Written Answers to Questions
Friday 1 February 2002

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

Mr Hilditch asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail (a) the cost of and (b) to whom it is providing hospitality during the month of December 2001.

(AQW 1069/01)

Reply: During the month of December 2001 the First Minister hosted a presentation by Save the Children. Ministers Haughey and Nesbitt held working lunches for the UN Secretary General’s Office and a Professor in Economics at the Ulster University. The total cost of these events was £426.

Mr Hussey asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, in respect of the Employment and Social Affairs Council decision (IP/01/1714), to make a statement on the proposal to make 2003 the European Year of People with Disabilities; including the intention to support any events at regional and local level.

(AQW 1152/01)

Reply: The designation of 2003 as the European Year of People with Disabilities is a positive development with worthwhile objectives. The UK Steering Group for the Year, on which Northern Ireland has sought representation, is scheduled to hold its first meeting next month.

Mr Weir asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what is the proposed completion date for the Review of Public Administration.

(AQW 1179/01)

Reply: The Review of Public Administration will be very complex task and will need to be tackled in stages. The first stage is likely to last between 12 and 18 months.

Mr Gibson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what steps it is taking to inform those who provide goods and services of the access requirements for disabled people.

(AQW 1525/01)

Reply: Our department has lead policy responsibility for disability discrimination legislation which deals with access to goods, facilities and services for disabled people. It is the role of the Equality Commission to provide information and advice about that legislation and its requirements. The Commission advises, trains and informs disabled people of their rights, and organisations of their responsibilities, both as employers and providers of a service.

Mr Hussey asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister if consideration has been given to the possible inclusion, within single equality legislation, of provision similar to section 15(2) of the Republic of Ireland’s Equal Status Act.[R]

Mr Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to outline the timetable for the cross-departmental strategy to promote community relations.

(AQO 654/01)

Reply: Officials from our department have completed a wide-ranging series of meetings and workshops with key stakeholders, and have received substantial inputs to the review of community relations, which they are currently analysing. Various research reports have been commissioned on aspects of the review. These too are being assessed.

Mr G Kelly asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what financial resources and support services have been committed for the North Belfast initiative announced in December 2001.

(AQO 626/01)

Reply: On 3 December 2001, we, along with the Minister for Social Development, launched the North Belfast Community Action Project, with the aim of putting in place a plan of short, medium and long-term actions to address social and community issues in North Belfast. To date, funding of £250,000 has been committed to this project, to be provided jointly by our Department and the Department for Social Development. The secretariat and support services for the project are provided by a team of seven officials on secondment from the two Departments The team is led by a senior official from our Department.

The Minister for Education announced on 17 December 2001 a package of education measures to address the immediate needs of schools in the area and rebuild community relationships. A total of £1·5m will be available over the financial years 2001-02 to 2004-05 to support the following:

The Department for Social Development is taking a number of steps to protect housing in the area.

There is already in existence a scheme to protect the homes of social tenants, ie, tenants of the Housing Executive and Housing Associations, living in interface areas, who require security measures to be installed to protect their homes from attacks.

In addition, officials in the Department for Social Development are working closely with colleagues in this Department and the Department of Finance and Personnel to develop a scheme and obtain the necessary funding to enable the Housing Executive to extend its scheme to cover homeowners who are at the greatest security risk. The details of this are still being finalised.

Mr McGrady asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister when will a decision be made on the application for financial assistance from the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in respect of the development and construction of a Primary Care Centre in Kilkeel; and to make a statement.

(AQO 602/01)

Reply: The successful bids were announced on 3 December 2001 by the Minister of Finance and Personnel on behalf of the Executive. This bid was one of the unsuccessful bids from the second tranche of allocations from three of the Executive Programme Funds.

Mr Carrick asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister if it was consulted regarding the reinstatement of the old railway bridge at Corcrain, Portadown.

(AQO 615/01)

Reply: Our department has not been consulted regarding the reinstatement of the old railway bridge at Corcrain, Portadown. This matter is being dealt with by the Northern Ireland Office.

Mr Dallat asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail plans to develop cultural and economic links with Third World countries; and to make a statement.

(AQO 647/01)

Reply: The Executive does not have any specific plans to develop cultural and economic links with developing counties. However, the Executive Information Service has organised programmes for journalists from developing countries visiting Northern Ireland. These visits are part of a UK Government initiative.

Dr McDonnell asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what plans they have to develop the Washington Office.

(AQO 644/01)

Reply: We have already taken a number of steps to raise Northern Ireland’s profile in the USA by developing the role of the Northern Ireland Bureau in Washington.

Mr J Wilson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister if principles that will underlie the relationship between the Executive and the Northern Ireland Court Service have been agreed with the Lord Chancellor.

(AQW 1752/01)

Reply: The principles that will underlie the relationship between the Northern Ireland Court Service and the Executive have been agreed between the Lord Chancellor’s Department and the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister and are contained in a bilateral concordat published today. Copies of the Concordat have been placed in the Assembly Library.

Mr Hussey asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail her policy on the promotion of ‘Farmers’ Markets’ in town centres.

(AQW 1487/01)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): I welcome the establishment, by the Farming and Retailing Movement (NI), (FARM(NI)), of the Farm & Speciality Food Market in Belfast’s St George’s Market. Indeed, I have visited that market on 3 occasions. The success of farmers’ markets is dependent on their ability to attract traders with the range and quality of produce to draw sufficient custom. Location and venue are also of critical importance. FARM(NI) has developed considerable expertise in this area over the past 3 years. I am aware of on-going discussions involving FARM(NI) and various parties across Northern Ireland regarding the establishment of similar markets in other suitable towns. These include Newry, Cookstown, Enniskillen, Coleraine and Bangor. The decision as to the suitability of particular towns and venues rests with FARM(NI) and the relevant local authority. However, I would be delighted to see the development of a comprehensive network of farmers’ markets throughout Northern Ireland.

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to make a statement on the effect for Northern Ireland’s agriculture industry following HMG’s statement, on 14 January 2002, that the United Kingdom has been declared free of Foot-and-Mouth Disease.

(AQW 1493/01)

Ms Rodgers: The impact on Northern Ireland’s industry will be positive and is good news, particularly as a result of the OIE decision to accept United Kingdom FMD freedom. As you are aware at the outset of FMD in GB I adopted the policy with respect to trade between GB and Northern Ireland similar to that which the EU required between GB and any other Member State.

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what contact has she made with the EU Commission regarding the reduced export funds on dairy products.

(AQW 1511/01)

Ms Rodgers: When export refunds on dairy products were reduced by the EU Milk and Milk Products Management Committee I asked my officials to lobby strongly at future meetings for these to be restored. Then at a recent meeting with other UK Agricultural Ministers I impressed upon Mrs Beckett the need to put pressure on the EU Commission to secure an increase in refunds. Separately I also ensured that Commissioner Fischler was made aware of the importance of this matter for Northern Ireland. I am also pleased that producers and processors are united on this matter. The positive outcome at the Management Committee on 24 January is a result of the combined efforts of interested parties and their lobbying of the EU Commission.

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline if she will be lobbying the EU Commission for increases in export refunds on dairy products.

(AQW 1512/01)

Ms Rodgers: In recognition of the deteriorating market situation for dairy products I and my officials have worked hard to secure an increase in export refunds. Then at the recent meeting with other UK Agriculture Ministers in London I impressed upon Mrs Beckett the need to put pressure on the EU Commission to secure an increase in refunds. Separately I also ensured that Commissioner Fischler was made aware of the importance of this matter for Northern Ireland. In addition my officials continued to press the Northern Ireland case at the regular EU Milk and Milk Products Management Committee meetings in Brussels. I am also pleased that producers and processors are united on this matter and have actively put pressure on the Commission to address the position quickly. The positive outcome at the Management Committee on 24 January is a result of the combined efforts of all interested parties. I hope that this will stabilise markets and improve the price being paid to producers. I will continue to keep the situation under review with the dairy industry.

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of non-UK and non-Republic of Ireland citizens who are registered as working in the agricultural industry in each of the last 5 years.

(AQW 1531/01)

Ms Rodgers: I am sorry that I unable to provide information on this. My Department does not collect such details.

Mr Hussey asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail any representations she has made on behalf of the dairy industry in relation to milk powder returns which have fallen below EU intervention support level.

(AQW 1533/01)

Ms Rodgers: I and my officials have worked hard to secure an increase in export refunds. When export refunds for milk powders were reduced by the EU Milk and Milk Products Management Committee I asked my officials to lobby strongly at future meetings for these to be restored. Then at a recent meeting with other UK Agricultural Ministers I impressed upon Mrs Beckett the need to put pressure on the EU Commission to secure an increase. Separately I also ensured that Commissioner Fischler was made aware of the importance of this matter for Northern Ireland. I therefore welcome the positive outcome at the November, December and January Management Committee meetings when export refunds for both whole milk powder and skimmed milk powder were increased.

Mr Hussey asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to make a statement in relation to the continued fall of milk powder prices and what assessment has she made of the long-term impact this will have on the dairy industry.

(AQW 1558/01)

Ms Rodgers: I am fully aware of the reductions in returns for milk powders resulting primarily from a weakening of international markets and the fact that intervention for skimmed milk powder is not available from September to February, leaving no floor in the market. This has been a very worrying development and, if sustained, could undermine the stability of this very important sector of the Northern Ireland agri-food industry. That is why, following a reduction in export refunds for milk powders by the EU Milk and Milk Products Management Committee, I asked my officials to lobby strongly at future meetings for these to be restored. Then at a recent meeting with other UK Agricultural Ministers I impressed upon Mrs Beckett the need to exert pressure on the EU Commission to increase export refunds particularly for milk powders. Separately I also ensured that Commissioner Fischler was made aware of the importance of this matter for Northern Ireland. Our lobbying secured a positive outcome at recent Management Committee meetings, when export refunds for both whole milk powder and skimmed milk powder were increased. I sincerely hope that this will stabilise markets and provide the industry with confidence for the future.

Mr Hussey asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to make a statement in relation to the current and forecast prices paid to dairy farmers for milk supplies and to give her assessment of the long- term impact that these prices will have on the industry.

(AQW 1559/01)

Ms Rodgers: I am fully aware of the recent reductions in prices paid to producers for milk and have met with industry organisations to hear at first hand their views on the seriousness of the matter. In particular I have noted that in recent months there has been a significant drop in the average price for milk sold at the United Dairy Farmers monthly milk auction. This is a very worrying development and, if sustained, could undermine the stability of the dairy industry which makes a very important contribution to the Northern Ireland agri-food industry. I understand that these reductions resulted primarily from a weakening of international markets and a reduction in export refunds for milk powders by the EU Milk and Milk Products Management Committee. To help redress the situation I and my officials have been working hard to secure an increase in export refunds. In this respect I am pleased to say that our intensive lobbying both at national and EU level secured a positive outcome at recent Management Committee meetings, when export refunds for whole milk powder, skimmed milk powder and butter were increased. I trust that the increases achieved will bring some stability to the market and an improvement in prices paid to producers.

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how many companies or individuals have been contracted to decommission fishing vessels in 2002.

(AQW 1583/01)

Ms Rodgers: The Fishing Vessels (Decommissioning) Scheme (Northern Ireland) 2001 requires the owners of vessels approved for decommissioning grant aid to seek the Department’s approval in writing of the intended date, place and proposed method of scrapping. Any contract entered into to decommission such vessels is between the owner and the contractor. The Department does not hold information on the number of companies or individuals involved.

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how many fishing vessels are to be decommissioned in each of the following ports (i) Portavogie; (ii) Kilkeel; and (iii) Ardglass.

(AQW 1584/01)

Ms Rodgers: Decommissioning grant aid of some £5 million was offered in respect of 34 vessels, 19 in the "whitefish" category and 15 in the "other" (nephrops) category. The split of successful vessels between the 3 Northern Ireland ports is (i) Portavogie 5; (ii) Kilkeel 20 and (iii) Ardglass 9. It should be noted that this merely reflects the bids received.

Mr Dallat asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail, for her Department and associated agencies, (a) the total amount of money paid to W & G Baird for printing over the last 5 years; (b) if the work was tendered and awarded to the lowest tender; and (c) if there was any variation from the price quoted to the actual cost paid.

(AQW 1596/01)

Ms Rodgers:

(a) £950

(b) Yes

(c) None

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, pursuant to AQW 1237/01 to provide further detail regarding projects which the Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority have put forward for Portavogie Harbour; and to give a timescale for the completion of these projects.

(AQW 1646/01)

Ms Rodgers: In addition to a major works project to provide protection and repair to the quay wall at Portavogie, which is currently being evaluated and progressed by the Department, (estimated cost £520,000) the Authority is about to complete the new ice plant which cost £645,000 and was grant aided by the Department. The Authority has also just completed a project involving new lights and electrical upgrades costing £100,000 which is currently being evaluated for grant aid purposes.

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to AQW 1338/01, to detail the breakdown of the figures for each of the individual Gaelic sports.

(AQW 1572/01)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey): The figures are as follows:

*Regarded as one sport for Exchequer funding.

Funding under the Safe Sports Grounds scheme was allocated to Gaelic Football only.

Mr Wells asked the Minister of Education how many invitations has he received to visit the following categories of schools (a) Catholic Maintained; (b) State Controlled; (c) Integrated; and (d) Irish Medium.

(AQW 1436/01)

The Minister of Education (Mr M McGuinness): I have received the following number of invitations to visit these categories of schools:

Mr M Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail, by Education Board, the number of pupils who left school in (i) 2000; and (ii) 2001 without attaining a grade in GCSE Mathematics and English.

(AQW 1440/01)

Mr M McGuinness: Validated information on the GCSE grades achieved in specific subjects is not available in respect of school leavers.

Figures for 2000/01 are not yet available.

Dr O’Hagan asked the Minister of Education what is the cost of educating a child in a special needs school compared to the cost of educating a child with special educational needs at home.

(AQW 1442/01)

Mr M McGuinness: It is difficult to make a meaningful comparison between the two since children generally receive a maximum of eight hours tuition per week at home (this varies according to age) compared to a maximum of twenty five hours in school. Home tuition is also provided for as long as a child requires it, which is less than a year in many cases, and cannot provide classroom assistance or the many other facilities available in school. Bearing in mind these reservations the latest available costs are as follows: -

Dr O’Hagan asked the Minister of Education to detail (a) the number of children, in the school year 2000-01, that were tutored at home, and, of these (b) how many had special educational needs.

(AQW 1443/01)

Mr M McGuinness: The number of children receiving home tuition varies throughout the school year according to the number convalescing after hospitalisation or suffering from long term illnesses etc. The average numbers in each Education and Library Board area in the 2000-01 school year were as follows:-

* not available

Mr Beggs asked the Minister of Education what surveys have been conducted into the English literacy levels of children attending Irish Medium (i) primary schools; and (ii) secondary schools; and to publish the outcome of the surveys.

(AQW 1471/01)

Mr M McGuinness: No surveys have been conducted into the English literacy levels of children attending Irish medium schools. The Key Stage 2 assessment outcomes in English, however, indicate no significant difference in performance between pupils in Irish medium schools and those in other schools. Numbers of pupils in Irish medium post-primary education are so few as not to permit meaningful comparison of Key Stage 3 outcomes.

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the timescale for the commencement of building work at Down High School in the event of a successful conclusion to the economic appraisal currently being carried out.

(AQW 1494/01)

Mr M McGuinness: My Department is currently considering the South Eastern Education and Library Board’s Economic Appraisal on the development needs of Down High School. When this is completed and planning of the project is sufficiently advanced, the school will be considered for a place in the capital programme in light of the resources available. At this stage, it is not possible to say when building work will start.

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the timescale to complete the SEELB’s economic appraisal into the building project at Down High School.

(AQW 1495/01)

Mr M McGuinness: The Economic Appraisal prepared by the SEELB which recommends part refurbishment and part replacement of the existing accommodation at Down High is currently under consideration in my Department.

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education how much capital expenditure has been allocated for (a) new school buildings; and (b) repairs and improvements to school buildings in North Down in each of the last 3 years.

(AQW 1508/01)

Mr M McGuinness: Capital funding of £12·0 million was allocated in 1999 for a new school building for Glenlola Collegiate and £4·8 million was allocated in 2001 for a new school for Clifton Special School. In addition, a new school for Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College, at a capital value of £15 million, was included in the Public Private Partnerships programme announced in 2001.

Mr M Robinson asked the Minister of Education what measures are in place to assist the Education Boards to maintain an appropriate number of supply teachers.

(AQW 1517/01)

Mr M McGuinness: All employing authorities, including the Education and Library Boards, are responsible for employing teachers in the schools under their management. The Education and Library Boards, and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools, have not employed supply teachers since the end of 1993/94 school year. In filling such temporary vacancies, it is generally the practice for their schools to maintain lists of locally available teachers, or to use the employment services of the Training and Employment Agency or the private sector.

Lord Kilclooney asked the Minister of Education to outline his future plans for the O’Neill Memorial Primary School building.

(AQW 1567/01)

Mr M McGuinness: I understand that the South-Eastern Education and Library Board has met the Board of Governors and the parents of O’Neill Primary School to discuss the decline in enrolments at the school, which currently stand at 16 pupils. The South-Eastern Board is keeping the future of the school under review.

Mr Dallat asked the Minister of Education to detail, for his Department and associated agencies, (a) the total amount of money paid to W & G Baird for printing over the last 5 years; (b) if the work was tendered and awarded to the lowest tender; and (c) if there was any variation from the price quoted to the actual cost paid.

(AQW 1593/01)

Mr M McGuinness: My Department has not made any payment to W & G Baird over the last 5 years.

Mr Ford asked the Minister of Education if he will ensure, as a matter of urgency, that Hazelwood College and Hazelwood Integrated Primary School receive the special funding he announced, in December 2001, on the same basis as Controlled and Maintained schools in areas of social need in North Belfast.

(AQW 1684/01)

Mr M McGuinness: The aim of the Executive Package which I announced on 17 December 2001 is to provide immediate support for the schools in the area most affected by the unrest and to contribute towards the rebuilding of community relationships through the enhancement of youth service provision.

Mr Ford asked the Minister of Education if he will ensure, as a matter of urgency, that Hazelwood College and Hazelwood Integrated Primary School receive the special funding he announced, in December 2001, on the same basis as Controlled and Maintained schools in areas of social need in North Belfast.

(AQW 1684/01)

Mr M McGuinness [supplementary answer]: Further to my answer dated 28 January, written representations have now been received from Hazelwood College and will be considered by my Department.

Mr McClarty asked the Minister for Employment and Learning, in respect of the University of Ulster, Coleraine, to detail (i) the number of full-time students enrolled and (ii) the number of student spaces available in on-site halls of residence.

(AQW 1396/01)

The Minister for Employment and Learning (Ms Hanna): In the 2000/01 academic year there were some 4,101 students enrolled on full-time higher education courses at the University of Ulster’s Coleraine campus. As regards student accommodation, UU, in keeping with all UK universities, is an autonomous body entirely responsible for its own policies and practices, including student accommodation. My Department, in line with practice in other UK territories, does not fund the provision of such accommodation. However I am advised by UU that it currently provides 410 bed spaces on campus, with plans to increase these to 479, while a further 562 places are available at University- managed accommodation within the Coleraine, Portstewart and Portrush Triangle.

Mr Kane asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if she would consider the provision of a mobile classroom to complement the North East Institute of Further and Higher Education given the difficulties encountered with rural transport.

(AQW 1427/01)

Ms Hanna: The decision to purchase a mobile classroom is entirely a matter for the North East Institute from within its existing resources.

Mrs Nelis asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what additional higher education places have been allocated to the University of Ulster at Magee Campus in response to the Student Support Review.

(AQW 1463/01)

Ms Hanna: 1,000 additional higher education places will be introduced on a phased basis over the academic years 2002-03 to 2004-05 as part of the Student Support Review package. My Department is presently considering how these places will be apportioned within the tertiary education sector.

Mrs Nelis asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what opportunities are being provided to ensure that we have enough staff to deal with health problems in the future.

(AQW 1470/01)

Ms Hanna: The Department is actively involved in recruiting staff at different levels and is about to introduce a revised managing attendance strategy.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if she will make a statement as to the effectiveness of New Deal in reducing unemployment among young people.

(AQW 1483/01)

Ms Hanna: From the introduction of New Deal for 18-24 year olds in April 1998 in Northern Ireland, the number of young people in the New Deal target group claiming jobseeker’s allowance (JSA) has fallen from 6,448 to 2,418 in December 2001, a decrease of 62%.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what plans she has to help the unemployed back into work in areas of acute social deprivation.

(AQW 1497/01)

Ms Hanna: The recently announced Focus for Work initiative, the range of New Deal programmes, the work of the Taskforce on Employability and Long-Term Unemployment, which I chair, and my Department’s closer working relationship with the Social Security Agency are examples of ways in which I am seeking to help the most disadvantaged back to work.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what assessment she has made in relation to the impact of New Deal for young people in West Tyrone.

(AQW 1502/01)

Ms Hanna: In West Tyrone the number of young people in the New Deal 18-24 target group claiming JSA has fallen from 510 in April 1998 to 208 in December 2001, a decrease of 59%.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what steps she is taking to assist people who are partially sighted to overcome barriers in employment.

(AQW 1503/01)

Ms Hanna: Under the Access to Work (NI) scheme, a wide range of specific assistance is offered, including specialist equipment or modifications to premises or equipment required because of disability. In addition, the Department also offers the visually impaired job capability assessment, Employment Support and access to all other Departmental programmes. Information on this assistance is available from JobCentres and in audiocassette, large print and Braille formats.

Mr M Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what progress has been made in tackling youth unemployment.

(AQW 1515/01)

Ms Hanna: For the purposes of quotation I have taken ‘youth’ to refer to the 16-17 group. Young people aged 16 and 17 years are not normally entitled to unemployment benefit but are guaranteed a training place for which they receive a weekly training allowance of £40. My Department provides that guarantee through the Jobskills training programme, which currently has in excess of 14,000 participants.

Mr Weir asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what impact the New Deal programme has had on long-term unemployment in North Down.

(AQW 1537/01)

Ms Hanna: Since the introduction of New Deal in Northern Ireland in April 1998, the number of people in the New Deal 18-24 year old target group claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) in the North Down constituency has fallen from 196 to 80 in December 2001, a decrease of 59%. During the same period the number of people in the New Deal for the over 25 target group in the North Down constituency has fallen from 534 to 169, a decrease of 68%.

Mr M Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what steps she is taking to reduce long-term unemployment in males aged between 50-64.

(AQW 1599/01)

Ms Hanna: New Deal 50 plus is available to people aged 50 and over who have been receiving specified benefits for 6 months or more. It offers help from a Personal Adviser, an Employment Credit and a Training Grant. In addition, New Deal 25+ offers work experience and training to eligible Jobseekers aged over 50.

Mr M Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail how much her Department has spent in relation to the New Deal programme from its inception to date.

(AQW 1600/01)

Ms Hanna: From April 1998 to December 2001 the Department has spent over £75 million on New Deal. The total spend includes Departmental Running Costs of £20·7m.

Mr M Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what effect the New Deal scheme has had on long-term unemployment in South Belfast.

(AQW 1601/01)

Ms Hanna: From the introduction of New Deal in April 1998 in Northern Ireland, the total number of people in the New Deal target groups claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) in South Belfast has fallen from 1,267 to 354 in December 2001, a decrease of 72%.

Mr McElduff asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what action she proposes to take to ensure grant assistance is provided for students undertaking post-graduate studies in human rights.

(AQO 667/01)

Ms Hanna: Each year my Department makes available some £4 million to Queen’s University and the University of Ulster for research and for certain approved courses of full-time study leading to higher degrees. The allocation of awards across the various disciplines is made on the advice of the Department’s Postgraduate Advisory Board. It is then for the universities to allocate these awards to each faculty and to select, by competition, the students who will receive them.

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the process and criteria for the issue of employment permits in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 1674/01)

Ms Hanna: Work permits in both Great Britain and Northern Ireland are issued under the Immigration Act 1971. In Northern Ireland they are processed by my Department using the same criteria as are used in Great Britain by the Home Office.

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail, by constituency, the number of employment permits issued in each of the last 5 years.

(AQW 1675/01)

Ms Hanna: The information is not readily available in the form requested.

Mr J Kelly asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to explain (a) why her Department has released approximately £51 million in the monitoring rounds in this financial year; and (b) the steps she is taking to improve financial forecasting within her Department.

(AQW 1707/01)

Ms Hanna:

(a) The Department’s release of expenditure budget in this year’s monitoring rounds was £21·2 million.

This properly recognises that student loans are not expenditure but Capital Assets and the amount of £19·1 million allocated to the Department in monitoring rounds.

The principal sources of surrenders were New Deal and Jobskills. In New Deal reduced demand, staff shortages and non-notification of some eligible unemployed have led to lower participation this year. Reduced demand, a higher qualification standard leading to lower performance payments and unit cost reductions have enabled release of Jobskills budget.

(b) As part of the Department’s preparation for the Budget, Jobskills and New Deal budgets were reviewed. These two budgets decline respectively in the coming year compared to this year and they will be reviewed again both in year and during preparations for the Spending Review. Actual spend will continue to be led by demand which can rise as well as fall.

Mr McGrady asked the Minister for Employment and Learning when funding will be made available to replace the East Down Institute in Downpatrick; and to make a statement.

(AQO 659/01)

Ms Hanna: No funding commitment can be given at this time. The scheme, which is considered a high priority by my Department, continues to be considered in the light of available resources, taking into account other priorities in the Further Education Sector. However, in furtherance of the overall project the Department has funded the purchase of an adjacent site to the Institute in Downpatrick.

Mr R Hutchinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what assessment she has made in relation to the 8-week extension to job skills training credits and the ability of participants to complete key skills qualifications.

(AQO 704/01)

Ms Hanna: Jobskills frameworks involving the full range of key skills were only introduced from September 2001 and the 8-week extension to training periods, which applies from that date, was agreed after consultation with training providers. It is too early to fully gauge the ability of participants to achieve key skill qualifications. However in view of the representations made in respect of key skills I have decided, as a temporary arrangement, that young people who entered Jobskills in the 1999/2000 intake will be permitted to progress in their training without the Key Skills qualifications.

Mr Byrne asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to comment on the ratings achieved by Northern Ireland universities under the Research Assessment Exercise.

(AQO 694/01)

Ms Hanna: The Northern Ireland universities performed extremely well in the Research Assessment Exercise with results confirming that research undertaken is of world class quality. The work of over three-quarters of staff are in units rated as containing research of international standard. This is a significant achievement.

Mr Maskey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to provide a progress report on the Springvale Campus project in West Belfast.

(AQO 690/01)

Ms Hanna: The University of Ulster and the Belfast Institute are working in partnership and with my Department to take the Springvale project forward. The outline business case for the Private Finance Initiative test of the main campus is due to be presented to the Department in February 2002. The expected date for completion of the construction of the Community Outreach Centre is February 2002. A full planning application has been lodged for the Applied Research Centre and the expected date of completion is May 2003. The second draft of the academic plan is being developed by the two institutions in support of the initial objectives for the campus and will be available shortly for consultation. The responses from the community to the first draft of the plan provided valuable community perspectives which have been analysed and included in the second draft.

Mr Fee asked the Minister for Employment and Learning when she intends to bring forward a strategy to address the levels of literacy and numeracy difficulties among adults.

(AQO 692/01)

Ms Hanna: A Strategy paper aimed at improving adult literacy in Northern Ireland has been prepared and will be published for consultation in late February or early March.

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning how much has been spent on capital expenditure, in the last 5 years on (a) St Joseph’s; (b) St Mary’s; and (c) Stranmillis teacher training colleges.

(AQO 689/01)

Ms Hanna: During the period April 1996 to March 2001, the Department provided £1,389,520 in capital funding to St. Mary’s and £2,776,859 to Stranmillis. St Joseph’s Training College ceased to exist in 1985 when it was amalgamated with St. Mary’s to form a single site college on the Falls Road campus.

Mr McFarland asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what assessment she has made in respect of the adequacy of the annual output of IT trained graduates and technicians relative to likely levels of demand in the electronics engineering sector.

(AQO 685/01)

Ms Hanna: Recent research suggests that there is unlikely to be a shortage of IT graduates over the next 5 years, however there is a shortage of electronic engineers, particularly at the graduate and technician levels. My Department is addressing these shortages by increasing the number of higher and further education places, introducing a graduate engineering conversion programme and establishing Centres of Excellence in ICT and computing and electronics, including at North Down and Ards Institute of Further and Higher Education.

Mr Armstrong asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if she will undertake to support training initiatives in the new timber technology.

(AQO 699/01)

Ms Hanna: My Department supports training in timber technology at various levels across Further Education in Northern Ireland. In particular there is specialist provision at Higher National Diploma level at the Upper Bann Institute of Further and Higher Education. I will be meeting representatives of Magherafelt Business Forum in the near future to discuss the issue with them.

Mr Neeson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the benefits to NI electricity consumers from the sale of electricity generated by the Moyle Interconnector to the Republic of Ireland.

(AQW 1432/01)

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): Traders using the Moyle Interconnector to transmit electricity from Scotland to the Republic of Ireland are required to pay interconnector capacity charges. Receipts from these charges are offset against the allowed revenue in respect of the use of its transmission system which NIE is entitled to recover from customers in Northern Ireland. This benefit to customers is expected to grow as the use of the interconnector increases.

Mr Neeson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what capacity of electricity generated by the Moyle Interconnector is expected to be distributed (a) in Northern Ireland; and (b) in the Republic of Ireland.

(AQW 1433/01)

Sir Reg Empey: Capacity on the interconnector is made available to the electricity market through publicly advertised capacity auctions conducted by the System Operator Northern Ireland under the supervision of the independent Office for the Regulation of Electricity and Gas (OFREG). The results of the initial auctions to allocate the energy equivalent of 125MW of capacity under the contract to NIE and third party rights to interconnector capacity were published by OFREG on 30 November 2001 and 13 December 2001 respectively and are available on the OFREG website. Successful bidders are entitled to sell the capacity purchased at auction to customers in Northern Ireland or elsewhere.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what progress has been made in extending broadband telecommunications to West Tyrone.

(AQW 1446/01)

Sir Reg Empey: Telecommunications is a privatised and nationally regulated industry and the provision of broadband services is a matter for the telecommunication operators. However the Executive in the Programme for Government recognised the need for Government to work with the private sector to encourage the provision of broadband services widely across Northern Ireland.

Mr McMenamin asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, pursuant to AQW 581/01, to explain the differential in the charge between ADSL fixed line and ADSL satellite broadband services.

(AQW 1459/01)

Sir Reg Empey: While OFTEL regulate the price of wholesale ADSL broadband, there is no regulation over the price of retailed ADSL services. Consequently, in a privatised market, it is up to the operator to set what he feels to be the market-driven commercial rate. Broadband satellite technology is now sufficiently mature as to offer a viable, albeit more expensive, alternative to ADSL. Satellite telecommunications have the advantage of providing broadband services which are unrestricted by physical, geographic and terrestrial access restrictions, and are now available in Northern Ireland from a range of licensed telecommunication operators. At today’s prices the cost of most satellite offerings available in Northern Ireland is approximately twice that for ADSL.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what assessment he has made of attracting manufacturing business to West Tyrone.

(AQW 1464/01)

Sir Reg Empey: The downturn in leading global economies, exacerbated by the events of September 11, has resulted in an unprecedented reduction in available mobile inward investment opportunities. In addition the average size of projects in employment terms has also reduced significantly. Our competitors are also experiencing these factors. The technology communications and aerospace sectors have been particularly badly affected. Levels of business investment have fallen steeply as companies have either postponed or abandoned proposals.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what steps he is taking to encourage the growth in hi-tech businesses.

(AQW 1465/01)

Sir Reg Empey: The Department’s agencies are working closely with hi-tech businesses on an individual and sectoral basis to encourage growth and competitiveness. The range of measures being used include quality and export initiatives, incubation facilities, R&D, skills development and facilitating access to broadband telecommunications services. Activities to attract inward investment in this sector are also being actively pursued.

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what assurances did he seek from Bombardier in Montreal in relation to the future of the aircraft industry in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 1467/01)

Sir Reg Empey: At my meeting with Bombardier in Montreal I sought and obtained assurances that Bombardier was committed to maintaining a strong integrated design and engineering capability in Belfast which would enable it to compete effectively for new aircraft projects.

Mr McMenamin asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how many people or companies have subscribed to ADSL satellite in Northern Ireland since its introduction.

(AQW 1468/01)

Sir Reg Empey: In a privatised industry information relating to numbers of people or companies taking up ADSL or broadband satellite services is a commercially confidential issue. However OFTEL publish figures relating to the uptake of ADSL at a national level, which indicates that there are 130,000 users across the UK. OFTEL do not publish figures at a regional level, nor do they publish any figures relating to broadband satellite take-up.

Mr Clyde asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what discussions he has had with the IDB in relation to the proposed local management buy-out at the Coats Viyella Home Furnishings plant in Randalstown; and to make a statement.

(AQW 1479/01)

Sir Reg Empey: A procedure is in place with IDB to provide me with prompt notification on matters of public interest arising from events in the industrial sector and through that process I am fully aware of the details of this case.

Mr Hussey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to make a statement on changes in trends in inward investment into Northern Ireland over the past 6 months, and to give his assessment of future trends.

(AQW 1486/01)

Sir Reg Empey: The downturn in leading global economies, exacerbated by the events of September 11, has resulted in an unprecedented reduction in available mobile inward investment opportunities and their size, in employment terms, has also reduced significantly. These factors are also being experienced by our competitors. The technology communications and aerospace sectors have been particularly badly affected. Levels of business investment have fallen steeply as companies have either postponed or abandoned proposals.

Mr McElduff asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the unemployment figures in both Omagh and Strabane District Council area in each of the last 4 years; and to make a statement.

(AQO 668/01)

Sir Reg Empey: Claimant count unemployment figures for Omagh District Council in the last four years were 1,840 (December 1998), 1,324 (December 1999), 1,301 (December 2000) and 1,239 (December 2001). Corresponding figures for Strabane District Council were 1,768; 1,309; 1,368; and 1,257.

Mr M Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what guidance and advice has been issued to businesses and the tourist industry in relation to the introduction of the euro currency.

(AQO 662/01)

Sir Reg Empey: The Northern Ireland Euro Preparations Forum has been actively implementing a regional euro preparations strategy designed to help local businesses, particularly SMEs, prepare to trade in the euro. Guidance and advice has been provided through articles in the local media, mailshots to businesses, regional roadshows, guidance publications and the Forum website (www.euroforum-ni.org.uk). A British Tourist Authority Booklet "The euro – A guide for small tourism businesses" has also been distributed to the local tourism and hospitality sector.

Mr R Hutchinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline the uptake of any business opportunities as a result of the trade mission to Hong Kong and China in November 2001.

(AQO 706/01)

Sir Reg Empey: Twenty-seven companies participated in the recent trade mission to China which I joined in Beijing. Information on the levels of business generated from the mission is still being gathered but to date a number of companies have reported actual sales of £2·14 million and potential sales of £8 million.

Mr McGrady asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what further action is being taken to promote inward investment to the Business Park located on the Belfast Road, Downpatrick.

(AQO 660/01)

Sir Reg Empey: From April 2001 to 31 December 2001 IDB arranged a further 5 visits by potential inward investor companies to Down Business Park; and discussions are currently taking place with property developers regarding the provision of modern flexible business space in the Park.

Mr Byrne asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline the economic implications for businesses, particularly along the border as a result of the introduction of the Euro; and to make a statement.

(AQO 657/01)

Sir Reg Empey: The introduction of the euro provides both challenges and opportunities for Northern Ireland businesses.

Mr Armstrong asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail (a) the current position of attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDO); and (b) how this may be affected by the creation of the new agency, Invest Northern Ireland (INI).

(AQO 677/01)

Sir Reg Empey: (a) In this financial year there has been an unprecedented reduction in new inward investment opportunities, caused by the global economic downturn and the events of September 11; and (b) Invest Northern Ireland’s strategic principles will include a continuing focus on inward investment with all the benefits which this brings to the local economy.

Mr McCarthy asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline the current position regarding orders at Harland and Wolff.

(AQO 673/01)

Sir Reg Empey: The current order book at Harland and Wolff is focused on construction of the two RoRo vessel contracts which is expected to maintain employment into the first quarter of this year; and the company is making substantial efforts to win new orders.

Environment

Mr Wells asked the Minister of the Environment how many buildings have been demolished as a result of enforcement action taken by the Planning Service since 1973.

(AQW 1439/01)

The Minister of the Environment (Mr Foster): The information requested is not readily available, and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost to my Department.

Mr Hussey asked the Minister of the Environment to detail any application he has made to the European Commission ‘EuroBOB’ campaign (IP/01/1694) against drink driving.

(AQW 1488/01)

Mr Foster: My Department has not made an application to the European Commission to implement the EuroBob concept in Northern Ireland.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail any plans he has to introduce a deprivation factor in the formula used to distribute central government finance to local authorities.

(AQW 1526/01)

Mr Foster: The proposed formula for distribution of the resources element of General Exchequer Grant contains measures to address the additional needs of district councils, generated by deprivation. The main adjusting factors introduced are the Noble indicators of income deprivation and employment deprivation.

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if the Valuation and Lands Agency is paid by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive at a flat rate per valuation or on a commission based on their final valuation.

(AQW 1408/01)

The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Dr Farren): The Valuation and Lands Agency works on a full cost recovery basis. For the majority of its work the Agency calculates an individual charge for each case. The charge is calculated on the time taken, the grade of the staff involved and any expenses incurred.

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel how many properties were valued by the Valuation and Lands Agency in each of the last three years.

(AQW 1409/01)

Dr Farren: