(AQW 2132/01)

Reply: The postal service is regulated by the Postal Services Commission who has published a set of detailed proposals aimed at opening the UK market to competition whilst ensuring the provision of the universal postal service. To effect an orderly transition towards an open market the Commission has proposed phasing in licensing arrangements for operators from April 2002 to March 2004. To ensure value for money Northern Ireland Government Departments may expose their postal services to competition during this time where such competition exists.

In the interests of efficiency the Department of Finance and Personnel has indicated that it will ask the Government Purchasing Agency to take the lead during this period in reviewing market conditions and the level of service required by Northern Ireland Government Departments with a view to establishing a service wide arrangement should this provide better value for money.

(AQW 2145/01)

Reply: The British-Irish Council and the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference were established on the 2 December 1999. The British-Irish Council met in plenary format on 17 December 1999 and on 30 November 2001. The Council also met three times in sectoral format:

• Transport - 19 December 2000,

• Environment - 2 October 2000 and 25 February 2002.

• The British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference met on 17 December 1999.

The communiqués in respect of each of these meetings provide details of the subjects which discussed at each meeting. Copies of the communiqués have been placed in the Assembly Library.

(AQW 2219/01)

Reply: The Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister has responsibility for four non-departmental public bodies, these are: -

• Northern Ireland Economic Council

• Planning Appeals Commission

• Statute Law Committee for Northern Ireland

• Water Appeals Commission

The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland is an Executive non-departmental public body of the Northern Ireland Office, however the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister has responsibility for its expenditure.

The annual Cabinet Office Publication "Public Bodies" provides a range of information including expenditure for Northern Ireland Non-Departmental Public Bodies. Copies of these publications have been placed in the Assembly Library and are also available on the Cabinet Office website: www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/quango

(AQO 998/01)

Reply: Charter Mark is a UK award scheme for excellence in the delivery of public services. It is awarded to organisations when they have proved that they provide high quality services to their users.

Applicants are assessed against 10 specific criteria by experienced independent assessors and judged by a panel of Charter Mark judges.

Charter Mark applicants must put forward a written application and provide a box file of supporting evidence. The application and evidence are scored against the 10 criteria by an assessor.

The 10 criteria are:

• Set Standards

• Be open and provide full information

• Consult and involve

• Encourage access and the promotion of choice

• Treat all fairly

• Put things right when they go wrong

• Use resources effectively

• Innovate and improve

• Work with other providers

• Provide user satisfaction

An assessor seeks to verify the claims made in the application. The Charter Mark judging panel is responsible for deciding which applicants have reached the standard based on the recommendation of the assessors. Finally, the applicant is given detailed feedback on their performance and they learn whether they have reached the criteria.

(AQW 2003/01)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): On 30 January I announced changes to the movement standstill rules. Among the changes announced were special arrangements to facilitate animals attending consecutive shows in Northern Ireland within the standstill period.

Since then my officials have been in contact with a number of organisations wishing to include livestock demonstrations and competitions as part of agricultural shows. A protocol allowing these activities to go ahead has been prepared.

I am confident I can rely on those responsible for show activities to work within these rules so that agricultural shows may proceed safely.

(AQW 2168/01)

Ms Rodgers: I have not introduced new Regulations in respect of lairages in abattoirs and markets nor have I any plans to do so.

(AQW 2391/01)

Ms Rodgers: DARD has a gross budget of £427.4 million for the financial year 2001/02. 1.9% or £8.2 million of this budget is allocated to the Rural Development Programme.

(AQW 2392/01)

Ms Rodgers: DARD has a gross budget of £427.4 million for the financial year 2001/02. 6.5% or £27.6 million of this budget is allocated to the corporate administrative costs of DARD. Corporate administration includes the Personnel, Finance, Co-ordination, Office Services etc functions and Policy Development but excludes staff providing direct services to customers (eg Vets, Agricultural Advisors/Inspectors, Scientists, Foresters, Drainage Engineers etc).

(AQW 2393/01)

Ms Rodgers: DARD has a gross budget of £427.4 million for the financial year 2001/02. 19.3% or £82.6 million is allocated to staff salaries and current estimates are that actual expenditure this year will be close to the budget allocation.

(AQW 2406/01)

Ms Rodgers: My Department holds the Budget for its Specialised Buildings e.g. Colleges and Science Service Laboratories. It does not hold any Budget for other office type accommodation occupied by DARD Staff.

(AQW 2452/01)

Ms Rodgers: The figures are as follows:

(AQW 2453/01)

Ms Rodgers: In Northern Ireland herds are tested every 2 years and in addition increased testing from biennial to annual is ongoing in the highest incidence areas of Enniskillen, Newry and Armagh.

The timescale for the removal of infected and in-contact animals from farms is 15 working days from the date of the sample being taken.

(AQW 2483/01)

Ms Rodgers: The dumping of animals in the countryside is to be deplored as it is an offence under the Animal By-Products Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1993, as amended. It is also an offence under the Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983.

It is the responsibility of farmers to dispose of fallen animals in line with applicable legislation and codes of good farming practice. It is in their own interests to do so to prevent the spread of disease and avoid pollution of water.

My Department has issued a Code of Good Agricultural Practice which provides farmers and growers with practical advice and guidance for the prevention of pollution caused by fallen animals, particularly to watercourses. The Code provides options for the disposal of fallen animals and details how burial sites are to be chosen.

While on-farm burial has been a permitted method of disposal of fallen stock this option may be significantly constrained by the EU Animal By-Product Regulation which is expected to come into operation towards the end of 2002. This is a UK-wide issue and farming unions and other stakeholders are being invited to a meeting in London on 3 April to discuss this issue and the options for possible future arrangements. I will be considering the position in Northern Ireland with the relevant interests in the light of the outcome of that meeting.

(AQW 2486/01)

Ms Rodgers: As required under EU Council Regulation 1259/99, funds raised by the application of modulation can be deployed only for the purposes of agri-environment, afforestation of agricultural land, farmer early retirement or Less Favoured Area support measures. There is also a requirement that expenditure of these monies must be confined to new recipients or new schemes. Therefore, within the Northern Ireland Rural Development Regulation Plan, modulation funds so far committed have been devoted entirely to agri-environment measures and assistance for the afforestation of agricultural land. Approximately £8½ million of the projected modulation receipts up to 2006, plus £24 million of projected match funding, have yet to be allocated under the Plan.

(AQW 2500/01)

Ms Rodgers: Over 95% of testing under the tuberculosis testing programme is already carried out by private veterinary practitioners on behalf of the Department. All overdue tests have already been allocated to private veterinary practices and they are endeavouring to have them completed as soon as possible. Our aim is to have the backlog reduced progressively over the coming months.

(AQW 2305/01)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey): The issue referred to by the Member is now a matter for Waterways Ireland, the North/South Implementation Body for Inland Waterways. Waterways Ireland has the functions of management, maintenance, development and restoration of certain inland navigable waterway systems throughout the island, principally for recreational purposes.

I understand from Waterways Ireland that the Lough Erne (Navigation) Bye-laws (NI) 1978, as amended, for which they are now responsible are limited to prohibiting navigational behaviour likely to cause nuisance, injury or damage to persons or property or to other vessels or boats and in addition specify certain areas of Lough Erne where speed limits apply.

I am aware that Waterways Ireland will be undertaking a review of all existing Bye-laws within its remit in full consultation with all interested parties and will take account of nature conservation factors within that process.

(AQW 2307/01)

Mr McGimpsey: The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure currently displays a range of materials including sporting memorabilia which reflects the Department’s key responsibilities.

However the Department in common with all other Departments operates within the boundaries of the Northern Ireland Civil Service Equal Opportunities Policy.

This policy outlines the duty to provide a harmonious working environment and atmosphere in which no worker feels under threat or intimidated.

(AQW 2354/01)

Mr McGimpsey: Statutory responsibility for securing adequate facilities for social, physical and cultural activities, under Article 10 of the Recreation and Youth Service (Northern Ireland) Order 1986, lies with District Councils.

In addition, the Sports Council for Northern Ireland has responsibility for the promotion and development of sport, including disbursement of funding for sporting purposes. I can confirm that the Sports Council have not been approached about support for increasing the leisure, or sporting activity, which takes place at Moorlough.

Moorlough, however, forms part of the Department’s Public Angling Estate and an action plan for the development of the estate has been drafted and funding is currently being sought to implement it. The Department aims to enhance the lough for angling and, in turn, encourage more anglers to make use of it.

(AQW 2360/01)

Mr McGimpsey: The current number of employees within the Sports Institute for Northern Ireland is as follows:

(AQW 2361/01)

Mr McGimpsey: The Sports Council and the University of Ulster are finalising the Memorandum of Understanding and Articles of Association in relation to the formation of the Sports Institute Northern Ireland Company. It is anticipated that this will be completed shortly and that an official launch will take place in April/May.

Meanwhile, an audit of sport has identified the needs of individual sports. In due course facilities will be built and managed by the University of Ulster and will be subject to an annual usage agreement between the University and the Company. As an interim measure the use of existing facilities, both on and off site, will be negotiated.

(AQW 2362/01)

Mr McGimpsey: Capital funding has been allocated as follows:

In addition, revenue funding of £400k per annum has been allocated by the Northern Ireland Sports Lottery Fund and a range of indirect funding is also available via Lottery programmes. The total revenue investment in the Sports Institute for Northern Ireland, both direct and indirect, is in excess of £1m per annum.

(AQW 2374/01)

Mr McGimpsey: I have had no meetings with the National Trust about securing free access for children to their properties, and no such meeting has been arranged for the future. The National Trust is a conservation charity and its policy on admission charges rests entirely with the organisation.

(AQW 2375/01)

Mr McGimpsey: The Sports Council for Northern Ireland, who have statutory responsibility for the development and promotion of sport within the province, including disbursement of funding for sporting purposes, administer a number of funding programmes through the Sports Lottery Fund. Funding opportunities from this source are available to all sports clubs in the province who engage in recognised sporting activity.

In addition, statutory responsibility for securing adequate facilities for social, physical and cultural activities, under Article 10 of the Recreation and Youth Service (Northern Ireland) Order 1986, lies with District Councils. Each District Council will have a Leisure Division manned by Sports Development Officers who can provide advice on funding for sport clubs at a local level.

(AQW 2491/01)

Mr McGimpsey: The Sports Council for Northern Ireland is responsible for the distribution of funding for sport. This includes funding for Talented Athletes with disabilities and a substantial capital investment for improving access for the disabled.

I understand that the Sports Council is in receipt of an application from Disability Sport under the Lottery ‘Starting Well’ programme which, if successful, would provide £84,000 over 4 years.

The Department is currently working with the Sports Council and Disability Sport to make a case for Executive Programme Funds which would include provision for people with disabilities.

(AQW 427/01)

The Minister of Education (Mr M McGuinness) [holding answer 1 November 2001]: PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) has only been in existence as a company since July 1998. This company was the result of a merger between Price Waterhouse and Coopers and Lybrand, both of which undertook consultancy assignments for the Department and the Education and Library Boards. Prior to the merger the two companies were in competition with one another for such consultancy work. Therefore, the following information relates only to the period since the merger.

In respect of the numbers of PWC staff engaged in consultancy assignments for the Department or the Boards this information is not readily available and thus it is not possible to provide figures without a detailed inspection of the records relating to each consultancy assignment undertaken by the company. This would require a major exercise at a significant cost in staff time. However, I can confirm that no PWC staff were seconded either to my Department or to the Boards.

In relation to the total consultancy fees paid to PWC the position is as follows:

(a) the Department of Education paid just under £400,000 in consultancy fees to PricewaterhouseCoopers representing just over 14% of total consultancy fees over the period; and

(b) the Education and Library Boards paid just over £3.8 million to PWC which was just under 89% of the total consultancy fees paid by the Boards over the same period.

(AQW 1808/01)

Mr M McGuinness: The Golden Jubilee celebrations are being co-ordinated by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure. I understand that the main event for schools will be a poetry competition for pupils aged 7 to 18 on the theme of the Golden Jubilee. Schools and parents’ associations may, also if they choose, run their own events to celebrate the jubilee and can apply to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure for funding for that purpose. I have no plans to initiate any other programme of events or to provide additional funding to commemorate the occasion.

(AQW 2252/01)

Mr M McGuinness: I would refer to my previous answer to AQW 2164/01.

(AQW 2308/01)

Mr M McGuinness: The most recent payroll for temporary teachers, for service during January 2002, shows that the number of teachers employed in each Education and Library Board area was as follows:

Temporary teachers may have service in more than one sector or school management category in a particular month.

Temporary teachers are employed for a variety of reasons, most often to provide cover for vacant posts; career breaks; maternity or sick leave; leave of absence or for other absences by teachers such as in service training or curriculum development activities.

(AQW 2310/01)

Mr M McGuinness: It is expected that a common LMS funding formula for schools will be introduced from the 2003/04 financial year. A decision on how threshold payments are funded from 2003/04 will be taken in that wider context.

(AQW 2311/01)

Mr M McGuinness: Funding is allocated to Education and Library Boards on an annual accruals basis to meet the needs of their estate - including school bus depots - and it is a matter for each Board to determine its priorities within the resources available.

(AQW 2312/01)

Mr M McGuinness: In the current financial year a total of £744,075 has been spent on consultancy costs in respect of Public-Private Partnerships projects (including Classroom 2000).

(AQW 2313/01)

Mr M McGuinness: I am content that following a number of searching reports on provision, the Department has made improvements to its policy for children with Special Educational Needs. My Department and the Education and Library Boards are currently working together to promote better working practices.

DE has a Code of Practice and a process, which all Boards must follow. The Regional Strategy Group for Special Educational Needs is considering ways in which it can ensure uniformity of assessment and equality of provision for children and the efficient and effective use of resources.

(AQW 2355/01)

Mr M McGuinness: Factors taken into account in the consideration of a proposal to close a school include enrolment patterns, educational factors, condition of the school premises, alternative provision in the area, social and community issues plus local objections and representations made about the proposal. The overriding consideration in any case is the educational interests of the pupils.

(AQW 2358/01)

Mr M McGuinness: I have received two Assembly Questions and a small number of letters and have also responded in the Assembly to a Motion on the subject of the Golden Jubilee. I would refer you to the statement which I made during the debate on that Motion, which is included in the Assembly Official Report for 12 February 2002.

(AQW 2376/01)

Mr M McGuinness: I refer the Member to my reply to his questions on 11 February. I have nothing further to add.

(AQW 2378/01)

Mr M McGuinness: Responsibility for the regulation of the community, private and voluntary early years sector falls within the remit of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and settings in that sector are subject to the requirements of the Children (NI) Order 1995 and relevant guidance. The Department of Education’s involvement in the private and voluntary sector is limited to the allocation of funded places under the Pre-School Education Expansion Programme, an initiative for which my Department is responsible. Those centres participating in the Programme are required to have at least half of their staff holding a relevant qualification in education and childcare. Of the qualified staff, at least one member must be qualified to NVQ level 3 or equivalent and the remaining qualified staff must be qualified to NVQ level 2 or equivalent.

In grant-aided nursery schools and units, staff must comprise a qualified teacher and a qualified nursery assistant per class.

(AQW 2389/01)

Mr M McGuinness: The figures below have been provided by the Education and Library Boards and set out the net expenditure per secondary school pupil over the last 5 years.

The figures include –

• amounts made available under LMS Formulae.

• centre funds held by Boards distributed to schools in the course of the year to meet certain costs arising from items of expenditure such as teacher substitution, contingency funds and initiatives funded by both the ELBs and the Department.

• The figures exclude centrally held resources, such as Home to School Transport, CASS, School Meals and Central Administration, as these are not costed to individual schools.

(AQW 2390/01)

Mr M McGuinness: The figures below have been provided by the Education and Library Boards and set out the net expenditure per primary school pupil over the last 5 years.

The figures include –

• amounts made available under LMS Formulae.

• centre funds held by Boards distributed to schools in the course of the year to meet certain costs arising from items of expenditure such as teacher substitution, contingency funds and initiatives funded by both the ELBs and the Department.

• The figures exclude centrally held resources, such as Home to School Transport, CASS, School Meals and Central Administration, as these are not costed to individual schools.

(AQW 2409/01)

Mr M McGuinness: In setting each educational target, account has been taken of trends over recent years in the indicator in question, taking all schools together irrespective of free school meal entitlement. So far as encouraging individual schools to set targets is concerned, my Department provides ‘benchmarking’ information on the attainment of schools with a similar percentage rate of free school meal entitlement.

Research evidence was summarised in Statistical Bulletin SB2/96 ‘Free school meals and low achievement’, June 1996 and more recently in ‘NTSN: Analysis of existing information on education participation, achievement and outcomes for disadvantaged individuals and groups’, May 2001, both published by my Department.

(AQW 2420/01)

Mr M McGuinness: There have been no North/South education projects involving the Department of Education and the Department of Education and Science which were solely funded by my Department other than that referred to in my answer to AQW 2054/01.

(AQW 2432/01)

Mr M McGuinness: It was considered that the educational needs of the children in the area would best be met through the amalgamation of Hillsborough and Newport Primary Schools in a new primary school in Hillsborough. This decision was based on a range of factors including enrolment patterns (where the current figure for Newport is 61 pupils), potential changes to enrolments, educational factors, alternative provision in the area, condition of the existing schools’ premises, social and community issues plus objections and representations made about the proposal to amalgamate the two schools. The decision fully reflects my statement of 6 December 2000 about the importance of consulting with local communities. In the present case there was full consultation with all relevant groups including staff and Governors at both schools, Newport Concerned Parents Group and a group of MLA’s representing Lagan Valley.

It should be emphasised that, subject to being included in a New Starts Programme, the amalgamation decision will provide modern facilities in new accommodation to deliver an improved learning experience for the pupils and staff of both schools.

(AQW 2436/01)

Mr M McGuinness: The information requested is not available. However, for the 2000/01 financial year the figures are as follows:

(AQW 2488/01)

Mr M McGuinness: I have accepted an invitation to visit Carrick Primary School but I regret that my schedule has so far not permitted me to fulfil this commitment. While I cannot at this time give a precise date, I will ensure that the invitation will be taken into account in planning any future visits to the Warrenpoint area.

(AQW 2494/01)

Mr M McGuinness: The question of where young people should pursue their studies after they leave school is essentially one of careers guidance, which is provided by officers of the Careers Service, rather than careers education, which is provided by teachers; as such it falls within the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Employment and Learning.

(AQW 2502/01)

Mr M McGuinness: I cannot give any commitment about funding for Tor Bank School. Planning of a new school is being taken forward by the South-Eastern Board and the school is being considered for a place in the capital programme which I shall be announcing shortly.

(AQW 2503/01)

Mr M McGuinness: I want a modern education system which is fair and will raise standards for all pupils. Decisions about new post-primary arrangements will not be made until I have considered the responses to the current consultation. The Assembly will be consulted about any new arrangements, including any legislation which is necessary.

(AQO 974/01)

Mr M McGuinness: If assistance in finding accommodation for the Down Youth Office is requested by the South-Eastern Education and Library Board, the Department will ask the Valuation and Lands Agency to carry out an initial property search to identify options which may be suitable and to recommend the terms under which they should be acquired. Alternatively the Board could approach the VLA directly.

I understand from the Board that, while it is essential to find alternative accommodation for the Down Youth Office, no decision has been made to relocate the office outside the town of Downpatrick.

(AQO 988/01)

Mr M McGuinness: Standards of literacy and numeracy in the primary sector are improving steadily across all Board areas as measured by end-of Key Stage 2 assessment results; however, there is not yet clear evidence of a steady increase in the post-primary sector. Improving standards generally and, especially standards of literacy and numeracy, remain at the top of my agenda. My Department works closely with the Education and Library Boards and CCMS on the implementation of strategies for improving literacy and numeracy standards. A review of these strategies, which will examine how they can be strengthened and developed to the benefit of all schools, is currently underway.

(AQO 987/01)

Mr M McGuinness: In tackling the educational implications of social deprivation, my approach is to use the most appropriate means of identifying the extent of the problem to be addressed. For example, in the case of the common funding formula for schools, I consider that the use of a pupil-orientated indicator such as entitlement to free school meals is more appropriate than using the Noble indicators which are location-based and could not, therefore, be used to target resources at schools with socially deprived children in attendance, given that pupils do not always attend their nearest school.

The extent to which Noble indicators are used by Education and Library Boards in circumstances where they consider their use to be appropriate, is a matter for the Boards themselves. I would not see their use in such circumstances as being inconsistent with my approach to social deprivation.

(AQO 993/01)

Mr M McGuinness: I should explain that the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment is responsible for the setting, marking and administration of the Transfer Tests, while other administrative duties, including recruitment, training and payment of invigilators and posting of results are the responsibility of Education and Library Boards.

I am advised by CCEA and the Boards that cost of administering the transfer procedure tests in 2001/02 was £188,000.

(AQO 960/01)

Mr M McGuinness: In many professions it is normal for those starting out on their careers to move up their salary scale incrementally each year. This does not mean that they are being treated inequitably compared to colleagues, who are at a higher point on the same salary scale because they started the job before them.

The same practice applies to the teaching profession, where it is a long-standing principle, negotiated between Management Side and Teachers’ Side, to pay teachers according to their qualifications and experience. As such, teachers with a good honours degree start on the second point of the pay scale, which is currently £17,001 per annum, rising to £24,843 after 7 years’ service. They can then apply for threshold assessment at the start of their 8th year of service and, if successful, move onto the first point of the upper pay scale, which is £26,919 per annum.

(AQO 991/01)

Mr M McGuinness: The employing authorities and my Department are very concerned to make sure that the right health support arrangements are in place and working for teachers. In particular, considerable emphasis is placed on the importance of a strong employer/employee relationship, which is why Management Side of the Teachers’ Salaries and Conditions of Service Committee (Schools) has commissioned a report into teachers’ health and well-being.

In addition, the employing authorities have drawn up a common policy and procedures on managing attendance at work. They provide schools with support and advice in promoting a culture which recognises that good attendance by school staff enhances the learning of children. The policy also raises awareness of the employing authorities’ staff care services, which provide support for those suffering from stress, anxiety or who having difficulty coping with life experiences such as bereavement, relationships, family or financial difficulties and work related problems.

(AQO 992/01)

Mr M McGuinness: Expenditure incurred by the Department of Education in producing documents for consultation over the last 3 years is as follows:

* period 2 December 1999 – 31 March 2000

(AQO 990/01)

Mr M McGuinness: Negotiations are taking place between my Department, Management Side and Teachers’ Side in order to reach a mutually acceptable way forward. In the meantime, both Unions have made it clear that their action will not affect pupils’ education. The position is being kept under close review, and so far there is no evidence of any adverse effect on the quality of teaching and learning.

(AQO 989/01)

Mr M McGuinness: The majority of special schools are in reasonably good order but there are still serious accommodation problems in some of the former ‘Special Care’ schools which transferred to the Education sector in 1987. My Department has sought to give priority to the replacement of these schools as reflected by the inclusion of sixteen of them in capital programmes announced since 1990.

There remain 11 special schools requiring major capital development in the school capital priorities planning list.

(AQO 1013/01)

Mr M McGuinness: The video was made available to the Education Committee in draft form and a number of changes have been made to reflect their comments. The video is in the final stages of production and will be issued with supporting materials to all schools, FE Colleges, community groups and public libraries at the end of March.

The aim is to provide information on the review, clarify the proposals made by the Review Body and to explain the arrangements for consultation. I hope that the video and supporting materials will stimulate discussion about the main issues and will encourage informed responses to the review.

(AQO 968/01)

Mr M McGuinness: I met the Vice-Chancellors on 19 February to discuss the need for change in post- primary education.

Both Vice Chancellors said that a significant and increasing number of students are progressing to university from non-grammar and non A-level routes. This is an important point to be considered in the post-primary review.

Professor McKenna said that only about 50% of students at the University of Ulster have traditional A-levels and the university found no difference in academic outcome irrespective of the route taken by students to reach university. He stressed that academic and vocational study should be given parity of esteem.

Sir George Bain said that Queen’s has many students who do not come via the traditional A-level route and they include some of the university’s best students. Sir George indicated that Queen’s wants the most able students regardless of their social or economic background, or the method of study they pursued.

Both Vice-Chancellors agreed that post-primary education should maximise the potential of children within society, and that there should be an open, transparent and equitable system which ensures that all who can benefit from higher education get the opportunity to do so.

(AQO 957/01)

Mr M McGuinness: My Department wrote to the Chief Executives of the five Education and Library Boards and to the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools on 22 November 2001 asking them to consider what priority schemes could be considered as PPP projects for inclusion in future capital programmes. The replies are being considered and it is planned to hold a series of meetings with the Boards and CCMS later in the year to progress the PPP initiative.

I will be making an announcement later this month in relation to the New Starts Programme and will be considering the use of Public-Private Partnerships to reduce the current backlog.

(AQW 2273/01)

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): On 16 October 2001 I issued a consultation paper on how to realise the potential of renewable energy to generate electricity in Northern Ireland. The responses received are currently being evaluated but it is already clear that wind generation will remain a key technology within the overall renewables mix in Northern Ireland.

I envisage that the mechanisms necessary to encourage the rapid development of all relevant renewable energy systems will be determined during the next 6-8 months. My Department has received outline assessments of the level of land based wind generation available and has also agreed with the Crown Estate the terms of a lease for a 150 megawatt offshore wind farm off the North Coast of Northern Ireland. A competition to award the lease is currently underway with the aim to select a developer by the end of April.

However, the intermittent nature of wind power raises a number of complex control and systems security issues which must be fully understood and dealt with if the maximum potential of wind to generate electricity in Northern Ireland is to be realised. My Department, together with NIE and a senior academic specialising in wind generation are currently engaged in a comprehensive study of the electricity network in Northern Ireland. The study will determine the maximum level of wind generation which can be safely and economically accommodated on the electricity network.

In addition the Regulator has brought forward proposals for alleviating trading disincentives for wind generation which aim to encourage greater investment in micro and small scale wind power projects. These are currently being considered.

Full details of the Regulator’s proposals can be obtained from OFREG, Tel: 028 9031 1575 or by visiting their website .www.nics.gov.uk/ofreg.

(AQW 2314/01)

Sir Reg Empey: The non-manufacturing sector makes a significant contribution to the Northern Ireland economy accounting for 83.5% of GDP and for 84.5% of all employee jobs in NI. Over the last five years the number of employee jobs in non-manufacturing sectors has grown by 14.2% and this positive trend is expected to continue.

Limited data is available at Parliamentary Constituency level and it is not possible to provide an up-to-date assessment of the current state of the non-manufacturing sector in West Tyrone. However, employment data at Parliamentary Constituency level is available up to September 1999. At this date Census of Employment data indicated that non-manufacturing jobs accounted for 80% of total employee jobs for West Tyrone. This compares to an average for NI of almost 83% at the same date. Between 1997 and 1999 the number of non- manufacturing jobs in West Tyrone grew by 4.8% compared to NI growth of 6.7%.

(AQW 2315/01)

Sir Reg Empey: The adverse impact of the Foot and Mouth outbreak on the local tourism sector, particularly rural tourism, is widely acknowledged. Forecasts for the year 2001 indicate a 2% decline in visitor numbers to Northern Ireland but the arrangements for collecting tourism statistics do not enable definitive regional impacts to be attributed to the outbreak.

(AQW 2336/01)

Sir Reg Empey: West Belfast

Within the West Belfast Parliamentary Constituency area IDB has units in the following Industrial/Business Parks:

Additionally, there are six further business parks in the West Belfast Parliamentary Constituency run by Local Enterprise Agencies:

East Belfast

There are three LEDU, DOE/DSD and Belfast City Council-supported sites in East Belfast Parliamentary Constituency:

While IDB has no land or buildings in East Belfast the private sector offers significant industrial property in the area. There is c105 acres available (subject to planning) at Titanic Quarter, c8 acres at Titanic Technology Park, c6 acres at the former ESSO tanks site and c35 acres under development and c15 acres available from BHC at Sydenham Business Park in the Harbour Estate. At the Titanic Properties Channel Commercial Park there is 110,000 sq ft of business space available for occupation and a further 100,000 sq ft planned.

(AQW 2379/01)

Sir Reg Empey: The terrorist attacks of September 11th have had a serious adverse affect on international tourism. While most of our long haul visitors in 2001 would have already visited prior to 11th September, the impact will continue to be felt for some time. The arrangements for collecting tourism statistics do not enable definitive regional impacts to be specifically attributed to the horrifying events.

(AQW 2008/01)

The Minister of the Environment (Mr Nesbitt) [holding answer 5 March 2002]: The number of prosecutions for pollution of watercourses by my Department’s Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) and by the Fisheries Conservancy Board in each of the last 5 years is set out in the table below.

Rather than taking court action against a polluter, EHS may instead issue a warning letter. A warning letter can deal effectively with less severe incidents, giving advice to prevent further pollution and warning of the consequences of not doing so. There is no penalty attached to a warning letter, but it may be produced in court in the event of a further offence. The number of warning letters issued is also included in the table.

* Only those cases of pollution where statutory samples were taken.

EHS may also serve a notice requiring action to prevent or remedy pollution, or to prohibit any activity causing or having potential to cause pollution. EHS may also seek a court order against a convicted offender requiring that person to remedy or nullify the pollution in question.

(AQW 2089/01)

Mr Nesbitt [holding answer 4 March 2002]: Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) is responsible for the protection of water quality in Northern Ireland, in line with the requirements of the Water (NI) Order 1999, EC legislation, and other Departmental commitments. EHS is responsible, under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations, which implement the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive in NI, for setting standards and assessing compliance of treatment works and collection systems.

Water Service of DRD is responsible for the provision and improvement of sewerage and water facilities under the Water and Sewage Services Order 1973.

The Planning Service consults Water Service on all development proposals potentially impacting on water and sewerage infrastructure. Where Planning Service feels it necessary, it also consults with the Water Management Unit of EHS, which is responsible for monitoring effluent discharged from Waste Water Treatment Works and its impact on water quality.

Where properties are not connected to the public sewer, private operators or householders may, subject to conditions laid down by EHS, obtain prior consent to discharge to a waterway or the underground stratum under the terms of the Water Order. In such cases it is the responsibility of the discharger to ensure that appropriate treatment is provided to meet consent conditions. Proposals for treatment are considered by Planning Service during the process of planning applications.

Water Service, EHS and the Environment and Health Department of the District Council are consulted as appropriate. When consulted by Planning Service about development proposals, EHS seeks to identify the risk to the environment through assessment of the performance of the receiving sewage treatment works and the sewerage system and also compliance with current and potential EHS and Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive standards.

Where the advice from Water Service or EHS is that there is no infrastructure in place, that a proposed development will cause overloading of a sewerage system or treatment works, or cause or exacerbate non-compliance with any EC Directive, the Planning Service would seek further advice on alternative or interim arrangements. These might include phasing of development, use of negative conditions attached to a planning consent to prevent development commencing pending a solution being put in place, or requests to the developer to contribute funding to possible solutions. Where no alternative can be found, a refusal of planning permission would normally follow.

Where possible, EHS will seek to draw the attention of Planning Service to potential problems relating to sewerage infrastructure capacity at Area Plan stage.

In some cases, potential overloading of a works has been countered by the provision of enhanced treatment by the Water Service. This is, however, not always possible.

(AQW 2125/01)

Mr Nesbitt [holding answer 5 March 2002]: All applications for wind farm development are considered under existing planning regulations and against prevailing planning policies, taking account of representations received following normal advertising and consultation procedures.

The main policy guidance in this area is contained in "A Planning Strategy for Rural Northern Ireland". This states that all proposals for wind farms will be assessed in respect of their implications for the visual, ecological and historic landscapes; the implications for agriculture; and the safety and amenity of local residents. It also makes it clear that permissions will not be granted within, or in any location, where they would have a seriously detrimental impact on the amenity of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, (AONB) or any area designated for its conservation, scientific, archaeological or historic interest.

Consultation on wind farm proposals will normally include the Environmental Health Department of the relevant local Council, my own Department’s Environment and Heritage Service, the Department for Regional Development’s Roads and Water Services, the Ministry of Defence, and the Civil Aviation Authority.

In addition, under the Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999, my Department may require an Environmental Statement where a proposal involves the installation of more than 2 turbines; or the hub height of any turbine or height of any other structure exceeds 15 metres. This Statement will provide my Department with detailed information about the impact that a proposal may have on the environment.

As regards the visual impact of planning applications for wind farms in proposed Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Co. Fermanagh, I can assure you that careful and detailed consideration will be given to any such proposals, against the policies and regulations outlined above.

(AQW 2134/01)

Mr Nesbitt [holding answer 5 March 2002]: The number of Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency staff currently seeking a transfer to another Department has now reduced to 26. The length of time each of these has been waiting on the Central Transfer List is detailed below in ascending order.

2 months 2 years 3 months
3 months 2 years 4 months
5 months 2 years 5 months
7 months 2 years 7 months
7 months 3 years 5 months
9 months 3 years 9 months
1 year 1 month 3 years 10 months
1 year 8 months 3 years 11 months
2 years 4 years 8 months
2 years 1 month 6 years 11 months
2 years 1 month 7 years 11 months
2 years 2 months 8 years
2 years 3 months 8 years 4 months

(AQW 2195/01)

Mr Nesbitt [holding answer 8 March 2002]:

(a) The cost to local councils of compliance with EC Regulation 2037 / 2000 is dependent upon a number of variable factors. These include the number of waste fridges to be dealt with, the time taken to establish an approved disposal route, the location of the recycling plant, and the cost of recycling. The exact cost to councils of recycling will not be known until more robust estimates of the numbers of domestic fridges and freezers are available and the unit costs of disposal have been established through tendering. My officials continue to work with District Councils to determine numbers and costs.

(b) There should be limited impact from the Regulation on costs to private individuals. Several options are currently available for disposal of waste fridges and freezers. District Councils are statutorily obliged to accept, free of charge, waste domestic refrigeration equipment for disposal. Councils are also statutorily obliged to collect this equipment, if requested to do so, although Councils can, and some do, impose a charge for this service. Alternatively some charity shops or refurbishment shops will collect these items for reuse.

In liaison with Councils consideration is being given to the conditions under which partnership arrangements might be entered into with retailers and refurbishment outlets to provide the most effective and environmentally friendly collection and recycling service.

(AQW 2256/01)

Mr Nesbitt: The High Hedges Bill referred to, was a Government sponsored Private Member’s Bill that failed to complete its necessary legislative stages. It no longer forms part of the legislative programme for England and Wales.

I have no plans, at present, to introduce similar legislation to the Assembly.

(AQW 2316/01)

Mr Nesbitt: The Environment Ministers from the three devolved administrations have standing invitations to attend meetings of the Cabinet Committee on the World Summit on Sustainable Development (MISC 18). Unfortunately, it was not possible for my predecessor to attend any of the three meetings of the Committee to date, because of other commitments, in particular Executive and Assembly business.

I plan to attend meetings of MISC 18 when I can, subject as before to Executive and Assembly business taking priority. My officials will continue to receive papers for, and to attend where appropriate, meetings of the Steering Group of officials supporting MSC 18.

(AQW 2347/01)

Mr Nesbitt: In accordance with my Department’s Development Plan Programme, work is due to commence on the preparation of the West Tyrone Area Plan in the middle of 2002.

It is envisaged that the Draft Plan will be published within 18 months of the commencement date.

The purpose of the new Plan will be to set out the broad planning framework for the physical development of the entire area, including all the urban settlements and the rural hinterland within the council areas of Omagh and Strabane, for the succeeding 15 year period. The Plan will also advise the public and potential land users on the policy framework which will be used to guide future development, and provide a basis for the control of this development.

(AQW 2348/01)

Mr Nesbitt: The information requested is only available on a parliamentary constituency basis from January 2000.

(a) Details of the total number of valid planning applications which have been lodged with the Planning Service in each of the last two years for the South Belfast constituency area are set out below: