| Hillhall | 133,696 | 153,116 | 166,444 | 60,301 |
| Hillsborough | 764,336 | 145,863 | Closed | Closed |
| Holywood | 801,322 | 807,086 | 812,308 | 812,810 |
| Kilcooley | 395,019 | 426,411 | 442,908 | 486,291 |
| Killinchy | 554,478 | 612,685 | 679,234 | 698,520 |
| Killowen | 799,683 | 844,145 | 856,275 | 863,814 |
| Killyleagh | 264,222 | 260,380 | 288,514 | 321,510 |
| Kilmaine | 1,217,636 | 1,313,672 | 1,381,933 | 1,482,420 |
| Kirkistown | 183,437 | 213,609 | 275,431 | 302,851 |
| Knockbreda | 365,839 | 382,510 | 399,327 | 357,870 |
| Knockmore | 393,533 | 420,465 | 472,621 | 465,917 |
| Lambeg | 107,832 | 95,992 | 144,535 | 48,756 |
| Largymore | 462,363 | 415,256 | 478,288 | 439,852 |
| Leadhill | 390,493 | 402,452 | 385,916 | 364,581 |
| Lisburn Central | 639,392 | 641,994 | 625,928 | 638,185 |
| Lisnasharragh | 646,955 | 634,963 | 617,804 | 622,369 |
| Londonderry | 647,451 | 675,640 | 736,477 | 783,783 |
| Loughries | 202,867 | 206,579 | 224,314 | 227,313 |
| Ballinderry | 350,607 | 377,786 | 427,820 | 446,382 |
| Maghaberry | 475,741 | 535,953 | 568,527 | 595,532 |
| McKinney | 330,563 | 363,237 | 384,578 | 409,543 |
| Millisle | 323,039 | 338,388 | 380,033 | 404,178 |
| Moira | 723,296 | 795,436 | 837,747 | 817,335 |
| Moneyrea | 300,622 | 330,694 | 340,555 | 360,667 |
| Newcastle | 451,999 | 472,729 | 483,013 | 471,928 |
| Newport | 149,977 | 28,203 | Closed | Closed |
| Newtownards Model | 770,679 | 791,343 | 828,529 | 896,267 |
| Newtownbreda | 406,880 | 438,821 | 405,289 | 397,297 |
| Old Warren | 372,709 | 387,945 | 430,318 | 441,718 |
| Pond Park | 1,106,174 | 1,210,209 | 1,266,193 | 1,313,304 |
| Portavogie | 387,198 | 441,817 | 462,481 | 487,951 |
| Rathmore | 896,595 | 945,871 | 994,200 | 1,077,797 |
| Redburn | 355,461 | 387,834 | 417,211 | 377,312 |
| Seymour Hill | 472,280 | 489,492 | 502,237 | 537,436 |
| Spa | 391,870 | 427,153 | 438,672 | 447,295 |
| Tonagh | 407,833 | 389,057 | 413,467 | 440,124 |
| Towerview | 713,197 | 761,931 | 806,597 | 843,969 |
| Tullycarnet | 443,164 | 447,073 | 435,071 | 381,744 |
| Kindle IPS (formerly Tyrella PS) | 250,124 | 269,157 | 209,965 | 247,503 |
| Victoria Ballyhalbert | 262,453 | 290,265 | 355,546 | 370,804 |
| Victoria Newtownards | 1,020,696 | 1,136,876 | 1,247,879 | 1,331,369 |
| Westwinds | 412,353 | 435,099 | 457,228 | 506,495 |
| Riverdale | 381,891 | 412,160 | 417,183 | 452,781 |
| Meadow Bridge | 504,745 | 530,192 | 541,220 | 575,720 |
| Glasswater | 0 | 0 | 0 | 194,116 |
| Aughlisnafin | 309,424 | 328,474 | 337,132 | 367,137 |
| Ballymacrickett | 574,298 | 601,677 | 643,242 | 701,811 |
| Ballymacward | 242,801 | 265,548 | 286,722 | 287,502 |
| Christ the Redeemer | 844,896 | 1,047,103 | 1,371,587 | 1,488,356 |
| Convent of Mercy | 560,992 | 573,617 | 640,676 | 595,912 |
| St Caolans | 186,358 | 205,406 | 215,554 | 223,694 |
| Drumaghlis | 141,385 | 149,755 | 151,234 | 55,199 |
| Christ the King | 323,743 | 344,798 | 366,426 | 356,743 |
| St Francis PS Drumaroad | 108,858 | 114,733 | 128,666 | 136,890 |
| Good Shepherd Primary | 1,000,448 | 1,030,652 | 1,083,619 | 1,069,079 |
| Guiness | 113,718 | 112,769 | 117,738 | 123,890 |
| Holy Family | 421,535 | 440,254 | 453,038 | 486,245 |
| St Patricks Legamaddy | 398,195 | 405,805 | 434,867 | 461,423 |
| Sacred Heart | 232,123 | 240,445 | 260,553 | 260,365 |
| Scoil Na Fuiseoige | 399,783 | 383,161 | 409,755 | 438,379 |
| St Aloysius | 595,973 | 650,790 | 668,464 | 702,399 |
| St Annes | 123,881 | 132,163 | 147,247 | 152,497 |
| St Bernards | 774,746 | 814,215 | 861,079 | 889,080 |
| St Brigids | 320,719 | 363,636 | 387,633 | 470,836 |
| St Colmans Lisburn | 691,867 | 687,547 | 706,858 | 745,445 |
| St Colmans Moira | 113,811 | 118,623 | 129,958 | 117,292 |
| St Colmcilles | 500,198 | 563,751 | 627,550 | 633,998 |
| St Comgalls | 606,505 | 642,131 | 662,770 | 673,557 |
| St Finians | 267,661 | 280,731 | 313,234 | 371,417 |
| St Josephs Ballycruttle | 143,438 | 158,329 | 169,302 | 180,394 |
| St Josephs Carnacaville | 351,959 | 335,210 | 361,579 | 397,612 |
| St Josephs Carryduff | 1,470,179 | 1,289,513 | 1,196,537 | 1,079,784 |
| St Josephs Crossgar | 290,849 | 290,579 | 297,856 | 329,581 |
| St Josephs Killough | 219,572 | 237,267 | 281,537 | 256,156 |
| St Josephs Lisburn | 410,831 | 542,705 | 630,625 | 701,574 |
| St Josephs Strangford | 134,103 | 179,556 | 202,666 | 198,236 |
| St Josephs Tyrella | 200,951 | 211,400 | 216,297 | 236,179 |
| St Kierans Primary | 1,338,815 | 1,294,969 | 1,274,310 | 1,319,669 |
| St Lukes | 691,851 | 682,704 | 685,867 | 739,122 |
| St Macartans | 333,850 | 352,332 | 386,021 | 431,735 |
| St Malachys Bangor | 815,808 | 813,088 | 891,427 | 877,002 |
| St Malachys Castlewellan | 618,974 | 646,612 | 716,623 | 718,382 |
| St Malachys Kilclief | 150,228 | 173,556 | 196,361 | 204,612 |
| St Malachys Kilcoo | 273,025 | 283,453 | 314,234 | 334,665 |
| St Marks | 1,415,013 | 1,431,595 | 1,460,581 | 1,446,418 |
| St Marys Ardglass | 197,459 | 229,513 | 254,161 | 269,298 |
| St Marys Ballygowan | 88,393 | 92,343 | 92,227 | 25,783 |
| St Marys Comber | 104,460 | 114,956 | 126,117 | 142,684 |
| St Marys Killyleagh | 285,542 | 305,725 | 320,970 | 363,349 |
| St Marys Kircubbin | 320,880 | 321,119 | 363,448 | 365,307 |
| St Marys Portaferry | 535,066 | 560,510 | 588,254 | 615,875 |
| St Marys Saintfield | 194,049 | 199,046 | 226,374 | 233,576 |
| St Nicholas | 342,415 | 337,448 | 354,408 | 368,842 |
| St Patricks Boys Downpatrick | 661,260 | 768,748 | 812,485 | 801,517 |
| St Patricks Ballynahinch | 592,392 | 588,638 | 591,726 | 619,758 |
| St Patricks Castlewellan | 134,054 | 149,385 | 172,134 | 182,657 |
| St Patricks Holywood | 492,997 | 537,094 | 557,894 | 594,655 |
| St Patricks Portaferry | 223,036 | 239,584 | 248,369 | 276,836 |
| St Patricks Saul | 292,859 | 318,381 | 342,413 | 350,172 |
| Our Lady Queen of Peace PS | 487,155 | 595,637 | 746,654 | 868,233 |
| St Marys PS Newcastle | 873,372 | 954,133 | 894,603 | 950,717 |
| St Ita's PS | 363,411 | 732,826 | 896,008 | |
| Bunscoil Bheanna Boirche | 150,315 | 157,908 | 165,409 | 181,190 |
| All Childrens | 439,450 | 459,361 | 470,994 | 510,084 |
| Annsborough | 136,958 | 155,875 | 164,365 | 176,509 |
| Hilden | 189,624 | 209,305 | 207,448 | 186,079 |
| Portaferry | 238,525 | 235,325 | 268,540 | 279,263 |
| Bangor Central | 995,888 | 1,137,857 | 1,246,822 | 1,337,229 |
| Kircubbin Integrated Primary | 302,604 | 306,066 | 305,225 | 299,755 |
| Post Primary School Name | Delegated Resources 2004/05 Excluding Carry-Over £ | Delegated Resources 2005/06 Excluding Carry-Over £ | Delegated Resources 2006/07 Excluding Carry-Over £ | Delegated Resources 2007/08 Excluding Carry-Over £ |
| Comber HS | 1,238,896 | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Nendrum College | 0 | 1,288,930 | 1,365,106 | 1,474,404 |
| Donaghadee HS | 891,742 | 1,042,278 | 1,168,166 | 1,055,936 |
| Dundonald HS | 1,760,248 | 1,802,165 | 1,752,750 | 1,603,894 |
| Dunmurry HS | 1,110,618 | 1,223,819 | 1,294,153 | 1,399,459 |
| Glastry College | 1,954,765 | 2,067,310 | 2,216,355 | 2,306,995 |
| Knockbreda HS | 2,120,149 | 2,242,923 | 2,338,893 | 2,297,978 |
| Laurelhill Community College | 3,015,733 | 3,254,355 | 3,402,712 | 3,499,939 |
| Lisnagarvey HS | 1,325,657 | 1,433,689 | 1,469,158 | 1,431,623 |
| Lisnasharragh HS | 1,012,099 | 1,029,787 | 1,070,201 | 942,886 |
| Movilla HS | 2,640,279 | 2,652,219 | 2,491,002 | 2,420,797 |
| Newtownbreda HS | 2,637,780 | 2,835,498 | 2,875,252 | 2,810,166 |
| Saintfield HS | 1,087,549 | 1,158,276 | 1,246,090 | 1,358,206 |
| The High School Ballynahinch | 1,238,137 | 1,304,452 | 1,392,499 | 1,466,211 |
| Bangor Academy and 6th Form | 4,919,629 | 5,170,324 | 5,217,425 | 5,127,571 |
| De La Salle HS | 1,426,430 | 1,469,950 | 1,552,228 | 1,539,101 |
| St Colmans HS | 1,539,168 | 1,578,260 | 1,461,809 | 1,351,574 |
| St Colmcilles HS | 1,467,593 | 1,555,774 | 1,630,866 | 1,713,329 |
| St Colms HS | 2,458,363 | 2,651,203 | 2,910,252 | 2,911,384 |
| St Columbanus HS | 1,566,472 | 1,697,921 | 1,883,041 | 2,006,504 |
| St Columbas HS | 1,108,805 | 1,197,319 | 1,195,939 | 1,192,223 |
| St Malachys HS | 3,111,869 | 3,486,898 | 3,709,456 | 3,804,712 |
| St Marys HS | 1,961,344 | 2,088,050 | 2,143,277 | 2,124,489 |
| St Patricks HS | 1,146,749 | 1,202,317 | 1,343,216 | 1,332,079 |
| Down Academy | 993,946 | 1,107,089 | 1,184,764 | 1,140,449 |
| Fort Hill College | 2,818,944 | 2,949,461 | 3,134,128 | 3,280,234 |
| Priory College | 1,466,890 | 1,691,250 | 1,802,952 | 1,719,963 |
| Down HS | 3,066,868 | 3,322,928 | 3,532,201 | 3,549,992 |
| Glenlola Collegiate | 3,557,495 | 3,832,656 | 3,991,825 | 4,098,890 |
| Regent House | 4,661,933 | 4,924,176 | 5,137,578 | 5,270,959 |
Schools Budget
Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education to provide the delegated schools budget for each post primary school in the South Eastern Education and Library Board, for each financial year since 2004-5.
(AQW 3308/09)
The Minister of Education: Leagtar amach sna táblaí thíos leithdháileadh cistithe fá choinne gach bunscoil agus gach iar-bhunscoil Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Oirdheiscirt i ngach bliain airgeadais ó 2004-05.
The funding allocation for each primary and post primary school in the South Eastern Education and Library Board for each financial year since 2004-05 is set out in the tables below:
| Primary School Name | Delegated Resources 2004/05 Excluding Carry-Over £ | Delegated Resources 2005/06 Excluding Carry-Over £ | Delegated Resources 2006/07 Excluding Carry-Over £ | Delegated Resources 2007/08 Excluding Carry-Over £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abbey | 1,221,079 | 1,308,701 | 1,338,603 | 1,412,970 |
| Academy | 775,376 | 839,316 | 895,508 | 934,652 |
| Alexander Dickson | 391,543 | 408,872 | 419,631 | 392,999 |
| Anahilt | 506,058 | 506,736 | 524,622 | 519,129 |
| Andrews Memorial | 805,004 | 810,156 | 823,947 | 859,618 |
| Ballycarrickmaddy | 345,208 | 360,606 | 403,314 | 415,065 |
| Ballycloughan | 156,050 | 162,578 | 174,302 | 168,160 |
| Ballyholme | 1,175,360 | 1,216,818 | 1,265,732 | 1,351,578 |
| BallykEIgle | 136,653 | 165,389 | 186,605 | 196,731 |
| Ballymacash | 750,449 | 823,904 | 834,003 | 815,032 |
| Ballymagee | 802,935 | 851,148 | 893,003 | 944,152 |
| Ballynahinch | 833,849 | 811,169 | 938,273 | 923,777 |
| Ballyvester | 200,312 | 218,233 | 234,462 | 222,103 |
| Ballywalter | 407,042 | 451,886 | 474,674 | 482,877 |
| Belvoir Park | 726,807 | 739,714 | 785,241 | 766,501 |
| Bloomfield Road | 675,915 | 724,167 | 752,406 | 773,149 |
| Braniel | 760,169 | 797,175 | 849,595 | 874,146 |
| Brooklands | 1,254,583 | 1,302,079 | 1,443,866 | 1,472,998 |
| Brownlee | 286,104 | 353,059 | 409,978 | 435,288 |
| Cairnshill | 1,125,249 | 1,142,559 | 1,159,243 | 1,150,293 |
| Carr | 207,003 | 219,583 | 227,779 | 212,128 |
| Carrickmannon | 207,669 | 224,413 | 250,312 | 265,569 |
| Carrowdore | 337,925 | 340,830 | 355,677 | 365,320 |
| Carryduff | 433,224 | 425,342 | 447,598 | 401,427 |
| Castle Gardens | 751,611 | 758,151 | 794,536 | 837,037 |
| Castlewellan | 192,081 | 208,021 | 226,139 | 231,832 |
| Charley Memorial | 99,482 | 90,685 | 92,050 | 35,810 |
| Clandeboye | 609,066 | 609,479 | 618,876 | 600,423 |
| Clough | 287,292 | 30,905 | Closed | Closed |
| Cumran | 0 | 331,540 | 388,961 | 459,486 |
| Comber | 779,280 | 846,026 | 819,629 | 868,648 |
| Conlig | 159,351 | 156,848 | 181,113 | 168,577 |
| Crawfordsburn | 400,046 | 409,905 | 494,080 | 514,440 |
| Cregagh | 358,498 | 402,782 | 460,510 | 511,311 |
| Crossgar | 174,833 | 194,742 | 193,071 | 73,026 |
| Derriaghy | 175,082 | 173,767 | 203,983 | 208,250 |
| Derryboy | 181,710 | 213,662 | 224,223 | 244,010 |
| Donaghadee | 837,923 | 890,784 | 913,769 | 954,682 |
| Downpatrick | 398,324 | 420,463 | 513,431 | 545,761 |
| Downshire Dundrum | 87,711 | 13,719 | Closed | Closed |
| Downshire Hillsborough | 0 | 845,503 | 1,042,407 | 1,153,431 |
| Dromara | 272,954 | 306,778 | 344,175 | 404,212 |
| Drumbo | 95,679 | 95,917 | 106,667 | 37,445 |
| Dundonald | 1,123,557 | 1,202,029 | 1,313,516 | 1,362,551 |
| Dunmurry | 374,347 | 388,354 | 413,586 | 441,877 |
| Fort Hill | 527,948 | 566,709 | 623,780 | 668,532 |
| Gilnahirk | 823,547 | 865,982 | 883,118 | 915,838 |
| Glencraig IPS | 409,454 | 462,522 | 525,078 | 568,036 |
| Grange Park | 678,414 | 737,251 | 786,544 | 830,890 |
| Greyabbey | 194,692 | 197,862 | 215,709 | 228,342 |
| Groomsport | 103,680 | 97,279 | 104,904 | 49,903 |
| Harmony Hill | 1,344,728 | 1,462,161 | 1,490,378 | 1,462,779 |
| Hillhall | 133,696 | 153,116 | 166,444 | 60,301 |
| Hillsborough | 764,336 | 145,863 | Closed | Closed |
| Holywood | 801,322 | 807,086 | 812,308 | 812,810 |
| Kilcooley | 395,019 | 426,411 | 442,908 | 486,291 |
| Killinchy | 554,478 | 612,685 | 679,234 | 698,520 |
| Killowen | 799,683 | 844,145 | 856,275 | 863,814 |
| Killyleagh | 264,222 | 260,380 | 288,514 | 321,510 |
| Kilmaine | 1,217,636 | 1,313,672 | 1,381,933 | 1,482,420 |
| Kirkistown | 183,437 | 213,609 | 275,431 | 302,851 |
| Knockbreda | 365,839 | 382,510 | 399,327 | 357,870 |
| Knockmore | 393,533 | 420,465 | 472,621 | 465,917 |
| Lambeg | 107,832 | 95,992 | 144,535 | 48,756 |
| Largymore | 462,363 | 415,256 | 478,288 | 439,852 |
| Leadhill | 390,493 | 402,452 | 385,916 | 364,581 |
| Lisburn Central | 639,392 | 641,994 | 625,928 | 638,185 |
| Lisnasharragh | 646,955 | 634,963 | 617,804 | 622,369 |
| Londonderry | 647,451 | 675,640 | 736,477 | 783,783 |
| Loughries | 202,867 | 206,579 | 224,314 | 227,313 |
| Ballinderry | 350,607 | 377,786 | 427,820 | 446,382 |
| Maghaberry | 475,741 | 535,953 | 568,527 | 595,532 |
| McKinney | 330,563 | 363,237 | 384,578 | 409,543 |
| Millisle | 323,039 | 338,388 | 380,033 | 404,178 |
| Moira | 723,296 | 795,436 | 837,747 | 817,335 |
| Moneyrea | 300,622 | 330,694 | 340,555 | 360,667 |
| Newcastle | 451,999 | 472,729 | 483,013 | 471,928 |
| Newport | 149,977 | 28,203 | Closed | Closed |
| Newtownards Model | 770,679 | 791,343 | 828,529 | 896,267 |
| Newtownbreda | 406,880 | 438,821 | 405,289 | 397,297 |
| Old Warren | 372,709 | 387,945 | 430,318 | 441,718 |
| Pond Park | 1,106,174 | 1,210,209 | 1,266,193 | 1,313,304 |
| Portavogie | 387,198 | 441,817 | 462,481 | 487,951 |
| Rathmore | 896,595 | 945,871 | 994,200 | 1,077,797 |
| Redburn | 355,461 | 387,834 | 417,211 | 377,312 |
| Seymour Hill | 472,280 | 489,492 | 502,237 | 537,436 |
| Spa | 391,870 | 427,153 | 438,672 | 447,295 |
| Tonagh | 407,833 | 389,057 | 413,467 | 440,124 |
| Towerview | 713,197 | 761,931 | 806,597 | 843,969 |
| Tullycarnet | 443,164 | 447,073 | 435,071 | 381,744 |
| Kindle IPS (formerly Tyrella PS) | 250,124 | 269,157 | 209,965 | 247,503 |
| Victoria Ballyhalbert | 262,453 | 290,265 | 355,546 | 370,804 |
| Victoria Newtownards | 1,020,696 | 1,136,876 | 1,247,879 | 1,331,369 |
| Westwinds | 412,353 | 435,099 | 457,228 | 506,495 |
| Riverdale | 381,891 | 412,160 | 417,183 | 452,781 |
| Meadow Bridge | 504,745 | 530,192 | 541,220 | 575,720 |
| Glasswater | 0 | 0 | 0 | 194,116 |
| Aughlisnafin | 309,424 | 328,474 | 337,132 | 367,137 |
| Ballymacrickett | 574,298 | 601,677 | 643,242 | 701,811 |
| Ballymacward | 242,801 | 265,548 | 286,722 | 287,502 |
| Christ the Redeemer | 844,896 | 1,047,103 | 1,371,587 | 1,488,356 |
| Convent of Mercy | 560,992 | 573,617 | 640,676 | 595,912 |
| St Caolans | 186,358 | 205,406 | 215,554 | 223,694 |
| Drumaghlis | 141,385 | 149,755 | 151,234 | 55,199 |
| Christ the King | 323,743 | 344,798 | 366,426 | 356,743 |
| St Francis PS Drumaroad | 108,858 | 114,733 | 128,666 | 136,890 |
| Good Shepherd Primary | 1,000,448 | 1,030,652 | 1,083,619 | 1,069,079 |
| Guiness | 113,718 | 112,769 | 117,738 | 123,890 |
| Holy Family | 421,535 | 440,254 | 453,038 | 486,245 |
| St Patricks Legamaddy | 398,195 | 405,805 | 434,867 | 461,423 |
| Sacred Heart | 232,123 | 240,445 | 260,553 | 260,365 |
| Scoil Na Fuiseoige | 399,783 | 383,161 | 409,755 | 438,379 |
| St Aloysius | 595,973 | 650,790 | 668,464 | 702,399 |
| St Annes | 123,881 | 132,163 | 147,247 | 152,497 |
| St Bernards | 774,746 | 814,215 | 861,079 | 889,080 |
| St Brigids | 320,719 | 363,636 | 387,633 | 470,836 |
| St Colmans Lisburn | 691,867 | 687,547 | 706,858 | 745,445 |
| St Colmans Moira | 113,811 | 118,623 | 129,958 | 117,292 |
| St Colmcilles | 500,198 | 563,751 | 627,550 | 633,998 |
| St Comgalls | 606,505 | 642,131 | 662,770 | 673,557 |
| St Finians | 267,661 | 280,731 | 313,234 | 371,417 |
| St Josephs Ballycruttle | 143,438 | 158,329 | 169,302 | 180,394 |
| St Josephs Carnacaville | 351,959 | 335,210 | 361,579 | 397,612 |
| St Josephs Carryduff | 1,470,179 | 1,289,513 | 1,196,537 | 1,079,784 |
| St Josephs Crossgar | 290,849 | 290,579 | 297,856 | 329,581 |
| St Josephs Killough | 219,572 | 237,267 | 281,537 | 256,156 |
| St Josephs Lisburn | 410,831 | 542,705 | 630,625 | 701,574 |
| St Josephs Strangford | 134,103 | 179,556 | 202,666 | 198,236 |
| St Josephs Tyrella | 200,951 | 211,400 | 216,297 | 236,179 |
| St Kierans Primary | 1,338,815 | 1,294,969 | 1,274,310 | 1,319,669 |
| St Lukes | 691,851 | 682,704 | 685,867 | 739,122 |
| St Macartans | 333,850 | 352,332 | 386,021 | 431,735 |
| St Malachys Bangor | 815,808 | 813,088 | 891,427 | 877,002 |
| St Malachys Castlewellan | 618,974 | 646,612 | 716,623 | 718,382 |
| St Malachys Kilclief | 150,228 | 173,556 | 196,361 | 204,612 |
| St Malachys Kilcoo | 273,025 | 283,453 | 314,234 | 334,665 |
| St Marks | 1,415,013 | 1,431,595 | 1,460,581 | 1,446,418 |
| St Marys Ardglass | 197,459 | 229,513 | 254,161 | 269,298 |
| St Marys Ballygowan | 88,393 | 92,343 | 92,227 | 25,783 |
| St Marys Comber | 104,460 | 114,956 | 126,117 | 142,684 |
| St Marys Killyleagh | 285,542 | 305,725 | 320,970 | 363,349 |
| St Marys Kircubbin | 320,880 | 321,119 | 363,448 | 365,307 |
| St Marys Portaferry | 535,066 | 560,510 | 588,254 | 615,875 |
| St Marys Saintfield | 194,049 | 199,046 | 226,374 | 233,576 |
| St Nicholas | 342,415 | 337,448 | 354,408 | 368,842 |
| St Patricks Boys Downpatrick | 661,260 | 768,748 | 812,485 | 801,517 |
| St Patricks Ballynahinch | 592,392 | 588,638 | 591,726 | 619,758 |
| St Patricks Castlewellan | 134,054 | 149,385 | 172,134 | 182,657 |
| St Patricks Holywood | 492,997 | 537,094 | 557,894 | 594,655 |
| St Patricks Portaferry | 223,036 | 239,584 | 248,369 | 276,836 |
| St Patricks Saul | 292,859 | 318,381 | 342,413 | 350,172 |
| Our Lady Queen of Peace PS | 487,155 | 595,637 | 746,654 | 868,233 |
| St Marys PS Newcastle | 873,372 | 954,133 | 894,603 | 950,717 |
| St Ita's PS | 363,411 | 732,826 | 896,008 | |
| Bunscoil Bheanna Boirche | 150,315 | 157,908 | 165,409 | 181,190 |
| All Childrens | 439,450 | 459,361 | 470,994 | 510,084 |
| Annsborough | 136,958 | 155,875 | 164,365 | 176,509 |
| Hilden | 189,624 | 209,305 | 207,448 | 186,079 |
| Portaferry | 238,525 | 235,325 | 268,540 | 279,263 |
| Bangor Central | 995,888 | 1,137,857 | 1,246,822 | 1,337,229 |
| Kircubbin Integrated Primary | 302,604 | 306,066 | 305,225 | 299,755 |
| Post Primary School Name | Delegated Resources 2004/05 Excluding Carry-Over £ | Delegated Resources 2005/06 Excluding Carry-Over £ | Delegated Resources 2006/07 Excluding Carry-Over £ | Delegated Resources 2007/08 Excluding Carry-Over £ |
| Comber HS | 1,238,896 | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Nendrum College | 0 | 1,288,930 | 1,365,106 | 1,474,404 |
| Donaghadee HS | 891,742 | 1,042,278 | 1,168,166 | 1,055,936 |
| Dundonald HS | 1,760,248 | 1,802,165 | 1,752,750 | 1,603,894 |
| Dunmurry HS | 1,110,618 | 1,223,819 | 1,294,153 | 1,399,459 |
| Glastry College | 1,954,765 | 2,067,310 | 2,216,355 | 2,306,995 |
| Knockbreda HS | 2,120,149 | 2,242,923 | 2,338,893 | 2,297,978 |
| Laurelhill Community College | 3,015,733 | 3,254,355 | 3,402,712 | 3,499,939 |
| Lisnagarvey HS | 1,325,657 | 1,433,689 | 1,469,158 | 1,431,623 |
| Lisnasharragh HS | 1,012,099 | 1,029,787 | 1,070,201 | 942,886 |
| Movilla HS | 2,640,279 | 2,652,219 | 2,491,002 | 2,420,797 |
| Newtownbreda HS | 2,637,780 | 2,835,498 | 2,875,252 | 2,810,166 |
| Saintfield HS | 1,087,549 | 1,158,276 | 1,246,090 | 1,358,206 |
| The High School Ballynahinch | 1,238,137 | 1,304,452 | 1,392,499 | 1,466,211 |
| Bangor Academy and 6th Form | 4,919,629 | 5,170,324 | 5,217,425 | 5,127,571 |
| De La Salle HS | 1,426,430 | 1,469,950 | 1,552,228 | 1,539,101 |
| St Colmans HS | 1,539,168 | 1,578,260 | 1,461,809 | 1,351,574 |
| St Colmcilles HS | 1,467,593 | 1,555,774 | 1,630,866 | 1,713,329 |
| St Colms HS | 2,458,363 | 2,651,203 | 2,910,252 | 2,911,384 |
| St Columbanus HS | 1,566,472 | 1,697,921 | 1,883,041 | 2,006,504 |
| St Columbas HS | 1,108,805 | 1,197,319 | 1,195,939 | 1,192,223 |
| St Malachys HS | 3,111,869 | 3,486,898 | 3,709,456 | 3,804,712 |
| St Marys HS | 1,961,344 | 2,088,050 | 2,143,277 | 2,124,489 |
| St Patricks HS | 1,146,749 | 1,202,317 | 1,343,216 | 1,332,079 |
| Down Academy | 993,946 | 1,107,089 | 1,184,764 | 1,140,449 |
| Fort Hill College | 2,818,944 | 2,949,461 | 3,134,128 | 3,280,234 |
| Priory College | 1,466,890 | 1,691,250 | 1,802,952 | 1,719,963 |
| Down HS | 3,066,868 | 3,322,928 | 3,532,201 | 3,549,992 |
| Glenlola Collegiate | 3,557,495 | 3,832,656 | 3,991,825 | 4,098,890 |
| Regent House | 4,661,933 | 4,924,176 | 5,137,578 | 5,270,959 |
Education and Skills Authority
Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education what discussions her Department intends to have with local councils about the role and remit of the Education and Skills Authority.
(AQW 3311/09)
The Minister of Education: Tá mo Roinn réidh le bheith ag plé le comhairlí áitiúla agus le NILGA ar pholasaí an Athbreithnithe ar Riarachán Poiblí san Oideachas, chomh maith le plé a dhéanamh ar ról agus sainchúram an Údaráis um Oicdeachas agus Scileanna.
My Department is ready to engage with local councils and NILGA on policy on the Review of Public Administration in education, and the role and remit of the Education and Skills Authority.
The Chief Executive Designate of ESA has had several meetings with Councils and is to meet with NILGA in the near future about the operation of the ESA.
Education and Skills Authority
Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail the procedures to select school governors under the proposed new Education and Skills Authority.
(AQW 3315/09)
The Minister of Education: Ní shocrófar na nósanna imeachta um ghobharnóirí scoile a roghnú faoin Údarás nua um Oideachas agus Scileanna go dtí go bhfaomhann an Tionól an chéad Bhille Oideachais RPA.
The procedures for the selection of school governors under the new Education and Skills Authority will not be finalised until the first RPA Education Bill is approved by the Assembly.
The current proposals are that the transferors and trustees of grant-aided schools will continue to nominate representatives to Boards of Governors and these appointments will be confirmed by ESA after completion of the necessary vetting under child protection legislation. The exact arrangements for making these nominations including the role that could be played by sectoral including church interests in bringing forward nominations is still under consideration.
The procedures for the recruitment and appointment of community governors to grant-aided schools will include public advertising to open up opportunities for service for all those in the community with an interest in making a positive contribution to education as a school governor. I am also open to consider the development of new procedures to enable local business and commerce to be involved in bringing forward candidates to act as school governors.
The procedures for the election of parent and teacher governors are handled at school level and detailed in the Department’s circular 2005/20 on the DE website. This circular will be updated in due course to take account of the amendment proposed in the RPA Bill to enable part time teachers to participate in the procedures for the election of teacher governors.
Post Primary Transfer Test
Mrs D Kelly asked the Minister of Education what advice her Department is giving to primary school head teachers who have been asked by parents to prepare their children for the new post primary transfer test.
(AQW 3316/09)
The Minister of Education: Bíonn dualgas reachtúil ar bhunscoileanna an curaclam athbhreithnithe a sholáthar agus bíonn bunfhreagracht dhlíthiúil agus mhorálta orthu i leith a ndaltaí féin, gan aird ar aon bhrú a d’fhéadfaí a bheith orthu chun soláthairtí eile a dhéanamh.
Primary schools have a statutory duty to deliver the revised curriculum and have a legal and moral responsibility first and foremost towards their pupils, regardless of any pressure they may come under to make other provisions. No post-primary school can oblige a primary school to assist in the preparation of pupils for any particular feature of its admissions process.
My Department has issued 350,000 leaflets to schools across the North, providing details of the revised curriculum and associated assessment and reporting arrangements. These are going to every family which has a child in a primary or post-primary school.
Teaching Vacancies
Mr Craig asked the Minister of Education how many teaching vacancies there are in each school in Lagan Valley.
(AQW 3322/09)
The Minister of Education: Bíonn eolas ar fholúntais múinteoirí á lorg ag an Roinn ó gach scoil dheontaschúnta ar bhonn bliantúil.
The Department seeks information on teacher vacancies from all grant-aided schools on an annual basis. The information provides a "snapshot" of vacancies at a specific date each year. The latest information available identifies vacancies at 2 November 2007, and details for the Lagan Valley constituency are set out below:
| No. of vacancies still to be filled during the 2007/08 academic year at 2nd November 2007 in schools in the Lagan Valley Parliamentary Constituency | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| School Ref | Full-time, Permanent | Part-time, Permanent | Full-time, Temporary | Part-time, Temporary | |
| ST JOSEPH'S PS | 4030897 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| CHRIST THE REDEEMER PS | 4036618 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ROWANDALE INTEGRATED PRIMARY | 4066682 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| BEECHLAWN SPECIAL SCHOOL | 4310008 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| LAURELHILL COMMUNITY COLLEGE | 4210201 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| DROMORE HIGH SCHOOL | 5210064 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
The Department is currently seeking data on teacher vacancies which exist at 3 November 2008.
Primary Schools
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to the answer to AQO 1269/09, what recognition does she give to the right of parents to choose the primary school for their children.
(AQW 3325/09)
The Minister of Education: B’fhéidir gur mhian le tuismitheoirí a bpáiste a chur chuig scoil a rogha féin seachas an pháiste a chur chuig an scoil is oiriúnaí agus is congaraí dóibh.
Parents may wish to send their child to a school of their choice, rather than the nearest suitable school. However, the fact that parents may regard a school as unsuitable because of their views on some specific aspect does not render it an unsuitable school for the purposes of the school transport arrangements. As such, parents should understand that if they do not seek a place in all suitable schools within statutory walking distance of their home, then they will not be entitled to transport assistance to a more distant school.
Transfer Test
Mr McKay asked the Minister of Education what percentage of children who sat their transfer test in 2007 from (i) Armoy; (ii) Glenshesk; (iii) Glendun; (iv) Glenarm; and (v) Glenariff areas of Moyle, were admitted to grammar schools.
(AQW 3338/09)
The Minister of Education: Tá curtha in iúl ag Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Oirthuaiscirt (NEELB) don Roinn nach mbailítear eolas ar chéatadán na bpáistí a dhéanann an Teist Aistrithe miondealaithe de réir na gceantar geografach a iarradh.
The North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB) have advised the Department that they do not collect information on the percentage of children who sit the transfer test broken down by the geographical areas requested. The information is, however, available broken down by Primary Schools in the Board area, and the 2007 figures for the primary schools that serve the geographical areas listed are provided in the table below.
| Primary School | % Pupils that Sat Transfer Test Admitted to Grammar School |
|---|---|
| Carniny | 73% |
| St. Colmcille's | 70% |
| Ballymena | 74% |
| Camphill | 42% |
| Ballykeel | 40% |
| St Brigid's Ballymena | 38% |
| Braidside Integrated | 25% |
| Dunclug | 27% |
| Harryville | 8% |
| Ballee | 0% |
| Seaview | 89% |
| Braid | 71% |
| Glenravel | 72% |
| Gracehill | 75% |
| St Mary's Cushendall | 69% |
| St Joseph's Dunloy | 72% |
| Fourtowns | 66% |
| Broughshane | 67% |
| Moorfields | 63% |
| Buick | 69% |
| Longstone | 57% |
| Carnaghts | 52% |
| Glenann | 71% |
| St John's Carnlough | 75% |
| Kells and Connor | 56% |
| Kirkinriola | 50% |
| St Mary's Portglenone | 58% |
| St Patrick's Glenariff | 50% |
| St Mary's Cargan | 46% |
| St Patrick's Rasharkin | 58% |
| Millquarter | 45% |
| Clough | 47% |
| The Diamond | 67% |
| Hazelbank | 53% |
| Cloughmills | 100% |
| St Brigid's Cloughmills | 55% |
| Portglenone | 50% |
| St Ciaran's | 50% |
| Carnalbanagh | 0% |
| Carnlough Int | 0% |
| Rasharkin | 0% |
| St Paul's Ahoghill | 0% |
| Armoy | 100% |
| Ballycastle | 75% |
| Ballymoney Model | 75% |
| Ballytober | 60% |
| Balnamore | 75% |
| Barnish | 100% |
| Bunscoil an Chaistil | 0% |
| Bushmills | 67% |
| Bushvalley | 56% |
| Carnalridge | 73% |
| Carrowreagh | 29% |
| Dunseverick | 44% |
| Eden | 50% |
| Garryduff | 31% |
| Kilmoyle | 64% |
| Knockahollet | 38% |
| Landhead | 67% |
| Leaney | 94% |
| Lislagan | 22% |
| Millstrand Int | 62% |
| Portrush | 95% |
| St. Anne's | 64% |
| St. Brigid's | 57% |
| St. Mary's | 0% |
| St. Olcan's | 0% |
| St Patrick's | 29% |
| St Patrick's & St Brigid's | 60% |
| St Patrick's | 44% |
| Straidbilly | 38% |
| William Pinkerton Memorial | 0% |
Note: Figures do not include pupils admitted to the grammar stream at Slemish College.
Transfer Test
Mr McKay asked the Minister of Education what percentage of children who sat their transfer test in 2007 from (i) Bushmills; (ii) Dunseverick; (iii) Ballylough; (iv) Carnmoon; and (v) Mosside and Moyarget areas of Moyle, were admitted to grammar schools.
(AQW 3339/09)
The Minister of Education: Tá curtha in iúl ag Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Oirthuaiscirt (NEELB) don Roinn nach mbailítear eolas ar chéatadán na bpáistí a dhéanann an Teist Aistrithe miondealaithe de réir na gceantar geografach a iarradh.
The North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB) have advised the Department that they do not collect information on the percentage of children who sit the transfer test broken down by the geographical areas requested. The information is, however, available broken down by Primary Schools in the Board area, and the 2007 figures for the primary schools that serve the geographical areas listed are provided in the table below.
| Primary School | % Pupils that Sat Transfer Test Admitted to Grammar School |
|---|---|
| Carniny | 73% |
| St. Colmcille's | 70% |
| Ballymena | 74% |
| Camphill | 42% |
| Ballykeel | 40% |
| St Brigid's Ballymena | 38% |
| Braidside Integrated | 25% |
| Dunclug | 27% |
| Harryville | 8% |
| Ballee | 0% |
| Seaview | 89% |
| Braid | 71% |
| Glenravel | 72% |
| Gracehill | 75% |
| St Mary's Cushendall | 69% |
| St Joseph's Dunloy | 72% |
| Fourtowns | 66% |
| Broughshane | 67% |
| Moorfields | 63% |
| Buick | 69% |
| Longstone | 57% |
| Carnaghts | 52% |
| Glenann | 71% |
| St John's Carnlough | 75% |
| Kells and Connor | 56% |
| Kirkinriola | 50% |
| St Mary's Portglenone | 58% |
| St Patrick's Glenariff | 50% |
| St Mary's Cargan | 46% |
| St Patrick's Rasharkin | 58% |
| Millquarter | 45% |
| Clough | 47% |
| The Diamond | 67% |
| Hazelbank | 53% |
| Cloughmills | 100% |
| St Brigid's Cloughmills | 55% |
| Portglenone | 50% |
| St Ciaran's | 50% |
| Carnalbanagh | 0% |
| Carnlough Int | 0% |
| Rasharkin | 0% |
| St Paul's Ahoghill | 0% |
| Armoy | 100% |
| Ballycastle | 75% |
| Ballymoney Model | 75% |
| Ballytober | 60% |
| Balnamore | 75% |
| Barnish | 100% |
| Bunscoil an Chaistil | 0% |
| Bushmills | 67% |
| Bushvalley | 56% |
| Carnalridge | 73% |
| Carrowreagh | 29% |
| Dunseverick | 44% |
| Eden | 50% |
| Garryduff | 31% |
| Kilmoyle | 64% |
| Knockahollet | 38% |
| Landhead | 67% |
| Leaney | 94% |
| Lislagan | 22% |
| Millstrand Int | 62% |
| Portrush | 95% |
| St. Anne's | 64% |
| St. Brigid's | 57% |
| St. Mary's | 0% |
| St. Olcan's | 0% |
| St Patrick's | 29% |
| St Patrick's & St Brigid's | 60% |
| St Patrick's | 44% |
| Straidbilly | 38% |
| William Pinkerton Memorial | 0% |
Note: Figures do not include pupils admitted to the grammar stream at Slemish College.
Transfer Test
Mr McKay asked the Minister of Education what percentage of children who sat their transfer test in 2007 from (i) Craigywarren; (ii) Glenravel; (iii) Broughshane; (iv) Slemish; and (v) Glenwherry areas in Ballymena, were admitted to grammar schools.
(AQW 3341/09)
The Minister of Education: Tá curtha in iúl ag Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Oirthuaiscirt (NEELB) don Roinn nach mbailítear eolas ar chéatadán na bpáistí a dhéanann an Teist Aistrithe miondealaithe de réir na gceantar geografach a iarradh.
The North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB) have advised the Department that they do not collect information on the percentage of children who sit the transfer test broken down by the geographical areas requested. The information is, however, available broken down by Primary Schools in the Board area, and the 2007 figures for the primary schools that serve the geographical areas listed are provided in the table below.
| Primary School | % Pupils that Sat Transfer Test Admitted to Grammar School |
|---|---|
| Carniny | 73% |
| St. Colmcille's | 70% |
| Ballymena | 74% |
| Camphill | 42% |
| Ballykeel | 40% |
| St Brigid's Ballymena | 38% |
| Braidside Integrated | 25% |
| Dunclug | 27% |
| Harryville | 8% |
| Ballee | 0% |
| Seaview | 89% |
| Braid | 71% |
| Glenravel | 72% |
| Gracehill | 75% |
| St Mary's Cushendall | 69% |
| St Joseph's Dunloy | 72% |
| Fourtowns | 66% |
| Broughshane | 67% |
| Moorfields | 63% |
| Buick | 69% |
| Longstone | 57% |
| Carnaghts | 52% |
| Glenann | 71% |
| St John's Carnlough | 75% |
| Kells and Connor | 56% |
| Kirkinriola | 50% |
| St Mary's Portglenone | 58% |
| St Patrick's Glenariff | 50% |
| St Mary's Cargan | 46% |
| St Patrick's Rasharkin | 58% |
| Millquarter | 45% |
| Clough | 47% |
| The Diamond | 67% |
| Hazelbank | 53% |
| Cloughmills | 100% |
| St Brigid's Cloughmills | 55% |
| Portglenone | 50% |
| St Ciaran's | 50% |
| Carnalbanagh | 0% |
| Carnlough Int | 0% |
| Rasharkin | 0% |
| St Paul's Ahoghill | 0% |
| Armoy | 100% |
| Ballycastle | 75% |
| Ballymoney Model | 75% |
| Ballytober | 60% |
| Balnamore | 75% |
| Barnish | 100% |
| Bunscoil an Chaistil | 0% |
| Bushmills | 67% |
| Bushvalley | 56% |
| Carnalridge | 73% |
| Carrowreagh | 29% |
| Dunseverick | 44% |
| Eden | 50% |
| Garryduff | 31% |
| Kilmoyle | 64% |
| Knockahollet | 38% |
| Landhead | 67% |
| Leaney | 94% |
| Lislagan | 22% |
| Millstrand Int | 62% |
| Portrush | 95% |
| St. Anne's | 64% |
| St. Brigid's | 57% |
| St. Mary's | 0% |
| St. Olcan's | 0% |
| St Patrick's | 29% |
| St Patrick's & St Brigid's | 60% |
| St Patrick's | 44% |
| Straidbilly | 38% |
| William Pinkerton Memorial | 0% |
Note: Figures do not include pupils admitted to the grammar stream at Slemish College.
Transfer Test
Mr McKay asked the Minister of Education what percentage of children who sat their transfer test in 2007 from (i) Dalriada; (ii) Glentaisie; (iii) Knocklayd; (iv) Kinbane; and (v) Bonamany and Rathlin areas of Moyle, were admitted to grammar schools.
(AQW 3342/09)
The Minister of Education: Tá curtha in iúl ag Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Oirthuaiscirt (NEELB) don Roinn nach mbailítear eolas ar chéatadán na bpáistí a dhéanann an Teist Aistrithe miondealaithe de réir na gceantar geografach a iarradh.
The North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB) have advised the Department that they do not collect information on the percentage of children who sit the transfer test broken down by the geographical areas requested. The information is, however, available broken down by Primary Schools in the Board area, and the 2007 figures for the primary schools that serve the geographical areas listed are provided in the table below.
| Primary School | % Pupils that Sat Transfer Test Admitted to Grammar School |
|---|---|
| Carniny | 73% |
| St. Colmcille's | 70% |
| Ballymena | 74% |
| Camphill | 42% |
| Ballykeel | 40% |
| St Brigid's Ballymena | 38% |
| Braidside Integrated | 25% |
| Dunclug | 27% |
| Harryville | 8% |
| Ballee | 0% |
| Seaview | 89% |
| Braid | 71% |
| Glenravel | 72% |
| Gracehill | 75% |
| St Mary's Cushendall | 69% |
| St Joseph's Dunloy | 72% |
| Fourtowns | 66% |
| Broughshane | 67% |
| Moorfields | 63% |
| Buick | 69% |
| Longstone | 57% |
| Carnaghts | 52% |
| Glenann | 71% |
| St John's Carnlough | 75% |
| Kells and Connor | 56% |
| Kirkinriola | 50% |
| St Mary's Portglenone | 58% |
| St Patrick's Glenariff | 50% |
| St Mary's Cargan | 46% |
| St Patrick's Rasharkin | 58% |
| Millquarter | 45% |
| Clough | 47% |
| The Diamond | 67% |
| Hazelbank | 53% |
| Cloughmills | 100% |
| St Brigid's Cloughmills | 55% |
| Portglenone | 50% |
| St Ciaran's | 50% |
| Carnalbanagh | 0% |
| Carnlough Int | 0% |
| Rasharkin | 0% |
| St Paul's Ahoghill | 0% |
| Armoy | 100% |
| Ballycastle | 75% |
| Ballymoney Model | 75% |
| Ballytober | 60% |
| Balnamore | 75% |
| Barnish | 100% |
| Bunscoil an Chaistil | 0% |
| Bushmills | 67% |
| Bushvalley | 56% |
| Carnalridge | 73% |
| Carrowreagh | 29% |
| Dunseverick | 44% |
| Eden | 50% |
| Garryduff | 31% |
| Kilmoyle | 64% |
| Knockahollet | 38% |
| Landhead | 67% |
| Leaney | 94% |
| Lislagan | 22% |
| Millstrand Int | 62% |
| Portrush | 95% |
| St. Anne's | 64% |
| St. Brigid's | 57% |
| St. Mary's | 0% |
| St. Olcan's | 0% |
| St Patrick's | 29% |
| St Patrick's & St Brigid's | 60% |
| St Patrick's | 44% |
| Straidbilly | 38% |
| William Pinkerton Memorial | 0% |
Note: Figures do not include pupils admitted to the grammar stream at Slemish College.
Transfer Test
Mr McKay asked the Minister of Education what percentage of children who sat their transfer test in 2007 from (i) Benvardin; (ii) Dervock; (iii) Stranocum; (iv) Knockahollet; and (v) Ballyhoe and Corkey areas in Ballymoney, were admitted to grammar schools.
(AQW 3344/09)
The Minister of Education: Tá curtha in iúl ag Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Oirthuaiscirt (NEELB) don Roinn nach mbailítear eolas ar chéatadán na bpáistí a dhéanann an Teist Aistrithe miondealaithe de réir na gceantar geografach a iarradh.
The North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB) have advised the Department that they do not collect information on the percentage of children who sit the transfer test broken down by the geographical areas requested. The information is, however, available broken down by Primary Schools in the Board area, and the 2007 figures for the primary schools that serve the geographical areas listed are provided in the table below.
| Primary School | % Pupils that Sat Transfer Test Admitted to Grammar School |
|---|---|
| Carniny | 73% |
| St. Colmcille's | 70% |
| Ballymena | 74% |
| Camphill | 42% |
| Ballykeel | 40% |
| St Brigid's Ballymena | 38% |
| Braidside Integrated | 25% |
| Dunclug | 27% |
| Harryville | 8% |
| Ballee | 0% |
| Seaview | 89% |
| Braid | 71% |
| Glenravel | 72% |
| Gracehill | 75% |
| St Mary's Cushendall | 69% |
| St Joseph's Dunloy | 72% |
| Fourtowns | 66% |
| Broughshane | 67% |
| Moorfields | 63% |
| Buick | 69% |
| Longstone | 57% |
| Carnaghts | 52% |
| Glenann | 71% |
| St John's Carnlough | 75% |
| Kells and Connor | 56% |
| Kirkinriola | 50% |
| St Mary's Portglenone | 58% |
| St Patrick's Glenariff | 50% |
| St Mary's Cargan | 46% |
| St Patrick's Rasharkin | 58% |
| Millquarter | 45% |
| Clough | 47% |
| The Diamond | 67% |
| Hazelbank | 53% |
| Cloughmills | 100% |
| St Brigid's Cloughmills | 55% |
| Portglenone | 50% |
| St Ciaran's | 50% |
| Carnalbanagh | 0% |
| Carnlough Int | 0% |
| Rasharkin | 0% |
| St Paul's Ahoghill | 0% |
| Armoy | 100% |
| Ballycastle | 75% |
| Ballymoney Model | 75% |
| Ballytober | 60% |
| Balnamore | 75% |
| Barnish | 100% |
| Bunscoil an Chaistil | 0% |
| Bushmills | 67% |
| Bushvalley | 56% |
| Carnalridge | 73% |
| Carrowreagh | 29% |
| Dunseverick | 44% |
| Eden | 50% |
| Garryduff | 31% |
| Kilmoyle | 64% |
| Knockahollet | 38% |
| Landhead | 67% |
| Leaney | 94% |
| Lislagan | 22% |
| Millstrand Int | 62% |
| Portrush | 95% |
| St. Anne's | 64% |
| St. Brigid's | 57% |
| St. Mary's | 0% |
| St. Olcan's | 0% |
| St Patrick's | 29% |
| St Patrick's & St Brigid's | 60% |
| St Patrick's | 44% |
| Straidbilly | 38% |
| William Pinkerton Memorial | 0% |
Note: Figures do not include pupils admitted to the grammar stream at Slemish College.
Education Sector
Lord Browne asked the Minister of Education how many jobs will be lost in the education sector due to the proposed merger of the existing five Education and Library Boards.
(AQW 3389/09)
The Minister of Education: Nuair a chruthófar an tÚdarás um Oideachas agus Scileanna ar 1 Eanáir 2010 tabharfar le chéile feidhmeanna tábhachtacha 12 comhlachas oideachais, mar atá na 5 Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne, Comhairle na Scoileanna Caitliceacha faoi Chothabháil, an Chomhairle Churaclaim Scrúdúcháin agus Mheasúnaithe, an Chomhairle Ógra, Staff Commission, an Roinn Oideachais, NICIE agus Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta.
The creation of the Education and Skills Authority on 1 January 2010 will bring together the front-line functions of 12 education bodies, including the 5 Education and Library Boards, CCMS, CCEA, Youth Council, Staff Commission, DE, NICIE and CNaG. The key aim of the RPA in education is to improve education outcomes by creating a single organisation with the responsibility for raising standards in every school in every sector and with clear accountability to me and to the Assembly for doing so. This will be facilitated by streamlining administration and releasing resources for re-allocation to the classroom and frontline support services.
The Outline Business Case for ESA indicates that by the end of year 3 of ESA an additional £20m per annum will be released to directly support improved education outcomes and in subsequent phases I believe we can radically improve service delivery in a way which will release even further savings to enhance the quality of services available to schools and youth services. This will be achieved through a reduction of around 463 administrative and headquarter posts, with the main impact at senior and middle management levels. Data from the Education and Library Boards indicates that they currently employ 312 temporary/agency staff. I therefore expect that streamlining can be achieved through a combination of vacant posts, natural wastage and voluntary severance and that compulsory redundancies can be avoided.
Breakfast Clubs
Lord Browne asked the Minister of Education what percentage of secondary schools have breakfast clubs.
(AQW 3392/09)
The Minister of Education: Ní chruinnítear an t-eolas seo go rialta ó scoileanna.
This information is not routinely collected from schools.
However you will be aware my Department’s Extended Schools programme provides a recognised funding stream for those schools operating in the most deprived and disadvantaged areas to provide for a wide range of services and activities outside of the traditional school day including breakfast clubs. In the 2007/08 Extended Schools programme, funding issued to 66 post-primary schools (5 selective and 61 non-selective). Of these, 28 (42%) indicated in their last annual report that they had operated a breakfast club during the 2007/8 school year.
Transfer Test
Mr McKay asked the Minister of Education what percentage of children who sat the transfer test in 2007 from (i) Seacon; (ii) The Vow; (iii) Kiloquin Lower; (iv) Kiloquin Upper; (v) Dunloy; and (vi) Cloughmills areas in Ballymoney, were admitted to grammar schools.
(AQW 3393/09)
The Minister of Education: Tá curtha in iúl ag Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Oirthuaiscirt (NEELB) don Roinn nach mbailíonn siad eolas ar chéatadán na bpáistí a dhéanann an teist aistrithe miondealaithe de réir na gceantar geografach a iarradh.
The North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB) have advised the Department that they do not collect information on the percentage of children who sit the transfer test broken down by the geographical areas requested. The information is, however, available broken down by Primary Schools in the Board area, and the 2007 figures for the primary schools that serve the geographical areas listed are provided in the table below.
| Primary School | % Pupils that Sat Transfer Test Admitted to Grammar School |
|---|---|
| St Joseph's Dunloy | 72% |
| Clough | 47% |
| Cloughmills | 100% |
| St Brigid's Cloughmills | 55% |
| Ballymoney Model | 75% |
| Balnamore | 75% |
| Carrowreagh | 29% |
| Eden | 50% |
| Garryduff | 31% |
| Kilmoyle | 64% |
| Knockahollet | 38% |
| Landhead | 67% |
| Leaney | 94% |
| Lislagan | 22% |
| St. Brigid's | 57% |
| Straidbilly | 38% |
Note: Figures do not include pupils admitted to the grammar stream at Slemish College.
Departmental Consultees
Mr McCausland asked the Minister of Education if (i) Foras na Gaeilge; (ii) the Ulster-Scots Agency; (iii) Pobal; and (iv) the Ulster-Scots Language Society are included on the list of Departmental consultees.
(AQW 3421/09)
The Minister of Education: Tá roinnt liostaí comhairliúcháin ag mo Roinn, ag brath ar an réimse beartais agus ar na daioine aonair agus na grúpaí a d’fhéadfaí a mbeadh leas acu sna comhairliúcháin.
My Department has a number of consultation lists, depending on the policy area and the individuals or groups who may have an interest in the consultations.
The list used for consultation on equality matters includes the Ulster-Scots Agency, Pobal and the Ulster-Scots Language Society.
Foras na Gaeilge had been omitted from this list in error, but has now been added to it.
School Maintenance Programme
Mr Craig asked the Minister of Education what action her Department is taking to address the backlog in the school maintenance programme for schools in the Lisburn and Dromore area.
(AQW 3427/09)
The Minister of Education: Is iad Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Oirdheiscirt agus an Deiscirt a bhíonn freagrach as cothabháil scoileanna rialaithe agus scoileanna faoi chothabháil i gceantar Lios na gCearrbhach agus Dhroim Mór.
The South Eastern and Southern Education and Library Boards have responsibility for the maintenance of controlled and maintained schools in the Lisburn and Dromore area. Whilst my Department determines the overall budget allocations for the Boards, it is for the Boards to determine, along with other services to be provided, how much funding they attribute to their maintenance budgets. My Department is also supportive of both Boards’ bids for additional resources from the December monitoring round, to help address maintenance pressures in the current financial year.
Teaching Posts
Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to the answer to AQW 2798/08, how many teaching posts are being filled by substitute or temporary teachers in (i) primary; and (ii) secondary schools, in the North Down constituency.
(AQW 3444/09)
The Minister of Education: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh sa tábla seo thíos:
The information requested is detailed in the table below:
| School Type | Daily Paid Temporary teachers | Hourly Paid Temporary Teachers | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary | 140 | 27 | 167 |
| Secondary | 42 | 4 | 46 |
| Total | 182 | 31 | 213 |
New Primary School in Broughshane
Mr McKay asked the Minister of Education if there are any plans to provide a new primary school in Broughshane, Ballymena.
(AQW 3447/09)
The Minister of Education: Tá tugtha le fios ag Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Oirthuaiscirt nach bhfuil pleananna ar bith acu le bunscoil nua athsholáthair a chur ar fáil i mBruach Sheáin.
The North Eastern Education and Library Board has advised that there are currently no plans to provide a new replacement primary school in Broughshane.
Irish Language Tutors
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education how many Irish Language tutors are available for primary schools in County Fermanagh, under the Primary Languages Project.
(AQW 3463/09)
The Minister of Education: Dar leis an Ghrúpa Teangacha Bunscoile, a bhíonn ag comhordú soláthair an Chláir um Theangacha Bunscoile, bhí deacrachtaí móra acu teacht ar oidí Gaeilge i gceantar Fhear Manach agus mar sin de, go dtí seo, ní raibh siad ábalta oidí a chur ar fáil don chúig bhunscoil sa cheantar a bhí ag iarraidh Gaeilge a sholáthar tríd an Chlár.
The primary languages group, which is co-ordinating the delivery of the Primary Languages Programme, tells me that it has experienced real difficulties in recruiting Irish language tutors in the Fermanagh area and that, as a result, it has so far been unable to match tutors to the five primary schools in the area seeking to offer Irish via the Programme. I have impressed upon the group the need to take further action to close this gap in provision. Additionally, Foras na Gaeilge has also offered to do what it can to help encourage fluent Irish speakers to come forward to be considered as tutors. The Primary Languages Programme is an important and flourishing Programme and I am determined that we will do all that we can to match the demand from primary schools with suitable tutors able to deliver the Programme and foster in young people an interest in, and love for, learning another language.
Classroom Assistants
Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education if she will bring forward proposals to standardise the terms and conditions of classroom assistants in all schools, regardless of sector.
(AQW 3467/09)
The Minister of Education: The recent agreement on the outcome of the Job Evaluation was for Classroom Assistants for whom the Education and Library Boards are the employing authorities, and in this context this agreement does not have a direct read across to employees of other employing authorities. Any decision within grant-maintained integrated or voluntary grammar schools to implement rates of pay in line with the outcome of the Job Evaluation process in the Education and Library Boards in respect of particular categories of staff is a matter for individual schools’ Board of Governors as employing authorities to consider within the constraints of the total resources available to the school. I have however listened and taken on board concerns raised about this issue and to date have made bids for extra funding through the September and December monitoring rounds. Both bids have unfortunately been unsuccessful and I will resubmit my bid in February.
I should point out that the regrading of the 5 boards’ Classroom Assistants was negotiated through the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), which was established some years ago by the Staff Commission for Education and Library Boards as the negotiating machinery dealing with the pay and terms and conditions of non-teaching staff employed by the Education and Library Boards. The machinery includes management side representation from the 5 Education and Library Boards and from the 4 main unions representing the non-teaching staff. The machinery consists of: a. Joint Negotiating Council and Committees; and b. Executive Committee. The membership of the Joint Negotiating Council may not be extended to any other employing authorities.
Caithfear tabhairt faoi na nithe seo sa chomhthéacs gurb é an tÚdarás nua um Oideachas agus Scileanna atá freagrach as fostaíocht foirne neamh-mhúinteoireachta i gcás gach scoile deontaschúnta.
These matters will have to be addressed in the context of the new Education and Skills Authority having responsibility for the employment of non-teaching staff for all grant-aided schools.
Translation Services
Mr Storey asked the Minister of Education if she is aware of the difficulties faced by playgroups that are required to pay for translation services from limited funds.
(AQW 3502/09)
The Minister of Education: Tháinig méadú de 45% ar líon na ndaltaí ó thíortha eile inár scoileanna idir 2006 agus 2007 agus faoi mhí Dheireadh Fómhair 2007, bhí 5665 dalta ó thíortha eile inár mbunscoileanna, inár n-iarbhunscoileanna agus inár scoileanna speisialta.
The number of newcomer pupils in our schools increased by 45% between 2006 and 2007 and by October 2007 there were 5665 newcomer pupils in our primary, post primary and special schools. My Department does not collect data on newcomer children in pre-school provision. However, there are currently 112 newcomer children in government funded nursery schools and nursery classes within primary schools.
Playgroups need to communicate with newcomer parents and to do this they will wish to have key documents translated into various languages.
The priority for my Department has been to provide services to schools with newcomer pupils. It is for this reason that the Inclusion and Diversity Service (IDS) was set up as a regional service within the Education and Library Boards in April 2007, to strengthen and improve support to newcomer pupils and their parents, primarily working through schools. Part of its responsibilities include such services as interpreting and translating, an information website for newcomer parents and the provision of advice and guidance to schools via locally based Diversity Coordinators.
Due to the very rapid increase in the number of newcomer pupils, IDS has had to concentrate on the primary and the post primary sectors, as it is recognised that the needs of newcomer pupils are greater the older they are when entering the education system.
IDS provide an interpreting service to Department funded nursery schools and units for the following purposes: initial parent/teacher interviews; parent consultation interviews; critical incidents; and pastoral care issues. This service involves the provision of interpreters and is paid for by IDS.
Unfortunately, it has not been possible to provide direct support to community and voluntary playgroups, but a number of services which are accessible via the web, may be of some help to such groups.
Within the past year IDS has offered a translation of documents service, and access to many of these documents is now provided via a website. Schools have access to 10 generic school policies and a number of key letters translated into 15 languages for issue to parents in their own language. Whilst IDS is unable to fund interpreting and translation services for private and voluntary pre-school playgroups, I would encourage playgroups to utilise these generic documents, available on the following website www.education-support.org.uk, for example letters which concern parent/teacher meetings.
The Education Support website includes information about our education system in the north and community and volunteer playgroups could direct newcomer parents to the website as it will be of interest to them.
As part of the funding provided via the Common Funding Formula, schools receive an additional monetary payment for each full-time newcomer pupil in a nursery school/class. In 2008/09 this equates to £983 per pupil. Schools receive £491, again for 2008/09, for each part-time newcomer pupil in a nursery school/class. This funding is available only to government funded nursery schools and nursery classes within primary schools.
Breakfast Clubs
Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education how many primary schools have breakfast clubs (i) in North Down; and (ii) in Northern Ireland.
(AQW 3506/09)
The Minister of Education: Ní chruinnítear an t-eolas seo go rialta ó scoileanna.
This information is not routinely collected from schools.
However you will be aware my Department’s Extended Schools programme provides a recognised funding stream for those schools operating in the most deprived and disadvantaged areas to provide for a wide range of services and activities outside of the traditional school day including breakfast clubs.
In the 2007/08 Extended Schools programme funding issued to 4 primary schools in the North Down parliamentary constituency area, all of which operated breakfast clubs as indicated in their annual reports for 2007/08.
A total of 321 primary schools across the north were funded in the 2007/08 Extended School programme. Of these, 125 schools (39%) indicated in their last annual report that they had operated a breakfast club during the 2007/08 school year.
Lurgan College and Portadown College
Mr Gardiner asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to the answer to AQW 2841/09, when the Southern Education and Library Board decided to make proposed changes, to the original recommended options for the new builds in both Lurgan College and Portadown College, were officially communicated to her Department.
(AQW 3513/09)
The Minister of Education: Thug Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Deiscirt (SELB) breac-chuntas ar na hathruithe molta a bhain leis na bunscéimeanna caipitil formheasta fá choinne Lurgan College agus Portadown College do mo Roinn i mí Mheithimh agus i mí Aibreáin faoi seach.
Proposed changes to the original approved capital schemes for Lurgan and Portadown Colleges were outlined to my Department by the Southern Education and Library Board (SELB) in June and April 2007 respectively. The SELB advised that the Board and Lurgan College had decided it was important to retain a link with the existing listed building. In regard to Portadown College a new internal road layout meant that the capital scheme needed to be revisited. The changes as proposed necessitated revisions to the appraisals which were undertaken by the SELB. The Board and the department have been in contact on the work on both projects on a number of occasions. The latest revisions were received on 24 November 2008 for Portadown College and 10 November 2008 for Lurgan College. The appraisals need to be approved by the Department and the Department of Finance and Personnel. Subject to the appraisals satisfying the requirements it is anticipated that both schemes would be approved shortly.
Lurgan College
Mr Gardiner asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to the answer to AQW 2841/09, when her Department received the revised appraisal for Lurgan College.
(AQW 3514/09)
The Minister of Education: Thug Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Deiscirt (SELB) breac-chuntas ar na hathruithe molta a bhain leis na bunscéimeanna caipitil formheasta fá choinne Lurgan College agus Portadown College do mo Roinn i mí Mheithimh agus i mí Aibreáin faoi seach.
Proposed changes to the original approved capital schemes for Lurgan and Portadown Colleges were outlined to my Department by the Southern Education and Library Board (SELB) in June and April 2007 respectively. The SELB advised that the Board and Lurgan College had decided it was important to retain a link with the existing listed building. In regard to Portadown College a new internal road layout meant that the capital scheme needed to be revisited. The changes as proposed necessitated revisions to the appraisals which were undertaken by the SELB. The Board and the department have been in contact on the work on both projects on a number of occasions. The latest revisions were received on 24 November 2008 for Portadown College and 10 November 2008 for Lurgan College. The appraisals need to be approved by the Department and the Department of Finance and Personnel. Subject to the appraisals satisfying the requirements it is anticipated that both schemes would be approved shortly.
Neighbourhood Renewal
Mr Durkan asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to the answer to AQW 2000/09, for an update on the review of services for which her Department has responsibility under Neighbourhood Renewal, and when the findings will be made public.
(AQW 3543/09)
The Minister of Education: Tá tuairisc críochnaithe anois ag m’oifigigh de bhun athbhreithniú ar leithead na seirbhísí a d’aithin DSD go raibh mo Roinn freagrach astu.
My officials have now completed a report following a review of the breadth of services that DSD has identified as being the responsibility of my Department.
I have committed to meeting with Minister Ritchie to discuss the outcome of the assessment and gain agreement on the way forward. Following this meeting, the findings of the review will be made public.
Education and Skills Authority
Mr Durkan asked the Minister of Education to detail, by constituency, where the reduction of 460 posts are anticipated to occur with the creation of the Education and Skills Authority.
(AQW 3550/09)
The Minister of Education: Is é mar phríomhaidhm an RPA ná cúrsaí riaracháin a chuíchóiriú agus acmhainní a scaoileadh ionas gur féidir iad a leithdháileadh arís chuig seirbhísí duine le duine.
A key purpose of the RPA is to streamline administration and release resources for re-allocation to frontline services. The Outline Business Case for ESA indicates that by the end of year 3, an additional £20m per annum will be released to directly support improved education outcomes. This will be achieved through a reduction of around 463 administrative and headquarter posts, with the main impact at senior and middle management levels.
It is not possible at this time to say where, by constituency, those reductions will occur, as decisions on the location of services have not yet been taken. These decisions will be taken in line with Executive policy on the location of public sector jobs and will be informed by future Service Delivery Models which are presently being developed through an extensive programme of engagement with staff in the education sector.
Early Years Strategy
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Education if the development of communication skills will be addressed as a priority in the early years strategy under consideration.
(AQW 3577/09)
The Minister of Education: Cé go mbeidh an straitéis ag amharc ar na tosca a chuireann chun cinn athléimneacht na bpáistí óga agus tugtar sainmhiniú ar ‘athléimneacht’ mar pháistí sláintiúla láidre, le scileanna cumarsáide acu agus iad ina bhfoghlaimeoirí cruthaitheacha inniúla, ní mheastar go gcuirfidh an straitéis aon mholtaí ar leith san áireamh maidir le scileanna cumarsáide.
Whilst the strategy will be examining the factors that promote resilience in young children with resilience defined as healthy strong children, who are skilled communicators and creative competent learners, it is not anticipated the Strategy will specifically include any recommendations in relation to communication skills. This will be a matter for any action and implementation plan emanating from the Strategy to consider. At this stage recommendations from the Speech, Language and Communication Needs Report will be taken into consideration.
Part Time Special Needs Teachers
Mr Attwood asked the Minister of Education if her Department plans to continue funding the full time SENCO and part time special needs teachers at St. Kieran's Primary School, Poleglass; and will she consider increasing provisions of these services in the school.
(AQW 3590/09)
The Minister of Education: Go ginearálta, maoinítear costais na mball foirne múinteoireachta laistigh de scoil dheontaschúnta ón leithdháileadh a tugadh don scoil tríd an Fhoirmle Cóhaoinithe (CFF).
The costs of teaching staff within a grant-aided school are generally funded from the allocation made available to the school through the Common Funding Formula (CFF). It is then a matter for the Trustees of the school to determine how resources are spent within the school. In addition to the CFF allocation, the Department allocates a small amount of earmarked monies to each grant-aided school to help the school administer the special educational needs (SEN) framework as set out in the SEN Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs. Further to this an Education and Library Board may provide funding to a school for SEN classroom assistance or additional teaching hours, as set out in an individual child's statement of SEN, but this is determined by the individual SEN provision required. The staffing levels required within St Kieran's Primary School, Poleglass, is therefore a matter for the Trustees of the school in conjunction with the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) and the South Eastern Education and Library Board in accordance with the needs of pupils enrolled in the school.
Primary Schools in North Antrim
Mr McKay asked the Minister of Education to list the number of pupils that attended each primary school in North Antrim, ranked in order of size with the school with the most pupils coming first, in each of the last five years.
(AQW 3625/09)
The Minister of Education: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh cuimsithe sna táblaí thíos.
The information requested is contained in the tables below.
Primary schools in the North Antrim constituency – Total enrolment – 2004/05
| School name | Total enrolment |
|---|---|
| ST PATRICK'S & ST BRIGID'S PS (BALLYCASTLE) | 441 |
| GRACEHILL PS | 434 |
| BUICK MEMORIAL PS | 387 |
| BALLYMENA PS | 359 |
| BRAIDSIDE INTEGRATED PS | 345 |
| CAMPHILL PS | 328 |
| BALLYMONEY PS | 318 |
| BROUGHSHANE PS | 312 |
| BALLYKEEL PS | 309 |
| LEANEY PS | 306 |
| ST JOSEPH'S PS (DUNLOY) | 284 |
| ST LOUIS' CONVENT PS | 266 |
| CARNINY PS | 263 |
| FOURTOWNS PS | 242 |
| ST PATRICK'S PS (RASHARKIN) | 224 |
| ALL SAINTS PS | 220 |
| ST MARY'S PS (PORTGLENONE) | 219 |
| ST MARY'S PS (CUSHENDALL) | 211 |
| MOORFIELDS PS | 198 |
| KELLS & CONNOR PS | 192 |
| ST PATRICK'S PS (LOUGHGUILE) | 187 |
| ST BRIGID'S PS (BALLYMONEY) | 183 |
| PORTGLENONE PS | 174 |
| DALRIADA SCHOOL | 151 |
| BUSHVALLEY PS | 142 |
| DUNCLUG PS | 141 |
| HARRYVILLE PS | 133 |
| CLOUGH PS | 131 |
| BUSHMILLS PS | 131 |
| ST PATRICK'S PS (GLENARIFF) | 121 |
| GLENRAVEL PS | 117 |
| THE DIAMOND PS | 115 |
| KILMOYLE PS | 115 |
| DUNSEVERICK PS | 114 |
| CARNAGHTS PS | 110 |
| MILLQUARTER PS | 103 |
| CARROWREAGH PS | 92 |
| LISLAGAN PS | 92 |
| HAZELBANK PS | 91 |
| BALLEE PS | 87 |
| BALNAMORE PS | 87 |
| ST MARY'S PS (GLENRAVEL) | 86 |
| BARNISH PS | 86 |
| ST JOSEPH'S PS (DOURY RD) | 86 |
| ST BRIGID'S PS (CLOUGHMILLS) | 84 |
| ST ANNE'S PS (CORKY) | 83 |
| BALLYCASTLE PS | 82 |
| EDEN PS | 81 |
| CLOUGHMILLS PS | 80 |
| STRAIDBILLY PS | 78 |
| ST CIARAN'S PS (CUSHENDUN) | 77 |
| KNOCKAHOLLET PS | 76 |
| KIRKINRIOLA PS | 72 |
| THE WM PINKERTON MEMORIAL PS | 67 |
| ST OLCAN'S PS (ARMOY) | 65 |
| GARRYDUFF PS | 62 |
| ARMOY PS | 61 |
| LONGSTONE PS | 60 |
| RASHARKIN PS | 59 |
| LANDHEAD PS | 55 |
| GLENANN PS | 53 |
| ST MARY'S PS (LARNE RD, BALLYMENA) | 53 |
| BUNSCOIL AN CHAISTIL | 43 |
| BRAID PS | 28 |
| LISNAMURRICAN PS | 27 |
| ST PATRICK'S PS (AUGHTERCLONEY) | 26 |
| ST JOSEPH'S PS (AHOGHILL) | 24 |
| ST MARY'S PS (RATHLIN) | 3 |
Primary schools in the North Antrim constituency – Total enrolment – 2005/06
| School name | Total enrolment |
|---|---|
| ST PATRICK'S & ST BRIGID'S PS (BALLYCASTLE) | 447 |
| GRACEHILL PS | 432 |
| BUICK MEMORIAL PS | 389 |
| BALLYMENA PS | 363 |
| BRAIDSIDE INTEGRATED PS | 352 |
| CAMPHILL PS | 325 |
| BALLYKEEL PS | 318 |
| BALLYMONEY PS | 316 |
| LEANEY PS | 308 |
| BROUGHSHANE PS | 296 |
| ST LOUIS' CONVENT PS | 292 |
| ST JOSEPH'S PS (DUNLOY) | 290 |
| CARNINY PS | 252 |
| FOURTOWNS PS | 235 |
| ST PATRICK'S PS (RASHARKIN) | 228 |
| ALL SAINTS PS | 217 |
| ST MARY'S PS (CUSHENDALL) | 208 |
| ST MARY'S PS (PORTGLENONE) | 200 |
| MOORFIELDS PS | 193 |
| ST PATRICK'S PS (LOUGHGUILE) | 193 |
| ST BRIGID'S PS (BALLYMONEY) | 188 |
| KELLS & CONNOR PS | 187 |
| PORTGLENONE PS | 162 |
| BUSHVALLEY PS | 154 |
| DALRIADA SCHOOL PREP. DEPT. | 146 |
| HARRYVILLE PS | 140 |
| CLOUGH PRIMARY SCHOOL | 139 |
| ST PATRICK'S PS (GLENARIFFE) | 130 |
| DUNSEVERICK PS | 129 |
| DUNCLUG PS | 126 |
| GLENRAVEL PS | 126 |
| KILMOYLE PS | 124 |
| BUSHMILLS PS | 118 |
| THE DIAMOND PS | 114 |
| CARNAGHTS PS | 108 |
| MILLQUARTER PS | 102 |
| HAZELBANK PS | 94 |
| BARNISH PS | 94 |
| LISLAGAN PS | 93 |
| CARROWREAGH PS | 87 |
| BALNAMORE PS | 87 |
| EDEN PS | 86 |
| ST MARY'S PS (GLENRAVEL) | 86 |
| ST BRIGID'S PS (CLOUGHMILLS) | 86 |
| BALLEE PS | 84 |
| ST JOSEPH'S PS (DOURY RD) | 77 |
| ST ANNE'S PS (CORKY) | 76 |
| CLOUGHMILLS PS | 75 |
| STRAIDBILLY PS | 74 |
| KIRKINRIOLA PS | 72 |
| BALLYCASTLE PS | 72 |
| ST CIARAN'S PS (CUSHENDUN) | 69 |
| KNOCKAHOLLET PS | 66 |
| THE WM PINKERTON MEMORIAL PS | 65 |
| LONGSTONE PS | 64 |
| GARRYDUFF PS | 64 |
| ST OLCAN'S PS (ARMOY) | 62 |
| LANDHEAD PS | 61 |
| BUNSCOIL AN CHAISTIL | 61 |
| ARMOY PS | 59 |
| RASHARKIN PS | 59 |
| ST MARY'S PS (BALLYMENA) | 49 |
| GLENANN PS | 46 |
| LISNAMURRICAN PS | 31 |
| BRAID PS | 28 |
| ST PATRICK'S PS (AUGHTERCLONEY) | 26 |
| ST JOSEPH'S PS (AHOGHILL) | 26 |
| ST MARY'S PS (RATHLIN) | 4 |
Primary schools in the North Antrim constituency – Total enrolment – 2006/07
| School name | Total enrolment |
|---|---|
| GRACEHILL PS | 435 |
| ST PATRICK'S & ST BRIGID'S PS (BALLYCASTLE) | 410 |
| BUICK MEMORIAL PS | 382 |
| BALLYMENA PS | 368 |
| BRAIDSIDE INTEGRATED PS | 343 |
| BALLYKEEL PS | 322 |
| CAMPHILL PS | 322 |
| BROUGHSHANE PS | 321 |
| BALLYMONEY PS | 318 |
| LEANEY PS | 306 |
| ST JOSEPH'S PS (DUNLOY) | 292 |
| ST LOUIS' CONVENT PS | 284 |
| CARNINY PS | 252 |
| FOURTOWNS PS | 228 |
| ST PATRICK'S PS (RASHARKIN) | 219 |
| MOORFIELDS PS | 217 |
| ALL SAINTS PS | 216 |
| ST MARY'S PS (CUSHENDALL) | 208 |
| ST MARY'S PS (PORTGLENONE) | 201 |
| KELLS & CONNOR PS | 194 |
| ST BRIGID'S PS (BALLYMONEY) | 194 |
| ST PATRICK'S PS (LOUGHGUILE) | 194 |
| PORTGLENONE PS | 150 |
| HARRYVILLE PS | 148 |
| BUSHVALLEY PS | 147 |
| DALRIADA SCHOOL PREP. DEPT. | 147 |
| CLOUGH PRIMARY SCHOOL | 140 |
| GLENRAVEL PS | 131 |
| DUNSEVERICK PS | 128 |
| KILMOYLE PS | 128 |
| ST PATRICK'S PS (GLENARIFF) | 125 |
| BUSHMILLS PS | 120 |
| DUNCLUG PS | 115 |
| THE DIAMOND PS | 114 |
| CARNAGHTS PS | 109 |
| HAZELBANK PS | 105 |
| MILLQUARTER PS | 103 |
| BALLYCASTLE PS | 100 |
| LISLAGAN PS | 94 |
| EDEN PS | 91 |
| BALNAMORE PS | 90 |
| BARNISH PS | 89 |
| ST MARY'S PS (GLENRAVEL) | 87 |
| ST BRIGID'S PS (CLOUGHMILLS) | 83 |
| CARROWREAGH PS | 81 |
| KIRKINRIOLA PS | 78 |
| STRAIDBILLY PS | 78 |
| THE WM PINKERTON MEMORIAL PS | 73 |
| KNOCKAHOLLET PS | 73 |
| ST ANNE'S PS (CORKY) | 73 |
| ST JOSEPH'S PS (DOURY RD) | 73 |
| BALLEE PS | 71 |
| BUNSCOIL AN CHAISTIL | 71 |
| ST CIARAN'S PS (CUSHENDUN) | 69 |
| GARRYDUFF PS | 63 |
| RASHARKIN PS | 63 |
| CLOUGHMILLS PS | 63 |
| ARMOY PS | 57 |
| LONGSTONE PS | 56 |
| LANDHEAD PS | 55 |
| ST OLCAN'S PS | 55 |
| GLENANN PS | 48 |
| ST MARY'S PS (BALLYMENA) | 45 |
| ST PATRICK'S PS (AUGHTERCLONEY) | 26 |
| BRAID PS | 24 |
| ST JOSEPH'S PS (AHOGHILL) | 17 |
| ST MARY'S PS (RATHLIN) | 4 |
Primary schools in the North Antrim constituency – Total enrolment – 2007/08
| School name | Total enrolment |
|---|---|
| GRACEHILL PS | 439 |
| ST PATRICK'S & ST BRIGID'S PS (BALLYCASTLE) | 411 |
| BUICK MEMORIAL PS | 375 |
| BALLYMENA PS | 360 |
| BRAIDSIDE INTEGRATED PS | 357 |
| CAMPHILL PS | 352 |
| ST COLMCILLE'S PS | 327 |
| LEANEY PS | 321 |
| BALLYKEEL PS | 319 |
| BROUGHSHANE PS | 315 |
| ST BRIGID'S PS (BROUGHSHANE RD) | 308 |
| ST JOSEPH'S PS (DUNLOY) | 305 |
| BALLYMONEY PS | 296 |
| CARNINY PS | 245 |
| ST PATRICK'S PS (RASHARKIN) | 228 |
| FOURTOWNS PS | 227 |
| ST MARY'S PS (PORTGLENONE) | 217 |
| MOORFIELDS PS | 216 |
| ST MARY'S PS (CUSHENDALL) | 200 |
| ST BRIGID'S PS (BALLYMONEY) | 194 |
| ST PATRICK'S PS (LOUGHGUILE) | 194 |
| KELLS & CONNOR PS | 186 |
| BUSHVALLEY PS | 156 |
| CLOUGH PRIMARY SCHOOL | 152 |
| PORTGLENONE PS | 151 |
| DALRIADA SCHOOL PREP. DEPT. | 146 |
| GLENRAVEL PS | 143 |
| DUNSEVERICK PS | 140 |
| KILMOYLE PS | 132 |
| HARRYVILLE PS | 129 |
| BALLYCASTLE PS | 125 |
| DUNCLUG PS | 120 |
| ST PATRICK'S PS (GLENARIFF) | 120 |
| THE DIAMOND PS | 116 |
| MILLQUARTER PS | 115 |
| BUSHMILLS PS | 107 |
| CARNAGHTS PS | 106 |
| HAZELBANK PS | 100 |
| LISLAGAN PS | 94 |
| EDEN PS | 93 |
| BARNISH PS | 91 |
| KIRKINRIOLA PS | 89 |
| BALNAMORE PS | 89 |
| ST BRIGID'S PS (CLOUGHMILLS) | 88 |
| STRAIDBILLY PS | 87 |
| KNOCKAHOLLET PS | 81 |
| ST MARY'S PS (GLENRAVEL) | 78 |
| CARROWREAGH PS | 77 |
| ST ANNE'S PS (CORKY) | 75 |
| BUNSCOIL AN CHAISTIL | 75 |
| THE WM PINKERTON MEMORIAL PS | 73 |
| BALLEE PS | 73 |
| ST CIARAN'S PS (CUSHENDUN) | 66 |
| GARRYDUFF PS | 64 |
| RASHARKIN PS | 62 |
| LONGSTONE PS | 57 |
| ST OLCAN'S PS (ARMOY) | 53 |
| GLENANN PS | 52 |
| ARMOY PS | 50 |
| LANDHEAD PS | 48 |
| CLOUGHMILLS PS | 44 |
| BRAID PS | 23 |
| ST JOSEPH'S PS (AHOGHILL) | 18 |
| ST PATRICK'S PS AUGHTERCLONEY | 5 |
| ST MARY'S PS (RATHLIN) | 4 |
Primary schools in the North Antrim constituency – Total enrolment – 2008/09
| School name | Total enrolment |
|---|---|
| GRACEHILL PS | 434 |
| ST PATRICK'S & ST BRIGID'S PS (BALLYCASTLE) | 411 |
| BRAIDSIDE INTEGRATED PS | 371 |
| BUICK MEMORIAL PS | 359 |
| CAMPHILL PS | 357 |
| BALLYMENA PS | 336 |
| ST COLMCILLE'S PS | 321 |
| BALLYKEEL PS | 320 |
| LEANEY PS | 318 |
| BROUGHSHANE PS | 313 |
| ST BRIGID'S PS (BROUGHSHANE RD) | 311 |
| ST JOSEPH'S PS (DUNLOY) | 308 |
| CARNINY PS | 257 |
| BALLYMONEY PS | 253 |
| FOURTOWNS PS | 219 |
| MOORFIELDS PS | 218 |
| ST PATRICK'S PS (RASHARKIN) | 212 |
| ST MARY'S PS (PORTGLENONE) | 211 |
| ST PATRICK'S PS (LOUGHGUILE) | 195 |
| ST BRIGID'S PS (BALLYMONEY) | 188 |
| ST MARY'S PS (CUSHENDALL) | 187 |
| KELLS & CONNOR PS | 177 |
| CLOUGH PRIMARY SCHOOL | 155 |
| BUSHVALLEY PS | 154 |
| DALRIADA SCHOOL PREP. DEPT. | 144 |
| PORTGLENONE PS | 144 |
| GLENRAVEL PS | 143 |
| DUNSEVERICK PS | 141 |
| BALLYCASTLE PS | 129 |
| KILMOYLE PS | 126 |
| MILLQUARTER PS | 124 |
| ST PATRICK'S PS (GLENARIFF) | 122 |
| THE DIAMOND PS | 119 |
| HARRYVILLE PS | 113 |
| DUNCLUG PS | 108 |
| BUSHMILLS PS | 106 |
| KIRKINRIOLA PS | 99 |
| LISLAGAN PS | 99 |
| HAZELBANK PS | 96 |
| BALNAMORE PS | 93 |
| CARNAGHTS PS | 92 |
| STRAIDBILLY PS | 86 |
| BARNISH PS | 85 |
| KNOCKAHOLLET PS | 84 |
| EDEN PS | 83 |
| CARROWREAGH PS | 81 |
| BUNSCOIL AN CHAISTIL | 77 |
| ST MARY'S PS GLENRAVEL | 75 |
| ST BRIGID'S PS (CLOGH MILLS) | 74 |
| THE WM PINKERTON MEMORIAL PS | 72 |
| ST ANNE'S PS (CORKEY) | 70 |
| ST CIARAN'S PS (GLENDUN) | 65 |
| RASHARKIN PS | 63 |
| BALLEE PS | 61 |
| GARRYDUFF PS | 59 |
| LONGSTONE PS | 58 |
| ARMOY PS | 53 |
| ST OLCAN'S PS (ARMOY) | 49 |
| LANDHEAD PS | 46 |
| GLENANN PS | 45 |
| CLOUGHMILLS PS | 40 |
| ST PAUL’S PS (AHOGHILL) | 27 |
| BRAID PS | 18 |
| ST MARY'S PS (RATHLIN) | 4 |
Source: Annual school census
Note: Totals includes nursery, reception and year 1 – 7 classes.
Glenravel Primary School
Mr McKay asked the Minister of Education how many pupils were enrolled at Glenravel Primary School in (i) 2005; (ii) 2006; (iii) 2007; and (iv) 2008.
(AQW 3627/09)
The Minister of Education: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh sa tábla seo thíos.
The information requested is contained in the table below.
Glenravel Primary School – Total enrolment – 2005/06 – 2008/09
| Year | Total enrolment |
|---|---|
| 2005/06 | 126 |
| 2006/07 | 131 |
| 2007/08 | 143 |
| 2008/09 | 143 |
Source: Annual school census
Glenravel Primary School
Mr McKay asked the Minister of Education if the Department will provide extra capacity at Glenravel Primary School before September 2009 to ensure that the school can accommodate rising numbers.
(AQW 3628/09)
The Minister of Education: D’fhaomh an Roinn soláthar breise cóiríochta sealadaí ag an scoil le tabhairt faoin easnamh áiseanna ó thaobh oifige/seomra foirne/acmhainní de.
The Department has approved the provision of additional temporary accommodation at the school to address a shortfall in office/staffroom/resource facilities. The school has not applied for additional teaching accommodation but should one be submitted it will be considered by the Department. The Department will also consider the provision of additional temporary teaching accommodation for September 2009 as the enrolment at the school increases.
Transport Policy
Mr McKay asked the Minister of Education if any of the Education and Library Boards approved exceptional cases that are not in line with their transport policy.
(AQW 3629/09)
The Minister of Education: Is féidir liom a dheimhniú nár fhaomhadh aon chásanna eisceachtúla nach bhfuil clúdaithe sa pholasaí reatha maidir le cúrsaí iompair ó bhaile chuig scoil.
I can confirm that no exceptional cases have been approved that are outside of the current home to school transport policy. The Education and Library Boards may, however, consider applications for transport assistance in exceptional circumstances under the current school transport arrangements. This enables Boards to take account of non-standard issues such as road safety hazards. The Boards have advised that under the exceptional circumstances clause, 19 applications for transport assistance due to exceptional circumstances have been approved in the current academic year (2008/09).
School Maintenance Programme
Mr Craig asked the Minister of Education for her assessment of the possible health and safety risks as a result of the backlog on the school maintenance programme for schools in Lisburn and Dromore.
(AQW 3655/09)
The Minister of Education: Is iad Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Oirdheiscirt agus an Deiscirt a bhíonn freagrach as cothabháil scoileanna Rialaithe agus scoileanna faoi Chothabháil i gceantar Lios na gCearrbhach agus Dhroim Mór.
The South Eastern and Southern Education and Library Boards have responsibility for the maintenance of Controlled and Maintained schools in the Lisburn and Dromore area. The Boards carry out a rolling programme of condition surveys to identify maintenance requirements, with the highest priority being given to those that pose a health and safety risk. Additionally, possible health and safety issues are identified by regular site visits by Board officers and by school based staff. It is the Boards’ policy to address health and safety issues as a matter of urgency.
EMPLOYMENT AND LEARNING
Belfast Metropolitan College
Mr Newton asked the Minister for Employment and Learning, pursuant to the answers to questions AQW 523/09 and AQW 1343/09, to detail the courses not being delivered at Belfast Metropolitan College, due to a lack of interest from prospective students, in this academic year.
(AQW 3009/09)
The Minister for Employment and Learning (Sir Reg Empey): I have attached, at Annex A, a list of courses which are not being delivered in the current academic year by Belfast Metropolitan College, due to lack of student uptake.
The College has also informed me that a number of classes in Modern Languages and GCSE Maths and English have been amalgamated to ensure their viability.
ANNEX A
Art – AS Level
Geography – AS Level
Irish - AS Level
Law - AS Level
Philosophy – AS Level
Physics – AS Level
Advanced Diploma in Health Promotion
Applied Chemistry - HND
Mechanical Engineering – Foundation Degree
Product Design and Development – Foundation Degree
Re-Integration of Former Prisoners.
Mr McKay asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what is he doing to reduce barriers to employment and enhance re-integration of former political prisoners.
(AQW 3071/09)
The Minister for Employment and Learning: A comprehensive range of services is available through my Department’s network of 35 Jobs & Benefits offices and JobCentres and through contracted Providers to help the unemployed find work. These services include provision such as Progress2Work (NI) which is specifically targeted at ex-prisoners, those who are homeless and those with substance misuse/abuse issues, and will run until March 2010. The Pathways to Work programme is open to clients with health conditions or disability, including ex-prisoners. The Department has introduced a more flexible, menu-based, modular approach to provision, better tailored to the individual’s needs, with a clear emphasis on increasing the participants’ employability prospects. Through this new initiative, ‘Steps to Work’, the Department has extended the availability of provision to other groups not previously targeted, including ex-prisoners. In addition to these services the Department’s Careers Service provides an all age Careers Information, Advice and Guidance service to adults and young people, including former political prisoners.
Furthermore, the Department’s ApprenticeshipsNI provision is open to people of all ages who are in employment, or are about to take up employment, including ex-prisoners. Under this provision, people can work towards the achievement of industry-approved qualifications, as well as developing Essential Skills where required. Whilst this provision is not specifically designed to reduce barriers to employment, it is generally accepted that continuous professional development and occupational training can act as a significant step towards reintegration.
Local Further Education Colleges also offer a wide range of curriculum through their main campuses and community outreach centres, which are accessible to everyone. Courses include essential skills, professional and technical training, leisure and hobby activities and, tailored courses for students with learning difficulties or disabilities.
Ex-Prisoner Groups
Mr McKay asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what ex-prisoner groups his Department has met with to discuss employment for former political prisoners.
(AQW 3074/09)
The Minister for Employment and Learning: My Department has not met with any ex-prisoner groups to discuss employment for former political prisoners since devolution in May 2007.
Apprentices
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning pursuant to the answer to AQW 2709/09, to list which major companies will be taking on apprentices who have been made redundant from their current employer.
(AQW 3109/09)
The Minister for Employment and Learning: The Department has engaged with both the relevant