This publication contains the written answers to questions tabled by Members. The content of the responses is as received at the time from the relevant Minister or representative of the Assembly Commission and has not been subject to the official reporting process or changed in any way.

Friday 26 February 2010

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
Revised Written Answers

OFFICE OF THE FIRST MINISTER AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER

Hotels Booked for Civil Servants

Mr T Burns asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail (i) the number of nights in hotels booked for civil servants in their Department which were paid for wholly, or in part, but never used; and (ii) the costs and loss of revenue incurred booking these hotel rooms, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 3841/10)

First Minister and deputy First Minister (Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness): Table 1 below details how much the department has spent on unused hotel rooms in each of the last five financial years, and the corresponding number of nights:

Table 1

Description	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07	2007/08	2008/09
Number of unused hotel rooms (nights)	1	1	0	0	13
Costs of unused hotel rooms	£72	£75	£0	£0	£2,096

The figures for 2008/09 include costs for accommodation in the US for the First Minister’s and deputy First Minister’s visit which was cut short in the aftermath of the killings at Masserene and Lurgan in March 2009.

Community Relations in Coleraine

Mr G Campbell asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister what action they plan to take to improve community relations in the Killowen and Heights areas of Coleraine over the next six months.

(AQO 788/10)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: Officials in the Community Relations Unit have been liaising with Coleraine Borough Council staff in identifying steps to improve community relations within the Coleraine Borough Council area.

In response, officials have received a working draft of a proposed Community Cohesion Strategy for the Borough Council area. The draft is the subject of ongoing discussion and may inform some additions to the Council’s action plan.

Officials will continue to work closely with Coleraine Borough Council to identify how best the Department can support the Council’s plans to address sectarian divisions in the area.

We will consider advice from officials on funding the various actions through the District Council Good Relations Programme.

Victims Funding

Mr A Bresland asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister what additional funding has been provided for victims since devolution in May 2007.

(AQO 789/10)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: In January 2008 we announced a total of £36 million over 3 years to support victims and survivors. That figure was more than double than made available over the previous three years.

Single Equality Bill

Ms M Anderson asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the development of a Single Equality Bill.

(AQO 790/10)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: Although no policy decisions have been taken with regard to a Single Equality Bill, we continue to legislate in order to provide legal protection against discrimination and to promote equality of opportunity.

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Supply Chain Development Branch

Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to explain the reasons for proposals to axe the Supply Chain Development Branch, which includes the Rural Enterprise Advisers who deliver front-line services to farmers and the rural community.

(AQW 4652/10)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms M Gildernew): DARD, like all other Departments, is required to make savings to enable the Executive to work within its budget as well as enable it to address 2010/11 pressures in a strategic manner. My budget proposals to make these savings were presented to the ARD Committee on Tuesday 26 January as well as being made public. These proposals include one relating to making savings through a review of Rural Enterprise work, on the basis that this work does not directly contribute to either Programme for Government (PfG) or Public Service Agreement (PSA) targets. At this stage I have not made any firm decisions and this position will remain, pending the outcome of the consultation process outlined in the Review of 2010-11 Spending Plans for NI Departments.

Single Farm Payment Process

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, pursuant to AQW 3790/10, for her assessment of whether the External Panel that judged in favour of the South Down appellant was fully aware of the EU Regulations pertaining to the Single Farm Payment process.

(AQW 4681/10)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: The External Panel that recommended that the case of the South Down appellant should be upheld would have been fully aware of the EU Regulations pertaining to the case. In line with my Department’s procedures, the relevant legislative references and extracts are included in the Case Officer’s report that is sent to both the applicant and the Panel Members.

Single Farm Payment

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how many Single Farm Payment tribunal decisions which (i) found in favour of; and (ii) found against the appealing landowners she has reversed.

(AQW 4682/10)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: As stated previously, the Single Farm Payment External Panel does not make decisions. They make recommendations and these are not binding on my Department. In making the final decision, I and my Department have to consider the Panel recommendation against the relevant EU Rules and Regulations. My role is to ensure that all the facts of the case have been considered, I have no discretion to operate outside the EU Rules and Regulations.

I and my Department have not accepted the Panel’s recommendation in 8 of a total of 135 cases, as follows:

In 5 cases the External Panel recommended that the applicants’ review be upheld. These recommendations were not accepted.
In one case the External Panel recommended that the applicant’s review be upheld in part. This recommendation was not accepted.
In one case the External Panel could not agree a recommendation. This review was not upheld.
In one case the External Panel recommended the applicant’s review should not be upheld. This recommendation was not accepted and the review was subsequently upheld in part.

In all 8 cases, the farm businesses involved claimed Single Farm Payment on land which they own or take in conacre or lease.

Loss of Potato Crops

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for an estimate of (i) the tonnage of potatoes lost as a result of the severe weather in December 2009 and January 2010; and (ii) the financial loss of income to growers as a result.

(AQW 4683/10)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: I am well aware that the recent severe weather has caused great difficulty to the farming community; however, without any formal assessment, DARD has no statistics on the extent of the crop damage or consequential financial loss caused by the recent severe weather.

At the recent meeting, Executive colleagues have recognised the damage caused to some potato and vegetable crops by the recent severe frost and have agreed that I meet with the DFP Minister to discuss hardship funding. Subsequent to this Executive meeting I have instructed DARD officials to undertake an assessment of the damage caused to potato and vegetable crops by the severe frost in January 2010.

The damage assessment exercise will inform any future financial support consideration, subject to funding and the need to comply with EU State Aid rules.

Boat's Purchased by the Lough's Agency

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how much the Lough's Agency spent on purchasing boats in each of the last three years; and how many of these boats were sourced from outside the UK.

(AQW 4723/10)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: The Loughs Agency purchased eight boats, two of which were purchased outside Britain. A summary of costs is provided below.

Date of Purchase	Description	Amount	Country of Purchase
03/05/07	Funyak Coraleen	£495.00	UK
07/02/08	Yamaha Zodiac Inflatable	£794.99	UK
16/05/08	Funyak Coraleen	£495.00	UK
June 2008	MMV Ostrea	£810, 000 - £820,000 cost including refit (*see note below)	New Zealand
17/12/08	Nomad Canoe	£621.03	Ireland
28/05/09	Inflatable Kayak	£89.29	UK
26/08/09	Venture Canoe	£910.00	UK
01/10/09	Venture Canoe	£910.00	UK
	Total	£814,315.31 to £824,315.31

*Costs of purchase of this vessel was around £295k. Some issues relating to the refit are still under negotiation. However, the total cost, including refit, the electronics package, shipping to Britain and the north of Ireland, professional fees and all expenses, is between £810k - £820k

Public Relations Services

Mr J Spratt asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how much her Department has spent on public relations services from (i) PriceWaterhouseCoopers; (ii) KPMG; (iii) Deloitte; and (iv) Weber Shandwick since May 2007.

(AQW 4851/10)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has not incurred any expenditure on public relations services from (i) PriceWaterhouseCoopers; (ii) KPMG; (iii) Deloitte; and (iv) Weber Shandwick since May 2007.

Manure Efficiency Technology Sub-programme

Mr W Irwin asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, pursuant to AQW 4579/10, if she has any plans to roll out a second tranche of the Manure Efficiency Technology Sub-programme, given the high number of applicants for the first tranche and the underspend resulting from 59 of the approvals not being taken up.

(AQW 4864/10)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: Whilst there were a high number of applicants to the Manure Efficiency Technology Sub Programme (METS) in the first tranche of the Farm Modernisation Programme (FMP), the actual uptake of financial support by those awarded grant has been disappointing. The latest figures suggest that approximately 50% of those farmers made an award under METS will not be proceeding with their investment. The experience of the first tranche of funding therefore suggests that whilst there is considerable interest in advanced slurry spreading technologies, many farmers are reluctant to make a substantial investment in this type of equipment in the current economic climate, despite the generous support that was made available.

At this time of economic downturn it is essential that hard pressed budgets are not committed to projects that do not deliver spend on the ground, consequently I will consider the merits and affordability of METS before committing funding towards a further tranche of this scheme.

Herring Fishing

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she has held any discussions with the relevant fishing organisations to allow herring fishing to take place at night to ensure the maximum amount of fish can be caught.

(AQW 4881/10)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: There are no restrictions on the time of day during which herring may be fished.

Portavogie Harbour

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what improvements are planned for Portavogie Harbour in this financial year.

(AQW 4882/10)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: The NI Fishery Harbour Authority carried out routine maintenance works including repairs to the quay edges and mechanical repairs to the slipway during this financial year. Plans for the next two years include Phase 2 repairs to the inner harbour quay walls and upgrade works to the outer pier. NIFHA will also be examining options for a small vessel pontoon facility in the inner harbour similar in style to the Kilkeel harbour facility. In addition NIFHA have been working closely with NI Water to accommodate a pumping station on the harbour which is vital to the overall upgrade works for waste/sewerage water in the Ards Peninsula and whilst not directly connected to harbour works, this will result in a major improvement in the quality of effluent water from the south side of the harbour and this work is regarded as essential for the industry and the Portavogie community.

Drainage (Northern Ireland) Order 1973

Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for her assessment of (i) the adequacy of the Drainage (Northern Ireland) Order 1973 in providing a legislative basis to deal with undesignated waterways, particularly in urban areas; and (i) whether these now pose a significant threat to property and land in towns and cities.

(AQW 4895/10)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: (i) I am confident that the provisions under the Drainage (NI) Order 1973 are adequate for the handling of undesignated watercourses in both urban and rural settings. The legislation allows for applications to be made to the Drainage Council for the north of Irealnd for designation of watercourses, whilst also affording my Department the ability to take enforcement action to ensure that maintenance work is carried out on undesignated watercourses to ensure the free flow. However it is not always possible to justify works or maintenance to address flooding problems related to garden or road flooding.

(ii) Any watercourse that, after proper evaluation, is shown to pose a significant flood risk to people and property is subject to flood alleviation works and, where appropriate, is designated for future maintenance to ensure the free flow.

Equestrian Industry

Mr W Irwin asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for an update on the handling of the case of the dead and starving horses found at a farm near Gilford, County Armagh in January 2010; and to outline any measures her Department intends to introduce to assist the equestrian industry at this time.

(AQW 4947/10)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: The PSNI is responsible for enforcing the 1972 Welfare of Animals Act with regard to non-farm animals including horses. The PSNI is leading the prosecution with support from the USPCA, who were closely involved with this case.

The department currently has no plans for new initiatives to financially support the equine industry.

Fishermen

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what she is doing to enable fishermen who are currently unemployed, to gain employment in the fishing industry; and if she has considered opening an advice centre for fishermen, similar to the one in Glasgow.

(AQW 4951/10)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: The fishing industry is telling me that it is having difficulty getting crews and as a consequence is having to recruit suitably skilled people from overseas. This suggests that those unemployed fishermen to whom you refer are no longer interested in the employment opportunities that are available in the industry. I have no plans to open an advice centre for unemployed fishermen. Locally, it is the Department for Employment and Learning that has responsibility for providing advice and guidance to jobseekers. Jobs & Benefits offices/JobCentres are able to provide further advice on the range of financial help and services available.

Renewable Energy by Anaerobic Digestion

Mr B Armstrong asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what (i) financial assistance; and (ii) technical assistance her Department can offer farmers who wish to utilise farm waste products to produce renewable energy by the process of anaerobic digestion.

(AQW 5015/10)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: Following receipt of a report from the Agriculture Stakeholder Forum on Renewable Energy, I am carrying out a review of my Department’s renewable energy policy. I expect to be able to publish the outcome of this review in May 2010.

Renewable Energy technologies, including anaerobic digestion (AD) systems, can require substantial capital investment. We have secured EC State Aid approval to implement a Biomass Processing Challenge Fund, which we plan to open in summer 2010, subject to remaining approvals being in place. The objective of the Fund , which will be part financed through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), is to encourage investment in a range of Renewable Energy technologies, at farm level, including AD.

There is an extensive research programme at AFBI Hillsborough on the AD of livestock manures using a farm-scale digester. This research programme is generating important data to inform the local agri-food industry and Government on the relative merits of AD. Approximately 1,000 people have visited the AD facility in the past year.

During February 2010, CAFRE delivered an 'Introduction to Renewable Energy in the Farming Sector' workshop to 130 farmers/growers across 6 locations. The workshop included coverage of AD technologies suitable for adoption within a farm business. A further 4 workshops are scheduled for March.

To date 16 participants in these workshops have expressed interest in AD and CAFRE will develop and deliver a further course specific to AD during 2010.

DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE

Elite Olympic Sports Facilities

Mr S Gardiner asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure when he will make a decision about elite Olympic sports facilities.

(AQW 4565/10)

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr N McCausland): The Elite Facilities Programme competition is being run by Sport NI on behalf of my Department. I have been informed that Sport NI will shortly announce the provisional preferred bidders for the programme, selected on the basis of criteria agreed at its launch.

Preferred bidders will then be asked to take forward completion of their Outline Business Cases. These will be assessed against factors such as value for money, viability and need.

Following the assessment of final Outline Business Cases by Sport NI, then by DCAL and finally by DFP, I will be in a position to announce, subject to affordability, which applications have been successful. These will then move forward to design and development stage.

2012 Olympics

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what he is doing to ensure that Northern Ireland receives a fair share of funding designated for the 2012 Olympics.

(AQW 4650/10)

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: The Government Olympic Executive in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) leads for Government on delivery of the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games and is responsible for managing central Government funding; this includes the diversion of the £42m lottery monies to fund the infrastructure associated with the Games.

My Department is represented on the Nations and Regions Group of the London2012 Organising Committee for the Games where opportunities for how Northern Ireland can participate in and benefit from the Games is actively pursued. This has included securing £1.31m funding from Legacy Trust UK in support of Northern Ireland’s 2012 legacy, and funding for a 2012 Inspire Programmer post.

I will continue to work with key stakeholders within existing 2012 structures in NI to ensure a sustainable legacy from the Games.

London Olympics

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he has had any discussions with the Big Lottery Fund to consider whether the £42m of funding redirected from Northern Ireland to the London Olympics can be used to upgrade sports training facilities here for use by competitors.

(AQW 4674/10)

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: The National Lottery is a reserved matter and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has overall UK responsibility for the Lottery.

Sport Northern Ireland, rather than the Big Lottery Fund, is the Lottery distributor for sport in Northern Ireland. Sport Northern Ireland will transfer approximately £4.1m over the period 2009- 2010.

While I continue to support the 2012 Olympic Games, I am concerned about the impact this decrease in funds will have on sport. My Department will be making bids for funding, as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review, to support the development of sport in Northern Ireland. These bids will seek to take account of reductions of funding resulting from prioritisation of lottery spending on the London Olympics.

Libraries NI

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (i) how many staff applied to continue working for Libraries NI after they reach 65 years of age; (ii) how many were unsuccessful; (iii) what posts they held; and (iv) the reasons why their applications were unsuccesful.

(AQW 4735/10)

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: 12 staff have applied to continue working for Libraries NI after they reached the age of 65 years ( Includes 4 applications made prior to April 2009 through the Education and Library Boards ).
From these 12, only 1 employee was unsuccessful in their initial request. However 9 of the employees who had been granted extensions made subsequent applications for further extensions (beyond 31 March 2010) and all of these further applications were unsuccessful.
The posts held by those 12 employees were as follows;
- 5 Library Assistants
- 1 Building Supervisor
- 1 Cleaner
- 1 Library Attendant
- 1 Senior Librarian
- 2 Branch Library Managers
- 1 Technician
Requests to continue working beyond the age of 65 were refused because the applications did not meet the business needs of Libraries NI.

Irish and Local History Studies Library in Armagh

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline the service currently available at the Irish and Local History Studies Library in Armagh; and if he has any plans to change this service.

(AQW 4736/10)

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: The Irish and Local Studies Library in Armagh provides a wide range of local history reference material that members of the public can access freely. Facilities at the library include computers, photocopiers, microfilm readers and study space.The library hosts events promoting its collections and local history and staff work closely with other local libraries and heritage institutions in Armagh.

Libraries NI have no plans for any changes to the Irish and Local Studies Library in Armagh at present but plan to conduct a Strategic Review of all services provided outside Greater Belfast in the near future.

National Stadium Project at the Maze

Mr T Lunn asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure how much his Department has paid to date for consultants in relation to the National Stadium project at the Maze.

(AQW 4825/10)

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: My department spent a total of £3,599,278 in relation to consultants’ involvement in the proposed multi-sports stadium at the Maze.

Public Relations Services

Mr J Spratt asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure how much his Department has spent on public relations services provided by Weber Shandwick since May 2007.

(AQW 4918/10)

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: The Department has incurred no expenditure on public relations services provided by Weber Shandwick since May 2007.

2013 World Police and Fire Games

Mr F McCann asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what steps he has taken to date to ensure that the infrastructure will be in place to make the 2013 World Police and Fire Games a success.

(AQW 4965/10)

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: A Business Case which includes a recommended delivery mechanism for implementing the 2013 World Police and Fire Games – Belfast has been commissioned and this has been referred to DFP for approval.

A Stakeholder group incorporating all the key stakeholders Police Service for Northern Ireland, N I Prison Service, N I Fire and Rescue Service, DCAL and Belfast City Council has been established. The Group has identified and taken forward preparatory work on various workstreams groups including Volunteering, Tourism, Legacy and Transport and Logistics to take forward the planning and organisation of the Games in conjunction with relevant external bodies.

The organisation of the 2013 WPFG sports workstream is being taken forward by Sport Northern Ireland who are identifying the sports to be included, the structures for the competitions and potential suitable venues.

Re-imaging Communities Project

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he has any plans to roll out a Re-imaging Communities project in the Bloomfield Estate, Bangor.

(AQW 4967/10)

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: The Re-Imaging Communities programme is delivered by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and decisions on the allocation of funding are taken by the Shared Communities Consortium.

The programme is principally aimed at District Councils and is also open to constituted community and voluntary organisations.

To date, the programme has not received any enquiries of interest for Bloomfield Estate, Bangor.

Equality Impact Assessments

Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what measures are included within Equality Impact Assessments conducted by his Department to ensure that the interests of people with identities outside the two perceived main traditions in Northern Ireland are taken into account.

(AQW 4970/10)

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: When conducting an Equality Impact Assessment, my Department adheres to The Guide to Statutory Duties, issued by the Equality Commission, which outlines the statutory arrangements under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

This mechanism allows policies to be assessed in order to determine whether they have an adverse impact on equality of opportunity for the nine Section 75 categories. The relevant categories include persons of religious belief, persons of different racial group and persons of different political opinion.

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Sparklebox

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Education how many users in Northern Ireland accessed the Sparklebox website in the last 12 months.

(AQW 4643/10)

Minister of Education (Ms C Ruane ): Tá ordaithe agam do Barry Mulholland, Príomhfheidhmeannach Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Iarthair, ar a bhfuil C2k ina stiúrthóireacht, iniúchadh a dhéanamh ar bhainistiú C2k den chás seo.

I have instructed Barry Mulholland, Chief Executive of the Western Education and Library Board, of which C2k is a directorate, to conduct an investigation into C2k’s handling of this case.

The Chief Executive of the Western Education and Library Board has been instructed to report to the Department of Education by 24 March 2010. Information regarding usage of Sparklebox by schools will be part of this investigation. I will revert to the Assembly on this matter at the earliest opportunity.

Scheduled Maintenance Work and New Builds for Schools

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Education to detail the (i) maintenance work; and (ii) new builds scheduled for schools in the East Antrim constituency, in each of the next three years.

(AQW 4691/10)

Minister of Education: Tá mé ag breathnú ar roghanna chun na coigiltí atá riachtanach ón bhuiséad oideachais sa bhliain 2010/11 a sholáthar agus chun déileáil le brúnna oideachais. Ní féidir, mar sin, oibreacha sceidealaithe do scoileanna a mhionsonrú ag an chéim seo. D’iarr mé ar m’fheidhmeannaigh measúnú comhionannais a dhéanamh ar gach réimse atá faoi bhreathnú i leith laghdaithe agus ní dhéanfaidh mé aon chinneadh go dtí go bhfeicfidh mé toradh na hoibre seo.

I am currently considering options for delivering savings required in 2010/11 from the education budget and to address education pressures. It is therefore not possible at this stage to detail scheduled works for schools. I have asked my officials to carry out an equality assessment on each of the areas under consideration for reduction and I will not make any decisions until I have seen the outcome of this work.

Retired Teachers

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education whether her Department will continue to advise schools and colleges of the employment of teachers who have retired or taken premature retirement when they are seeking to fill temporary vacancies.

(AQW 4694/10)

Minister of Education: Seo a leanas líon na múinteoirí a d’éirigh as an mhúinteoireacht agus ar athfhostaíodh iad i bpobail áitiúla foghlama, i bpost múinteoireachta sealadach nó páirt-aimseartha:

The number of teachers who have retired over the last five years and subsequently become re-employed in local learning communities, in a temporary or part-time teaching position is as follows:

Financial Year	Total Number of Retired Teachers	Total Number of retired teachers who were re-employed in 2009/2010	Number of Prematurely Retired Teachers	Number of Prematurely retired teachers who were re-employed in 2009/2010
2005/06	1032	114	613	100
2006/07	1095	134	588	93
2007/08	1076	183	603	160
2008/09	961	121	504	87

Note – Figures for 2009/10 are not available.

The Department’s Teachers’ Pay & Pensions’ Team supplies employers with information on the instances of reemployment in their respective areas and repeatedly advises employers of their responsibilities on re-employment, i.e. retired teachers should only be re-employed to provide short-term cover where newly qualified teachers or experienced non-retired teachers are unavailable.

Retired Teachers

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education (i) how many (a) retired teachers; or (b) prematurely retired teachers are involved in local learning communities; and (ii) whether her Department is advising local learning community groups of the employment of teachers who have retired or taken premature retirement when they are seeking to fill vacancies.

(AQW 4695/10)

The number of teachers who have retired over the last five years and subsequently become re-employed in local learning communities, in a temporary or part-time teaching position is as follows:

Financial Year	Total Number of Retired Teachers	Total Number of retired teachers who were re-employed in 2009/2010	Number of Prematurely Retired Teachers	Number of Prematurely retired teachers who were re-employed in 2009/2010
2005/06	1032	114	613	100
2006/07	1095	134	588	93
2007/08	1076	183	603	160
2008/09	961	121	504	87

Note – Figures for 2009/10 are not available.

Governance Status of Schools

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to confirm if her Department is currently reviewing, or has any plans to review, how the existing management or governance status of schools is defined, altered or changed.

(AQW 4710/10)

Minister of Education: My Department has reviewed the existing management or governance status of grant-aided schools in the context of the Review of Public Administration.

The Education Bill provides for some minor changes to the constitution of school Boards of Governors to take account of the establishment of the ESA. Under Clause 35 of the Bill, ESA, as the funding authority of all grant-aided schools, will take on responsibility for the recruitment and appointment of DE and ELB governors who will then be renamed community governors. Several amendments have been tabled to Clause 35. These include a change to the definition of community governors to include the community served by the school and a provision that their appointment should follow consultation with the relevant Board of Governors. I am content to support both amendments at Consideration Stage of the Bill. However, I am still awaiting Executive agreement on the amendments on the amendments which I am proposing to move or support at Consideration Stage.

Cinnteoidh an Bille Oideachais (Uimh. 2) go bhfuil gach scoil rialaithe faoi smacht agus bainistíocht a Boird Ghobharnóirí. Is é is aidhm dó ná gach Bord Gobharnóirí scoile a chur i seasamh inchomparáide i dtaca le socruithe bainsitíochta scoile.

The Education (No 2) Bill will provide for each controlled school to be under the control and management of its Board of Governors. This is designed to place all school Boards of Governors on a comparable position with regard to school management arrangements.

The mechanisms by which the governance and management arrangements of a school can be changed are:

by means of a School Development Proposal under Article 14 of the Education and Libraries (NI) Order 1986;
by the transfer of a voluntary school to controlled status under Article 17 of the Education and Libraries (NI) Order 1986;
by the initiation of procedures for the acquisition of grant maintained integrated status under Articles 69 to 78 of the Education Reform (NI) Order 1989;
by the initiation of procedures for the acquisition of controlled integrated status under Articles 91 to 99 of the Education Reform (NI) Order 1989;
by the establishment of a new controlled, voluntary or independent school in the premises of a former grant maintained integrated school under Article 83 of the Education Reform (NI) Order 1989.

New Capital Builds

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Education how much has been allocated for new capital builds in each Education and Library Board area in each of the last three years.

(AQW 4712/10)

Minister of Education: Seo a leanas na méideanna a leithdháileadh le haghaidh tógálacha nua i ngach ceantar Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne i ngach bliain de na trí bliana a chuaigh thart:

Amounts allocated for new builds in each Education and Library Board area in each of the last three years were as follows:

Board Area	2006/07 (£000s)	2007/08 (£000s)	2008/09 (£000s)
BELB	12,232	15,837	11,275
WELB	23,360	15,962	41,626
NEELB	12,743	8,130	5,511
SEELB	8,961	30,449	43,004
SELB	14,867	19,367	21,620

Entitlement Framework

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education what percentage of schools currently deliver the requirements of the Entitlement Framework.

(AQW 4749/10)

Minister of Education: Beidh an Creat iomlán Teidlíochta ina cheanglas reachtúil ón bhliain 2013. Ón dáta sin, ní mór do theacht ar réimse cúrsaí atá níos leithne agus níos cothroime a bheith ag gach duine óg. Cúrsaí a mbeidh suim ag na daoine óg iontu; cúrsaí a bheidh ábhartha dóibh; cúrsaí a chuideoidh leo chun slite beatha sásúla a bhaint amach.

The full Entitlement Framework will be a statutory requirement from 2013. From that date, all our young people must have access to a broader, better balanced range of courses. Courses that interest them; that they see as relevant; that will lead to fulfilling careers.

My Department is currently reviewing progress of every Post Primary schools towards full delivery of the Entitlement Framework and the Inspectorate will ensure, from now on, that all inspections in post-primary schools include a focus on the offer available to pupils at 14 and as they prepare to enter sixth form – and a particular focus on the coherence of what is available and the careers education and guidance that is available to help pupils make meaningful choices.

The 2008/09 Entitlement Framework Audit Report is available and represents progress over the first two years of the Entitlement Framework and shows that at Key Stage 4, 21% of post-primary schools offered access to a minimum of 24 courses, of which at least one third were applied courses.

At Post 16, 9.3% of all post-primary schools offered access to a minimum of 27 courses, of which at least one third were applied courses.

Educational Underachievement

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Education (i) what strategies are currently in place to address the comparative educational underachievement of children from the most deprived areas; and (ii) if there are any future strategies planned to address this issue.

(AQW 4763/10)

Minister of Education: Educational underachievement can be defined as those children who leave school without having achieved at least five good GCSEs at grades A* to C including literacy and maths. Too often, underachievement is related to socio-economic disadvantage and is compounded by poverty of aspiration. My focus is on tackling underachievement wherever it exists and improving outcomes for all our young people.

Research on the impact of selection shows that preparing children for the transfer tests distorted the curriculum and required teachers to adopt a narrow repertoire of teaching strategies, rather than fully developing literacy and numeracy through more engaging approaches. Pupils not entered for the tests received unequal or less attention than transfer test pupils and some children had classroom experiences that not only failed to meet their needs as learners but left them uninterested, demotivated and misunderstood as learners. I therefore introduced Transfer 2010 to put an end to these detrimental impacts, particularly on our most disadvantaged young people.

Chomh maith le hAistriú 2010, tá mé ag cur i bhfeidhm creat de bheartais idircheangáilte lena chinntiú go mbaineann gach páiste a chumas amach. Tá an curaclam athbhreithnithe i bhfeidhm do gach bliainghrúpa ó bhonnbhliain go hEochairchéim 4; Sheol mé ‘Gach Scoil ina Scoil Mhaith- Beartas um Fheabhsú Scoileanna’ ar 30 Aibreán 2009; tá na cláir ‘Ag Baint Amach i nDoire’ agus ‘Ag Baint Amach i mBéal Feirste’ dírithe ar dhul i nleic le tearcghnóthachtáil i gceantair faoi ard-mhíbhuntáiste socheacnamaíoch. Cuimsíonn bearta atá le teacht an straitéis um litearthacht agus uimhearthacht, an beartas um riachtanais oideachais speisialta agus chuimsiú, straitéis luath-bhlianta agus bunú an Údaráis um Oideachas agus Scileanna.

As well as Transfer 2010, I am putting in place a jigsaw of interconnected policies aimed at ensuring every child fulfils her or his potential. The revised curriculum is now in place for all year groups from foundation to Key Stage 4; I launched ‘Every School a Good School – a Policy for School Improvement’ on 30 April 2009; the Achieving Derry and Achieving Belfast programmes are aimed at tackling underachievement in areas of high socio-economic disadvantage. Forthcoming measures include the literacy and numeracy strategy, the special educational needs and inclusion policy, an early years strategy and the establishment of the ESA.

Extended Schools Programme

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education for her Department's assessment of the Extended Schools programme.

(AQW 4769/10)

Minister of Education: Is iad na scoileanna aonair agus Comhordaitheoir Scoile Seirbhísí Breise na mBord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne (BOLanna) a dhéanann monatóireacht agus measúnú ar imeachtaí Scoile Seirbhísí Breise, agus rinneadh tuairiscí measúnaithe ag an Chigireacht Oideachais agus Oiliúna (COO).

Monitoring and evaluation of Extended School activities is carried out by individual schools, the Education and Library Boards (ELBs) Extended School Co-ordinator and evaluation reports have also been completed by the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI).

Reports from schools and ELBs suggest the programme is proving beneficial by helping remove barriers to learning by helping children become ready to learn, motivating and supporting them to achieve their full potential and also increasing the value placed on education by parents and the wider community. The ETI report in October 2008 updates an initial evaluation published in November 2006 and records considerable progress both in the schools and in the ELBs supporting the schools to deliver the aims of the programme. I remain committed to narrowing the gap in achievement levels across the North and improving the life chances of all children and young people.

Extended Schools Programme

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education how much her Department has spent on the Extended Schools programme in each of the last three years.

(AQW 4771/10)

Minister of Education: Mionsonraíonn an tábla atá iniata an maoiniú a leithdháil an Roinn Oideachais do chlár na Scoileanna Sínithe i ngach bliain de na trí bliana airgeadais a chuaigh thart:

The attached table details the Extended Schools funding allocated by the Department of Education in each of the last three financial years:

2007/08
(£000s) 2008/09
(£000s) 2009/10
(£000s)

14,208*

11,075

9,884

2007/08 (£000s)	2008/09 (£000s)	2009/10 (£000s)
14,208*	11,075	9,884

* includes £3.638m carry over from 2006/07

New Builds for Schools in East Belfast

Lord Browne asked the Minister of Education to detail the programme of new builds for schools in the East Belfast constituency for (i) 2010/11; (ii) 2011/12; and (iii) 2012/13.

(AQW 4786/10)

Minister of Education: Construction work is currently underway to provide new school buildings for Grosvenor G.S. and Our Lady & St Patrick’s College, Knock, with work due to be completed in April 2010 and April 2011 respectively.

Is riachtanach a chinntiú go bhfuil an t-infheistiú san earnáil oideachais i gcomhréir leis an chreat beartais atá á chur i bhfeidhm agam. Ar 15 Deireadh Fómhair 2009, d’fhógair mé athbhreithniú ar gach tionscadal caipitil lena dhearbhú go bhfuil siad go léir i gcomhréir leis an chreat beartais agus, mar sin, go mbeidh siad inmharthana san fhádtéarma. Cinnteoidh an t-athbhreithniú seo go n-úsáidtear gach acmhainn atá ar fáil chun na torthaí is fearr do pháistí agus an luach is fearr don cháiníocóir a bhaint amach.

It is necessary to ensure that investment in the education estate is consistent with and supportive of the policy framework I am putting in place. On 15 October 2009 I announced a review of all capital projects to validate that all are consistent with the policy framework and hence will be viable and sustainable in the long term. This review will ensure that available resources are used to secure the best outcomes for children and maximum value for the taxpayer

Until the that review is completed I will not in a position to state which, if any new builds will take place in East Belfast in 2010/11, 2011/12 or 2012/13

Free School Meals

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Education (i) to detail the number and percentage of children entitled to free school meals (a) who enrolled in the first year of a grammar school in each of the last five years; (b) who have obtained the necessary marks to enter a grammar school in the recent transfer tests; and (ii) whether she intends to bring these figures to the Assembly.

(AQW 4791/10)

Minister of Education: Tá sé socraithe agam go gcuirfear i Leabharlann an Tionóil an t-eolas a iarradh ar líon na bpáistí agus céadatán na bpáistí atá i dteideal béilí saora scoile agus a chláraigh sa chéad bhliain ar scoil ghramadaí i ngach bliain de na cúig bliana a chuiagh thart.

I have arranged to have the information requested about the number and percentage of children entitled to free school meals who enrolled in the first year of a grammar school in each of the last five years to be placed in the Assembly Library.

Information about the number and percentage of children entitled to receive free school meals who are admitted to grammar schools in September 2010 will be collected as part of the next school census in October 2010.

Funding for Preparatory Pre-schools

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Education if her proposal to withdraw funding for preparatory pre-schools requires Executive approval.

(AQW 4793/10)

Minister of Education: The Independent Strategic Review of Education (known as the Bain Report), published in December 2006, highlighted the issue of the funding of Preparatory Schools. In respect of the allocation of the education budget, it stated:

"Equity must continue to be at the heart of this distribution. For this reason, the part-funding of fee-charging preparatory departments in grammar schools is anomalous. This aspect of delegation subsidises provision that can only be accessed by children whose parents can pay the requisite fee. This would seem to be an inequitable use of public funds and counterintuitive in a funding system simultaneously managing the pressures of a high level of surplus capacity. The rationale for this aspect of schools-related current expenditure should be reviewed and its continuation considered with regard to equity and in the context of the significant pressures on the education budget".

One of the key recommendations of the Bain Report (recommendation 5) was that:

"The rationale for funding preparatory departments in grammar schools should be reviewed".

The Equality Commission has adopted a position where it considers that a key component of a quality education system is the provision of equality of access to good education. In relation to its position on the funding of Preparatory Departments, the Commission has stated that:

"Preparatory Departments inherently do not provide equality of access as attendance is dependant on a parents /families ability to pay additional substantial costs. We do not believe a public subvention to this sector is the best possible use of public funds when there are other areas that we have prioritised for intervention in the above document". ("Above document" refers to Every Child an Equal Child)

I gcomhréir leis an mholadh seo, thug mo Roinn údarás don Roinn Airgeadais agus Pearsanra chun athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar mhaoiniú do ranna ullmhúcháin scoileanna gramadaí agus chun tuairisc ar na torthaí a sholáthar don Roinn.

In line with this recommendation my Department commissioned the Department of Finance and Personnel to undertake a review of funding to preparatory departments of grammar schools and to provide a report on their findings to the Department.

The report concludes that the Department should consider the withdrawal of funding to preparatory departments on the basis of equality of access.

I have accepted the main findings in the report and have indicated that the recommendation to withdraw funding from preparatory departments should be subject to an Equality Impact Assessment before a final decision on implementation is taken.

The draft Equality Impact Assessment went out for consultation on 7 January 2010 and the deadline for responses is 4 March 2010.

The proposal to withdraw funding from preparatory departments of grammar schools does not require Executive approval as it does not fall under the list of duties as outlined in section 2.4 of the Ministerial Code.

Funding for Preparatory Pre-schools

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Education if her proposal to withdraw funding for preparatory pre-schools will be subject to an Equality Impact Assessment before any final decision.

(AQW 4794/10)

One of the key recommendations of the Bain Report (recommendation 5) was that:

"The rationale for funding preparatory departments in grammar schools should be reviewed".

In line with this recommendation my Department commissioned the Department of Finance and Personnel’s, Business Consultancy Service, to undertake a review of funding to preparatory departments of grammar schools and to provide a report on their findings to the Department.

The report concludes that the Department should consider the withdrawal of funding to preparatory departments on the basis of equality of access

Cuireadh an dréacht-Mheasúnacht Tionchair Chomhionannais ar fáil le haghaidh comhairlithe ar 7 Eanáir 2010 agus is é spriocdháta i leith freagraí ná 4 Márta 2010. Tá sonraí le fáil ar láithreán Gréasáin na Roinne faoi ‘Current Issues.’

The draft Equality Impact Assessment went out for consultation on 7 January 2010 and the deadline for responses is 4 March 2010. Details are available on the Department’s website under ‘Current Issues.’

Special Educational Needs Assessments

Mr T Clarke asked the Minister of Education what limits are placed on primary schools in referring pupils for special educational needs assessments.

(AQW 4795/10)

Minister of Education: Cuireadh in iúl dom ag Príomhfheidhmeannaigh na mBord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne nach bhfuil aon teorainn curtha ar bhunscoileanna agus iad ag tarchur páistí chun measúnachtaí ar riachtanais speisialta.

I have been advised by the Chief Executives of the Education and Library Boards that there is no limit placed on primary schools when referring pupils for special needs assessments.

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.

In all Boards if information is presented to the educational psychologist 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.

Capital Budget

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 4385/10, (i) what proportion of her capital budget is spent on (a) new capital projects; and (b) maintenance of existing buildings; and (ii) how she determines the appropriate spending.

(AQW 4801/10)

Minister of Education: Spend on new capital projects varies from year to year and takes into account a range of factors including preparedness of schemes and the level of available funds. It is important that my Department’s capital spending is viable and sustainable in the long term and in doing so ensure that our statutory duties in relation to equality and targeting on the basis of objective need are met.

Sa bhliain 2008/09, caitheadh 91% den bhuiséad caipitil ar thionscadail chaipitil (mór-oibreacha agus mionoibreacha araon). Is an buiséad atréimhseach a chumhdaíonn an costas ar chothabháil i scoileanna, ní an buiséad caipitil.

In 2008/09, 91% of the capital budget was spent on capital projects (both major and minor works). The cost of maintenance in schools is met from the recurrent budget and not from the capital budget.

Education Welfare Officer Posts

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of Education Welfare Officer posts; and (ii) the number of these which are vacant within (a) each Education and Library Board area; and (b) each local government district.

(AQW 4868/10)

Minister of Education:

Sholáthar na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an t-eolas a iarradh agus atá leagtha amach sna táblaí thíos:

The Education and Library Boards have provided the information requested which is set out in the tables below:

	Number of EWO (Basic Grade) Posts	Number of Vacant EWO (Basic Grade) Posts
BELB	27	0
NEELB	27	1 in Newtownabbey Borough Council 1 in Coleraine Borough Council
SEELB	23	0
SELB	28	0
WELB	25	1 in Derry City Council

Expenditure on Youth Services

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the expenditure on youth services for 2008/09; and (ii) the planned expenditure for 2009/10.

(AQW 4872/10)

Minister of Education: Sholáthair an Roinn an maoiniú atá leagtha amach thíos do Sheirbhísí don Ógra sna blianta 2008/09 agus 2009/10:

The funding set out below was provided for Youth Services by the Department of Education in 2008/09 and 2009/10:

	2008/09 £000s	2009/10 £000s
DE Recurrent	28,442¹	28,637
DE Capital	5,016	7,912

¹ This excludes £1.597m paid in 2008/09 for part-time youth workers pay arrears relating to the period 2005/06 – 2007/08

In addition to DE funding, OFMDFM and DSD allocated funds to the Youth Service via DE. Details are as follows:

	2008/09 £000s	2009/10 £000s
OFMDFM (Summer intervention and specific youth project funding)	476	475
DSD (Neighbourhood Renewal funding)	144	156

English and Maths GCSE Grades

Mr T Lunn asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the percentage of each grade achieved in English and Maths GCSE in each of the last three years for (a) grammar school pupils; (b) secondary school pupils; (c) integrated school pupils; and (d) all pupils; and (ii) the comparable percentages for England and Wales.

(AQW 4892/10)

Minister of Education: Soláthraíonn na táblaí thíos na staitisticí a iarradh:

The tables below provide the statistics requested:

North of Ireland -Grammar	Entries	A*	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	Q	U	X
English 2008/09	9,196	10.0	29.9	38.4	18.6	2.7	0.2	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.1	0.0
Maths 2008/09	8,506	17.2	26.5	33.2	20.2	2.5	0.2	0.1	0.1	0.0	0.1	0.0
English 2007/08	9,254	9.4	30.7	38.8	17.8	3.1	0.1	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.1	0.0
Maths 2007/08	8,679	19.5	24.7	33.3	19.4	2.2	0.4	0.1	0.1	0.0	0.3	0.0
English 2006/07	9,282	8.7	31.7	39.3	17.4	2.7	0.2	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0
Maths 2006/07	8,559	15.0	22.2	33.1	25.8	2.6	0.5	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.7	0.0
North of Ireland - Non-grammar	Entries	A*	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	Q	U	X
English 2008/09	12,949	0.6	4.4	14.3	32.6	26.1	13.3	4.9	2.1	0.0	1.4	0.2
Maths 2008/09	13,262	1.0	3.4	9.1	29.4	23.2	15.0	10.3	5.7	0.0	2.6	0.3
English 2007/08	13,781	0.7	4.8	14.1	32.8	25.2	12.8	5.4	2.1	0.2	1.6	0.2
Maths 2007/08	14,086	1.0	3.7	10.4	29.3	20.3	15.6	10.5	5.9	0.0	3.1	0.2
English 2006/07	14,054	0.7	4.4	13.9	32.1	26.5	13.2	5.5	2.0	0.0	1.4	0.3
Maths 2006/07	14,099	1.0	3.0	11.5	26.2	21.1	17.3	10.8	4.3	0.0	4.4	0.4
North of Ireland - Integrated	Entries	A*	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	Q	U	X
English 2008/09	1,806	1.4	6.3	16.4	32.1	24.8	11.5	4.7	1.6	0.0	1.1	0.2
Maths 2008/09	1,805	1.4	3.6	8.7	30.1	22.9	14.5	9.8	5.8	0.0	2.8	0.4
English 2007/08	1,636	1.5	7.0	17.4	32.8	23.8	10.4	4.1	1.8	0.0	1.2	0.0
Maths 2007/08	1,665	1.6	3.4	10.5	28.6	21.6	14.4	9.7	5.5	0.0	2.5	0.4
English 2006/07	1,612	1.1	5.5	15.9	32.9	25.2	11.7	5.0	1.1	0.0	1.3	0.3
Maths 2006/07	1,635	1.3	3.3	11.0	29.1	19.3	17.0	9.5	5.1	0.0	4.1	0.4

North of Ireland - All pupils	Entries	A*	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	Q	U	X
English 2008/09	22,145	4.5	15.0	24.3	26.8	16.4	7.9	2.9	1.2	0.0	0.9	0.1
Maths 2008/09	21,768	7.3	12.4	18.5	25.8	15.1	9.2	6.3	3.5	0.0	1.6	0.2
English 2007/08	23,035	4.2	15.2	24.0	26.8	16.3	7.7	3.2	1.3	0.1	1.0	0.1
Maths 2007/08	22,765	8.1	11.7	19.1	25.5	13.4	9.8	6.5	3.7	0.0	2.0	0.1
English 2006/07	23,336	4.3	14.3	23.0	25.4	15.6	7.5	2.7	1.2	0.0	0.8	0.1
Maths 2006/07	22,658	6.3	10.2	19.7	26.1	14.1	10.9	6.7	2.7	0.0	3.0	0.3

England	Entries	A*	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	U	X
English 2008/09	655,800	4.3	11.7	20.0	26.6	19.7	9.9	4.4	1.8	1.3	0.3
Maths 2008/09	693,700	4.8	11.5	17.0	26.1	16.7	10.5	7.0	3.8	1.8	0.8
English 2007/08	642,800	4.2	11.8	20.6	26.2	19.2	10.2	4.5	1.8	1.3	0.3
Maths 2007/08	731,900	5.1	10.9	17.3	26.4	16.4	10.6	7.0	3.6	2.3	0.5
English 2006/07	621,900	4.2	12.2	20.5	26.1	18.4	10.4	4.8	1.9	1.2	0.4
Maths 2006/07	705,900	4.7	10.9	18.2	24.4	15.5	12.0	7.0	3.0	2.6	1.8
Wales	Entries	A*	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	No grade
English 2008/09	34,024	3.5	9.9	18.8	29.4	20.3	10.6	4.7	1.7	1.2
Maths 2008/09	36,731	4.3	10.4	15.3	26.5	15.7	10.6	8.5	5.2	3.5
English 2007/08	35,636	3.0	9.8	19.8	31.0	20.5	9.8	3.6	1.4	1.1
Maths 2007/08	37,953	4.5	11.0	17.4	22.9	15.9	11.9	8.7	4.8	2.8
English 2006/07	35,852	2.7	9.5	19.8	29.7	20.3	11.0	4.3	1.4	1.2
Maths 2006/07	37,764	4.9	10.0	19.1	21.2	14.2	12.7	9.7	4.6	3.5

Sources: DCSF, DE, Welsh Assembly

Notes to table:

Due to the effects of rounding, not all grade percentages for a subject when added together may equal 100.
Wales and England do not have the Q (result pending) grade.
Wales do not differentiate between U (ungraded) and X (did not sit). They combine the two into a ‘No Grade’ indicator.
English figures are rounded to the nearest 100 entries.

Catering Services

Lord Browne asked the Minister of Education how much her Department has spent on catering services since May 2007.

(AQW 4896/10)

Minister of Education: Le linn na tréimhse idir 1 Bealtaine 2007 agus 31 Eanáir 2010, chaith an Roinn Oideachais £123,457 ar sheirbhísí lónadóireachta.

During the period from 1^st May 2007 to 31^st January 2010, the Department of Education has spent £123,457 on catering services.

Nursery School Places

Lord Browne asked the Minister of Education (i) how many children are due to start nursery school in East Belfast in September 2010; and (ii) how many nursery school places are available.

(AQW 4898/10)

Minister of Education: (i) The enrolment process for the 2010/11 school year is still ongoing and as a result the relevant Education and Library Boards have advised that it is not possible, at this stage, to give a definitive figure for the number of children due to start nursery or pre-school education in September 2010.

However, using the number of children currently in P1 as a proxy for the size of the pre-school cohort in 2010/11, it is anticipated that there will be approximately 896 children in their final pre-school year in the East Belfast constituency in September 2010.

(ii) Funded pre-school places are available in statutory nursery schools and nursery units attached to statutory primary schools and in voluntary and private settings. According to the October 2009 school census there are 979 pre-school places available in the current school year in the East Belfast constituency. This includes 820 places in statutory nursery schools and nursery units attached to primary schools. In addition, there are 159 places available in voluntary and private settings. However, this number can fluctuate if there is demand for additional places.

Mar a léiríodh thuas, tá an próiseas rollaithe don scoilbhliain 2010/11 leantach agus coinneoidh na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne ábhartha an seasamh seo faoi bhreathnú lena chinntiú go mbaintear sprioc beartais na Roinne amach chun áit mhaoinithe réamhscoile a sholáthar do gach páiste ar mhian lena thuismitheoirí ceann a bheith acu.

As indicated above, the enrolment process for the 2010/11 school year is still ongoing and the relevant Education and Library Boards will keep the position under review to ensure that the Department’s policy objective to provide a funded pre-school place for every child whose parents wish them to have one is met.

Corran Integrated Primary School, Larne

Mr D Hilditch asked the Minister of Education for an update on the provision of a new build for Corran Integrated Primary School, Larne.

(AQW 4899/10)

Minister of Education: Is fíor-thábhachtach go bhfuil infheistiú san earnáil oideachais i gcomhréir agus tacúil leis an chreat beartais atá mé á chur i bhfeidhm lena chinntiú go mbaineann muid ár ndualgais reachtúla um chomhionannais amach agus go bhfuil muid ag díriú ar riachtanas sainaithnithe. I mí Dheireadh Fómhair 2009, choimisiúnaigh mé athbhreithniú ar thionscadail reatha, lena n-áirítear an t-athbhreithniú sin ar Corran Integrated Primary School, lena dhearbhú go bhfuil siad i gcomhréir leis an chreat beartais agus go mbeidh siad, mar sin, inmharthana agus inchothaithe san fhadtéarma.

It is critically important that investment in the education estate is consistent with and supportive of the policy framework I am putting in place to ensure we meet our statutory duties on equality and targeting on the basis of identified need. In October 2009, I commissioned a review of current projects, including that for Corran Integrated Primary School, to validate that all are consistent with the policy framework and hence will be viable and sustainable in the long term.

The outcome of the review will inform the development of a more strategic approach to capital investment decisions and management of the schools estate and projects will then be prioritised for progression in the coming financial years. It is therefore not possible to provide an update on the proposed major capital works project for Corran Integrated Primary School at this time.

Payment of Services and Supplies

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Education if her Department is meeting the target of ten days for the payment of services and supplies.

(AQW 4910/10)

Minister of Education: Tugaim tacaíocht láidir don sprioc chun íocaíochtaí a dhéanamh le linn 10 lá oibre, go háirithe le linn an choir reatha seo chun donais eacnamaíoch. Déanann an Roinn monatóireacht ar a feidhmiú ar bhonn míosúil agus glacann sí cibé beart ceartúcháin iomchuí lena chinntiú go bpróiseáltar íocaíochtaí chomh héafachtach agus is féidir.

I strongly support the target of making payments within 10 working days, particularly during the current economic downturn. The Department monitors its performance on a monthly basis and takes whatever corrective action is appropriate to ensure that payments are processed as efficiently as possible.

During the course of 2009, the Department’s average prompt payment performance improved and in the second half of the year DE achieved an average prompt payment performance of just below 70%.

Ongoing resourcing difficulties in Account NI continue to impact adversely on DE prompt payment performance.

Educational Underachievement

Mr K Robinson asked e Minister of Education, pursuant to AQO 623/10, why she was able to provide figures for educational underachievement in Protestant and Roman Catholic children at GCSE level, but stated in response to AQW 4541/10 that community background figures were not available.

(AQW 4928/10)

Minister of Education: Fuarthas na figiúirí a soláthraíodh in AQO 623/10 ó shuirbhé fágálach scoile, bunachar sonraí a mhionshonraíonn cúlra pobail daltaí aonair. Ní chuimsíonn an bunachar sonraí seo sonraí ar ábhair aonair do gach iontráil GCSE agus Ardleibhéil, mar a iarradh in AQW 4541/10. Níl an t-eolas seo ar fáil ach ó thacar sonraí réiteach sonraí RM. Is bunachar sonraí é seo a cheannaítear go bliantúil ó University of Bath a sholáthraíonn eolas ar ábhair GCSE. Ní chuimsíonn an bunachar sonraí seo cúlra pobail daltaí aonair. Ní féidir an tacar sonraí seo a cheangal le bunachar sonraí daonáirimh a choinnítear laistigh den Roinn chun cúlra pobail a shannadh do gach dalta. Sannadh cineál bainistíochta scoile do gach iontráil, mar sin, bunaithe ar an scoil ina raibh an dalta rollaithe.

The figures provided in AQO 623/10 were sourced from the school leavers survey, a database that includes the community background of individual pupils. This database does not contain individual subject data for all GCSE and A level entries, as requested in AQW 4541/10. This information is only available from the RM data solutions dataset. This is a database purchased annually from the University of Bath that provides GCSE subject information. This database does not contain the community background of individual candidates. It is not possible to fully link this dataset with the census databases held within the Department in order to assign each pupil a community background. Each entry was therefore assigned a school management type based on the school the pupil was enrolled in.

Peripatetic Language Tutors

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education how many peripatetic language tutors in the Primary Languages programme are qualified primary school teachers, broken down by the language they teach.

(AQW 4931/10)

Minister of Education: Tá Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Oirdheiscirt (BOLO) freagrach as an Chlár Bunscoile um Theangacha a riar. Chuir Príomhfheidhmeannach an BOLO in iúl dom go bhfuil 74 de na múinteoirí taistil ina múinteoirí cáilíthe. Seo a leanas an miondealú air seo de réir na 3 teanga:

The South Eastern Education and Library Board (SEELB) is the lead board in administrating the Primary Languages Programme. I have been advised by the Chief Executive of SEELB that currently 74 of the peripatetic tutors are qualified teachers. The breakdown across the 3 languages is as follows:

Spanish - 38

Irish - 14

Polish - 22

Equality Impact Assessments

Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Education what measures are included within Equality Impact Assessments conducted by her Department to ensure that the interests of people with identities outside the two perceived main traditions in Northern Ireland are taken into account.

(AQW 4971/10)

Minister of Education: Tá treoir na Roinne ar Mheasúnacht Tionchair Chomhionannais (MTC) a dhéanamh ar fáil do gach foireann ar shuíomh inlín na Roinne. Le linn phróiseas na MTC, ba chóir go mbreithneofaí gach foinse eolais, foinsí inmheánacha agus foinsí seachtracha araon, chun tionchar ar gach grúpa tágartha 75 a mheas, leana n-áirítear na grúpálacha reiligiúin atá lasmuigh den dá phríomhthraidisiún. Chomh maith leis sin, tá 450 grúpa agus duine aonair ag an Roinn a léiríonn réimse éagsúil iomlán de ghrúpaí tágartha 75 a dtéitear i gcomhairle leo le linn phróiseas na MTC.

The Departments guidance on undertaking an Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) is available to all staff through the department’s Intranet Site. During an EQIA process all sources of information both internal and external should be considered to gauge the impact on all section 75 groups including those religious groupings outside the main two traditions. In addition the department has 450 groups and individuals which reflect the full and diverse range of section 75 groups which are consulted during the EQIA process.

Attractiveness of Headship

Mr C Boylan asked the Minister of Education what progress has been made on the joint North/South research study on the 'Attractiveness of Headship'.

(AQO 796/10)

Minister of Education: Sholáthair an Dochtúir Tom Hesketh, Stiúrthóir ar an Aonad Traenála Réigiúnach, cóip den tuairisc dheireanach dom. Beidh mé ag déanamh plé ar an mbealach chun tosaigh don tuairisc le Batt O’Keefe, T.D., an tAire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta sa Deisceart.

Dr Tom Hesketh, Director of the Regional Training Unit, has provided me with a copy of the final report. I will be discussing the way forward on the report with Batt O’Keefe, T.D., Minister for Education and Science in the South.

School leadership has become a priority in education policy agendas across Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) and partner countries. It plays a key role in improving school outcomes by influencing motivations and capacities of teachers, as well as the environment and climate within which they work. The importance of school leadership and the role that it plays in all our children’s futures cannot be underestimated. Leadership is not just the ability to manage efficiently - it is key to improved educational outcomes.

I want to close the attainment gap between those schools that serve some of our children well - in some cases very well indeed - and leave others to the vagaries of an outmoded model based on selection of some children at 11 and to tolerance of educational failure.

Strong and dedicated leadership is essential as we move to address the issues of social equity and educational underachievement in our schools. Supporting effective governance and leadership is an important pillar in our school improvement policy, particularly in this time of change. I look to school leaders to lead on the issue of social equality which is at the heart of the transfer debate.

The study found that many of the issues identified in the OECD report on School Leadership apply across Ireland, both north and south. In line with international experience, both parts of Ireland face challenges relating to the demographic profile of principals and the perceived attractiveness of the position. The research has identified a range of issues relating to:

the age profile of principals;
female representation in school leadership positions;
the perception of the role of principals;
concerns in relation to workload, administrative tasks and bureaucracy, and financial management;
training or preparation for the role.

The study advises that there are some issues that are more specific to the north and south of Ireland particularly in regard to the structural and cultural nature of the educational landscape and to specific terms and conditions for principals. These issues relate to:

the relatively high number of small schools which impacts on recruitment and retention and the perception that the educational landscape is relatively conservative;
principals’ terms and conditions also seem to discourage applicants;

However, the study also found that:

newly appointed principals are largely happy in their role, with a high proportion stating that they are very satisfied;
findings from both the qualitative and quantitative phases of the research emphasise the intrinsic rewards that principalship can bring and the vocational nature of the role; the chance to ‘make a difference’.

Stakeholders and focus group participants in this research also warmly welcomed the investment in each jurisdiction in school leadership.

Indeed, last week I was privileged to attend the Professional Qualification for Headship (PQH) graduation ceremony held at the Ramada Hotel in Belfast to celebrate the achievements of a further two hundred and twelve candidates. The PQH is a qualification to prepare teachers for principalship and is delivered by the Regional Training Unit through funding provided by my Department.

Budget Pressures

Mr J O'Dowd asked the Minister of Education to outline the proposals she has received from the Education Committee in relation to the £90m pressures faced by her Department in the coming year.

(AQO 797/10)

Minister of Education: Scríobh mé chuig an gCoiste Oideachais ar an gceathrú lá déag de mhí Eanáir ag iarraidh a dtuairimí a fháil maidir leis an gcaoi arbh fhéidir na coigilteas a chomhaontaigh an Coiste Feidhmiúcháin agus na brúnna eile atá roimh Sheirbhísí Oideachais an bhliain seo chugainn a bhaint amach i gcomhthéacs foriomlán mo thosaíochtaí don oideachas.

I wrote to the Education Committee on 14 January seeking their views on how the savings agreed by the Executive and also the other pressures facing Education Services next year could be delivered within the overall context of my priorities for education. To assist the Committee in their deliberations I was invited to and agreed to attend their meeting of 3 February to discuss the budgeting position for 2010/11 in more detail. Following this the Chairperson of the Committee sent me a submission on 11 February setting out the Committee’s response. I am currently considering their reply. However on first glance it would seem that the only substantive proposal submitted by the Committee was that a substantial element of the £24.3 million budget currently available for the Review of Special Education Needs in 2010/11 could be used to address pressures next year. This reply is somewhat disappointing as I had hoped for a more comprehensive response.

Statements of Special Educational Needs

Mr A Maginness asked the Minister of Education for her assessment of the interboard policy on statementing.

(AQO 799/10)

Minister of Education: Each Education and Library Board has regard to the guidance contained in the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs, issued by the Department of Education in 1998. While each Board is working within the common Special Educational Need Framework, detailed within the Code of Practice, it is widely recognised, however, that a number of differing practices in relation to assessment, statementing and provision have become inculcated in the practices across the 5 Boards.

Léirítear é seo trí réimse eolais, mar shampla, ar líon na bpáistí a fuair ráitis ar oideachas speisialta, ar líon na npáistí atá ag fanacht ar mheasúnú ar riachtanais speisialta, agus ar na meánamanna feithimh chun measúnú a fháil ó shíceolaí oideachasúil ag Céim 3 den Chód Cleachtais.

This is evidenced by a range of information, for example, in the number of children who have received statements of special education, those who are currently awaiting an assessment of special needs and the average waiting times for an assessment by an educational psychologist at stage 3 of the Code of Practice.

In order to establish the Education and Skills Authority a range of convergence issues are currently being addressed including commonality in the issuing of statements. Once the Education and Skills Authority is established a uniform and common approach to statementing will be practised.

In the meantime the Regional Strategy Group for Special Education established a sub-group to agree regional criteria for initiating statutory assessments of special educational needs and making statements of special educational needs. The Provisional Regional Criteria have now been introduced in all five Boards with effect from September 2009 and my department has recently provided funding of £10,000 to meet the costs of publishing the associated documents. These documents detail the common criteria to be applied by Boards when considering requests for statutory assessment and making statements for children with special educational needs.

A five Board Working Group is currently scoping the extent of the variations in relation to the type of provision at stages 3 and 5 of the Code of Practice, the expenditure per Board on each area of SEN and the type of support offered.

The Department of Education has recently concluded a period of formal consultation on a Review of Special Educational Needs and Inclusion. Key considerations, as work on the Review moves forward, will be to develop detailed proposals for a revised framework that will provided a reduction in bureaucracy and greater commonality of assessment and provision made by Education and Library Boards for children and young people facing barriers to learning. One proposal under consideration will be that to move from statutory Statements of Special Educational Needs, to statutory Coordinated Support Plans, which would have an additional focus on anticipated outcomes, an element not adequately captured in the current process.

Every School a Good School: The Way Forward for Special Educational Needs and Inclusion

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Education how she intends to proceed with the consultation document 'Every School a Good School - The Way Forward for Special Educational Needs and Inclusion'.

(AQO 800/10)

Minister of Education: Eisíodh an doiciméad comhairliúcháin ‘Gach Scoil ina Scoil Mhaith – An Bealach Chun Tosaigh do Riachtanais Speisialta Oideachais agus Chuimsiú’ le haghaidh comhairliúcháin ar 10^ú Lúnasa 2009 agus ba é an dáta deiridh ag an tús ná 31^ú Deireadh Fómhair 2009. De bharr go raibh moill bliana ann agus an Coiste Feidhmiúcháin ag déanamh breithnithe ar an dréacht-doiciméad comhairliúcháin agus, nuair a d’fhaomh siad é i mí Iúil 2009, shocraigh mé an doiciméad a eisiúint le haghaidh comhairliúcháin chomh luath agus ab fhéidir ina dhiaidh sin le tuilleadh moille a sheachaint agus le ligean don phobal, do scoileanna agus do pháirtithe eile leasmhara na moltaí ardleibhéil a bhreathnú.

The consultation document ‘Every School a Good School – The Way Forward for Special Educational Needs and Inclusion was issued for consultation on 10^th August 2009 with an initial closing date for responses of 31^st October 2009. As there had been a delay of over a year whilst the Executive considered the draft consultation document and, following their approval in July 2009, I agreed to issue the document for consultation as soon as possible so as to avoid further delay and to enable the public, schools and other stakeholders to begin to consider the high level proposals.

After a number of requests from parents, schools, MLA’s and others, I agreed to initially extend the closing date to 30^th November 2009 and then to 31^st January 2010.

It is imperative that provision for children with special educational needs builds upon the good practice already evidenced in many schools and is substantially improved so that no child has to experience a delay before the appropriate intervention is put in place.

The Review proposals aim to build the capacity of schools to meet more effectively the special educational needs of pupils through earlier identification of need, the effective use of school based interventions and through the advice and support available to them from a range of professionals.

Following the end of the formal consultation period I have two key priorities. One is for a thorough analysis of the many consultation responses received. A summary of the responses will be produced by the Department of Education and will be made available for access by all stakeholders later this year.

I will then consider the proposals in light of the responses made. This will involve the development of detailed policy options, including the financial, legislative and operational considerations of their implementation, to be set out so that I can consider how the Review can be taken forward.

Should any legislative change be required, this will be progressed through the Assembly in the normal way and any necessary stakeholder consultation will be undertaken at that time. Should a revised code of practice on special educational needs be required the Department of Education will undertake appropriate stakeholder consultation on a draft code prior to implementation.

My other priority relates to the need to increase the capacity of school personnel, to enable mainstream schools to meet the educational needs of most SEN pupils, already placed in those schools, from within their own resources and without unnecessary recourse to support from external agencies. It is clear that children with special educational needs require access to teachers with appropriate skills, knowledge and understanding, whether this falls within the existing or any future revised framework. The Review therefore proposes the development and delivery of a comprehensive capacity building programme for all mainstream schools that would be tailored to the specific needs of principals, teachers, special educational needs coordinators, classroom assistants and boards of governors. The Department of Education has already begun work on this programme, including the development of SENCO guidance and indicators of good practice, which I intend will be rolled out in the 2010/11 academic year.

Educational Underachievement: East Belfast

Ms D Purvis asked the Minister of Education what action her Department is taking to address the high levels of educational underachievement in inner East Belfast.

(AQO 801/10)

Minister of Education: Is féidir tearcghnóthachtáil oideachais a shainmhíniú mar na páistí sin a fhágann an scoil gan chúig GCSE maith ar a laghad ag gráid A* go C lena n-áirítear sa litearthacht agus sa mhatamaitic. D’fhág 11,000 páiste an scoil anuraidh gan an leibhéal seo a bhaint amach.

Educational underachievement can be defined as those children who leave school without having achieved at least five good GCSEs at grades A* to C including literacy and maths. Last year around 11,000 children left school without having achieved at this level. In inner East Belfast, the figure was 175 or 78.5% of young people from the area. Too often, underachievement is related to socio-economic disadvantage and is compounded by poverty of aspiration.

Research on the impact of selection shows that preparing children for the transfer tests distorted the curriculum and required teachers to adopt a narrow repertoire of teaching strategies, rather than fully developing literacy and numeracy through more engaging approaches. Pupils not entered for the tests received unequal or less attention than transfer test pupils and some children had classroom experiences that not only failed to meet their needs as learners but left them uninterested, de-motivated and misunderstood as learners. I therefore introduced Transfer 2010 to put an end to these detrimental impacts, particularly on our most disadvantaged young people.

My focus is on tackling underachievement wherever it exists and improving outcomes for all our young people. In addition to Transfer 2010, am putting in place a jigsaw of interconnected policies aimed at ensuring every child fulfils her or his potential – ‘Every School a Good School’, the revised curriculum, the literacy and numeracy strategy, the review of special educational needs and inclusion, the establishment of the ESA and the Achieving Derry and Achieving Belfast programmes, which includes 2 schools situated in Inner East Belfast.

There has been a significant level of recent capital investment in schools in East Belfast. New school buildings have been completed for Ashfield Girls High School, Orangefield Primary School, Glendhu Nursery School and Ravenscroft Nursery School and construction is underway for new schools for Grosvenor Grammar School and Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock. In addition, a further six major capital projects are at various stages of the planning process.

Equality Impact Assessments

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Education if she sought the views of the Equality Commission in relation to any recent Equality Impact Assessments carried out by her Department.

(AQO 802/10)

Minister of Education: Tá an Coimisiún um Chomhionannas áirithe ar an liosta de chomhairlithe le haghaidh gach comhairliúchán ar Mheasúnachtaí Tionchair Chomhionannais.

The Equality Commission would be included in the list of consultees for all consultations on equality screenings and Equality Impact Assessments.

Education Bill

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Education to outline the timeframe for a resolution of the issues surrounding the Education and Skills Authority Bill and its Consideration Stage in the Assembly.

(AQO 803/10)

Minister of Education: Dhíreoinn aird an Chomhalta ar an fhreagra a thug mé ar AQO 624/10 a chuir Fred Cobain agus a foilsíodh sa Tuairisc Oifigiúil ar 29 Eanáir 2010.

I refer the Member to my answer to AQO/624/10 tabled by Fred Cobain and published in the Official Report on 29 January 2010.

Early Years Strategy

Mrs M Bradley asked the Minister of Education what funding her Department has allocated for the 0-6 Years strategy in the coming year.

(AQO 804/10)

Minister of Education: Tá breithniú á dhéanamh go fóill ar bhuiséid mo Roinne don bhliain atá le teacht.

My department’s budgets for the coming year are still under consideration.

DEPARTMENT FOR EMPLOYMENT AND LEARNING

Strategy to Support People Not in Education, Employment or Training

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if he will consider developing a strategy to support people not in education, employment or training to develop skills and find paid employment.

(AQW 4583/10)

Minister for Employment and Learning (Sir Reg Empey): The issue of those who are not in education, employment or training is pertinent to the activities of a wide range of Northern Ireland departments. My Department is currently carrying out a scoping study to learn more about this group and it should be completed very soon. Any action plan or strategy resulting from this study will need to be carried forward on a cross-departmental basis and with this in mind I intend to bring the results of this work to my Executive colleagues for consideration.

Young people not in education, employment or training often have barriers to participation with many having low levels of numeracy and literacy. My Department has in place a wide range of programmes and initiatives to help people to enter and remain in education, employment or training.

For example, the Careers service provides impartial information, advice and guidance to young people throughout Northern Ireland. Careers Advisers work to ensure that each young person is encouraged and supported to enable them to achieve their potential within education, training and employment.

Training for Success targets 16-24 year olds allowing them to enter training at an appropriate level and progress to a stage where they can maximise their potential through the development of personal and employability skills and the achievement of qualifications and employment.

Widening participation initiatives in both Further Education and Higher Education provide opportunities for young people who may not otherwise access this level of education.

The joint work between my Department and the Department of Education, on 14-19 year olds, aims to ensure that each young person will be able to achieve their potential by following the programme of learning that is most appropriate to their needs and aspirations.

Economically Inactive People

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what measures her Department has in place to address the number of economically inactive people.

(AQW 4590/10)

Minister for Employment and Learning: A comprehensive range of services is available through my Department’s Jobs and Benefits offices and JobCentres and through contracted Providers to help all unemployed people, including those regarded as "economically inactive" find work.

Steps to Work (StW) is the Department’s main adult return to work programme. The programme is available to anyone who is aged 18 years old or over and who is unemployed or economically inactive, irrespective of whether or not they are in receipt of benefit. There is no upper age limit for participating in the programme.

The Department has a range of provision within the Pathways to Work initiative called the choices menu. The Choices menu is targeted at people in receipt of Incapacity Benefit/Employment & Support Allowance. The choices menu consists of; the Condition Management Programme, the Work Preparation Programme, Return to Work Credit and New Deal for Disabled People.

The Department also provides a range of provision to assist disabled people who are economically inactive find and keep suitable employment, this provision includes: the Job Introduction Scheme, Access to Work (NI) and Workable (NI).

The Local Employment Intermediary Service (LEMIS) is available in Belfast, Londonderry and Strabane and complements, but is independent of, the statutory employment services. The service is available to, amongst others, those who are returning to the labour market and those who are not claiming benefits.

Employment Levels Amongst School Leavers

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what measures her Department has in place to address the employment levels amongst school leavers.

(AQW 4591/10)

Minister for Employment and Learning: My Department offers a range of services, through the Careers Service and the ApprenticeshipsNI programme, to assist school leavers into employment.

Careers Advisers currently provide an impartial, all-age Careers Information, Advice and Guidance service. In partnership with schools we provide guidance services to young people to support them to develop effective career decision making skills leading to increased and appropriate participation in education, training and employment. Careers Advisers continue to work with school leavers, including those entering the labour market for the first time, to support their effective career planning.

Provision of effective Careers Information, Advice and Guidance for clients vulnerable to social exclusion is a key action within "Preparing for Success", the Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance Strategy. In support of this, Careers Advisers endeavour to make contact with 16 and 17 year olds who are not in education, training or employment, to provide support with career decision making, with the ultimate aim of re-engagement.

The ApprenticeshipsNI programme offers a range of apprenticeship opportunities for existing/newly recruited employees, of all ages. Specialist Support Services are available for apprentices with an auditory, visual or other physical disability. There are over 100 Apprenticeships to choose from, and they can take between 2 to 4 years to complete depending on the level of study. They are designed by Sector Skills Councils and Industry Representative Bodies to meet the needs of each particular sector. The Department undertakes to pay the full costs of the ‘off-the-job’ training for the duration of the apprenticeship. ApprenticeshipsNI are delivered jointly by Employers and Training Suppliers to ensure that apprentices:

get first rate training
build knowledge and skills
gain qualifications
earn a wage from day one

South Eastern Regional College, Bangor

Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline the timescale for the capital project for the South Eastern Regional College, Bangor.

(AQW 4639/10)

Minister for Employment and Learning: The procurement of the Bangor project reached Pre-Qualification stage at December 2009 and five contractors have been shortlisted to go to full tender. Full tender stage has been put on hold due to a reduction in the Department for Employment and Learning’s 2010/11 capital budget. This follows the recent Review of the 2010/11 Spending Plans, and a likely decrease in the proceeds from an asset disposal which was included in the Department’s 2010/11 budget. Whilst a bid will be made for resources in the next financial year the Executive’s budgetary position is such that there can be no certainty as to when the project will be resumed.

Capital Projects

Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail (i) what capital projects scheduled for 2010/11 have been delayed by his Department; and (ii) the reasons for the delay in each case.

(AQW 4640/10)

Minister for Employment and Learning: The Performing Arts Centre and Technology Innovation Centre in Bangor, a South Eastern Regional College project, has been delayed. The project was due to go to tender in December 2009 but has been postponed due to a shortfall in available capital resources in 2010/11. The shortfall in the 2010/11 FE Capital Budget arises following the recent Review of Spending Plans 2010/11 and the likelihood of a reduced receipt from the disposal of the Department’s Felden property.

Hughes Christensen

Lord Browne asked the Minister for Employment and Learning (i) what action his Department has taken following the announcement of the 210 redundancies at Hughes Christensen; and (ii) what support his Department has offered to redundant employees.

(AQW 4649/10)

Minister for Employment and Learning: (i) When companies face redundancies, my officials work in partnership with organisations such as the local Further Education College, Lead Training Providers, Education and Guidance Service, and the Social Security Agency to offer a wide range of services to those affected by the redundancy. These services include advice on employment, education, training, reskilling, job search and benefit advice.

In previous redundancy situations within this company, my Department organised redundancy clinics to offer support and advice to those employees affected. My officials are currently in discussions with Hughes Christensen, to arrange a suitable date for a similar Redundancy Clinic.

The Further Education (FE) Sector’s Rapid Response NI, which is being funded by my Department, also offers a range of support to employers and employees affected by redundancy situations. To date, 46 Hughes Christensen employees have been engaged through the programme and a range of support programmes have been scheduled for delivery.

(ii) In addition to the tailored advice and support available at the Redundancy Clinic, my Department has produced and updated a range of guidance materials, to provide information for workers on their employment rights, including in the case of redundancy. One guidance booklet (available at the link below or from all Jobs and Benefits Offices), provides full details of employees’ entitlements under the statutory redundancy payments scheme:

http://www.delni.gov.uk/er3_redundancy_entitlement_statutory_rights_1st_october_2009.pdf

A second Departmental booklet (again available at the link below or from all Jobs and Benefits Offices) contains full details of the rights and protections of employees and their representatives, to enable them to participate fully in the process of redundancy consultation, as well as information on redress, where the rights of employee representatives may have been infringed:

http://www.delni.gov.uk/er4_redundancy_consultation_and_notification_october_2009.pdf

Transport to Further Education Colleges

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if he can confirm that the allocation of funding for transport to further education colleges will not be reduced in the coming year.

(AQW 4778/10)

Minister for Employment and Learning: A ‘Home to College Transport’ budget of £5,245,000 was made available to assist students attending Further Education Colleges in 2009/10. As Departmental budgets have yet to be agreed for the 2010/11 financial year, I am unable to confirm the level of support at this time.

Further and Higher Education

Mr J O'Dowd asked the Minister for Employment and Learning, pursuant to AQO 108/10, in relation to further and higher education (i) how many new policies he has introduced since coming into office; and (ii) how many pieces of legislation his Department has brought before the Assembly.

(AQW 4818/10)

Minister for Employment and Learning: (i) Since coming into office in May 2007, my Department has introduced the following new Further Education (FE) and Higher Education (HE) policies:

Further Education

ICT as a Third Essential Skill;
Employer Support pilot programme;
Learner Access and Engagement (LAE) pilot programme;
FE Means Business-Consultation on Curriculum in FE Colleges
the implementation of the vocational qualifications reform programme; and
the establishment of an independent regulator for vocational qualifications in Northern Ireland.

Higher Education

Prior Year Tax;
Equivalent or Lower Level Qualification (ELQ) policy;
introduction of the Higher and Further Education Collaboration Fund;
a strategic planning approval process for Higher Education in Further Education;
new funding model for St Mary’s and Stranmillis University Colleges; and
the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) replaced the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) as the quality assurance body for Higher Education in Further Education courses in Northern Ireland;

(ii) Further Education Division and Higher Education have introduced the following pieces of legislation:

Further Education

The Further Education (Student Support) (Eligibility) Regulations (Northern Ireland) were brought before the Assembly in 2007 by Further Education Division and have been renewed thereafter annually; and
two Legislative Consent Motions relating to the Education and Skills Act 2008 and the Apprenticeship, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 have been resolved by the Assembly. Both motions related to the reform of the regulatory system for vocational qualifications in Northern Ireland.

Higher Education

Higher Education Division has brought 18 pieces of legislation before the Assembly, all of which concern higher education Student Finance. Various pieces of student finance legislation are made, or are amended, on an annual basis. These include:

the Education (Student Support) Regulations (Northern Ireland)
the Student Fees (Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland); and
the Education (Student Loans) (Repayment) Regulations (Northern Ireland).

Catering Services

Lord Browne asked the Minister for Employment and Learning how much his Department has spent on catering services since May 2007.

(AQW 4897/10)

Minister for Employment and Learning: Expenditure incurred by this Department on catering services since May 2007 has been as follows.

For Financial year ended 31 March 2008 - £31,361

For Financial year ended 31 March 2009 - £29,283

Local Employment Intermediary Service Contract

Mr P Butler asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what plans he has to ensure funding for the Local Employment Intermediary Service contract, as part of on-going initiatives by the West Belfast and Greater Shankill Task Force.

(AQW 4909/10)

Minister for Employment and Learning: The Local Employment Intermediary Service (LEMIS) is a Departmental initiative and is available in Belfast, Londonderry and Strabane. It is not part of on-going initiatives by the West Belfast and Greater Shankill Taskforces. I have recently agreed that Provider contracts for the LEMIS service in all areas may be extended by one year to 31 March 2011. This means that the service will continue to be available to those who need it. The Department will invest around £1.8 million in the scheme in 2010/11.

LEMIS complements, but is independent of, the statutory employment services. The service is available to, amongst others, those who are returning to the labour market and those who are not claiming benefits.

University of Ulster: Sports Complex

Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister for Employment and Learning for an update on the proposed development of a sporting complex at the University of Ulster, Coleraine.

(AQO 809/10)

Minister for Employment and Learning: The University has submitted an economic appraisal for the construction of a new Sports Centre on its Coleraine campus and applied a total of £6.9m of funding under the Strategic Capital Investment Fund. However, it is proposed in the Executive’s revised spending plans for 2010/11 that the funding available under the Strategic Capital Investment Fund be reduced by £8.1m and the consequences of this is that the funding for the Sports Centre will be reduced to some £2.5m. If this is confirmed, the University will have to decide whether to proceed with the project at the reduced level of funding.

Stranmillis University College and Queen’s University Belfast Merger

Rt Hon J Donaldson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning for an update on the proposed merger of Stranmillis College and Queen's University.

(AQO 810/10)

Minister for Employment and Learning: I will answer Oral number 6, 13 and 15 together. The College submitted an economic appraisal in support of the Governing Body’s decision to merge with Queen’s University. The appraisal has recently been approved by the Department of Finance and Personnel. I will now wish to share the appraisal with the Committee for Employment and Learning, and, subject to Executive agreement, proceed to a public consultation on the proposal. The outcome of the consultation will inform my decision whether or not to proceed with legislation to effect the proposed merger. The legislation will be debated on the floor of the Assembly.

If we are to proceed with the merger, a key issue for me will be to ensure that the ethos of the controlled sector is integral to the proposed Stranmillis School of Education. I believe this will enhance educational outcomes and contribute to the shared future we all aspire to.

South Eastern Regional College

Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Employment and Learning for a progress report on the proposed new capital build at the Bangor campus of the South Eastern Regional College.

(AQO 811/10)

Minister for Employment and Learning: The proposed Performing Arts Centre and Technology Innovation Centre Capital development project in Bangor has completed the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire stage of procurement which identified a short list of five contractors. The next step would generally be to go out to tender to the five construction companies, however, due to a shortfall in the FE Capital Budget for 2010/11 the tendering stage has been suspended. A bid for additional resources will be made in the June monitoring round.

Young People Not in Education, Employment or Training

Mrs C McGill asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if the scoping study has been completed on young people not in education, employment or training.

(AQO 812/10)

Minister for Employment and Learning: The scoping study on those who are not in education, employment or training is nearing completion. The report is currently at final drafting stages within my Department. Throughout the information-gathering process officials have engaged with a wide range of relevant organisations and in particular attended the recent DEL Committee seminar on the subject. It is also intended that officials will brief the Committee on the outcomes of the scoping study in the next few weeks.

While the Department for Employment and Learning has taken the lead in the scoping study, it is clear that the issues affecting these young people are cross-departmental and multi-agency in nature. For example, it is telling and very pertinent that in the year 2007/2008, 80% of our young people who left school at 16 did not achieve at least 5 GCSEs at grades A*-C (including equivalents) including English and Maths. This represents a very significant level of under achievement which impacts adversely on the life chances of our young people and this would need to be addressed in any future strategy.

Graduate Employment

Lord Browne asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what steps his Department has taken since 2007 to co-ordinate the progression of graduates into suitable employment.

(AQO 815/10)

Minister for Employment and Learning: In addition to the Department’s main adult return to work provision Steps to Work, my Department currently offers a range of provision specifically tailored for graduates. This includes Graduate Internships which are being piloted in Belfast and Londonderry; the INTRO Graduate Management Development Programme and Graduate Acceleration Programme (GAP) which combines work placement with graduate level training.

Graduates of Queens University and University of Ulster can continue to avail of the universities’ careers guidance services for up to 2 and 3 years respectively following graduation. In addition graduates can avail of the all-age careers guidance services provided by the Department’s Careers Service.

During the economic downturn my Department has funded additional 200 places on the INTRO programme. The Internship pilot will offer up to 70 graduate opportunities, 50 in Belfast and 20 in Londonderry, and it is intended to have these filled by 1 March 2010. GAP commenced recruiting on 11 January 2010 and it is planned to provide up to 150 graduate placements.

Universities: STEM Subjects

Mr A Bresland asked e Minister for Employment and Learning what steps he is taking to promote the study of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects at undergraduate and postgraduate level within universities and colleges.

(AQO 816/10)

Minister for Employment and Learning: My Department is on track to achieve its Programme for Government target to increase by 300 the number of PhD research students at local universities in economically relevant subjects, including STEM, by 2010. The Department has also provided funding for the Step Up To Science programme in the University of Ulster and commissioned a feasibility study into the merits of providing a STEM scholarship or bursary in Northern Ireland’s Higher and Further Education institutions.

Stranmillis University College and Queen’s University Belfast Merger

Dr A McDonnell asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline the status of the business case for the proposed merger of Stranmillis College and Queen's University.

(AQO 817/10)

Programme-led Apprenticeships

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister for Employment and Learning for his assessment of the Programme-Led Apprenticeship Scheme, and to outline the level of consultation with employers and colleges prior to the commencement of the scheme.

(AQO 818/10)

Minister for Employment and Learning: Programme Led Apprenticeships were introduced in September 2009 as a contingency measure in view of the lack of apprentice jobs available for school leavers in the recession. The scheme has been very successful, in that almost 3,000 young people, who would not otherwise have had the opportunity, are participating on the programme, and are following normal apprenticeship frameworks. The difficulty being faced by training providers in securing employer placements for the NVQ element of the frameworks is a disappointment. However, my Department has been exploring this issue with providers and employers representatives, in order to identify how effective employer placements can be identified.

In an effort to design a scheme that would meet future industry needs, and provide continuity to successful apprenticeship training during the economic downturn, the Department engaged with colleagues at a senior level from Further Education Colleges and the Education and Training Inspectorate. However the critical need for timely intervention prevented further extensive consultation taking place.

As the process for re-contracting for the delivery of Training for Success and ApprenticeshipsNI provision is now underway my Department has already commenced initial consultation.

The design and future shape of provision for unemployed 16-17 year olds will involve discussion with stakeholders such as Sector Skills Councils and other Business Representatives, Training Organisations, Awarding Bodies and the Education and Training Inspectorate. In addition, my officials have already initiated a process of consulting with young people to ascertain their views and suggestions for an improved provision at all levels.

Stranmillis University College and Queen’s University Belfast Merger

Mr G Savage asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline the position on the business plan for the proposed merger of Queen's University and Stranmillis University College.

(AQO 819/10)

DEPARTMENT OF ENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT

Authentic Historical Re-enactment Events

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what action he has taken to develop authentic historical re-enactment events, building on the success of Scarva’s Sham Fight and those events which take place in New England, which promote cultural heritage as a tourism opportunity.

(AQO 771/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Mrs A Foster): The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) recognises that authentic historical re-enactments can enhance the enjoyment of an event for visitors, providing they are professionally organised and managed. Tourism Ireland continues to engage with the NITB in relation to the Culture & Heritage product portfolio.

There are a variety of specialist organisations which promote all aspects of Northern Ireland’s historic and living culture including the Ulster Scots Agency, the Ulster Historical Foundation and the Orange Order all of which are reflected strongly in Tourism Ireland’s overseas promotional materials, activities and marketing campaigns. Tourism Ireland welcomes new, market-ready products which reflect authentic and attractive dimensions of Northern Ireland’s history and culture.

In addition, NITB is liaising with the Wartime Living History Association (WLHA) on the potential of historical re-enactment events as part of the wider events offering. I am not aware of the activities in New England to which the Member refers, but would be happy to pass on his suggestions to the Northern Ireland Tourist Board if he provides me with further details.

Wind Turbine Units

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if she can confirm that there will be ten posts created within new wind turbine units; and if the posts will be location specific.

(AQW 4620/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: I am aware that the Member attended a recent consultation seminar on my Department’s draft Offshore Renewable Energy Strategic Action Plan and has, since then, raised a number of related Assembly Questions.

This issue was not raised at the seminar and there are no such staffing plans.

Financial Support to Baker Hughes

Ms D Purvis asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (i) how much financial support her Department has provided to Baker Hughes for its operations in Northern Ireland; and (ii) under what terms any of this money can be recouped, in light of the recent redundancies announced by Hughes Christensen in East Belfast.

(AQW 4679/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: (i) Invest NI and its legacy agencies, over the last twenty years, have offered £6.1m of financial assistance to Hughes Christensen, with £5.4m having been claimed against agreed targets.

(ii) All grant assistance, provided by Invest NI, is subject to a legal offer document that contains terms and conditions associated with the grant. This includes definitions of what constitutes a breach of the agreement and how grant monies can be recovered in such circumstances. In instances of breach of the terms of any agreement, Invest NI will consider a range of factors in seeking to secure a grant repayment broadly commensurate with the proportion of the economic benefit foregone. Agreements are also time bound and, provided that the company delivers the project investment and associated activity over a stipulated period of time, the amount of liability may decrease.

This approach has resulted in over £28 million of grant monies being recovered from companies over the past five years.

Whilst Baker Hughes currently has live agreements with Invest NI, the company is still engaged in a 90 day consultation period with its employees, it would therefore be inappropriate at this stage to release any details of potential clawback terms or figures.

Offshore Renewable Energy

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if she can confirm that the offshore renewable energy quota for 2020 will not take priority over resolving on-going problems with the fishing industry.

(AQW 4730/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: The draft Offshore Renewable Energy Strategic Action Plan 2009-2020, which is currently the subject of a public consultation, proposes targets of at least 600 MW of offshore wind and 300MW of tidal resources in Northern Ireland waters by 2020. The draft Plan fully recognises the need to work with and consult all other sectors operating within the marine environment, including the fishing sector. A further proposal within the Plan is the establishment of an Offshore Renewable Energy Forum to engage with relevant external stakeholders in the marine environment to ensure their interests are fully considered in the implementation of the Plan.

Offshore Renewable Energy in Carlingford Lough

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if she has had any discussions with her counterpart in the Republic of Ireland in relation to offshore renewable energy in Carlingford lough.

(AQW 4732/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: The specific issue of offshore renewables in Carlingford Lough has not been on the agenda for any of the bilateral meetings I have had with Minister Ryan TD.

Titanic Signature Project

Dr A McDonnell asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (i) for an update on the Titanic Signature Project; and (ii) how her Department plans to involve local companies which are willing to contribute to this project.

(AQW 4733/10)

(i) Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: Update on Titanic Signature Project

The Titanic Signature Project (TSP) encompasses the key historic sites associated with Belfast’s shipbuilding heritage and the story of Titanic. The sites include but are not limited to the Titanic and Olympic slipways, Harland & Wolff Drawing Offices, Lagan Legacy’s MV Confiance, Titanic Dock & Pump House and SS Nomadic. At the heart of the TSP is the Titanic Signature Building (TSB). Construction work began in May 2009; progress has been excellent and all funders are confident of an April 2012 completion date, in time for the commemoration of the Titanic’s maiden voyage.

Under the Titanic Signature Project (TSP), other Titanic and maritime heritage sites are being developed including plans for the creation of heritage trails across the city.

(ii) How DETI plans to involve local companies willing to contribute to this project

The Department is committed to supporting the economic and regeneration benefits of the Titanic Signature Project and realising the opportunities presented by this project.

The Department, and NITB as one of its key agencies and a significant funder of the TSP and Signature Building, seeks to ensure that everyone within the city has fair access to the opportunities which emerge and that investors have direct access to the human resources and skills base available in Belfast.

NITB is fully supportive of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreed between Belfast City Council and Titanic Quarter Limited. This MOU is committed to working in partnership with public, private, voluntary and community sector organisations to create the necessary conditions to optimize the city and community benefits of the Titanic Quarter development, to demonstrate good corporate citizenship and to provide a recognised route for Titanic Quarter Limited’s engagement with the city and community.

Titanic Signature Project

Dr A McDonnell asked e Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how the Titanic Signature Project will benefit the local economy in Belfast City and the greater Belfast area.

(AQW 4734/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: The Titanic Signature Project includes the creation of a world class visitor attraction which brings the story of the Titanic home to Belfast. At the heart of the city’s cultural and tourism strategy, the Titanic Signature Building is set to unlock the potential of the Titanic story to communicate with the city’s people and its visitors. The attraction will showcase the Titanic story in the place where it was created and, in doing so will celebrate Northern Ireland’s shipbuilding and industrial heritage.

The Titanic Signature Building will be unique and innovative in design, content and presentation. It will appeal to as wide an audience as possible, including children, adults, local residents and visitors, which will in turn attract more tourists. This will deliver real economic benefits to Belfast City and the greater Belfast area in terms of income, revenue and jobs. The attraction will be capable of generating repeat visits to ensure that it is financially sustainable.

The Titanic Signature Project includes a number of other developments that will combine with the Signature Building to create a compelling destination and in turn benefit the local economy. These developments will comprise:

supporting facilities that will both draw more visitors to the site, including cafés, shops, hotels, bars etc. facing the plaza.
features around the Titanic Signature Building that will add considerably to the visitor experience. These include the plaza around the iconic building, the slipways and other public sculptures on the plaza and slipways.

As part of the Titanic Signature Project, developments have already been completed which add to the overall visitor experience and attract tourists and therefore income, such as the development of the visitor facilities at Titanic’s Dock and Pump-House.

Another planned development which will contribute to the local economy is the development of the former Harland & Wolff headquarters and drawing offices as a boutique hotel. A number of other hotels are also in development in the area.

The Titanic Signature Project will also drive the development of a series of heritage trails connecting Titanic and maritime heritage sites across Belfast, which will ensure that the economic benefit is spread across the city.

Northern Ireland Tourist Board

Mrs M O'Neill asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if the Northern Ireland Tourist Board provides information on accessible accommodation for visitors with a disability.

(AQW 4834/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) currently produces a single accommodation brochure which includes: Bed & Breakfasts, Caravanning and Camping Sites, Guesthouses, Hostels, Hotels and Self-Catering properties.

Accessibility advice is provided in the introductory statutory information pages and advises users that:

"NITB is currently developing processes in relation to accessible accommodation. In the short term we would recommend that you contact the accommodation provider directly to check if they can facilitate your needs"

As part of their individual marketing descriptions within the brochure, properties wishing to highlight their facilities and services are flagged with a standard line: ‘Please enquire about our accessibility’.

NITB is currently working on an information pack to provide the hotel sector with information and advice on accessible accommodation. This pack aims to improve the visitor experience for those with a disability.

Project Kelvin

Mr M Durkan asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for an update on Project Kelvin.

(AQW 4894/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: Project Kelvin is very close to completion with telecommunications facilities in place and operational at each of the 13 locations specified in the contract. At the Fort George site work is underway to transfer the equipment currently located in a container based Telehouse facility into a new building being provided by ILEX. This should be completed by the end March/early April 2010.

Testing of the overall network started in December 2009 and will continue until end March 2010 or completion of the Telehouse.

Unemployment Figures

Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for a breakdown of the unemployment figures over the last 12 months in each constituency.

(AQW 4924/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: Robust unemployment figures at parliamentary constituency level are only available from the Claimant Count, which is a count of all those claiming unemployment related benefits. Claimant Count figures for each constituency area in each of the last twelve months are provided in the table below.

Number of Unemployment Benefit Claimants by Constituency Area, Feb 2009 – Jan 2010

Parliamentary Constituency	Feb-2009	Mar-2009	Apr-2009	May-2009	Jun-2009	Jul-2009	Aug-2009	Sep-2009	Oct-2009	Nov-2009	Dec-2009	Jan-2010
Belfast East	1,387	1,470	1,576	1,635	1,718	1,849	2,001	1,993	1,984	1,992	1,990	2,096
Belfast North	2,585	2,699	2,771	2,915	2,939	3,045	3,154	3,187	3,220	3,246	3,240	3,407
Belfast South	2,011	2,127	2,247	2,330	2,359	2,544	2,679	2,582	2,531	2,607	2,629	2,730
Belfast West	3,998	4,086	4,222	4,348	4,452	4,582	4,672	4,713	4,657	4,567	4,557	4,715
East Antrim	2,185	2,303	2,471	2,439	2,524	2,605	2,747	2,751	2,730	2,734	2,760	2,926
East Londonderry	2,951	2,925	2,881	2,915	2,948	3,024	3,125	3,141	3,073	3,109	3,190	3,369
Fermanagh & South Tyrone	2,335	2,458	2,483	2,514	2,552	2,651	2,801	2,809	2,704	2,716	2,737	2,881
Foyle	4,057	4,171	4,258	4,395	4,549	4,811	4,914	4,899	4,813	4,699	4,748	5,023
Lagan Valley	1,799	1,898	1,983	2,036	2,086	2,166	2,285	2,251	2,211	2,123	2,139	2,307
Mid Ulster	2,318	2,394	2,504	2,607	2,658	2,790	2,919	2,885	2,770	2,758	2,825	2,979
Newry & Armagh	2,568	2,759	2,932	2,995	3,165	3,330	3,413	3,374	3,317	3,370	3,462	3,745
North Antrim	2,512	2,571	2,619	2,678	2,671	2,821	2,921	2,937	2,943	2,902	2,963	3,106
North Down	1,422	1,471	1,501	1,524	1,590	1,706	1,726	1,743	1,737	1,713	1,741	1,839
South Antrim	1,936	2,028	2,100	2,159	2,155	2,239	2,378	2,325	2,290	2,251	2,225	2,400
South Down	2,584	2,699	2,800	2,881	2,906	3,065	3,196	3,211	3,183	3,208	3,262	3,506
Strangford	1,683	1,795	1,834	1,886	1,888	1,981	2,048	2,100	2,124	2,100	2,123	2,275
Upper Bann	2,660	2,761	2,915	2,993	3,066	3,160	3,325	3,334	3,262	3,294	3,301	3,485
West Tyrone	2,636	2,671	2,760	2,807	2,913	3,061	3,207	3,257	3,185	3,150	3,192	3,381
Northern Ireland	43,627	45,286	46,857	48,057	49,139	51,430	53,511	53,492	52,734	52,539	53,084	56,170

Source: Northern Ireland Claimant Count

Legislation on Renewable Heat Incentive

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (i) what communication she has had in relation to the proposed legislation on renewable heat incentive (as part of the Energy Bill) announced by the Department of Energy and Climate change; and (ii) if she has any plans to introduce similar legislation.

(AQW 4935/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has announced that it intends to incentivise low carbon heating technologies through a Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) from April 2011. DECC has statutory powers to implement a RHI in England, Scotland and Wales via amendments to the Energy Act 2008, however Northern Ireland is not included in this measure.

The energy market in Northern Ireland is quite different to that in GB and therefore it is essential that any future method for encouraging renewable heat in NI takes this into account. In light of this, my Department has commissioned a significant piece of work to consider the potential for developing the renewable heat market in NI and assess options for encouraging the local market. If the evidence indicates that a RHI would be the most effective way of developing renewable heat in NI then a legislative timetable will need to be developed. My Department will also consider options for encouraging the market in the short term to ensure that NI is not unduly disadvantaged by the introduction of the RHI in GB and officials are maintaining close links with DECC colleagues as their proposals develop.

Northern Ireland Tourist Board

Mr C Boylan asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how much has been spent to date on designing the creative element of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board's brand.

(AQO 825/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: In January 2008 NITB embarked on a project to develop a brand strategy for Northern Ireland Tourism. This was not specifically an NITB Brand. The objectives of the project were to create a framework to determine Northern Ireland’s future product development, visitor experience and marketing communications.

NITB invested £150,000 developing and consulting on the brand strategy for Northern Ireland tourism. The primary aim was to define how tourism providers create uniquely Northern Ireland experiences. Of this, £30,000 was spent developing the creative and communications’ strategy of the brand.

Credit Unions

Mr M McLaughlin asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what discussions she has had with the Treasury about the delay in bringing forward legislation to extend the services provided by Credit Unions.

(AQO 826/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: With your permission, Mr Speaker, I will answer questions 7 and 8 together.

I have written to the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury seeking a meeting to discuss the issues surrounding the extension of credit union services here and am currently awaiting a response.

In the interim, my officials continue to work closely with Her Majesty’s Treasury and the Financial Services Authority towards the achievement of this objective.

When implemented, the legislation will permit credit unions here to offer an extended range of services as well as access to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme and the Financial Ombudsman Service. The first step will be the issue of a joint DETI and Her Majesty’s Treasury consultation exercise before the end of March 2010.

Credit Unions

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for an update on any plans to give Credit Unions more powers to enable them to extend their services.

(AQO 827/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: With your permission, Mr Speaker, I will answer questions 7 and 8 together.

I have written to the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury seeking a meeting to discuss the issues surrounding the extension of credit union services here and am currently awaiting a response.

In the interim, my officials continue to work closely with Her Majesty’s Treasury and the Financial Services Authority towards the achievement of this objective.

Businesses Connected to Broadband

Mr P Doherty asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment why only 85% of businesses are connected to broadband.

(AQO 828/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: All businesses in Northern Ireland can access broadband as a result of strategic investments made by DETI. However the decision on whether to take up broadband is ultimately a business decision for individual companies to make.

The purpose of the £3.9million Logon-NI programme launched by DETI is to stimulate business demand for broadband, by demonstrating the benefits access can bring. Based on information available through this service, it is estimated that some 64% of businesses in Northern Ireland are currently connected to a broadband service.

Renewable Energy

Mr D Hilditch asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what steps she is taking to encourage the generation of renewable energy.

(AQO 829/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: Following a full public consultation, I intend to bring forward a new Strategic Energy Framework which includes challenging targets for renewable electricity and heat. The Strategic Energy Framework will contain strategic actions to deliver these targets, for example, grid strengthening to accommodate higher levels of onshore and offshore renewable electricity and offshore renewable energy plans. In addition, my Department is undertaking work to ensure we have the right support mechanisms for renewable electricity and heat for Northern Ireland.

The Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation, or "NIRO" as it is commonly known, is the main support mechanism for incentivising renewable electricity generation. On 12 February 2010, I published proposals to change the NIRO from 1 April 2010 which included increased support for some forms of small-scale generation.

Redundancies

Ms D Purvis asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, in light of the recent redundancies and closures announced by Visteon, Nortel, Baker Hughes and others, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that public funds, invested in companies for the purpose of creating jobs, can be recovered if those companies subsequently impose redundancies within a short timeframe.

(AQO 830/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: All grant assistance provided by Invest NI is bound by a legal letter of offer that contains terms and conditions associated with the project, including any specific employment obligations.

Each offer also includes definitions of what constitutes a breach of the agreement and how grant monies will be recovered in such circumstances. In instances of breach of the terms of any agreement, Invest NI will consider a range of factors in seeking to secure a grant repayment broadly commensurate with the proportion of the economic benefit foregone. This approach has resulted in over £28 million of grant monies being recovered from companies over the past five years.

Cruise Ships

Lord Browne asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what steps she is taking to improve berthing facilities for cruise ships visiting Belfast and visitor welcome opportunities in the city to create a better introduction to Northern Ireland.

(AQO 831/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: The improvement of berthing facilities for cruise ships is not the responsibility of my department. The Northern Ireland Tourist Board provides funding of circa £300k to the Belfast Welcome Centre and is working with Belfast City Council on the Belfast Integrated Tourism Strategy. The Northern Ireland Tourist Board in conjunction with Belfast Visitor & Convention Bureau also provides a range of welcome facilities for cruise ship passengers which include:

A welcome desk on the ship providing visitor information;
A welcome desk on the marshalling area providing visitor information;
A welcome band on the quayside as the ship docks; and
A free shuttle bus to and from the cruise ship providing passengers with access to the city centre and its attractions.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s support towards the welcome services equates to £20,000 per annum.

During 2009 Belfast Harbour Commissioners invested over £10 million pounds to extend Stormont Wharf quay by 250 meters. The quay extension took 2 years to deliver and was accompanied by hinterland redevelopment. This means that Belfast has the longest and deepest quay on the island of Ireland, providing multiple berthing facilities for large cruise ships. The quay extension was accompanied with marshalling facilities for coach operations. In addition the Belfast Harbour Commissioners have recently:

Erected a ‘Welcome to Belfast’ banner on to the ‘Larsen Building’ facing the cruise ships; and
Purchased a marquee to ensure passengers safe disembarkation from the ship. The marquee has been dressed with engaging imagery of Belfast supplied by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.

During 2009 thirty five cruise ships were welcomed to Belfast, equating to 53,000 passengers and staff. In 2010 thirty eight cruise ships are expected which equates to 62,000 passengers and staff.

Avaya

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for an update on the Avaya plant closure and associated job losses in Monkstown.

(AQO 832/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: On 18 December 2009 Avaya completed its acquisition of Nortel’s Enterprise Solutions business and assets, resulting in the transfer of around 138 staff employed by Nortel at Monkstown.

Together with Invest NI, I made significant efforts to persuade Avaya senior management to maintain and grow the company’s presence in Northern Ireland.

As soon as Invest NI was made aware of Avaya’s announcement to its employees at Monkstown in January, contact was made with senior management in the US to seek clarification of their position.

Unfortunately the company confirmed its intention to make a "strategic withdrawal" of its Manufacturing, Procurement and Logistics business in Northern Ireland and to enter a 90-day statutory consultation period with affected employees.

I can assure you that Invest NI continues to seek to identify and work with existing and new international Foreign Direct Investors in the ICT sector to secure alternative employment opportunities.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment whether her Department intends to put in place demand-led stimulus for renewable and sustainable energy.

(AQO 833/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: Responses to the recent consultation on the Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation (NIRO) 2010 were overwhelmingly supportive of a move to a GB-style feed-in tariff for small scale renewable electricity generation projects under 5MW.

While the NIRO has been a very successful incentive mechanism for large scale renewables, I understand that the feed-in tariff is simpler to operate and therefore may be more attractive in some respects than the Renewables Obligation to small-scale generators. However, Northern Ireland currently has no legislative powers for such a tariff.

My Department is currently examining the cost of introducing such a feed-in tariff here in Northern Ireland, however, I must give consideration to the fact that consumers, including businesses, are the ones that will ultimately have to pay the additional costs of further incentivisation. In making any decision about future support mechanisms, therefore, I will need to ensure that there is a balance between the benefits of further incentivising microgeneration and the cost implications for consumers and businesses.

Invest NI

Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for her assessment of the need to substantially reform Invest NI following the Independent Review of Economic Policy, the Matrix report, and changing regional and global economic conditions.

(AQO 834/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: I made an announcement to the Assembly on 25 January 2010 in which I gave my response to the recommendations from the Independent Review of Economic Policy and set out the actions my department and Invest NI will take to address these. My aim is to improve the prospects for economic growth and higher living standards throughout the whole of Northern Ireland and I have put arrangements in place to ensure action is taken quickly.

As part of this process, I have asked Invest NI to consider a range of important issues including how it can deliver a tiered portfolio of support to accelerate innovation, research and development and export growth. As part of its response, and to help Invest NI address more effectively the current challenges facing businesses, the chief executive has launched a major transformation programme across the whole organisation.

My response to the Assembly can be found at www.detini.gov.uk

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Lagan Valley Regional Park

Ms A Lo asked the Minister of the Environment if he can provide an assurance that cuts to the National Heritage grant will not adversely affect Lagan Valley Regional Park.

(AQW 4605/10)

Minister of the Environment (Mr E Poots): My Department, through the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, intends to continue funding the Lagan Valley Regional Park (LVRP) for the next three years. I have recently been able to make some additional funding available to the LVRP in 2010/11 but I regret that the overall level of funding will be lower than in previous years. I am confident that the additional funding will better place the LVRP to explore, with current and potential new funders, alternative ways of delivering and funding projects in the future.

Mobile Phone Masts

Mr M Durkan asked the Minister of the Environment to outline the criteria used when considering planning applications for mobile phone masts.

(AQW 4737/10)

Minister of the Environment: The relevant planning policy for the consideration of planning applications for mobile phone masts is set out in Planning Policy Statement 10, "Telecommunications". Supplementary planning guidance is also set out in DCAN 14 "Siting and Design of Radio Telecommunications Equipment". The main criteria in the assessment of such proposals include the visual and environmental impact, mast and site sharing opportunities and in terms of base stations, that when they are operational that they will meet the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines for public exposure to electromagnetic fields.

Passing Bays on the Ballycolin Road, Hannahstown

Mr D Kinahan asked the Minister of the Environment for an update on the planning application for passing bays on the Ballycolin Road, Hannahstown; and when a final decision will be made.

(AQW 4796/10)

Minister of the Environment: A planning application for the installation of 5 No passing bays along the Ballycollin Road (north of Flowbog Road junction) and widening of Ballycollin/Flowbog Rd junction, was submitted to Planning Service on 16 November 2007.

Following consideration of the application and taking account of the relevant plan and policy provisions and all other material considerations, including third party representations, the application was initially presented to Lisburn City Council on 5 October 2009 with an opinion to approve. The application was deferred by Council for an office meeting which was held on 23 October 2009. Following a re-consideration of the application, it was again presented to Lisburn City Council on 1 February 2010 with an opinion to approve. At that meeting the Council requested that the Department hold the application for two weeks. The Department agreed to delay issuing the decision for two weeks. That two week period has now passed and the decision will issue on 24 February 2010.

Legislation on Car Booster Seats

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of the Environment what legislation exists to ensure that small children travel in booster seats when in a moving car; and if he has any plans to review this legislation.

(AQW 4798/10)

Minister of the Environment: Seat belt legislation in Northern Ireland states that all children up to 135cms (approx 4ft 5ins) in height or up to 12 years of age (whichever occurs first) must use the appropriate child restraint. ‘Child restraints’ is the collective term used for baby seats, child seats, booster seats and booster cushions.

The law states that children under 3 years must use the child restraint appropriate for their weight in any vehicle (including vans and other goods vehicles). There is only one exception – a child under three years may travel unrestrained in the rear seat of a taxi if the correct child restraint is not available.

In vehicles where seat belts are fitted, children from 3 years and up to 135cms in height or 12 years of age (whichever occurs first) must use the correct child restraint. In the rear seat only, three exceptions allow these children to use an adult belt if the correct child restraint is not available: (1) in a taxi; (2) for a short distance in an unexpected necessity; and (3) where two occupied child seats in the rear prevent the fitting of a third child seat.

Exceptions are only to be used in limited circumstances and do not apply to regular school runs or other journeys that are planned in advanced. It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that any child under 14 years of age uses a seat belt or correct child restraint and any child restraint used must conform to EU safety standard UN ECE 44.03 (or subsequent version of the same specification).

Failure to comply with the legislation on using appropriate child restraints attracts tough penalties – a fixed penalty fine of £60 and 3 penalty points or, on conviction at court, a maximum fine of up to £500.

The current seat belt legislation in Northern Ireland only came into force in February 2007, mirrors the legislative position in the rest of the UK, and is fully in line with EU requirements. I therefore have no plans to review at this time.

Local Government Reform Programme

Mr D Kennedy asked the Minister of the Environment for an update on the Local Government Reform Programme.

(AQW 4811/10)

Minister of the Environment: The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which includes provisions to make preliminary arrangements for local government reorganisation progressed from its introduction to the Assembly on 22 June 2009 and was passed on 23 February 2010.

I hope to introduce the Local Government (Finance) Bill, which will modernise the financial framework within which local government will work, to the Assembly during March.

Policy proposals for the reorganisation of local government will be taken forward in the Local Government (Reorganisation) Bill, which is currently with the Executive. These proposals have been cleared by the First Minister and, once approved by the deputy First Minister and the Executive, will be issued for consultation as early as possible.

The PwC economic appraisal was published back in October and the Strategic Leader Board considered the responses to the appraisal at its meeting on 9 December 2009.

The preferred option (Transformation with Regional Collaboration – Option 5) recommended by the Economic Appraisal will:

Realise the vision of strong local government in Northern Ireland with 11 new councils working to ensure positive outcomes for citizens, communities and businesses; and opting to collaborate with each other locally or regionally.

This option provides the opportunity to deliver a world-class, cutting-edge, effective, efficient and value-for-money system of local government in Northern Ireland.

In response to the Stakeholder Engagement on the report, from across the local government sector, some concerns were raised in relation to the proposed Business Service Organisation (BSO). I have therefore, requested that local government, through NILGA, put forward their proposals on how the sector would propose to achieve regional collaboration to realise the expected benefits for ratepayers. The intention is to discuss these proposals in detail at the next Strategic Leadership Board on 25 February 2010.

I have had initial discussions with the Finance Minister to explore the implementation and longer-term funding options. I feel there is a reasonable case to be made that the funding for the Reform Programme should come from both central and local government and have therefore asked the local government members of the Strategic Leadership Board to consider this and to give their views including a realistic assessment of what proportion of the costs set out in the PwC Report might be funded by local government. Once responses are received, I will consider them with all the other relevant information before putting detailed proposals to the Executive as early as possible.

I have also considered the Final Recommendations Report of the Local Government Boundaries Commissioner and have circulated a paper to Executive colleagues for consideration. Subject to their agreement, the Final Report, draft Local Government (Boundaries) Order and a statement about any modifications will be laid before the Assembly for consideration as soon as possible to allow elections to take place to the new local government districts in May 2011.

Planning Service

Mr R Beggs asked e Minister of the Environment (i) to list all representations he has made in his capacity as a local elected representative to the planning service for developments in the Lagan Valley constituency in each of the last two years; and (ii) how he manages actual or potential conflicts of interest as the Minister responsible for the Planning Service.

(AQW 4813/10)

Minister of the Environment: Over the last two years in my role as a local elected representative I have made a total of 6 formal representations to the Planning Service for developments in the Lagan Valley constituency, 2 representations in 2008 and 4 representations in 2009. The details of these are provided below.

I am fully entitled to make representations about planning applications, provided there is no potential for conflict of interest. Such representations are treated in the same way as those from any other elected representative. A conflict of interest would only arise where I am involved in the final decision making process on an application and any such conflict will be avoided.

Details of Representations made to Planning Service in 2008
Planning Application Reference	Proposal	Location
Q/2007/0145/F	Replacement Dwelling	14 Tullindoney Road, Dromore
S/2007/1221/F	Change of Use from Office Accommodation to Funeral Directors	4 Sackville Street, Lisburn
Details of Representations made to Planning Service in 2009
Planning Application Reference	Proposal	Location
S/2008/1133/F	Apartment Development	No 27 & 33 Culcavey Road, Hillsborough
Q/2009/0133/F	Dwelling & Garage	60 metres south west of 4 Mackeys Lane, Dromore
Q/2007/0111/F	Residential Development	Land to the south of Church Street, Dromore
S/2009/0300/F	Residential Development	Ballantine Garden Village Phase 2, Hillhall Road, Lisburn

Public Relations Services

Mr J Spratt asked the Minister of the Environment how much his Department has spent on public relations services from (i) PricewaterhouseCoopers; (ii) KMPG; (iii) Deloitte; and (iv) Weber Shandwick since devolution.

(AQW 4850/10)

Minister of the Environment: My Department has not incurred any expenditure on these consultants for PR services since devolution.

PPS21

Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister of the Environment when the final version of PPS21 will be published.

(AQW 4879/10)

Minister of the Environment: I circulated PPS 21 for Executive clearance in December 2009 and will publish it when that clearance is received.

Shortcomings Within the Planning Service

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment what steps he is taking to address the shortcomings within the Planning Service highlighted in the Public Accounts Committee report.

(AQW 4948/10)

Minister of the Environment: I am committed to reforming and improving the planning system and welcome all contributions, including those from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which will help with this process. My officials and I have recognised for some time a number of the issues identified in the PAC report and we have been seeking to address them. There has been a concerted focus on improving application processing times, with the streamlined council consultation arrangements and the Good Practice Guide playing their part in delivering improvements. Significant progress has also been made by the Strategic Project teams at headquarters, with 21 Article 31 applications representing investment in the region of £500 million, together with a further 17 applications of economic significance, being processed to recommendation or decision to date in 2009-10.

Clearly these are encouraging signs. However, I recognise that there is still some way to go. In this context, I have recently sought agreement from the Executive to the preparation of the necessary legislation to give effect to an extensive planning reform agenda, which follows our extensive public consultation process last year, and to make provision to transfer responsibility for many planning functions back to local government.

In terms of the specific recommendations in the PAC report, these will be carefully considered over the next few weeks and thereafter a formal Memorandum of Reply will be laid before the Assembly.

Equality Impact Assessments

Dr S Farry asked the Minister of the Environment what measures are included within Equality Impact Assessments conducted by his Department to ensure that the interests of people with identities outside the two perceived main traditions in Northern Ireland are taken into account.

(AQW 4973/10)

Minister of the Environment: In accordance with the requirements of Schedule 9 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 (the Act), my Department has published an Equality Scheme which sets out how it will fulfil the duties imposed by the Act. It also closely follows Guidance produced by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland to ensure that all its policies are assessed for potential significant impact on equality of opportunity between the nine categories as listed in Section 75 of the Act which includes persons of different religious belief, political opinion and racial group.

Strategic Project Teams

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of the Environment how many planning application the strategic project teams have dealt with.

(AQW 4990/10)

Minister of the Environment: Two Strategic Projects teams at Planning Service Headquarters were created in late in 2007 to specifically handle all large scale investment planning proposals and to facilitate pre-application discussions.

Since April 2008 44 major strategic Article 31 applications have been processed to a recommendation or decision. In 2009/2010 so far, 21 Article 31 applications have been processed to a recommendation or decision representing investment in the region of £500 million plus the associated construction jobs and post development job creation.

In addition to Article 31 applications the Strategic Projects teams also process other applications of economic significance from across the Province. In 2009/2010 to date, a further 17 economically significant applications have also been processed to a decision including Randox Laboratories (£15m) and a new factory for Bombardier (£300m and part of an overall £520m).

Within the Programme for Government there is a commitment to process large scale strategic investment planning proposals within 6 months provided there have been pre-application discussions. To date, 10 applications have met the criteria to apply the PfG 6 month target. Of these 6 have been processed on target with the remaining 4 on track for achievement, i.e. 100% record to date.

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND PERSONNEL

Staff Grievances by Civil Servants

Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail (i) the total number of staff grievances brought by civil servants against their employer in each of the last five years; (ii) the number of these grievances which (a) were upheld; (b) were dismissed; and (c) are outstanding; (iii) the number of cases which resulted in compensation being awarded to the employee; and (iv) the sum total of the compensation paid.

(AQW 4516/10)

Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr S Wilson): The information requested can only be provided from October 2007 when HRConnect was introduced. The figures are detailed overleaf. Prior to this the figures were not readily available due to differing recording methods in Departments and the absence of a central database recording the statistics.

Oct 2007/08 2008/09

Number of Grievances
61

190

Number of Grievances Upheld
12

19

Number of Grievances dismissed
30

71

Number of Grievances Outstanding
11

83

Number of Grievances resulting in compensation being awarded to the employee
0

0

Sum total of the compensation paid
0

0

	Oct 2007/08	2008/09
Number of Grievances	61	190
Number of Grievances Upheld	12	19
Number of Grievances dismissed	30	71
Number of Grievances Outstanding	11	83
Number of Grievances resulting in compensation being awarded to the employee	0	0
Sum total of the compensation paid	0	0

Deaths

Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the number of deaths as a result of (i) coronary heart disease; (ii) cancer; (iii) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; and (iv) diabetes related illnesses, in 2009.

(AQW 4760/10)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: In Northern Ireland during the first three quarters of 2009^P there have been 1,730 deaths registered due to coronary heart disease¹, 2,905 deaths registered due to cancer², 564 deaths registered due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease³ and 174 deaths registered due to diabetes related illnesses⁴. Provisional data for the complete 2009 registration year will not be available until the end of March 2010.

¹International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes I20-I25

²International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes C00-C97

³International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes J40-J44

⁴International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes E10-E14

^P 2009 data is provisional

Age of Mothers

Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the number of children who have been born to mothers aged (i) 14 years or under; (ii) 15 years; (iii) 16 years; (iv) 17 years; (v) 18 years; and (vi) 19 years, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 4843/10)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: Table 1 below shows the number of resident live births and stillbirths in Northern Ireland registered to mothers aged 19 and under from 2004 to 2009 Quarter 1 to Quarter 3^P.

Table 1: Resident Live Births and Stillbirths registered in Northern Ireland to Mothers Aged 19 and under, 2004-2009 Q1-Q3^P.

Mother’s Age	Registration Year / Period
Mother’s Age	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009 Q1-Q3^P
14 years and under	5	6	7	5	6	5
15 years	34	29	29	31	34	22
16 years	133	110	113	106	108	81
17 years	274	286	257	236	253	188
18 years	471	417	435	426	441	310
19 years	580	557	591	604	593	392

^P Provisional data

Absenteeism in the Civil Service

Lord Browne asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the precise methodology used by his Department to calculate the monetary cost of absenteeism in the Civil Service.

(AQW 4856/10)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency is responsible for calculating the monetary cost of absenteeism in the Civil Service. The methodology used is as follows:

Salaries For each individual an estimated daily rate is calculated by taking their Full-time equivalent Annual Pay Rate and dividing by 261 (i.e. weekdays in a year). This daily rate is then incurred for each standard working day lost (a standard working day is equivalent to 7.4 hours). Adjustments to take account of half-rate, pension-rate and unpaid standard working days of absence are also incorporated into this calculation.

Allowances Any allowances paid to an individual are factored down to a daily rate based on each individual's available working days. This daily rate is then incurred for each standard working day lost.

Employer's National Insurance Contribution This is estimated for each individual based on the salary and allowance costs previously calculated and the relevant HM Revenue & Customs rules.

Employer's Accruing Superannuation Liability Charge (ASLC) This is estimated for each individual based on the salary and allowance costs previously calculated and each individual's ASLC rate.

All four of these costing elements are combined to give an estimated monetary cost of absenteeism.

Operating Costs of Non-departmental Public Bodies

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the annual operating costs of each non-departmental public body in the last financial year.

(AQW 4867/10)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: Details of the operating costs for non-departmental public bodies (NDPB’s) sponsored, by the Northern Ireland departments are included in the attached annex. The figures refer to the 2008/09 financial year, which is the most recent information available.

Several bodies, including public corporations, special agencies and other bodies which, although not strictly NDPB’s, have also been included, as they are listed in the annual Public Bodies report.

Annex A

Public Bodies Expenditure 2008/09
Organisation	Spend £	Comments
Department for Employment and Learning
Construction Industry Training Board Northern Ireland	1,208,604	unaudited
Fair Employment Tribunal	3,322,741	unaudited
Labour Relations Agency	3,200,000
Northern Ireland Industrial Court	17,800
Northern Ireland Industrial Tribunals	0	unaudited
Ulster Supported Employment Ltd	7,740,669
Department for Regional Development
Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company	187,790,000	Public Corporation
Northern Ireland Water	290,600,000
Department for Social Development
Charities Advisory Committee	0
Charity Commission for Northern Ireland	0
Disability Living Allowance Advisory Board for Northern Ireland	0
Northern Ireland Housing Executive	795,911,000
Vaughan's Charity Trustees	0	Other Bodies
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Agricultural Wages Board Northern Ireland	0
Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute	47,432,000
Drainage Council for Northern Ireland	0
Livestock and meat Commission for Northern Ireland	4,410,000
Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority	2,349,205
Research and Education Advisory Panel	0
Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure
Arts Council of Northern Ireland	20,502,641
Fisheries Conservancy Board for Northern Ireland	900,000	unaudited
National Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland	24,426,000	unaudited
Northern Ireland Museums Council	437,879
Sport Northern Ireland	24,468,000	unaudited
Department of Education
Belfast Education and Library Board	315,776,977
Council for Catholic Maintained Schools	3,733,197
Middletown Centre for Autism Ltd	804,442
North Eastern Education and Library Board	324,842,605
NI Council for the Curriculum Examinations and Assessment	30,466,903
South Eastern Education and Library Board	266,264,000
Southern Education and Library Board	331,463,000
Staff Commission for Education and Library Boards	375,000
Western Education and Library Board	346,800,000
Youth Council for Northern Ireland	4,349,000
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment
General Consumer Council for Northern Ireland	2,443,398
Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland	4,476,256
Invest Northern Ireland	167,593,000
Northern Ireland Tourist Board	13,190,000
Department of Finance and Personnel
Northern Ireland Building Regulations Advisory Committee
Statistics Advisory Committee	7
Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety
Care Tribunal
Eastern Health and Social Services Board	1,171,986,000
Eastern Health and Social Services Council	283,000
Health and Social Care Trusts	3,262,196,000	unaudited
Mental Health Commission for Northern Ireland	649,544
Northern Health and Social Services Board	683,985,000
Northern Health and Social Services Council	185,796
Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service	26,177,000	H&PSS Special Agency
Northern Ireland Central Services Agency	85,387,144
Northern Ireland Clinical and Excellence Awards Committee	6,100,000
Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service	80,422,000	Other Bodies
Northern Ireland Guardian Ad Litem Agency	3,425,547
Northern Ireland Health Promotion Agency	6,200,000
Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency	49,412,020
Northern Ireland Practice and Education Council for Nursing and Midwifery	1,170,274
Northern Ireland Regional Medical Physics Agency	6,352,802
Northern Ireland Social Care Council	3,280,129
Poisons Board
Southern Health and Social Services Board	540,806,000
Southern Health and Social Services Council	205,302	unaudited
The Regulation & Improvement Quality Authority	6,291,000
Tribunal Under Schedule 11 to the Health and Personal Social Services (NI) Order		Other Bodies
Western Health and Social Services Board	489,502,000
Western Health and Social Services Council	170,000
Department of the Environment
Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside	0
Historic Buildings Council	0
Historic Monuments Council	0
Local Government Staff Commission for Northern Ireland	734,000
Northern Ireland Local Government Officer Superannuation Committee	133,776,000
Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister
Commission for Victims and survivors	760,000
Commissioner for Children and Young People	1,853,000	unaudited
Economic Research Institute of Northern Ireland	1,117,905
Ilex Urban Regeneration Company Ltd	3,600,000
Older Peoples Advocate	0	Other Bodies
Planning Appeals Commission	2,523,000
Statute Law Committee for Northern Ireland	0
Strategic Investment Board Northern Ireland	9,035,000
Water Appeals Commission	0
Total	9,804,879,787

Presbyterian Mutual Society

Mr M Durkan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel for an update on the work of the Ministerial Working Group on the Presbyterian Mutual Society; and when it will bring forward its proposals.

(AQW 4902/10)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: Ministers on the Working Group continue to engage extensively in seeking a fair resolution to this complex case. There have been a number of related issues at play that are material to the deliberations of ministers such as the recent legal judgement of Judge Deeny.

We need to liaise closely with the Administrator in considering these matters. There are therefore still a number of complex legal, financial and regulatory issues that need to be addressed. Unfortunately, this takes time and the ongoing work must remain confidential. Rest assured that we continue to seek a resolution that is fair and equitable to PMS savers and are making every effort to resolve this issue as quickly as possible.

Equality Impact Assessments

Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what measures are included within Equality Impact Assessments conducted by his Department to ensure that the interests of people with identities outside the two perceived main traditions in Northern Ireland are taken into account.

(AQW 4977/10)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: When conducting an Equality Impact Assessment, my Department adheres to The Guide to Statutory Duties, issued by the Equality Commission, which outlines the statutory arrangements under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

This mechanism allows policies to be assessed in order to determine whether they have an adverse differential impact on equality of opportunity for the nine Section 75 categories. The relevant categories include persons of different religious belief, racial grouping and political opinion.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY

Belfast Health and Social Care Trust: Staff

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail how many staff work in each department of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, and at what grade.

(AQW 1934/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Mr M McGimpsey): The number of staff in the Belfast HSC Trust by staff group can be found in the Key Facts Workforce Bulletin on the DHSSPS website at: http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/index/stats_research/work_force/stats-research.htm

Hospital Vending Machines

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 2082/09, if he has given further consideration to introducing a ban on hospital vending machines selling junk food, similar to the ban in place in Wales.

(AQW 4524/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The issue of healthy vending machines is being considered by the Food and Nutrition Advisory Group which is one of four specialist Advisory Groups contributing to a new 10 year Obesity Prevention Strategic Framework which is expected to be completed later this year.

Evergreen Centre at Gransha Health Care Park, Derry

Mr M Durkan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 4273/10, (i) to detail the changes and actions stipulated by the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority for the registration of the Evergreen Centre at Gransha Health Care Park in Derry; (ii) to indicate the estimated cost of such actions; (iii) if he can confirm whether additional funding will be provided to the Western Health and Social Care Trust for these works; and (iv) to provide an indicative time-line for registration.

(AQW 4544/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: (i) The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) has requested an action plan to demonstrate compliance with:

fire risk recommendations; recommended standards for fire fighting equipment; recommended standards for emergency lighting installation; requirements for fire door checks; provision of fire safety training for staff; periodic inspection and testing of fixed electrical installation recommendations; legionellae risk assessment recommendations; and
anti-scald risk assessment recommendations.

RQIA has also requested:

removal from use of the water boiler located in the redundant servery; development of suitable health and safety policy and procedures relating to the picture-framing workshop; removal of all redundant equipment and refurbish areas, including all unused soft relaxation rooms, poolroom, kitchen/canteen and all other areas containing surplus equipment; and
a review of the staffing levels to address the increased dependency needs of service users.

(ii) The estimated cost of these actions is £96,000.

(iii) The Western HSC Trust has secured £15,000 per annum and has made this available to address the staffing levels. There is a requirement to invest over £900K to facilitate the registration of day care facilities across the Trust and the 81k minor capital works costs associated with the Evergreen Centre is part of this. Due to current financial constraints the minor capital works programme has been delayed but these issues will be progressed as funding becomes available.

(iv) Registration can proceed as soon as RQIA’s recommendations are demonstrated as having been implemented satisfactorily.

Danger of Sunbeds

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what his Department has done to raise awareness of the danger of sunbeds.

(AQW 4566/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The cross-sectoral Northern Ireland Melanoma Implementation Group (NIMSIG), which leads implementation of my Department’s 1997 Melanoma Strategy, has highlighted the risks of sunbed usage through public information campaigns. These efforts have contributed to the removal of all sunbeds from local District Council leisure facilities. NIMSIG also organised a conference in 2009 at which experts from the UK and Europe presented evidence on the dangers of sunbeds to raise awareness of the adverse health effects.

In addition to raising awareness, my Department is considering a range of measures for the regulation of the sunbed industry in Northern Ireland.

Sunbed Industry

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he has any plans to introduce legislation to regulate the sunbed industry.

(AQW 4567/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: I am aiming to introduce a Sunbed Bill in the Assembly before the summer recess.

Efficiency Savings

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline the 3% efficiency savings planned for the Public Health Agency.

(AQW 4585/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The Public Health Agency (PHA) is required to deliver very significant savings on the pre-RPA running costs of commissioning functions now undertaken by it. These savings represent a reduction of 25% on back office administration and 12.5% on professional managers. These RPA savings count towards the Department’s overall 3% cumulative CSR efficiency target and the £53m savings HSC organisations will deliver under RPA.

Health Promotion Agency

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many people were employed in the Health Promotion Agency before it became the Public Health Agency.

(AQW 4586/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The Health Promotion Agency (HPA) did not become the Public Health Agency. Some former HPA staff were re-deployed to both the Public Health Agency and the Business Services Organisation.

At 31 March 2009 there were 53 people employed by the Health Promotion Agency.

Health Promotion Agency

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what the cost was of running the Health Promotion Agency in the last financial year .

(AQW 4587/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The 2008/09 running costs for the Northern Ireland Health Promotion Agency totalled £6.2M.

Flu Vaccine

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what the cost is to the Health Service, this financial year to date, of administering the common flu vaccine.

(AQW 4593/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: GPs are paid a fee of £7.51 to administer each dose of seasonal flu vaccine. As of 30 November 2009 more than 319,000 individuals had received the vaccine. Trusts organise clinics to vaccinate front line health and social care staff and it is not possible to quantify the costs associated with these clinics.

Osteomyelitis

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 3755/10, what strategies are being employed by his Department to reduce the number of cases of osteomyelitis.

(AQW 4607/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Health and Social Care Trusts use a range of measures to reduce the number of cases of osteomyelitis. These include the prompt and appropriate treatment of all cases including those which occur naturally in the bone and those resulting from penetrating injuries and open fractures. In addition, work is on-going to reduce healthcare associated infections including the pre-operative screening of patients.

Coiling as a Treatment for Brain Aneurysms

Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of coiling as a treatment for brain aneurysms.

(AQW 4613/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: As part of my Department’s formal link with the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in July 2006, Northern Ireland joined with England, Scotland and Wales as full participants in the Interventional Procedures Programme. NICE have issued interventional procedure guidance for coil embolisation of unruptured and ruptured intracranial aneurysms advising that current evidence on the safety and efficacy of this procedure is adequate.

As the Institute’s guidance on this procedure was issued prior to formal links with NICE, they have not been formally endorsed by my Department however, they can be considered as reflecting best practice by clinicians and commissioners within the HSC.

Video Conferencing

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what use has been made of video conferencing in providing a more efficient service within his Department and the Health and Social Care Trusts; and for an estimate of the total savings that have been made as a result of this technology.

(AQW 4624/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: I fully encourage the use of videoconferencing to promote more efficient working in my Department. Staff have been advised that, where feasible, this facility should be used to replace travel to meetings.

Records that are available show that the videoconferencing facilities in Castle Buildings, Stormont is used approximately 100 times per year and at Centre House, Belfast approximately 260 times per year. There are 42 other videoconferencing facilities in Health and Social Care Trust premises but records are not available on their usage.

No information is held which would quantify the level of savings made as a result of using this technology.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Centre at Belfast City Hospital

Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline the plans for the Cardiac Rehabilitation Centre located in the Wakehurst Building in Belfast City Hospital, given that no action has been taken since the announcement in 2006 that the building was due to be demolished.

(AQW 4627/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: I am not aware of the announcement in 2006 and would confirm that there has been no decision to demolish the Wakehurst Building at the Belfast City Hospital.

Oasis Dentistry

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what progress has been made in rolling out the contract awarded to Oasis Dentistry to provide more Health Service dentists; and when and where the service will be provided in the Carrickferus and Newtownabbey districts.

(AQW 4636/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: As you are aware I announced in May 2009 that the Department had awarded a tender to Oasis Dental Care Ltd for additional dental services which will result in 38 additional dentists being available in various areas of Northern Ireland. I can confirm that excellent progress has been made. The first practices in Enniskillen and Londonderry opened on Monday, 16 November 2009 and we are currently on schedule for the rest being operational within the next 3-4 months.

Subject to planning permission, it is intended that the Carrickfergus Oasis dental practice will be based at Lancastrian Street, Carrickfergus and is scheduled to open in late March 2010. The Newtownabbey Oasis dental practice will be based at 350 Antrim Road, Glengormley, Newtownabbey and is also scheduled to open in late March 2010, again subject to planning permission.

Private Companies Contracted by Health and Social Care Trusts

Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if all private companies contracted by Health and Social Care Trusts are obliged to operate to specific approved criteria; and if such companies are subject to scrutiny and auditing by his Department.

(AQW 4654/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Responsibility for the terms of a contract entered into by a Health and Social Care Trust is a matter for the relevant Trust chief executive. It is, however, my Department's policy that procurement of goods and services by health and social care organizations be subject, wherever possible, to guidance or contracting arrangements agreed or supported by a recognised Centre of Procurement Expertise. In complying with such guidance, a Trust would be satisfying itself as to, for example, the appropriateness of criteria specified in a contract, the capacity of the bidders to meet contractual obligations, and subsequent performance against criteria specified in the contract.

Private Companies Contracted by the Southern Health and Social Care Trust

Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 3634/10, to list the 30 private companies contracted by the Southern Health and Social Care Trust, including the areas they cover.

(AQW 4655/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The following table lists the 30 private companies and their locality of service provision.

Name Of Provider	Locality of Service Provision
Ann's Homecare	A&D, C&B
Care Force CMS	N&M
Care Plus	A&D, C&B
Darkley & District Community Association (brand name CarePoint NI)	A&D initially (new provider)
Derg Valley Care	N&M initially (new provider)
Enable Care Services	A&D, N&M
Everyday Care (DDA)	A&D
Extra Care	C&B, N&M
Fermanagh Home Care	A&D
Firs Homecare Sevices	A&D
Forever Care	A&D, N&M
Glencaring Services	A&D
Guardian Homecare	A&D, N&M, C&B
Homecare NI Ltd	A&D, C&B, N&M
Leonard Chesire	C&B
Lydian Care	N&M initially (new provider)
Miriams CVDC	A&D
Moneydarragh Flexicare	N&M
Mount Zion Community Care (Shankhill Community Care)	C&B
PCP - Personalised Care Partnership	A & D initially (new provider)
Peaceheaven	N&M
Phoenix Nursing Care Agency (Dom Care Division)	N&M
Premier Care	A&D
Provincial Care Services	A&D, N&M
Rathmourne	N&M

Name of Meals Provider	Locality of Service Provision
Domestic Care Services	A&D, C&B
Tumilty Diners	N&M
Jim & Mary Finnegan Catering	N&M
Sloan's Meals (Camlough Diners)	N&M
Pheonix	C&B

Key

A&D = Armagh and Dungannon

C&B = Craigavon and Banbridge

N&M= Newry and Mourne

Theft of Patient Files

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what steps he is taking to address the theft of patient files from a County Down GP surgery.

(AQW 4657/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The Health and Social Care Board, in conjunction with the Business Services Organisation, are working closely with the GP surgery concerned to provide support with the rebuilding of patient records, together with support to enhance existing security arrangements. Assistance is also being provided to the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s investigation.

Rickets

Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many cases of rickets have been diagnosed in children aged (i) 3 years or younger; (ii) 4-11 years; and (iii) 12-16 years, in each of the last 10 years.

(AQW 4669/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Information is not available on the number of cases of rickets which have been diagnosed in children aged (i) 3 years or younger; (ii) 4-11 years; and (iii) 12-16 years.

Public Health Agency Management Costs

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety the annual management costs of the Public Health Agency.

(AQW 4670/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The annual management costs of the Public Health Agency are expected to be in the region of £15.2m, which covers their salaries and wages as well as goods & services costs. The salary budget is £13.4m which covers 220 full time staff.

People Providing Unpaid Care

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for an estimate of the number of people providing unpaid care.

(AQW 4672/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Information on the number of people providing unpaid care is not available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Psychological Therapy

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the current average; and (ii) longest waiting time for (a) assessment for psychological therapy; and (b) subsequent treatment beginning.

(AQW 4673/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The information is not available in the format requested.

Addiction Holding Ward in the Ulster Hospital

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what steps he is taking to move the addiction holding ward in the Ulster Hospital away from A&E.

(AQW 4675/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust has advised that the ward in question is not an addictions holding ward. It is an observation ward which is integrated with A&E and managed by the same medical and nursing team as A&E. Certain types of patients are admitted to this ward for no more than 24 hours for assessment and observation. Most of the patients within the observation ward go home within 24 hours and a small number will be admitted to the main hospital for further investigation or treatment.

A & E Department of the Ulster Hospital

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for his assessment of the impact on service provision at the A&E department of the Ulster Hospital when A&E staff also have to attend to patients in the addiction holding ward.

(AQW 4676/10)

Removal of Patient from the Ulster Hospital

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety why PSNI officers, 2 security staff, 2 social workers and 2 ambulance personnel were required to move one patient from the holding ward of the Ulster Hospital to Lagan Valley Hospital on 5 February 2010.

(AQW 4677/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: It would not be appropriate to publicly disclose information about an individual patient's care or treatment as to do so would be likely to breach that patient’s right to confidentiality.

Cosmetic Procedures

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to list the cosmetic procedures that are available through the Health Service.

(AQW 4684/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: No cosmetic procedures are carried out by the Northern Ireland Health Service. However, a number of plastic and maxillo facial surgical procedures are carried out at the Ulster Hospital as a result of trauma, cancer and facial deformity. All procedures conform with the 2006 policy document "A Policy To Make Best Use of Resources in Plastic Surgery and Related Specialties" which states that clear clinical criteria will be used to determine whether a patient should have surgery.

A list of available procedures is shown in Appendix 1 of the document which can be accessed at: http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/microsoft_word_-_a_policy_to_make_best_use_of_resources_in_plastic_surgery_and_related_specialties__205_kb_.pdf

Unpaid Carers

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to estimate the number of unpaid carers in the East Antrim constituency.

(AQW 4693/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Information on the number of unpaid carers in the East Antrim constituency is not collected centrally.

Downe Hospital

Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, in light of press reports on 10 February that Accident and Emergency night services may be cut and beds reduced at the Downe Hospital, to provide details of all changes or anticipated changes at the hospital.

(AQW 4699/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Health and social care services are facing significant financial pressure and if the draft budget is approved by the Assembly, must deliver savings of £113 million on top of the existing £700 million efficiency savings already required. Like the rest of the service, the South Eastern Trust is considering a number of ways in which it can make better use of resources.

No decisions have yet been taken regarding any changes the delivery of services at the Downe Hospital.

Dementia

Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how much money was invested in the care and treatment of dementia in the last financial year.

(AQW 4703/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: An exact cost of health and social care services provided for people with dementia in Northern Ireland cannot be obtained because people with dementia often have other health and social care needs which are also being met and people with dementia often use services which are not earmarked as being specifically for people with dementia.

Care/Retirement Homes

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline what protection there is for people who reside in care/retirement homes.

(AQW 4706/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: A range of legislative and procedural measures are in place to protect vulnerable people, regardless of their physical and mental health or where they live. These include the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007, the Regional Adult Protection Policy and Procedural Guidelines, and the Joint Protocol for Investigation of Alleged Incidents of Abuse which was developed in partnership with the PSNI and several other statutory bodies. The Vetting and Barring Scheme, which is aimed at preventing unsuitable individuals from working with vulnerable groups, requires all individuals who work in certain positions with children, or vulnerable adults, to be registered with the Independent Safeguarding Authority by November 2010.

In January 2008 my Department introduced Minimum Care Standards for residential and nursing homes which specify the facilities, processes and training/qualifications necessary for the delivery of a quality service. RQIA use the standards to assess and report on the quality of services delivered by HSC and independent providers across Northern Ireland.

Accident and Emergency Unit in the Ulster Hospital

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what steps he is taking to increase staff levels at the Accident and Emergency Unit in the Ulster Hospital, in particular at weekends, to ensure safety and good service provision.

(AQW 4711/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust advises that the accident and emergency department at the Ulster Hospital has appropriate staffing levels in place.

Funding for Brain Injury Survivor Groups

Mr C Boylan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) what guidelines were issued to statutory and interested voluntary groups working with brain injury survivors, who wished to apply for a portion of the additional £350,000 funding announced in September 2009; (ii) if any of this money has been allocated; and (iii) to detail these allocations.

(AQW 4863/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: It is assumed this question refers to the £300,000 of additional CSR funding for brain injury services allocated to the Southern Health and Social Care Trust on a capitation basis. At a Brain Injury Planning Workshop hosted by the Southern Trust on 13 May 2009, four priority areas for expenditure against any future capitation funding were identified by participants, including service users, carers and the voluntary and statutory sectors. It was agreed that all interested parties would develop service proposals, in line with these priorities, which were fit for purpose, provided good value for money and complemented the work of the Regional Acquired Brain Injury Implementation Group. Funding allocations are under active consideration as the Trust is currently reviewing all bids received against the set criteria.

Orthodontic Treatment

Mr T Gallagher asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of children of school age in County Fermangh who have had Health Service orthodontic treatment; and the total cost of this treatment, in (i) 2006/07; (ii) 2007/08; and (iii) 2008/09.

(AQW 4958/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety:

Table 1: The number of children of school age¹ in County Fermanagh² who have had Health Service³ orthodontic treatment; and the total cost of this treatment, in (i) 2006/07; (ii) 2007/08; and (iii) 2008/09.

	2006/07	2007/08	2008/09
Number of children of school age who have had Health Service orthodontic treatment	264	188	176
Total cost of treatment⁴	£83,530	£65,301	£66,228

Source: Family Practitioner Services - HSC Business Services Organisation

Notes:

¹Children of school age are defined as children of compulsory school age, i.e. 4 to 15 inclusive.

²Patients were identified as being located in County Fermanagh based on their postcode of residence; a small proportion of postcodes could not be attributed to a geographical location.

³Cost does not include health service orthodontic care provided in the secondary care sector by the Western Health & Social Care Trust, these costs could only be identified with disproportionate resource implications.

⁴ Includes only specific ‘Orthodontic Treatment’ items. Does not include fees for assessment and diagnostic tests along with block grant payments as these fees are paid out along with fees for general dentistry and again can only be identified with disproportionate resource implications.

Psychotherapy, Personality Disorder and Assertive Outreach Services

Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for his assessment of the Royal College of Psychiatrists' assertion that Northern Ireland still lags behind England and Wales in the provision of psychotherapy, personality disorder and assertive outreach services; and if he can give an assurance that the current spending plans will not in any way impact on the implementation of the Bamford Review proposals.

(AQW 4983/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Our mental health services have been chronically underfunded for over a generation. Investment in these services has not kept pace with the rest of the UK. It is estimated that our mental health needs are at least 25% greater than England and we invest 25% less in services than they do.

I made mental health and learning disability my top priorities and secured an extra £54m in the Comprehensive Spending Round to start to develop mental health services in line with Bamford.

My Department is currently faced with delivering £700m of efficiencies and a further budget cut of £113m. At the same time demand for healthcare is rising at 9%. Whilst I will endeavour to protect vulnerable people, such as those with a mental health need, I cannot guarantee that these additional cuts will not impact on frontline services.

DEPARTMENT FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

NI Water

Mr T Gallagher asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail all procurement contracts awarded by NI Water, with a value of more than £10,000, since the company came into existence.

(AQW 4663/10)

Minister for Regional Development (Mr C Murphy): I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that the procurement contracts listed below, with a value more than £10,000, have been awarded by NIW since it was appointed water and sewerage undertaker on 1 April 2007.

i) TENDERS

Contract Details			Date Awarded
C081-07 - De-Sludging of Septic Tanks			01/04/2007
C133-07 - Supply and Delivery of Bottled Water			01/04/2007
C277-07 - Occupational Health Services			01/04/2007
C285-07 - Internal Audit Services			01/04/2007
C286-07 - External Audit Services			01/04/2007
C297-07 - WAMITAB Appointment of Assessors			01/05/2007
C222-07 - Collection, Transportation and Disposal of Sewage Sludge Cake			08/05/2007
C045-07e - Miscellaneous Electrical Sundries			01/06/2007
C056-07 - Heavy Mechanical Maintenance			09/07/2007
C294-07 - Periodic Electrical Installation			18/07/2007
C044-07 - Miscellaneous Mechanical Sundries			01/08/2007
C006-07 - Surface Boxes and Manhole Cover (Castings)			20/08/2007
C019-07 - Hire of Vehicles and Plant			03/09/2007
C062-07 - Maintenance of Chlorine Equipment			01/10/2007
C071-07 - Supply of Techs for Maintenance of Equipment. in the fields of Instrumentation/Radio/Telemetry			01/10/2007
C142-07 - Inspection of Lifting equipment and Pressure Systems			01/10/2007
C054-07 - Servicing, Repairs and Modifications to Generator Sets			16/10/2007
C203-07 - Supply and Delivery of Leakage Data Logging Equipment			12/11/2007
C037-07 - Chlorination Equipment and Spare Parts			27/11/2007
C061-07 - Manufacture of and Modification to Instrument and Switch Panels			27/11/2007
C060-07 - Process Instruments and Automatic Control Equipment			03/12/2007
C259-07 - Collection, Transportation and Disposal of Incinerator Ash			04/12/2007
C058-07 - Electrical Installation and Repair Work			13/12/2007
T001-07 - Supply & Delivery of Vans & Dual Purpose Vehicles			27/12/2007
C313-08 - Insurance Brokerage for NIW			01/01/2008
C312-08 - Tax advisers			01/02/2008
C004-08 - Pipes & Fittings			11/03/2008
C316-08 - The provision & maintenance of Multifunctional products			01/04/2008
C293-08 - Professional Resourcing Partner			10/06/2008
C140-08 - Leakage Management Services			01/07/2008
C317-08 - Provision of Autocad Licences			04/07/2008
C012-08 - Hydraulic control valves and fittings			22/07/2008
C309-08 - Service Repairs & Maintenance Project			01/08/2008
C304-08 - Disposal of NIW Surplus Vehicles Plant & Equipment			01/10/2008
C332-08 - Supply of Electricity to NIW			01/10/2008
C333-08 - Provision of Estates Professional Services			13/10/2008
C321-08 - Delivery for Unit Cost Database for NIW			27/10/2008
C018-08 - Collection and Disposal of Waste by Skip			01/11/2008
C325-08 - Supply,Delivery, Installation & Maintenance of Bufferless Chlorine Residual Monitors			18/11/2008
C059-08 - Repairing and Rewinding of Electric Motors			24/11/2008
C334-08 - Trial for Auto-Coagulation at Water Treatment Works			30/11/2008
C289-06 - Supply of online pH measurement systems at WTW's			05/12/2008
C328-08 - Framework for the Provision of Professional Consultancy Services			08/12/2008
C013-08 - Supply and Delivery of Chemicals			01/01/2009
C139-08 - Supply, Delivery of Leakage Control Panels, Kiosks and Associated Equipment			01/01/2009
C302-07 - ICT Service Delivery Partnership			06/01/2009
C055-08 - Supply, Maintenance, Testing and Certification of Lifting Equipment			01/02/2009
C335-08 - Maintenance of Telecoms Network			01/03/2009
C353-09 – Rationalisation of NIW Office Accommodation			01/03/2009
C343-08 - Water Resource Management Plan 2010			23/03/2009
C391 - Supply of Natural Gas within NIW Sites			01/04/2009
C352-09 - Supply & Installation of Combined Storm Overflow Remote Monitoring Equipment			20/04/2009
C347-08 - Provision of Web Services			21/05/2009
C241-08 - Supply,Delivery,Installation and Repair of Submersible Pumps			01/06/2009
C324-08 - Buoy Maintenance			01/06/2009
T004-09 - Repair & Maintenance Of Vehicles & Mobile Plant			01/06/2009
T005-09 - Bodywork for vehicles and mobile plant			01/06/2009
T017-09 - Spare Parts for Vans and Derivatives (Service Wide)			08/06/2009
C007-08 - Cold Water Meters and AMR			18/06/2009
C298-09 - External Claims Handling			01/07/2009
C341-09 - Full Service Marketing Agency			01/07/2009
C348-08 - Provision of Temporary Workers & Temporary Engineering Technicians			01/07/2009
C351-09 - Analytical Services:Water, Wastewater and Trade Effluent Quality analysis			01/07/2009
C351-09 - Analytical Services:Collection and Transportation Of Water Quality samples			01/07/2009
C363-09 - Wizcon annual maintenance			01/07/2009
C367-09 - MWM Operating Platform.			03/07/2009
C368-09 - Service & maintenance of UPS backup.			03/07/2009
C369-09 - Mobile simms for MVM tough books.			03/07/2009
C370-09 - Offsite co-location of servers.			03/07/2009
C371-09 - Line rental into Customer Contact Centre 0845++ numbers.			03/07/2009
C372-09 - Service and maintenance of hardware.			03/07/2009
C373-09 - Customer Billing & Contacts.			03/07/2009
C374-09 - Software provider.			03/07/2009
C375-09 - Software provider.			03/07/2009
C376-09 - Service and maintenance of hardware.			03/07/2009
C377-09 - Service and maintenance of hardware.			03/07/2009
C378-09 - Kodak i620 scanner & maintenance.			03/07/2009
C379-09 - Escrow account for MWM Operating Platform.			03/07/2009
C380-09 - Franker/Letter Opener/Bomb Scanner.			03/07/2009
C381-09 - Mobile simms for MWM tough books.			03/07/2009
C382-09 - Toughbooks - Procurement & Warranty.			03/07/2009
C383-09 - Telephone hardware & service/maintenance			03/07/2009
C340-08 - Sludge Management Services Contract			17/08/2009
C336-09 - Fuel Card Services (OGC)			23/08/2009
C361-09 - Lifting Chains and Davit Sockets Installation Programme			01/09/2009
C411 - Apponitment of Energy Consultant			16/09/2009
C355-09 - Leakage Management Software			18/09/2009
C366-09 - Preparation of IPPC applications for NIW Wastewater Sludge Thickening Centres (Phase 2)			21/09/2009
C390-09 - Financial Risk Assessment			28/09/2009
C287-09 - Provision of NIW Reporter			08/10/2009
C385-09 - Executive Recruitment			08/10/2009
C319-08 - Telemetry System Upgrade Project			14/10/2009
C396-09 - PC10 Project Manager			01/11/2009
C322-08 - Real Time Enterprise System Project			02/11/2009
C393-09 - Cost Reduction Plan for the NIW Fleet			04/11/2009
C384-09 - Supply & Delivery of Cryptosporidium sampling equipment			06/11/2009
C338-09 - Mechanical Joints and Fittings, Plumbing Materials, Under Pressure Fittings			11/11/2009
C339-08 - Concrete & Road Surfacing Supplies (Minor Works)			11/11/2009
C402 - Out Placements			19/11/2009
C388-09 - Provision of sewer baiting			01/12/2009
C397-09 - Printing & Addressing of Interruption of Supply Cards – Quotation			15/12/2009
C406 - Procurement of FITA-MAX Express Elution System			18/12/2009
C337-08 - S&D of PPE, Work-wear, Janitorial Supplies and Tools			01/01/2010
C400 - Supply & Delivery of Twin Steer Tractor Unit			01/01/2010
C401 - Supply & Delivery of 30000 litre semi trailer Vacuum Tank			01/01/2010
C407 - Supply of electricity at sites with unmetered supply points at sites within NIW			01/02/2010

ii) Capital Works

			Approved date
JB461	111	Lough Fea Zone Watermain Improvements	02/04/2007
JB508	111	Cargan Zone Watermain Improvements	02/04/2007
KP374	111	Teemore SPS pumps and pumping main replacement	04/04/2007
KG116	111	Aghalee/Aghagllon Screens	04/04/2007
KV119	111	Quarter Road Camlough Storm and Foul Sewer Extensions	16/04/2007
JC295	111	Altnahinch Zone Watermain Improvements	16/04/2007
KN568	111	Donagheday Rd, Strabane	16/04/2007
JL736	112	Reservoir Rehabilitation Western Area Phase1	20/04/2007
KF065	112	Trotters Walk to Madden Road, Tandragee Sewer Upgrade	20/04/2007
KG115	111	Rose gardens Laurelvale Proposed Foul Sewer	20/04/2007
JC362	111	Ballywillin Road, Portrush, Replacement Watermain	23/04/2007
JA249	111	Craigstown Road, Randalstown, Watermain Extension	23/04/2007
JN477	111	Culvacullion Road, Watermain Extension	03/05/2007
JB629	111	Bancran Road, Draperstown, Watermain Extension	03/05/2007
JL738	111	Coolagh Road, Greysteel - Replacement Watermain	03/05/2007
KG124	111	Old Newry Road, Banbridge Storm and Foul Sewer Extensions	03/05/2007
KF068	111	Drummanmore Road, Armagh Storm Sewer	21/05/2007
KV013	112	Rostrevor Sewerage Scheme	21/05/2007
JR402	111	Hydepark Service Reservoir Integrity	21/05/2007
ZZ999	216	Deleted Contracts	21/05/2007
KV106	111	Ballymoyer Road Whitecross Storm Sewer Extension and Foul Sewer Upgrade	21/05/2007
JV115	111	Lurgan Road / Ballygowan Road Alignment	22/05/2007
KF081	111	Killyman Foul Sewer Extension	23/05/2007
JN476	111	Inisclan Pumping Main Extension	31/05/2007
JN478	111	Meenacloy Road.Watermain Extension	31/05/2007
JP648	111	Derryclawan,Lisbellaw.Watermain Extension.	31/05/2007
JN472	151	Backglen Road, Omagh Booster Station	31/05/2007
JB547	213	Reservoir Rehabilitation Northern Area Phase 1	31/05/2007
JB547	511	Reservoir Rehabilitation Northern Area Phase 1	31/05/2007
KV095	111	Upper Dromore Rd, Warrenpoint, Storm Sewer Extension	08/06/2007
JL743	111	Removal of Stradreagh Spring Source	08/06/2007
KV115	111	The Meadows Newry Trunk Relief Sewer	08/06/2007
KG126	111	Gobrana Road Glenavy Storm Sewer Extension	08/06/2007
JG062	111	Lisnisky Lane/Portadown Road, Portadown	19/06/2007
KG143	111	Silverwood Golf Course Replacement Sewer	19/06/2007
KG132	111	Bleary Road, Bleary Storm and Foul Sewer Ext	19/06/2007
KB388	111	Gortgole Road Portglenone Storm Sewer Outfall	22/06/2007
JC319	111	Beechfield Drive, Coleraine Water Pumping Station	22/06/2007
KF014	111	Clare Village Sewerage Scheme	22/06/2007
JC363	111	Barnside Road, Garvagh, Watermain Extension	22/06/2007
KN583	111	Beragh Foul & Storm Sewer	22/06/2007
JC364	111	Ballinlea Road, Stranocum, Replacement Watermain	22/06/2007
JR404	111	Belfast City Centre Public Realm Phase 1, Area 1	22/06/2007
JA250	111	Kilbride Road/Bryantang Road, Doagh, Watermain Extension	06/07/2007
JB547	215	Reservoir Rehabilitation Northern Area Phase 1	06/07/2007
KV031	111	Hilltown WwTW	19/07/2007
KA158	111	Milltown, Antrim Wastewater Treatment Works	19/07/2007
JF569	111	Ballygawley/CabraghSR Link Main	19/07/2007
JB634	111	Battery	24/07/2007
JG066	111	Manse Road, Ballyward Watermain Extension	24/07/2007
JS253	111	Shore Road, Millisle Sewer & Watermain Replacement	24/07/2007
JS254	111	Moss Road, Millisle Sewer & Watermain Replacement	24/07/2007
JL736	711	Reservoir Rehabilitation Western Area Phase1	24/07/2007
JL736	311	Reservoir Rehabilitation Western Area Phase1	24/07/2007
JL736	811	Reservoir Rehabilitation Western Area Phase1	24/07/2007
JN479	111	Tirwinney.Watermain Extension	30/07/2007
KB364	111	Ballymena Sewage Pumping Station Replacement, Tullygarley	31/07/2007
JL744	111	Old Eglish Road, Dungannon, Watermain Extension	01/08/2007
KV128	111	Sheetrim Road Cullyhanna Foul Sewer Extension	08/08/2007
KT130	111	Mill Turn Dromore Sewage Pumping Station Upgrade	08/08/2007
JN389	111	Rezoning of Lenamore Springs Supply Area	14/08/2007
KV063	112	Newry Sewerage Networks Improvements	17/08/2007
KR323	111	Ligoniel Sewerage Scheme	17/08/2007
KV072	111	Rooneys Meadow Foul Sewer to Replace Sewage Pumping Station	24/08/2007
KG085	111	Clonmakate Sewage Pumping Station Replacement	24/08/2007
KT128	111	Thornleigh Park, Lisburn Foul & Storm Sewer Upgrade	24/08/2007
KS357	111	Sketrick Island, Whiterock Sewerage Facilities	24/08/2007
KL417	111	Londonderry Sewer Improvements Stage 1 - Victoria Market Pumping Station and Fahan Street Relief Sewer	24/08/2007
JF577	111	Ballyloughan Road, Hamiltonsbawn, Armagh Watermain Extension	24/08/2007
JF576	111	Lisbeg Road Watermain Ext (2007)	24/08/2007
JA238	111	Antrim Ring Main Relocation	30/08/2007
JA238	112	Antrim Ring Main Relocation	31/08/2007
JL736	411	Reservoir Rehabilitation Western Area Phase1	31/08/2007
KG131	111	Lurgan Road, Aghalee Storm Sewer Extension	04/09/2007
KS309	111	Raholp Wastewater Treatment Works	04/09/2007
JV818	111	Carrick Road Warrenpoint Watermain Extension	04/09/2007
JS276	111	Kilmegan Road, Dundrum, Watermain	04/09/2007
JG069	111	Limekiln Lane, Aghalee Watermain Extension	04/09/2007
JV123	111	Ashtree Hill Drumbanagher Watermain Extension	04/09/2007
KN586	111	Killen Wastewater Treatment Works	06/09/2007
KL419	111	Londonderry Sewer Imps Stage 1 - Strathfoyle Siphon Storage Tank	06/09/2007
KR313	112	Lisbarnet Wastewater Treatment Works	07/09/2007
KR338	111	360-368 Doagh Road, Newtownabbey Sewer Extension	11/09/2007
KR341	111	Demesne Road Holywood Foul & Storm Sewer	11/09/2007
KC330	111	Ballylagan Road, Islandmore	11/09/2007
JR377	111	Hightown Road, Newtownabbey Watermain.	11/09/2007
JA251	111	Crosshill Service Reservoir Water Booster Station, Larne	11/09/2007
KF077	111	Poyntzpass Wastewater Treatment Works Inlet Sewer Replacement	14/09/2007
KV069	111	Carrickmacstay SPS Upgrade/Replacement	14/09/2007
KA170	111	Coastguard Road Larne	25/09/2007
KF066	111	Rear of 25 Main Street, Storm Sewer Extension	25/09/2007
KN605	111	Loughmacrory Storm Sewer Extension.	25/09/2007
KF083	111	Johnston Lodge, Hamiltonsbawn Fowl Sewer ext	25/09/2007
KN584	111	Gortin Road Omagh Storm Sewer	25/09/2007
KG147	111	Carbet Road Portadown Storm Sewer	26/09/2007
ZZ999	217	Deleted Contracts	26/09/2007
JL736	611	Reservoir Rehabilitation Western Area Phase1	26/09/2007
KP299	111	Enniskillen Wastewater Treatment Works	26/09/2007
KV097	111	Belleeks Wastewater Treatment Works	28/09/2007
KL314	114	Limavady Wastewater Treatment Works	01/10/2007
JL736	911	Reservoir Rehabilitation Western Area Phase1	03/10/2007
KV058	111	Castlewellan Forest Park Sewage Pumping Station	03/10/2007
KP587	111	Lisnagole Road Lisnaskea Foul Sewer Extension	03/10/2007
KV141	111	Limekiln Road Newry Foul Sewer Extension	05/10/2007
KN607	111	Creagmore Road, Drumquin Foul Sewer Extension	05/10/2007
JF574	111	Carland Bridge (Cookstown Rd) Road Realignment	05/10/2007
KV042	111	Cullaville Wastewater Treatment Works	08/10/2007
JR302	111	Purdysburn East Zone Watermain Improvements	16/10/2007
JR304	111	Castlereagh Zone Watermain Improvements	16/10/2007
KF062	111	Cavanacaw Road, Storm Sewer	16/10/2007
KC395	111	St Patricks Avenue, Coleraine - Sewer Repair.	16/10/2007
KF078	111	Dungormley	16/10/2007
KV144	111	Dromore Street Rathfriland Storm Sewer Extension	16/10/2007
JS220	112	Bangor Outer Zone Watermain Improvements	18/10/2007
KV033	111	Warrenpoint Wastewater Treatment Works	19/10/2007
KG127	111	Madden Road Tandragee Storm and Foul Sewer Extensions	19/10/2007
KV116	111	Abbey Park Kilkeel Sewer Replacement	19/10/2007
KG149	111	Dunkirk Road Waringstown Storm and Foul Sewer Extensions	22/10/2007
JP649	111	Deerpark Lane watermain extension	24/10/2007
KR392	111	Burren Way, Cregagh	24/10/2007
JB547	218	Reservoir Rehabilitation Northern Area Phase 1	24/10/2007
JB547	219	Reservoir Rehabilitation Northern Area Phase 1	24/10/2007
JB547	112	Reservoir Rehabilitation Northern Area Phase 1	24/10/2007
KS215	112	Annalong Wastewater Treatment Works	29/10/2007
KP366	111	Kinoughtra, Teemore Storm Sewer Extension	30/10/2007
KC323	111	Finvoy Road Ballymoney Sewerage Scheme	30/10/2007
KR357	111	Loughview Terrace Greenisland Storm Sewer	30/10/2007
JL736	113	Reservoir Rehabilitation Western Area Phase1	30/10/2007
KR323	112	Ligoniel Sewerage Scheme	30/10/2007
KR382	111	Salinity Removal from Sewerage System discharging to new North Down Wastewater Treatment Works	30/10/2007
KC355	111	Bravallan Road Ballymoney Storm Sewer	30/10/2007
KA202	111	The Woods, Old Glenarm Road, Larne, Storm Sewer Outfall	30/10/2007
JN482	111	Killymore Road, Gortin Pumping Station	31/10/2007
KF048	111	Moor Gardens Sewer Upgrades	31/10/2007
KR346	111	Ivanhoe Avenue Belfast Storm and Foul Sewer Replacement	05/11/2007
KV108	111	School Road, Newtownhamilton Storm Sewer Wxtension	05/11/2007
KG134	211	Carrick Drive, Banbridge Road Lurgan Storm Sewer Extension	08/11/2007
KS376	111	Newcastle Sewer Networks Improvements	08/11/2007
KS381	111	North Road, Newtownards Storm	08/11/2007
KS377	112	Downs Road/Castle Park Sewer Upgrade/ Attenuation	13/11/2007
KA199	111	Antrim Rd, Aldergrove - Trunk Sewer Replacement	13/11/2007
KL414	111	Drumahoe Sewerage Scheme Sewage Pumping Station	13/11/2007
KR343	111	O Neill Road, Glengormley Storm Sewer Extension	19/11/2007
KN571	111	Derry Road Storm Sewer	19/11/2007
KS212	111	Portaferry Wastewater Treatment Works	19/11/2007
JL693	114	Cityside Zone Watermain Improvements	21/11/2007
JL693	115	Cityside Zone Watermain Improvements	21/11/2007
KA188	111	Steeple Road Antrim - Replacement Sewer	27/11/2007
KC352	111	Castleroe Road Coleraine Foul Sewer Extension	27/11/2007
KG148	111	Mark Street Lurgan Storm Sewer Extension	29/11/2007
JC368	111	Lisheegan Road, Rasharkin	06/12/2007
JL749	111	Letterlougher Road Claudy First Time Services Extension	06/12/2007
KR395	111	Cloghan Park, Belfast Flood Alleviation	06/12/2007
KF031	111	Cabragh Wastewater Treatment Works	06/12/2007
KA184	111	Ballyeaston Road Ballyclare Storm Sewer	13/12/2007
JB643	111	Creagh Hill, Castledawson, Watermain Extension	13/12/2007
KV117	111	Spring Meadows/Riverfields Warrenpoint Foul Sewer Extension	13/12/2007
KG159	111	Waringstown Wastewater Treatment Works Storm Tanks	18/12/2007
KG059	111	Old Lurgan Road Sewer Extensions	18/12/2007
KF029	111	Bush Wastewater Treatment Works	18/12/2007
KV009	111	Gilford Wastewater Treatment Works	18/12/2007
KB354	112	Orritor Road, Cookstown - Sewer Replacement.Phase 2	18/12/2007
KS362	111	Station Road, Crossgar Replacement Sewer	20/12/2007
KT144	111	The Square, Hillsborough Storm Sewer Extension.	20/12/2007
KP351	111	Derrylin Wastewater Treatment Works	03/01/2008
JL693	116	Cityside Zone Watermain Improvements	08/01/2008
KR393	111	Re-direction of Effluents from Belfast Sludge Incinerator within Belfast Wastewater Treatment Works	08/01/2008
JB644	111	Bank Square, Maghera	08/01/2008
JC365	111	Bushtown Road, Coleraine, Watermain Extension	08/01/2008
JA255	111	Glenavy Road, Crumlin, Replacement Watermain	08/01/2008
JB637	111	Dunmore Lane, Cookstown, Watermain Extension	08/01/2008
KA200	111	Ballycorr Road, Ballyclare, Storm Outfall	10/01/2008
KS809	111	Carrowdore Sewer Replacement	10/01/2008
JF007	111	Seagahan Zone Watermain Improvements	14/01/2008
KG137	111	Main Street Glenavy Storm Sewer Extension	14/01/2008
JC352	111	Loughguile Zone Watermain Improvements	16/01/2008
JC353	111	Rasharkin Zone Watermain Improvements	16/01/2008
JC349	111	Portballintrae Zone Watermain Improvements	16/01/2008
JC351	111	Ballynahone Zone Watermain Improvements	16/01/2008
JC294	111	Ballinrees West Zone Watermain Improvements	16/01/2008
KT098	112	Annahilt Wastewater Treatment Works	16/01/2008
JS220	111	Bangor Outer Zone Watermain Improvements	16/01/2008
JB517	111	Cookstown Zone Watermain Improvements	16/01/2008
JP610	111	Meenacloyabane Service Reservoir	23/01/2008
KF027	111	Benburb/Milltown - RBC Installations West & South	23/01/2008
KB280	111	Draperstown Wastewater Treatment Works	28/01/2008
KG120	111	Foul Sewer Extension, Garveys Road, Dorsey	28/01/2008
KL416	111	Park Wastewater Treatment Works	28/01/2008
JR367	111	Service Reservoir Enhanced Security	29/01/2008
KF030	111	Killyman Wastewater Treatment Works	01/02/2008
JN368	111	Derg - Omagh Area Transfer Pumps	01/02/2008
KG108	111	Lough Road, Lurgan Storm Sewer Extension	07/02/2008
KL423	111	Crevagh Park Sewage Pumping Station Abandonment	07/02/2008
KL418	111	Londonderry Sewer Improvements Stage 1 - Gransha Pumping Station	07/02/2008
JC369	111	Newbridge Road, Ballymoney, Replacement Watermain	07/02/2008
KN592	111	Crevanagh Road, Omagh, Foul Sewer Pumping Main Extension	08/02/2008
JV023	111	Fofanny/Banbridge Zone Watermain Improvements	08/02/2008
KV079	111	McShanes Road, Bessbrook Foul Sewer Extension	13/02/2008
JV067	152	Jerrettspass Chlorination	13/02/2008
JV067	151	Jerrettspass Chlorination	13/02/2008
JA252	111	Castle Road, Antrim, Watermain	13/02/2008
KS806	111	Movilla Road, Newtownards Foul Sewer Extension	14/02/2008
KG153	112	Gilford Road Portadown Sewerage Upgrades	15/02/2008
KN579	111	Luganboy Road, Castlederg Foul and Storm Extensions	18/02/2008
KS263	111	Saintfield Wastewater Treatment Works	21/02/2008
KX126	111	Glencam Road, Omagh Storm Sewer	21/02/2008
KX089	111	Strabane Road, Castlederg Storm Sewer	21/02/2008
JV820	111	Carron Hill Supply Zone Management Plan	21/02/2008
JL751	111	Brishey Springs Decommissioning, Dungiven	21/02/2008
JL752	111	Reservoir Rehabilitation Western Area Phase 2	21/02/2008
JL752	112	Reservoir Rehabilitation Western Area Phase 2	21/02/2008
KF076	111	Gorestown Road Sewerage Scheme	21/02/2008
KP373	111	Galliagh Park Enniskillen Replacement Sewers	21/02/2008
KC347	111	Frocess Road Ballymoney Foul Sewer	21/02/2008
KC336	111	Glen Road, Garvagh Foul Sewer	25/02/2008
KF026	112	Hamiltonsbawn Wastewater Treatment Works	26/02/2008
KS206	112	Seahill Wastewater Treatment Works	27/02/2008
JS224	111	Lough Cowey Zone Watermain Improvements	27/02/2008
KG160	111	Meadow Lane Portadown Sewer Realignment	27/02/2008
JL752	212	Reservoir Rehabilitation Western Area Phase 2	28/02/2008
KT143	111	Poundburn Wastewater Treatment Works	28/02/2008
KC354	111	Priestland Rd, Bushmills St Sewer Extension	28/02/2008
KT098	111	Annahilt Wastewater Treatment Works	28/02/2008
KA190	111	Newlodge Road Antrim - Foul Sewer Extension	28/02/2008
KR333	111	Newtownbreda, Dunmurry, New Holland Wastewater Treatment Works - Nutrient Removal	29/02/2008
KR333	112	Newtownbreda, Dunmurry, New Holland Wastewater Treatment Works - Nutrient Removal	29/02/2008
KR333	113	Newtownbreda, Dunmurry, New Holland Wastewater Treatment Works - Nutrient Removal	29/02/2008
KT124	111	Dromara Wastewater Treatment Works	29/02/2008
KR390	111	Cloughy Wastewater Treatment Works Interim Solution	29/02/2008
KR388	111	Ballywalter Wastewater Treatment Works Interim Solution	29/02/2008
KF069	111	Coash Road, Dungannon Storm Sewer Extension	03/03/2008
KR313	111	Lisbarnet Wastewater Treatment Works	05/03/2008
KC218	212	Portrush Sewer Improvements Stage 4	05/03/2008
KT373	111	Hulls Lane, Lisburn Foul Sewer Extension	05/03/2008
KC231	111	Ballycastle Sewerage Scheme	07/03/2008
KB376	111	Straw Village Sewer Upgrades	07/03/2008
KX935	111	Mantlin Road, Kesh Sewerage Scheme	10/03/2008
KG003	112	Magheralin Sewerage Scheme	10/03/2008
KS384	111	Darragh Cross Wastewater Treatment Works	10/03/2008
JB647	214	Reservoir Rehabilitation Northern Area - Phase 2	10/03/2008
KB353	113	Maghera Area Sewers	12/03/2008
KB353	114	Maghera Area Sewers	12/03/2008
JS112	151	North Down Strategic Trunk Watermains	13/03/2008
KS224	111	Downpatrick Wastewater Treatment Works	13/03/2008
JB647	215	Reservoir Rehabilitation Northern Area - Phase 2	13/03/2008
JC351	112	Ballynahone Zone Watermain Improvements	13/03/2008
KR342	112	Belfast Lough North Shore Wastewater Treatment Works	14/03/2008
JP653	111	Enniskillen New Hospital Watermain Extension	18/03/2008
KR389	111	Ballyhalbert Wastewater Treatment Works Interim Solution	21/03/2008
KR387	111	Ballywhiskin Wastewater Treatment Works Interim Solution	21/03/2008
KX127	111	Moorlough Road, Artigarvan Foul Sewer	21/03/2008
KX140	111	Farmhill Road, Ballymagrory Foul Sewer	21/03/2008
KT140	111	Hugenot drive Lisburn Sewage Pumping Station Upgrade	21/03/2008
KB374	111	Tullywiggan Wastewater Treatment Works Improvements	26/03/2008
KC313	111	Rasharkin Flood Alleviation and Sewer Extension	27/03/2008
KR406	111	Carrowdore Wastewater Treatment Works I	27/03/2008
KR406	151	Carrowdore Wastewater Treatment Works I	27/03/2008
JN428	111	Derg West Zone Watermain Improvements	27/03/2008
KB317	211	EPF Flood Alleviation Project	28/03/2008
KB285	111	Sandhole Wastewater Treatment Works .	28/03/2008
KL410	111	Ballycoleman, Strabane Flood Alleviation Scheme	28/03/2008
KA153	111	Castledawson Sewerage Rationalisation	31/03/2008
KA153	112	Castledawson Sewerage Rationalisation	31/03/2008
KS815	111	Waste Water Pumping Stations Screens Removal and Pumps Replacement, Ards/Down.	02/04/2008
JB647	213	Reservoir Rehabilitation Northern Area - Phase 2	03/04/2008
JL752	214	Reservoir Rehabilitation Western Area Phase 2	03/04/2008
JL752	211	Reservoir Rehabilitation Western Area Phase 2	03/04/2008
JS219	111	North Down,Bangor Zone Watermain Improvements	03/04/2008
JR304	112	Castlereagh Zone Watermain Improvements	03/04/2008
KB343	111	Moneymore Wastewater Treatment Works inlet improvements	03/04/2008
JF007	112	Seagahan Zone Watermain Improvements	03/04/2008
JG018	111	Castor Bay/Banbridge Zone Watermain Improvements	03/04/2008
JG019	111	Castor Bay/Craigavon North Watermain Rehabilitation	03/04/2008
JG021	111	Castor Bay/Craigavon South Zone Watermain Rehabilitation	03/04/2008
JR367	151	Service Reservoir Enhanced Security	03/04/2008
KC294	111	Ballymoney Sewerage Improvements	04/04/2008
JT126	111	Lisburn North Rural Zone Watermain Improvements	21/04/2008
JB501	111	Casheltown Zone Watermain Improvements	21/04/2008
JD207	111	Tullagh Road, Cookstown	21/04/2008
JF006	111	Altmore/Gortlenaghan Zone Watermain Improvements	21/04/2008
JB647	212	Reservoir Rehabilitation Northern Area - Phase 2	21/04/2008
JR408	111	Belfast City Centre public Realm Phase 1, Area 3	21/04/2008
KT375	111	Prince William Road, Lisburn Foul Sewer Extension	24/04/2008
JR406	111	Knockagh Road, Woodburn, Carrickfergus Replacement Watermain	28/04/2008
JL752	213	Reservoir Rehabilitation Western Area Phase 2	29/04/2008
JL747	111	Repair of GAC Filters at Carmoney Water Treatment Works	01/05/2008
KL419	112	Londonderry Sewer Improvements Stage 1 - Strathfoyle Siphon Storage Tank L’Derry Sewer Improvements Stage 1 - Strathfoyle Siphon Storage Tank	01/05/2008
KC315	112	Ballymoney/Coleraine Sewers	01/05/2008
KG036	111	EPF Flood Alleviation -Obins St	01/05/2008
KB412	111	Cookstown Road Moneymore Foul Sewer Extension	15/05/2008
KR386	111	St Meryl Park / Kennedy Way Sewer Upgrade	15/05/2008
KL430	111	Gortnahey Road, Gortnahey, Dungiven Foul Sewer Extension	15/05/2008
JC372	111	Newbridge Road, Ballymoney, Watermain Extension	15/05/2008
JF579	112	Dungannon to Ballygawley (A4) Dualling Watermain Diversions	15/05/2008
JB647	217	Reservoir Rehabilitation Northern Area - Phase 2	15/05/2008
JB647	218	Reservoir Rehabilitation Northern Area - Phase 2	15/05/2008
JB647	216	Reservoir Rehabilitation Northern Area - Phase 2	28/05/2008
JN493	111	Georgian Villas, Omagh Replacement Watermain	28/05/2008
JN494	111	Rodgers Road, Tattykeel Watermain Extension	28/05/2008
JL752	311	Reservoir Rehabilitation Western Area Phase 2	28/05/2008
KG057	111	Kiln Road, Lurgan Foul Sewer Extension	28/05/2008
JF563	111	Seagahan Water Treatment Works	28/05/2008
JB583	111	Oak Park, Draperstown Replacement. Watermain.	28/05/2008
KS354	111	Bangor Academy Sewers, Castle Street	28/05/2008
KS224	112	Downpatrick Wastewater Treatment Works	30/05/2008
KC324	111	Anticur Rd/Carrowadoon Road, Dunloy Sewerage Scheme	05/06/2008
KB431	111	The Brambles, Magherafelt – Sewage Pumping Station Replacement	05/06/2008
KS804	111	Millisle Drainage Area Plan - Phase 1	05/06/2008
KB362	111	Chapel Street, Cookstown	06/06/2008
KO173	111	Ballynakilly Sewage Pumping Station	06/06/2008
KO170	111	Lough Road, Lurgan	09/06/2008
JB647	211	Reservoir Rehabilitation Northern Area - Phase 2	11/06/2008
KS811	111	Portaferry Drainage Area Plan Phase 1	12/06/2008
JA261	111	Old Ballybracken Road Barnish Road Kells Replacement Watermain	16/06/2008
KL427	111	Ballykelly Main St, Replacement Sewer	16/06/2008
JN480	111	Dunnamona Road,Omagh.Replacement Watermain.	16/06/2008
JN481	111	Cornavarrow,Omagh.Replacement Watermain	16/06/2008
KG134	111	Carrick Drive, Banbridge Road Lurgan Storm Sewer Extension	16/06/2008
KC308	111	Mussenden Road Articlave	23/06/2008
KB411	111	Milburn Storm Sewer	23/06/2008
KF312	111	Ashley Gardens Armagh foul sewer replacement	24/06/2008
JN484	111	Glenhordial WTW replacement of Camowen pumping main	24/06/2008
JB647	219	Reservoir Rehabilitation Northern Area - Phase 2	24/06/2008
JB647	311	Reservoir Rehabilitation Northern Area - Phase 2	24/06/2008
JR414	111	Reservoir Rehabilitation South East Area Phase 2	24/06/2008
KA206	111	Small Wastewater Treatment Works Priority Upgrades	01/07/2008
KR377	111	Glendarragh SPS - Replacement pumping main	01/07/2008
KL429	111	Assessment of Flow Monitoring in Wastewater Treatment Works	01/07/2008
KF313	111	Lisanally Special School, Armagh Foul Sewer Replacement	07/07/2008
KG146	111	Cloncarrish Road Birches Storm Sewer Extension	07/07/2008
KV113	111	Skerriff Road Cullyhanna Foul Sewer Extension	07/07/2008
KT384	111	Mandeville Avenue, Lisburn Foul Sewer Extension	07/07/2008
KP588	111	ST Patricks Terrace, Lisnaskea Flood Alleviation Scheme	07/07/2008
KC396	111	Mussenden Road, Articlave, Storm Sewer Extension	07/07/2008
JR414	113	Reservoir Rehabilitation South East Area Phase 2	07/07/2008
JB650	111	Drummuck Road Maghera Watermain Extension	07/07/2008
JB651	111	Carnlough Road, Broughshane, Watermain Replacement	07/07/2008
KV012	111	Crossmaglen Wastewater Treatment Works	09/07/2008
KL406	111	Wastewater Treatment Works Quick Wins 2005	09/07/2008
KG163	111	Obins Street Portadown Storm Sewer Extension	22/07/2008
JR414	112	Reservoir Rehabilitation South East Area Phase 2	22/07/2008
KS816	111	Magheraknock Road, Ballynahinch Sewer Replacement	01/08/2008
KV093	111	Millstone Close, Moneyslane Sewage Pumping Station Upgrade	01/08/2008
KF033	111	Castlecaulfield Wastewater Treatment Works	04/08/2008
KD041	111	Moyle Rd Ballycastle	15/08/2008
KA168	111	Milltown Road Antrim	15/08/2008
KL437	111	Queens Quay combined sewer diversion Londonderry	15/08/2008
KR396	111	Kylemore Park, Belfast Flood Alleviation	15/08/2008
KL435	111	Killary Road Drainage Improvements	18/08/2008
KV122	111	High Street, Gilford Sewer Replacement	18/08/2008
JC376	111	Tullysaran Road Watermain Extension	18/08/2008
KS386	111	Longisland Drive Sewage Pumping Station Rising Main (Kircubbin)	18/08/2008
JS268	112	Newtownards Southern Relief Road	18/08/2008
KA191	112	Black Cave & Upper Roddens Sewage Improvements, Larne	18/08/2008
JT149	114	Lisburn to R.O.I. Border Trunk Road Improvements	18/08/2008
JS222	111	Newtownards Town Zone Watermain Improvements	18/08/2008
JN355	111	North Tyrone Zone Watermain Improvements	18/08/2008
JS280	111	Ballycreelly Road, Ballygowan, Watermain Rep	18/08/2008
JS281	111	Fields at Ballycreelly Road, Ballygowan, Watermain Rep	18/08/2008
KC318	111	Portstewart Area Sewers	19/08/2008
JL752	215	Reservoir Rehabilitation Western Area Phase 2	19/08/2008
KG101	111	Martins Yard and Gilford Mill Sewage Pumping Station Rationalisation	22/08/2008
JB647	111	Reservoir Rehabilitation Northern Area - Phase 2	27/08/2008
KT134	111	Lower Ballinderry Wastewater Treatment Works	03/09/2008
KB397	111	Old Portglenone Road Ahoghill, Foul Sewer Extension	04/09/2008
KC407	111	Middlepark Road, Cushendall, Relief Sewer	04/09/2008
JS278	111	Saintfield Road, Ballygowan, Replacement Watermain	04/09/2008
JC375	111	Carnamoney Lane, Draperstown, Watermain Extension	04/09/2008
JR414	118	Reservoir Rehabilitation South East Area Phase 2	05/09/2008
KR418	111	Castle Place / High Street Sewer and Water main Upgrade	05/09/2008
JP656	111	Croaghrim Rd, Enniskillen Replacement Watermain	10/09/2008
KG063	111	Heron Wood and & Jubilee Heights, Dromore Sewage Pumping Stations	10/09/2008
KG069	111	Stranmore Road Gilford Sewerage Scheme	15/09/2008
KV149	111	Newry Wastewater Treatment Works Aeration upgrade	15/09/2008
JA260	111	Clonkeen, Randalstown, Replacement Watermain	15/09/2008
JR401	111	Lower Chichester Street, Belfast Watermains Replacement, Belfast Public Realm	15/09/2008
KS378	111	Burren River Sewage Pumping Station Upgrades & Networks Improvements	17/09/2008
KG153	111	Gilford Road Portadown Sewerage Upgrades	18/09/2008
KS369	111	Ballylough Road/Aghlisnafin Road Castlewellan	22/09/2008
JN489	111	Camowen River/Killyclogher Road Watermain Replacement	24/09/2008
JL752	113	Reservoir Rehabilitation Western Area Phase 2	07/10/2008
KR404	111	Dunmurray Drainage Area Plan Phase 1	14/10/2008
KR399	111	Ballyholme (Bangor) Drainage Area Plan Phase 1	14/10/2008
KV063	113	Newry Sewerage Networks Improvements	14/10/2008
KD957	111	Dunnamore Sewerage Scheme	14/10/2008
KD074	111	Relief Sewer, Finvoy Road, Ballymoney	14/10/2008
JB660	111	Lough Fea Road, Cookstown, Watermain Replacement.	17/10/2008
JR414	119	Reservoir Rehabilitation South East Area Phase 2	17/10/2008
JA263	111	Aghnadarragh Road, Glenavy Watermain Extension	17/10/2008
KD089	111	Rashee Rd Ballyclare Storm sewer	17/10/2008
KD090	111	Killygonlan/Mullanahoe Foul Sewer Replacement	17/10/2008
JR414	114	Reservoir Rehabilitation South East Area Phase 2	17/10/2008
JR414	115	Reservoir Rehabilitation South East Area Phase 2	17/10/2008
KR375	111	216-228 Belmont Road, Belfast Sewer Rehabilitation	17/10/2008
KC353	111	Knock Road Ballymoney Foul & Storm Sewer Extension	20/10/2008
KB400	111	Mullanahoe Road Ardboe Foul Sewer	20/10/2008
JB624	111	Ballymacombs Road	20/10/2008
KA179	111	Belfast Road Antrim Storm Sewer	20/10/2008
KG078	111	Dromore Rd, Lurgan, Sewer Extension	20/10/2008
KC328	111	Castlecatt Road, Dervock	20/10/2008
KA161	112	Creevery Sewerage Scheme Phase II	20/10/2008
KG118	111	Crumlin Road Storm Sewer Extension	22/10/2008
JA254	111	Birchill Road Antrim Watermain	30/10/2008
KF315	111	Bracken Court Coalisland Storm Sewer Extension	30/10/2008
KS310	111	Clough Wastewater Treatment Works	30/10/2008
KA143	113	Aldergrove Sewerage Scheme	03/11/2008
KD705	111	Main Street Storm Sewer, Coagh	03/11/2008
KC394	111	Mounthamilton Sewage Pumping.Station, Cloughmills Replacement	03/11/2008
KV145	111	Charlotte Street/Newry Road Warrenpoint Proposed Sewer Improvements	06/11/2008
KG112	111	Dunkirk Road to Main Street Waringstown SS	06/11/2008
KR385	111	Ormeau Road Storm Separation	12/11/2008
JR414	214	Reservoir Rehabilitation South East Area Phase 2	20/11/2008
KL421	111	Gortinure Road, Gortinwood, Storm and Foul Sewer Extension	21/11/2008
JB623	111	Northern Key Transport Corridor, Ballymena Watermain Scheme	21/11/2008
KN612	111	Strathroy, Omagh Storm Sewer	21/11/2008
KV067	111	Harmony Heights, Newry Foul Sewer Extension	21/11/2008
KS273	111	Comber Rd/Portaferry Rd Newtownards Sewage Pumping Station	26/11/2008
KV070	111	Springfield Road Warrenpoint Sewage Pumping Station Replacement	26/11/2008
KS206	113	Seahill Wastewater Treatment Works	26/11/2008
KS206	114	Seahill Wastewater Treatment Works	26/11/2008
KN556	111	Mountfield Wastewater Treatment Works	26/11/2008
JL747	112	Repair of GAC Filters at Carmoney Water Treatment Works	26/11/2008
KP591	111	New foul sewer for H/D at Caledon Rd, Aughnacloy	26/11/2008
KB440	111	Broughshane Road, Ballymena, Foul Sewer Extension	27/11/2008
KB439	111	Kilmascally Road, Ardboe, Storm Sewer	27/11/2008
KB422	111	Killyfaddy Road Magherafelt Sewerage Scheme	27/11/2008
KC231	112	Ballycastle Sewerage Scheme	27/11/2008
KC309	111	Coleraine Rd, Portstewart SS	01/12/2008
KC315	111	Ballymoney/Coleraine Sewers	01/12/2008
KC327	111	Bridge Road, Dunloy	01/12/2008
KV146	111	Dunaval SPS Storm Tanks	17/12/2008
JS279	111	Ballygowan Road, Ballygowan, Watermain Replacement	17/12/2008
KL452	111	Campsie Sewage Pumping Station Emergency O/F Redirection.	17/12/2008
JB655	111	Mullaghboy Road, Bellaghy, Watermain Replacement	23/12/2008
JR414	215	Reservoir Rehabilitation South East Area Phase 2	23/12/2008
JR414	216	Reservoir Rehabilitation South East Area Phase 2	23/12/2008
JB636	111	Old Ballymoney Road, Ballymena, Replacement Watermain	23/12/2008
KL423	112	Crevagh Park Sewage Pumping Station Abandonment	23/12/2008
JL693	117	Cityside Zone Watermain Improvements	23/12/2008
JG022	111	Castor Bay/ Shanmoy Zone	23/12/2008
JB645	111	Tullygarley Road, Ballymena, Watermain Scheme	02/01/2009
JC374	111	Gortahar Road, Rasharkin Watermain Extension	02/01/2009
JC373	111	Lisboy Road Dunloy Watermain Extension	02/01/2009
JR414	116	Reservoir Rehabilitation South East Area Phase 2	08/01/2009
JC349	112	Portballintrae Zone Watermain Improvements	08/01/2009
JL699	111	Limavady Zone Watermain Improvements	08/01/2009
KB321	111	Knockloughrim Wastewater Treatment Works Outfall	08/01/2009
JC382	111	Ballynarry Road, Derrykeighan, Watermain Extension	13/01/2009
KL439	111	Cregg Sewage Pumping Station, Claudy Emergency Overflow	16/01/2009
JV828	111	Shot Lane / Fedney Hill Road Banbridge Watermains Upgrade	26/01/2009
KB444	111	Burn Road Cookstown Storm Sewer Extension	26/01/2009
KD039	112	Victoria Rd, Ballyclare	26/01/2009
KD106	111	Tamnymullan Lane, Maghera	26/01/2009
KF005	111	Coalisland Wastewater Treatment Works	26/01/2009
JG036	112	Castor Bay to Dungannon Strategic Trunk Mains	26/01/2009
KV074	111	Cambrook Sewage Pum,ping Station to Green Road	26/01/2009
KR403	112	Whitehouse Drainage Area Plan Phase 1	02/02/2009
KC351	111	Station Road Dervock Foul Sewer	03/02/2009
JC370	111	Windyhill Road/ Ballystrone Road, Coleraine,Watermain Extension	10/02/2009
JR414	217	Reservoir Rehabilitation South East Area Phase 2	10/02/2009
KC405	111	McClelland Park Dunloy Flood Alleviation DG5	11/02/2009
JC336	111	Altnahinch and Seagahan WTW's Residual Sludge Disposal	11/02/2009
KB425	111	Caherty Road, Broughshane	11/02/2009
KG083	111	Churchill Park Sewage Pumping Station upgrade	11/02/2009
KB387	111	Church Street, Cookstown	11/02/2009
KG082	111	Foxgrove/Roughal Lane Sewage Pumping Station Upgrade	17/02/2009
KC299	111	Bushmills + Portballintrae Wastewater Treatment Works	17/02/2009
KN157	111	Cranagh Wastewater Treatment Works	17/02/2009
KC288	111	Ballybogey Wastewater Treatment Works	17/02/2009
KB437	111	Whitewater Bridge Straw Foul Sewer Extension	17/02/2009
JB652	111	Frys Road, Ballymena New Watermain	17/02/2009
JB653	111	Loan Command SR, Inlet Watermain	17/02/2009
JB664	111	Munie Road/Straidkilly Road, Glenarm, Watermain Replacement	17/02/2009
KV155	111	Rostrevor Sewers Upgrading - Horners Lane Improvements	02/03/2009
JR424	111	Betterment and Deferment of Renewal for Mains Diversion at QUB Playing Fields	02/03/2009
KG121	111	Upper Edward Street Newry	02/03/2009
JG062	112	Lisnisky Lane/Portadown Road, Portadown	02/03/2009
KC349	111	Church Road Rasharkin Storm Sewer Extension	02/03/2009
KA151	111	Roughfort Wastewater Treatment Works	02/03/2009
KR203	111	Kensington Gardens Flood Relief	02/03/2009
KC337	111	Moneygran Road Kilrea Foul and Storm Sewers	06/03/2009
KV116	113	Abbey Park Kilkeel Sewer Replacement	06/03/2009
KB409	111	Lissan Road Cookstown Replacement Storm Sewer	06/03/2009
KC409	111	Drumavoley Park, Ballycastle Foul Sewer.	06/03/2009
KS817	111	Saintfield Waste Water Pumping Station, Pumping Main Replacement.	09/03/2009
JB638	111	Kildowney Hill, Glarryford, Replacement Watermain	10/03/2009
KC389	111	Mountsandel Road, Coleraine - Sewer Upgrade	10/03/2009
JL758	112	Reservoir Rehabilitation Programme Phase 3	10/03/2009
JC383	111	Drumcroon Road, Coleraine, Replacement Watermain	10/03/2009
JL754	111	Derry City Centre Public Realm Replacement Watermains	11/03/2009
KR413	111	Grahamsbridge Road, Dundonald, Belfast Storm Sewer Extension.	11/03/2009
JN482	151	Killymore Road, Gortin Pumping Station	11/03/2009
KD041	112	Moyle Rd Ballycastle	11/03/2009
KT123	111	Edenderry Wastewater Treatment Works	25/03/2009
KR323	113	Ligoniel Sewerage Scheme	27/03/2009
JT149	115	Lisburn to R.O.I. Border Trunk Road Improvements	27/03/2009
JT149	116	Lisburn to R.O.I. Border Trunk Road Improvements	27/03/2009
JT149	117	Lisburn to R.O.I. Border Trunk Road Improvements	27/03/2009
KR410	111	629 Upper Newtownards Road, Befast Storm Sewer Extension	27/03/2009
KA196	111	Glenarm Sewage Pumping Station	27/03/2009
JA265	111	Enkalon Industrial Park, Randalstown Road, Antrim, Watermain Extension	27/03/2009
KR420	111	Inglewood Park, Bangor Storm Sewer	27/03/2009
KR424	111	Green Walk Newtownabbey Storm Sewer Extnesion	27/03/2009
KT387	111	Trinity Terrace Lisburn Foul & Stom Sewer Extensions	27/03/2009
JL758	111	Reservoir Rehabilitation Programme Phase 3	27/03/2009
KL457	111	Londonderry Drainage Area Plan: Storm Screening	30/03/2009
JL758	113	Reservoir Rehabilitation Programme Phase 3	30/03/2009
JT149	111	Lisburn to R.O.I. Border Trunk Road Improvements	30/03/2009
JT149	112	Lisburn to R.O.I. Border Trunk Road Improvements	30/03/2009
KL345	111	Donnybrewer Wastewater Treatment Works	30/03/2009
KL345	112	Donnybrewer Wastewater Treatment Works	30/03/2009
KF012	111	Moygashel Wastewater Treatment Works	30/03/2009
KR361	111	Carrowreagh Road Dundonald Storm Sewer	03/04/2009
JB659	111	Old Portglenone Road, Portglenone, Watermain Trunk	03/04/2009
KA207	111	Exchange Avenue, Doagh, Storm Sewer Extension	22/04/2009
KT385	111	Dundrod Drive Lisburn Storm Sewer Upgrade	22/04/2009
JL758	211	Reservoir Rehabilitation Programme Phase 3	22/04/2009
JN488	151	Aghyaran Road Booster Station	22/04/2009
KR402	112	Joymount Carrick Drainage Area Plan Phase 1	22/04/2009
KS328	111	Delinvilla Lane Dundrum Storm Sewer	08/05/2009
KB425	112	Caherty Road, Broughshane	11/05/2009
KL300	111	Dungiven Wastewater Treatment Works	13/05/2009
KL363	111	Feeny Wastewater Treatment Works	13/05/2009
KB281	111	Maghera Wastewater Treatment Works	13/05/2009
KB279	111	Stewartstown Wastewater Treatment Works Improvements	13/05/2009
JD304	111	Festival Pk, Cookstown, Replacement Watermain & Foul Sewer	14/05/2009
KB430	111	Derrynoyd Road Draperstown Foul & Storm Sewer Extension	14/05/2009
KG156	111	Crumlin Road Lower Ballinderry Storm and Foul Sewer Extensions	14/05/2009
JR400	111	A2 Shore Road Re-alignment – Greenisland	14/05/2009
JC350	111	Ballycastle Zone Watermain Improvements	14/05/2009
JL758	119	Reservoir Rehabilitation Programme Phase 3	14/05/2009
KR450	111	Fountainville Ave, Belfast, Sewer Collapsed.	14/05/2009
JR429	111	First Time Services Visteon Site.Finaghy Road North,Belfast	14/05/2009
JL758	212	Reservoir Rehabilitation Programme Phase 3	14/05/2009
JL758	117	Reservoir Rehabilitation Programme Phase 3	14/05/2009
KV152	111	Abbey Grammar School Storm Sewer Extension	18/05/2009
KT374	111	Scroggy Road Glenavy	18/05/2009
JV820	151	Carron Hill Supply Zone Management Plan	18/05/2009
JS223	111	Ballygowan Zone Watermain Improvements	18/05/2009
JS225	111	Mid Down Zone Watermain Improvements	18/05/2009
JL697	111	Waterside Zone Watermain Improvements	18/05/2009
JL698	111	Carmoney East Zone Watermain Improvements	18/05/2009
KL300	112	Dungiven Wastewater Treatment Works	27/05/2009
KS366	111	Upper Greenwall Street Storm Sewer Extension	03/06/2009
JT149	118	Lisburn to R.O.I. Border Trunk Road Improvements	03/06/2009
KD608	111	Sandholes Rd SS Cookstown	03/06/2009
KS344	111	Oaklands, Darragh Cross Sewage Pumping Station Upgrade	03/06/2009
KG084	111	Regency Manor Sewage Pumping Station	03/06/2009
JB623	151	Northern Key Transport Corridor, Ballymena Watermain Scheme	03/06/2009
KR411	112	Antrim Road, Mallusk Foul and Storm Sewer Extension	03/06/2009
JL758	213	Reservoir Rehabilitation Programme Phase 3	03/06/2009
JL758	214	Reservoir Rehabilitation Programme Phase 3	03/06/2009
JR427	111	Mains replacement ,Belfast Public Realm Phase 1 Area 2	03/06/2009
KS828	111	Glen Road, Comber Flood Alleviation	09/06/2009
KR402	111	Joymount Carrick Drainage Area Plan Phase 1	09/06/2009
KS326	111	Commons Road, Ballykinlar Storm Sewer	15/06/2009
JL758	215	Reservoir Rehabilitation Programme Phase 3	15/06/2009
KX220	111	Small Wastewater Treatment Works Priority Upgrades	15/06/2009
KS377	113	Downs Road/Castle Park Sewer Upgrade/ Attenuation	17/06/2009
JG073	112	Lurgan & Portadown Public Realm Associated Infrastructure Improvements	19/06/2009
JG073	111	Lurgan & Portadown Public Realm Associated Infrastructure Improvements	19/06/2009
KC397	111	Castlerock Road Coleraine - Storm Sewer	19/06/2009
KB429	111	Tamneylennan - Stewartstown Sewage Pumping Station Upgrade	19/06/2009
KG157	111	Maghaberry Flood Alleviation Projects	19/06/2009
JR423	111	Thornberry Hill, Wolfhill Mains Extension, Ligoneil, Belfast	19/06/2009
JB656	111	Magherafelt Road, Tobermore, Watermain Extension	19/06/2009
KV157	111	Rathfriland WWTW Inlet Screens and CSOS	23/06/2009
JS284	114	Portaferry, Ballyquinton area mains replacment.	23/06/2009
KB284	111	Coagh Wastewater Treatment Works Improvements	24/06/2009
KB278	111	Moneymore Sewage Treatment Works Improvements	24/06/2009
KL459	111	Limavady DAP: Stage 2, Roe Mill Road Sewer Upgrades	26/06/2009
KR309	111	Belvoir Park Trunk Sewer	03/07/2009
KR400	111	Lukes Point (Bangor) Drainage Area Plan Phase 1	03/07/2009
KN610	111	Drumlegagh Storm Sewer Extension	10/07/2009
KV158	111	Manse Road Banbridge Foul & Storm Sewer Extensions	10/07/2009
JS284	111	Portaferry, Ballyquinton area mains replacement.	10/07/2009
JS284	112	Portaferry, Ballyquinton area mains replacement.	10/07/2009
JR432	111	Whiteabbey Lower, Mains Replacement. Newtownabbey	10/07/2009
JR432	112	Whiteabbey Lower, Mains Replacement. Newtownabbey	10/07/2009
JC381	111	Altnahinch WTP, Ballymoney, New CWB.	10/07/2009
KG167	111	Ripley Meadows Portadown Storm Sewer Upgrade	10/07/2009
KS827	111	Hamilton Road, Bangor Storm Sewer	21/07/2009
KT386	111	Lisburn Road, Culavey Road Hillsborough Storm Sewer	21/07/2009
KL431	111	Limavady Drainage Area Plan stage 1	21/07/2009
KP590	111	Loaneden, Kesh Sewage Pumping Station Upgrade and PN Extension	21/07/2009
KV092	111	Bannview Heights, Banbridge Sewage Pumping Station Upgrade	21/07/2009
KD141	111	Headland Avenue Storm relief sewer	23/07/2009
KC310	111	Drumcon Sewerage Scheme	23/07/2009
JB665	111	Tullaghans Service Reservoir, Dunloy, New Reservoir	23/07/2009
JC378	111	Glenlough Service Reservoir, Ballymoney, New SR	23/07/2009
JB648	111	Dungonnell Command Service Reservoir	23/07/2009
KR421	111	Hillview Road Belfast Storm Sewer Extension	27/07/2009
JB653	151	Loan Command SR, Inlet Watermain	28/07/2009
KS371	111	Killinchy Street Comber Storm Sewer	28/07/2009
KS381	112	North Road, Newtownards Storm	28/07/2009
KD021	111	Knocktarna Manor, Coleraine Replacement Sewage Pumping Station	31/07/2009
KB352	112	Ballymena Area Sewers	31/07/2009
KC307	112	Portrush Area Sewers	31/07/2009
KC231	113	Ballycastle Sewerage Scheme	31/07/2009
JC293