Unfortunately, my officials were unable to gather together the information sought by the member in the short amount of time I had remaining in office.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205190%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=385166","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=385166"}},{"id":"384917","reference":"AQW 5054/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-20","answerBy":"2022-10-25","answered":"2022-10-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) for an update on the development of the new Road Safety strategy; and (ii) whether it will reference road users having shared or hierarchy of responsibilities.","answerText":"Unfortunately my officials were unable to gather together the information sought by the member in the short amount of time I had remaining in office.","answerHtml":"Unfortunately my officials were unable to gather together the information sought by the member in the short amount of time I had remaining in office.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205054%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=384917","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=384917"}},{"id":"384790","reference":"AQW 4979/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-19","answerBy":"2022-10-24","answered":"2022-10-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what work has been carried out by his Department to facilitate the creation of car sharing clubs.","answerText":"My Department is currently considering how cleaner transport, new business models and new modes of travel can transform how people, goods and services move, as part of our work in developing options for inclusion in our new suite of Transport Plans.\n\nMembers of the public already have access to Car Club vehicles in several urban areas across the North. Additionally, a number of developers have recently included Car Clubs in their Travel Plans for residential developments in Belfast, and these are measures which are actively encouraged by my Department.\n\nI believe that the greater use of more efficient, on-demand transport schemes, such as Car Clubs, would help to enable better integrated services, help to reduce emissions, and ease congestion in our towns and cities.\n\nVirtually all Car Clubs across other jurisdictions operate as commercial businesses, and as such my Department has no plans to actively establish or operate them, I do however look forward to further operators entering the market and widening access to this service.","answerHtml":"My Department is currently considering how cleaner transport, new business models and new modes of travel can transform how people, goods and services move, as part of our work in developing options for inclusion in our new suite of Transport Plans.
Members of the public already have access to Car Club vehicles in several urban areas across the North. Additionally, a number of developers have recently included Car Clubs in their Travel Plans for residential developments in Belfast, and these are measures which are actively encouraged by my Department.
I believe that the greater use of more efficient, on-demand transport schemes, such as Car Clubs, would help to enable better integrated services, help to reduce emissions, and ease congestion in our towns and cities.
Virtually all Car Clubs across other jurisdictions operate as commercial businesses, and as such my Department has no plans to actively establish or operate them, I do however look forward to further operators entering the market and widening access to this service.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204979%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=384790","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=384790"}},{"id":"384611","reference":"AQW 4896/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-18","answerBy":"2022-10-21","answered":"2022-10-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the appointment of a replacement contractor for Priory and Springhill GP Surgeries.","answerText":"The Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) have initiated a process to find a new contractor to take over the Priory & Springhill GMS Contract from 1st February 2023. There have been a number of expressions of interest put forward. SPPG officers are currently engaging with potential new contract holders and I remain hopeful that one will be successful.\n\nWhilst I am hesitant to provide a timeframe, I can confirm that SPPG officers are working hard to find a solution that will ensure that the full range of GMS services are provided to all registered patients at Priory & Springhill Surgery from 1st February 2023. Patients and the wider public will be kept informed of any developments.","answerHtml":"The Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) have initiated a process to find a new contractor to take over the Priory & Springhill GMS Contract from 1st February 2023. There have been a number of expressions of interest put forward. SPPG officers are currently engaging with potential new contract holders and I remain hopeful that one will be successful.
Whilst I am hesitant to provide a timeframe, I can confirm that SPPG officers are working hard to find a solution that will ensure that the full range of GMS services are provided to all registered patients at Priory & Springhill Surgery from 1st February 2023. Patients and the wider public will be kept informed of any developments.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204896%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=384611","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=384611"}},{"id":"384404","reference":"AQW 4794/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-17","answerBy":"2022-10-25","answered":"2022-10-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 16250/17-22, to provide an up to date list of the requested road resurfacing projects in Ards and North Down Council area.","answerText":"I can confirm that the Department no longer maintains a list of requested road resurfacing projects within the Ards and North Down Council area.\n\nResurfacing programmes in Ards and North Down are now, as in other areas, prepared on the basis of a number of factors primarily linked to road condition. Details of works programmes, including resurfacing schemes, for the 2022/23 financial year were included in the Department’s Council Report for Ards and North Down Borough Council. The Council Report was presented to Council on 11 October 2022 and is published on the DfI website and a link to the report issued to each MLA in the respective council area on 19 October 2022. See link; https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/annual-report-ards-and-north-down-borough-council-20222023\n\nShould you have any further questions on this please contact DfI Roads Southern Division at dfiroads.southern@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.","answerHtml":"I can confirm that the Department no longer maintains a list of requested road resurfacing projects within the Ards and North Down Council area.
Resurfacing programmes in Ards and North Down are now, as in other areas, prepared on the basis of a number of factors primarily linked to road condition. Details of works programmes, including resurfacing schemes, for the 2022/23 financial year were included in the Department’s Council Report for Ards and North Down Borough Council. The Council Report was presented to Council on 11 October 2022 and is published on the DfI website and a link to the report issued to each MLA in the respective council area on 19 October 2022. See link; https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/annual-report-ards-and-north-down-borough-council-20222023
Should you have any further questions on this please contact DfI Roads Southern Division at dfiroads.southern@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204794%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=384404","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=384404"}},{"id":"384185","reference":"AQW 4672/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-13","answerBy":"2022-10-28","answered":"2022-10-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to list the planning applications with his Department after being called in from district councils under the 2011 Planning Act.","answerText":"The Department currently has 13 live planning applications that were called in from local councils. These include applications for listed building consents that are associated with full planning applications. These are all listed below:\n\nApplication\nReference Number\tSite Address\tProposal\nLA01/2017/0689/F\tLondonderry Arms Hotel, 39/41 Main Street, Portrush.\tRetention and part refurbishment/restoration of the structural walls, shop fronts and roofs of both No. 39 and 41 Main Street and demolition of the residual elements of the listed building within the full extent of the site at 39-41 Main Street and 2 Atlantic Avenue, Portrush, so as to erect a three to five storey, 83 bedroom hotel with a restaurant, cafe/bar and all associated ancillary services.\nLA01/2018/0446/LBC\tAs above\tAs above, associated Listed Building Consent.\nLA09/2019/0024/O\tLands at former Maghera High School, Tobermore Road, Maghera.\tMixed use and enterprise centre/ business units - which will be subject to Reserved Matters Planning Applications submitted by purchasers of plots from Mid Ulster District Council.\nLA09/2019/0025/F\tLands at former Maghera High School, Tobermore Road, Maghera.\tProposed development of existing brown field site including new internal access road/footpaths, improved access, alteration of existing levels, utilities, site fencing, site clearance & associated site works for future mixed use and enterprise centre/business units.\nLA11/2019/0263/F\tLandscaping and site works. Kilfennan Link Roundabout, Crescent Link, Derry/Londonderry.\tErection of a supermarket, associated car park, and amended access of approval A/2004/0879/F.\nLA07/2020/0788/F\tMourne Park House\nMourne Park\nKilkeel\nNewry\nBT34 4LB\tNew luxury hotel incorporating a spa, function room, restaurant, manager's quarters, associated facilities &car parking, by way of change of use & refurbishment of existing listed private residence and provision of a new build extension, gate lodge, associated site works & minor realignment of the existing access gates at the White Water entrance.\nLA07/2020/0843/LBC\tMourne Park House\nMourne Park\nKilkeel\nNewry\nBT34 4LB\tRefurbishment of and extension to existing fire damaged Mourne Park House and associated outbuildings to create a new luxury hotel comprising of hotel bedrooms, restaurant, function room, spa facilities, associated car parking and site works, Mourne Park Kilkeel.\nLA11/2018/0186/O\tLands due north of Holy Cross College & due south of Ardnalee Park, Strabane.\tProposed multi-sport indoor/outdoor facility (circa 45,000 sq ft) incorporating wellbeing centre, community/youth facilities, full size indoor 6G pitch, fitness suite, sports hall, conferencing, office accommodation, exhibition and events space.\nLA05/2018/1154/O\tLands at Blaris Lisburn (lands between existing M1 Junction 8/ A101 roundabout and Moira Road/ Knockmore Road junction)\tProposed mixed use development to include new housing (1300 dwellings) and commercial floor space (754,000 sq.ft.) 1.6km M1-Knockmore link road, riverside parkland and ancillary works.\nLA05/2018/1155/F\tLands at Blaris Lisburn (lands between existing M1 Junction 8/ A101 roundabout and Moira Road/ Knockmore Road junction)\tConstruction of a new link road (1.6km) connecting the existing M1 junction 8/A101 roundabout to existing Moira/Knockmore Road Junction, Blaris Lisburn\nLA02/2017/0594/F\tLands 560 metres east of 87 Carnalbanagh Road to 770 metres north west of 43 Carnalbanagh Road including access out onto Kilnacolpagh and Lough Road in the townlands of Carnalbanagh Kilnacolpagh and Buckna 9.5 kilometres east of Broughshane.\tConstruction of a wind farm comprising 7 no. wind turbines.\nH/2009/0270/F\tFormer Wm Clark & Sons Ltd, Upperlands, Maghera.\tWorks to listed buildings to extend and convert former Art Deco Building into a new factory: 18 apartments; alterations of 2 existing dwellings; change of use for museum/exhibition space.\nH/2009/0271/LBC\tFormer Wm Clark & Sons Ltd, Upperlands, Maghera.\tAs above, associated Listed Building Consent.","answerHtml":"The Department currently has 13 live planning applications that were called in from local councils. These include applications for listed building consents that are associated with full planning applications. These are all listed below:
| Application Reference Number | Site Address | Proposal |
| LA01/2017/0689/F | Londonderry Arms Hotel, 39/41 Main Street, Portrush. | Retention and part refurbishment/restoration of the structural walls, shop fronts and roofs of both No. 39 and 41 Main Street and demolition of the residual elements of the listed building within the full extent of the site at 39-41 Main Street and 2 Atlantic Avenue, Portrush, so as to erect a three to five storey, 83 bedroom hotel with a restaurant, cafe/bar and all associated ancillary services. |
| LA01/2018/0446/LBC | As above | As above, associated Listed Building Consent. |
| LA09/2019/0024/O | Lands at former Maghera High School, Tobermore Road, Maghera. | Mixed use and enterprise centre/ business units - which will be subject to Reserved Matters Planning Applications submitted by purchasers of plots from Mid Ulster District Council. |
| LA09/2019/0025/F | Lands at former Maghera High School, Tobermore Road, Maghera. | Proposed development of existing brown field site including new internal access road/footpaths, improved access, alteration of existing levels, utilities, site fencing, site clearance & associated site works for future mixed use and enterprise centre/business units. |
| LA11/2019/0263/F | Landscaping and site works. Kilfennan Link Roundabout, Crescent Link, Derry/Londonderry. | Erection of a supermarket, associated car park, and amended access of approval A/2004/0879/F. |
| LA07/2020/0788/F | Mourne Park House Mourne Park Kilkeel Newry BT34 4LB | New luxury hotel incorporating a spa, function room, restaurant, manager's quarters, associated facilities &car parking, by way of change of use & refurbishment of existing listed private residence and provision of a new build extension, gate lodge, associated site works & minor realignment of the existing access gates at the White Water entrance. |
| LA07/2020/0843/LBC | Mourne Park House Mourne Park Kilkeel Newry BT34 4LB | Refurbishment of and extension to existing fire damaged Mourne Park House and associated outbuildings to create a new luxury hotel comprising of hotel bedrooms, restaurant, function room, spa facilities, associated car parking and site works, Mourne Park Kilkeel. |
| LA11/2018/0186/O | Lands due north of Holy Cross College & due south of Ardnalee Park, Strabane. | Proposed multi-sport indoor/outdoor facility (circa 45,000 sq ft) incorporating wellbeing centre, community/youth facilities, full size indoor 6G pitch, fitness suite, sports hall, conferencing, office accommodation, exhibition and events space. |
| LA05/2018/1154/O | Lands at Blaris Lisburn (lands between existing M1 Junction 8/ A101 roundabout and Moira Road/ Knockmore Road junction) | Proposed mixed use development to include new housing (1300 dwellings) and commercial floor space (754,000 sq.ft.) 1.6km M1-Knockmore link road, riverside parkland and ancillary works. |
| LA05/2018/1155/F | Lands at Blaris Lisburn (lands between existing M1 Junction 8/ A101 roundabout and Moira Road/ Knockmore Road junction) | Construction of a new link road (1.6km) connecting the existing M1 junction 8/A101 roundabout to existing Moira/Knockmore Road Junction, Blaris Lisburn |
| LA02/2017/0594/F | Lands 560 metres east of 87 Carnalbanagh Road to 770 metres north west of 43 Carnalbanagh Road including access out onto Kilnacolpagh and Lough Road in the townlands of Carnalbanagh Kilnacolpagh and Buckna 9.5 kilometres east of Broughshane. | Construction of a wind farm comprising 7 no. wind turbines. |
| H/2009/0270/F | Former Wm Clark & Sons Ltd, Upperlands, Maghera. | Works to listed buildings to extend and convert former Art Deco Building into a new factory: 18 apartments; alterations of 2 existing dwellings; change of use for museum/exhibition space. |
| H/2009/0271/LBC | Former Wm Clark & Sons Ltd, Upperlands, Maghera. | As above, associated Listed Building Consent. |
My Department has identified a number of issues which present risks to the planned delivery of works across the Ards and North Down Council Area. As the contracts used are common to network maintenance and network development, the risks are similar for both areas of work. It should also be noted that the majority of risks are common to all Councils areas and are not limited to Ards and North Down.
The key risk to delivery of planned works is contract availability and contract renewal preparations are progressing with award of an Asphalt Resurfacing Term Contract (which expired in November 2021) planned for January 2023 and award of a Term Contract for Environmental Maintenance (which expired in November 2021) planned for November 2022. Contract renewal work for a Minor Works Term Contract (which expired in July 2022) is continuing, but a planned award date has not yet been confirmed. Any technical delay or challenge from an unsuccessful tenderer may impact on the availability of a contract on these dates.
My Department has produced work programmes for the Council area which are included in the Annual Council Report, Annual Report to Ards and North Down Borough Council - 2022/23 (infrastructure-ni.gov.uk)
Should you have any further questions on this please contact DfI Roads Southern Division at dfiroads.southern@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204671%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=384184","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=384184"}},{"id":"384163","reference":"AQW 4650/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-13","answerBy":"2022-10-18","answered":"2022-10-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what assessment has been made of the impact a vacancy in the ministerial office post 28 October 2022 will have on departmental (i) decision making; and (ii) spending.","answerText":"The absence of Departmental Ministers will significantly hamper decision making, including decisions within my Department relating to strategic planning, major infrastructure projects and spending decisions relating to other key public services.","answerHtml":"The absence of Departmental Ministers will significantly hamper decision making, including decisions within my Department relating to strategic planning, major infrastructure projects and spending decisions relating to other key public services.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204650%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=384163","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=384163"}},{"id":"384156","reference":"AQW 4643/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-13","answerBy":"2022-10-28","answered":"2022-10-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail the (i) number; and (ii) total revenue, of non-domestic rates receipts derived in 2021-22 from childcare premises categorised on the non-domestic rating system.","answerText":"(i)Rate assessments for non-domestic properties are predominantly based on the properties’ Net Annual Value. The Rating system does contain valuation classifications suggesting childcare as the likely property use. Also, this information is not gathered as part of the collection of rates. As a result, it is not possible to give a precise number of childcare premises in the non-domestic rating system.\n\n(ii)Childcare premises were within the class of businesses eligible for the Rates Holiday in 2021/22 and therefore paid no rates for the 2021/22 rating year.\n\nThere may be properties occupied by childcare providers that have paid rates during 2021/22 which LPS is unaware of. LPS is still accepting applications for the Rate Holidays from business owners who feel they were entitled but did not receive it. Further information and a link to the online application is available at https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/rates-holiday.","answerHtml":"(i)Rate assessments for non-domestic properties are predominantly based on the properties’ Net Annual Value. The Rating system does contain valuation classifications suggesting childcare as the likely property use. Also, this information is not gathered as part of the collection of rates. As a result, it is not possible to give a precise number of childcare premises in the non-domestic rating system.
(ii)Childcare premises were within the class of businesses eligible for the Rates Holiday in 2021/22 and therefore paid no rates for the 2021/22 rating year.
There may be properties occupied by childcare providers that have paid rates during 2021/22 which LPS is unaware of. LPS is still accepting applications for the Rate Holidays from business owners who feel they were entitled but did not receive it. Further information and a link to the online application is available at https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/rates-holiday.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204643%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=384156","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=384156"}},{"id":"383764","reference":"AQW 4473/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-11","answerBy":"2022-10-26","answered":"2022-10-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy what action he is taking to secure the extension of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme beyond the initial six month period.","answerText":"I fully appreciate the plight of businesses who are experiencing unprecedented rises in energy costs and broader inflationary pressures driven by a perfect storm of internationally-driven factors.\n\nMuch like the crisis created in the local economy as a result of Covid, the magnitude of this global inflationary crisis means that it can only be tackled by significant interventions at a national government level. As such, this is a policy which is being determined at a national level and the required financial resource is then being made available for delivery to all consumers across the UK.\n\nThe Northern Ireland Executive simply does not have the levers or financial firepower to deliver the type of immediate help at the scale that is required, whether the Executive is fully functioning or not. However, I believe that the certainty that the Energy Price Guarantee provides is essential for business and strongly believe that this should be extended by HMG.","answerHtml":"I fully appreciate the plight of businesses who are experiencing unprecedented rises in energy costs and broader inflationary pressures driven by a perfect storm of internationally-driven factors.
Much like the crisis created in the local economy as a result of Covid, the magnitude of this global inflationary crisis means that it can only be tackled by significant interventions at a national government level. As such, this is a policy which is being determined at a national level and the required financial resource is then being made available for delivery to all consumers across the UK.
The Northern Ireland Executive simply does not have the levers or financial firepower to deliver the type of immediate help at the scale that is required, whether the Executive is fully functioning or not. However, I believe that the certainty that the Energy Price Guarantee provides is essential for business and strongly believe that this should be extended by HMG.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204473%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383764","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383764"}},{"id":"383763","reference":"AQW 4472/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-11","answerBy":"2022-10-14","answered":"2022-10-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy what actions he is taking to ensure park home owners, who pay bills directly to the park owner and who are not on standard gas or electricity contracts, will be able to avail of the (i) Energy Price Guarantee; and (ii) Energy Bills Support Scheme.","answerText":"Park Home facilities are businesses and are therefore subject to all the relevant legal and regulatory requirements of a business. As a result, residents within Park Home facilities are not eligible for the UK Government’s domestic energy support schemes.\n\nThe Park Owner, however, will receive support through the Energy Bill Relief Scheme: help for businesses and other non-domestic customers (Northern Ireland) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).\n\nDraft legislation being introduced in Parliament this week includes conditions to ensure that support provided to businesses such as Park Owners is passed through to consumers who pay the park owner for electricity.","answerHtml":"Park Home facilities are businesses and are therefore subject to all the relevant legal and regulatory requirements of a business. As a result, residents within Park Home facilities are not eligible for the UK Government’s domestic energy support schemes.
The Park Owner, however, will receive support through the Energy Bill Relief Scheme: help for businesses and other non-domestic customers (Northern Ireland) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Draft legislation being introduced in Parliament this week includes conditions to ensure that support provided to businesses such as Park Owners is passed through to consumers who pay the park owner for electricity.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204472%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383763","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383763"}},{"id":"383459","reference":"AQW 4302/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-07","answerBy":"2022-10-24","answered":"2022-10-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the specific timescale for delivery of a controlled crossing at East Circular Road, Bangor, near St Columbanus' College.","answerText":"Local officials have confirmed that a controlled pedestrian crossing, which will improve road safety for pedestrians crossing this heavily trafficked A Class road, is included within a programme of works for this financial year. Timescales for delivery of this scheme will be dependent on the availability of contractor resources.\n\nShould you have any further questions on this matter, please contact DfI Roads Southern Division at: dfiroads.southern@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk","answerHtml":"Local officials have confirmed that a controlled pedestrian crossing, which will improve road safety for pedestrians crossing this heavily trafficked A Class road, is included within a programme of works for this financial year. Timescales for delivery of this scheme will be dependent on the availability of contractor resources.
Should you have any further questions on this matter, please contact DfI Roads Southern Division at: dfiroads.southern@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204302%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383459","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383459"}},{"id":"383258","reference":"AQW 4223/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-06","answerBy":"2022-10-21","answered":"2022-10-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline the planned spend during the current and future financial years on the York Street Interchange Scheme.","answerText":"In the absence of an Executive, budgets have not been agreed for the 2022-23 financial year or future years. However, to ensure that my Department continues to develop and deliver much needed investment in our infrastructure, I agreed capital allocations for 2022-23 which include £1.4m for the on-going development of the York Street Interchange project.\n\nFuture funding will be dependent on Executive priorities and associated budget settlements.","answerHtml":"In the absence of an Executive, budgets have not been agreed for the 2022-23 financial year or future years. However, to ensure that my Department continues to develop and deliver much needed investment in our infrastructure, I agreed capital allocations for 2022-23 which include £1.4m for the on-going development of the York Street Interchange project.
Future funding will be dependent on Executive priorities and associated budget settlements.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204223%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383258","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383258"}},{"id":"383257","reference":"AQW 4222/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-06","answerBy":"2022-10-21","answered":"2022-10-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what consultation and engagement has been undertaken with local people about the York Street Interchange Scheme following the successful procurement legal challenge that set aside the Contract Award.","answerText":"In November 2020 an Independent Assurance Review of the York Street Interchange scheme was carried out. Following on from this a Placemaking and Active Travel Review (PATR) of the scheme has been carried out by a specialist team independent from the project team. Both of these reviews engaged with key stakeholders, including Ashton Community Trust and Sailortown Regeneration, both of which represent communities in the area.\n\nFollowing publication of the PATR report on 11 October 2022 officials have contacted all of the stakeholders inviting them to take part in further engagement as options for the scheme are taken forward for consideration.","answerHtml":"In November 2020 an Independent Assurance Review of the York Street Interchange scheme was carried out. Following on from this a Placemaking and Active Travel Review (PATR) of the scheme has been carried out by a specialist team independent from the project team. Both of these reviews engaged with key stakeholders, including Ashton Community Trust and Sailortown Regeneration, both of which represent communities in the area.
Following publication of the PATR report on 11 October 2022 officials have contacted all of the stakeholders inviting them to take part in further engagement as options for the scheme are taken forward for consideration.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204222%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383257","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383257"}},{"id":"383256","reference":"AQW 4221/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-06","answerBy":"2022-10-21","answered":"2022-10-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline the further actions and timescales for the York Street Interchange Scheme.","answerText":"I remain committed to the delivery of this strategically important scheme and the wider benefits it presents.\n\nOn 11 October 2022 I published the report on the Placemaking and Active Travel Review, which has identified a number of potential options to improve placemaking and active travel provision as part of the project. Further work is required to develop these options and consider factors relating to their potential implementation. Importantly, this will include further engagement with key stakeholders. This work is likely to take until early 2023 to complete and will inform next steps for the project.","answerHtml":"I remain committed to the delivery of this strategically important scheme and the wider benefits it presents.
On 11 October 2022 I published the report on the Placemaking and Active Travel Review, which has identified a number of potential options to improve placemaking and active travel provision as part of the project. Further work is required to develop these options and consider factors relating to their potential implementation. Importantly, this will include further engagement with key stakeholders. This work is likely to take until early 2023 to complete and will inform next steps for the project.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204221%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383256","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383256"}},{"id":"383255","reference":"AQW 4220/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-06","answerBy":"2022-10-21","answered":"2022-10-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline the work that has been undertaken, in chronological order, relating to the York Street Interchange Scheme following the successful procurement legal challenge which resulted in the setting aside of the Contract Award.","answerText":"In December 2019 the procurement competition for York Street Interchange scheme was stopped and the contract award set aside, following a legal challenge. As a result of this, my Department has reviewed its procurement strategy in order to inform any future procurement competition.\n\nIn July 2020 it was decided that a review of the scheme proposals should be carried out to provide assurance on how and to what extent the proposed scheme reflected and accommodated key objectives and priorities. This was an independent external assurance review, carried out in November 2020, and included engagement with key stakeholders. In March 2021 the recommendations from this review were published.\n\nSince then, work has been ongoing to address those recommendations including a further review of the scheme to ensure it aligns with the concept of placemaking and the latest best practice in terms of urban transport design. This Placemaking and Active Travel Review (PATR) was completed by a specialist team independent from the project team and, again, included engagement with key stakeholders. The review has identified options for further consideration to improve placemaking and active travel provision and work is now ongoing to refine these. I published the PATR on 11 October 2022 and it can be viewed at http://www.yorkstreetinterchange.com/","answerHtml":"In December 2019 the procurement competition for York Street Interchange scheme was stopped and the contract award set aside, following a legal challenge. As a result of this, my Department has reviewed its procurement strategy in order to inform any future procurement competition.
In July 2020 it was decided that a review of the scheme proposals should be carried out to provide assurance on how and to what extent the proposed scheme reflected and accommodated key objectives and priorities. This was an independent external assurance review, carried out in November 2020, and included engagement with key stakeholders. In March 2021 the recommendations from this review were published.
Since then, work has been ongoing to address those recommendations including a further review of the scheme to ensure it aligns with the concept of placemaking and the latest best practice in terms of urban transport design. This Placemaking and Active Travel Review (PATR) was completed by a specialist team independent from the project team and, again, included engagement with key stakeholders. The review has identified options for further consideration to improve placemaking and active travel provision and work is now ongoing to refine these. I published the PATR on 11 October 2022 and it can be viewed at http://www.yorkstreetinterchange.com/
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204220%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383255","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383255"}},{"id":"382983","reference":"AQW 4059/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-04","answerBy":"2022-10-19","answered":"2022-10-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health how his Department monitors the number of Dental Surgeries in Northern Ireland that accept new NHS patients.","answerText":"The Business Services Organisation (BSO) has records of which General Dental Practitioners have a contract with the Department of Health to provide NHS treatment, and in which practices they work. However, the BSO does not have information as to the capacity of each GDP’s register, nor whether they are currently in a position to register new patients.","answerHtml":"The Business Services Organisation (BSO) has records of which General Dental Practitioners have a contract with the Department of Health to provide NHS treatment, and in which practices they work. However, the BSO does not have information as to the capacity of each GDP’s register, nor whether they are currently in a position to register new patients.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204059%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=382983","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=382983"}},{"id":"382982","reference":"AQW 4058/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-04","answerBy":"2022-10-19","answered":"2022-10-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health (i) how many dental surgeries in North Down are currently accepting new NHS registered patients; and (ii) where can patients find this information.","answerText":"Neither the Department of Health nor the Business Services Organisation (BSO) hold this information.\n\nThe BSO have records of which General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) have a contract with the Department of Health to provide NHS treatment, and in which practices they work. The BSO does not have information as to the capacity of each GDP’s register.\n\nPatients can find a list of all General Dental Practices with at least one practitioner contracted to provide NHS treatment at http://online.hscni.net/other-hsc-organisations/hsc-service-finder. It can be used to search for dental practices in the patient’s area, sorted by those closest to their address and then extending further afield. A contact number for each dental practice is available.","answerHtml":"Neither the Department of Health nor the Business Services Organisation (BSO) hold this information.
The BSO have records of which General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) have a contract with the Department of Health to provide NHS treatment, and in which practices they work. The BSO does not have information as to the capacity of each GDP’s register.
Patients can find a list of all General Dental Practices with at least one practitioner contracted to provide NHS treatment at http://online.hscni.net/other-hsc-organisations/hsc-service-finder. It can be used to search for dental practices in the patient’s area, sorted by those closest to their address and then extending further afield. A contact number for each dental practice is available.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204058%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=382982","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=382982"}},{"id":"382855","reference":"AQW 3989/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-03","answerBy":"2022-10-18","answered":"2022-10-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the strategy being developed to determine the most efficient mechanism to take forward A6 Phase 2 – Drumahoe to Caw.","answerText":"Part of the works associated with Phase 2 of the A6 Derry to Dungiven project, between Drumahoe and the Caw roundabout, will encroach on the Mobuoy waste site. My Department is currently working closely with Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and other stakeholders to ensure the final scheme design fully takes account of the impact of the waste site. This integrated approach will ensure that any remediation proposals take account of respective parties’ requirements, including those relating to the A6 dualling.\n\nThe strategy for this phase of the project, which is not part of the current Dungiven to Drumahoe construction contract, will be informed by the remedial proposals for the Mobuoy site currently being developed by NIEA.","answerHtml":"Part of the works associated with Phase 2 of the A6 Derry to Dungiven project, between Drumahoe and the Caw roundabout, will encroach on the Mobuoy waste site. My Department is currently working closely with Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and other stakeholders to ensure the final scheme design fully takes account of the impact of the waste site. This integrated approach will ensure that any remediation proposals take account of respective parties’ requirements, including those relating to the A6 dualling.
The strategy for this phase of the project, which is not part of the current Dungiven to Drumahoe construction contract, will be informed by the remedial proposals for the Mobuoy site currently being developed by NIEA.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203989%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=382855","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=382855"}},{"id":"382854","reference":"AQW 3988/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-03","answerBy":"2022-10-18","answered":"2022-10-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure why public consultation has not yet commenced on the new draft Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan.","answerText":"My officials are currently continuing their preparations for a new suite of Transport Plans, intended to set out the framework for transport policy and investment decisions up until 2035.\n\nThe Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan (RSTNTP) is the first Transport Plan in line for completion. It is concerned with strategic roads, the buses which run on them and the rail network.\n\nI am keen to ensure that the measures proposed in the draft RSTNTP will be beneficial, sustainable and affordable as we seek to improve the regional transportation infrastructure in the next decade. As such I will publish the draft RSTNTP for public consultation when I am satisfied that all necessary work has been completed on it, and I have had an opportunity to fully consider it.","answerHtml":"My officials are currently continuing their preparations for a new suite of Transport Plans, intended to set out the framework for transport policy and investment decisions up until 2035.
The Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan (RSTNTP) is the first Transport Plan in line for completion. It is concerned with strategic roads, the buses which run on them and the rail network.
I am keen to ensure that the measures proposed in the draft RSTNTP will be beneficial, sustainable and affordable as we seek to improve the regional transportation infrastructure in the next decade. As such I will publish the draft RSTNTP for public consultation when I am satisfied that all necessary work has been completed on it, and I have had an opportunity to fully consider it.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203988%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=382854","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=382854"}},{"id":"382853","reference":"AQW 3987/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-03","answerBy":"2022-10-18","answered":"2022-10-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the Belfast Distillery Company Ltd contract and works at Crumlin Road Gaol.","answerText":"Belfast Distillery Company Ltd has recently recommenced construction works to develop a Distillery and Visitor Experience at A Wing in the Crumlin Road Gaol. The company has advised that works are progressing as planned and the project is on target to complete by October 2023.","answerHtml":"Belfast Distillery Company Ltd has recently recommenced construction works to develop a Distillery and Visitor Experience at A Wing in the Crumlin Road Gaol. The company has advised that works are progressing as planned and the project is on target to complete by October 2023.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203987%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=382853","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=382853"}},{"id":"382852","reference":"AQW 3986/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-03","answerBy":"2022-10-18","answered":"2022-10-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether there are plans to include greater flexibility in the procedures to obtain permissions for the installation of cycling infrastructure on carriageways by external bodies.","answerText":"The provision of cycling infrastructure on the public road network by external bodies can be facilitated through the Planning process, and there are no plans to change this approach.","answerHtml":"The provision of cycling infrastructure on the public road network by external bodies can be facilitated through the Planning process, and there are no plans to change this approach.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203986%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=382852","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=382852"}},{"id":"381616","reference":"AQW 3754/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-09-28","answerBy":"2022-10-13","answered":"2022-10-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what rights arise from the special share held by the Department in respect of Belfast International Airport.","answerText":"The Special Share arrangement my Department holds in respect of Belfast International Airport is set out in the Airport’s Articles of Association. It includes provision for Government to consider and approve any change in ownership of the Airport and to serve an Original Notice in the event of an Excluded Change of Control or a failure by the Airport to provide Key Operating Facilities.","answerHtml":"The Special Share arrangement my Department holds in respect of Belfast International Airport is set out in the Airport’s Articles of Association. It includes provision for Government to consider and approve any change in ownership of the Airport and to serve an Original Notice in the event of an Excluded Change of Control or a failure by the Airport to provide Key Operating Facilities.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203754%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=381616","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=381616"}},{"id":"381614","reference":"AQW 3752/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-09-28","answerBy":"2022-10-13","answered":"2022-10-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the timescales for delivery of an Active and Sustainable Travel Centre in the North West Multi-Modal Transport Hub.","answerText":"The Active Travel Centre officially opened on Wednesday 26th September 2022.","answerHtml":"The Active Travel Centre officially opened on Wednesday 26th September 2022.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203752%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=381614","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=381614"}},{"id":"381613","reference":"AQW 3751/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-09-28","answerBy":"2022-10-13","answered":"2022-10-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on work undertaken following his predecessor's announcement in January 2022 to extend the Concessionary Fares Scheme.","answerText":"I understand the value that people place on concessionary fares and can see the benefit of extending free travel to those who previously received a half fare concession and making concessionary fares available on a wider range of public transport service.\n\nOfficials are continuing to work on business cases to consider the extensions and have kept me fully informed of progress during the development process.","answerHtml":"I understand the value that people place on concessionary fares and can see the benefit of extending free travel to those who previously received a half fare concession and making concessionary fares available on a wider range of public transport service.
Officials are continuing to work on business cases to consider the extensions and have kept me fully informed of progress during the development process.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203751%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=381613","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=381613"}},{"id":"381612","reference":"AQW 3750/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-09-28","answerBy":"2022-10-13","answered":"2022-10-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance what preparatory work has been undertaken concerning the Public Bodies (Representation from Devolved Nations) Bill.","answerText":"This is not a matter for the Department of Finance. The Executive Office (TEO) leads on this issue but cannot provide a response in the absence of its Ministers.","answerHtml":"This is not a matter for the Department of Finance. The Executive Office (TEO) leads on this issue but cannot provide a response in the absence of its Ministers.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203750%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=381612","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=381612"}},{"id":"381611","reference":"AQW 3749/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-09-28","answerBy":"2022-10-13","answered":"2022-10-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline the timescales for commencement and implementation of Reservoirs Act (NI) 2015.","answerText":"As you will be aware, my Department received statutory responsibility for the Reservoirs Act (NI) 2015 in June 2021. A number of sections of the Act commenced following Royal Assent in 2015; however, the remaining sections covering the main provisions of the Act can only commence through secondary legislation in the form of commencement orders and regulations, with the approval of the Assembly. It is anticipated that this will be progressed in the new Assembly Legislative Mandate and once complete my Department will then consider timescales for implementation.","answerHtml":"As you will be aware, my Department received statutory responsibility for the Reservoirs Act (NI) 2015 in June 2021. A number of sections of the Act commenced following Royal Assent in 2015; however, the remaining sections covering the main provisions of the Act can only commence through secondary legislation in the form of commencement orders and regulations, with the approval of the Assembly. It is anticipated that this will be progressed in the new Assembly Legislative Mandate and once complete my Department will then consider timescales for implementation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203749%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=381611","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=381611"}},{"id":"380492","reference":"AQW 3086/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-09-08","answerBy":"2022-09-26","answered":"2022-09-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health what support is available for women who suffered side-effects, the risk of which they were not made aware, from the use of the Essure implant device.","answerText":"Patients who are experiencing side-effects following Essure implant surgery should, in the first instance, consult with their GP and if necessary, seek referral to the Health and Social Care Trust where their surgery was performed, to discuss specialist care and treatment options based on their individual needs.\n\nFor patients who are suffering chronic pain while awaiting further assessment and treatment, the Better Days Pain Support Programme is available to book online at hlcalliance.org. The programme includes face-to-face and remote programmes which are available in a number of locations across Northern Ireland.","answerHtml":"Patients who are experiencing side-effects following Essure implant surgery should, in the first instance, consult with their GP and if necessary, seek referral to the Health and Social Care Trust where their surgery was performed, to discuss specialist care and treatment options based on their individual needs.
For patients who are suffering chronic pain while awaiting further assessment and treatment, the Better Days Pain Support Programme is available to book online at hlcalliance.org. The programme includes face-to-face and remote programmes which are available in a number of locations across Northern Ireland.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203086%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=380492","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=380492"}},{"id":"380491","reference":"AQW 3085/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-09-08","answerBy":"2022-09-26","answered":"2022-09-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health what advice was given to Trusts when the Essure implant device was withdrawn from the market in 2017 by its manufacturer, Bayer.","answerText":"Following the suspension of the Essure device’s CE mark on 3 August 2017, the Department advised the Health and Social Care Trusts on 18th August 2017 to suspend use of the Essure device and quarantine any remaining inventory. This was by means of an email from the Northern Ireland Adverse Incident Centre to Trust medical device liaison officers. The manufacturer’s Field Corrective Action to their customers at this time requested a voluntary suspension of use of the product and to temporarily quarantine any unused inventory until further notice.","answerHtml":"Following the suspension of the Essure device’s CE mark on 3 August 2017, the Department advised the Health and Social Care Trusts on 18th August 2017 to suspend use of the Essure device and quarantine any remaining inventory. This was by means of an email from the Northern Ireland Adverse Incident Centre to Trust medical device liaison officers. The manufacturer’s Field Corrective Action to their customers at this time requested a voluntary suspension of use of the product and to temporarily quarantine any unused inventory until further notice.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203085%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=380491","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=380491"}},{"id":"380219","reference":"AQW 2831/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-09-05","answerBy":"2022-09-21","answered":"2022-09-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure when he will reply to my letter dated 3 June 2022 concerning the Roads (Miscellaneous Provision) Act (Northern Ireland) 2010.","answerText":"I am in receipt of the draft report on the review of the operation of the Roads (Miscellaneous Provision) Act (Northern Ireland) 2010, known as the Special Events legislation and I will respond to your letter once the report has been finalised.","answerHtml":"I am in receipt of the draft report on the review of the operation of the Roads (Miscellaneous Provision) Act (Northern Ireland) 2010, known as the Special Events legislation and I will respond to your letter once the report has been finalised.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202831%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=380219","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=380219"}},{"id":"380218","reference":"AQW 2830/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-09-05","answerBy":"2022-09-21","answered":"2022-09-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what efforts have been made to ensure that the Northern Ireland Planning Portal will not be offline for longer than the planned three weeks, while the service is moved to the new Portal.","answerText":"The regional project team has worked closely with a range of stakeholders: the incumbent supplier DXC Technology, the new IT supplier Terraquest Solutions and local government to minimise the impact of moving to a new Planning IT system.\n\nA transition plan has been agreed with relevant planning authorities that sets out the key activities in the run-up to and during the transfer to the new Planning IT System. The team have also completed a number of data transfers from the old Portal to ensure that this process is as short and robust as possible.\n\nWhile the transition period is estimated to be three weeks, the Northern Ireland Planning Portal will only be closed for one weekend and will then be available to provide read only access until the new System goes live.","answerHtml":"The regional project team has worked closely with a range of stakeholders: the incumbent supplier DXC Technology, the new IT supplier Terraquest Solutions and local government to minimise the impact of moving to a new Planning IT system.
A transition plan has been agreed with relevant planning authorities that sets out the key activities in the run-up to and during the transfer to the new Planning IT System. The team have also completed a number of data transfers from the old Portal to ensure that this process is as short and robust as possible.
While the transition period is estimated to be three weeks, the Northern Ireland Planning Portal will only be closed for one weekend and will then be available to provide read only access until the new System goes live.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202830%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=380218","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=380218"}},{"id":"380217","reference":"AQW 2829/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-09-05","answerBy":"2022-09-21","answered":"2022-09-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure when the outcome of the NI Planning Portal User Survey will be published and whether the findings have been included as part of the specification for a new portal.","answerText":"The NI Planning Portal Survey was carried out June 2022 and the findings are currently under review by the regional Project Team. The key findings of this Survey will be published later this year after the implementation of the new Planning IT System.\n\nThe specification for the new Planning Portal was developed in 2019 and so the findings of the recent survey could not have been included. However, the previous NI Planning Portal User Survey carried out in 2017 did inform the ‘Discovery’ stage of the Project.","answerHtml":"The NI Planning Portal Survey was carried out June 2022 and the findings are currently under review by the regional Project Team. The key findings of this Survey will be published later this year after the implementation of the new Planning IT System.
The specification for the new Planning Portal was developed in 2019 and so the findings of the recent survey could not have been included. However, the previous NI Planning Portal User Survey carried out in 2017 did inform the ‘Discovery’ stage of the Project.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202829%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=380217","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=380217"}},{"id":"380216","reference":"AQW 2828/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-09-05","answerBy":"2022-09-21","answered":"2022-09-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline the timescales for achieving future milestones relating to the Review of Strategic Planning Policy on Renewable and Low Carbon Energy.","answerText":"The review of regional strategic planning policy for renewable and low carbon energy is ongoing. My Department distributed an ‘Issues Paper’ to targeted stakeholders in December 2021 for a period of 8 weeks consultation, which ended in February 2022 with over 40 responses received. In addition, a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Scoping Report was also issued to the statutory consultation bodies in June of this year, for the statutory 5 week period.\n\nThe planning policy review is being progressed in accordance with established policy making best practice, in an iterative way alongside the draft Environmental Report being prepared by the SEA consultants. In doing so, account is being taken of the Executive’s Energy Strategy, the previous planning policy call for evidence, the independent consultant’s report that my Department commissioned, responses to the ‘Issues Paper’ and wider research.\n\nA draft revised policy document and draft Environmental Report are intended to issue for full public consultation later this year with all responses received being considered and the final policy published as soon as practicable next year, subject to Executive Committee agreement.","answerHtml":"The review of regional strategic planning policy for renewable and low carbon energy is ongoing. My Department distributed an ‘Issues Paper’ to targeted stakeholders in December 2021 for a period of 8 weeks consultation, which ended in February 2022 with over 40 responses received. In addition, a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Scoping Report was also issued to the statutory consultation bodies in June of this year, for the statutory 5 week period.
The planning policy review is being progressed in accordance with established policy making best practice, in an iterative way alongside the draft Environmental Report being prepared by the SEA consultants. In doing so, account is being taken of the Executive’s Energy Strategy, the previous planning policy call for evidence, the independent consultant’s report that my Department commissioned, responses to the ‘Issues Paper’ and wider research.
A draft revised policy document and draft Environmental Report are intended to issue for full public consultation later this year with all responses received being considered and the final policy published as soon as practicable next year, subject to Executive Committee agreement.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202828%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=380216","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=380216"}},{"id":"380215","reference":"AQW 2827/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-09-05","answerBy":"2022-09-21","answered":"2022-09-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the status of the Memorandum of Reply concerning the Public Accounts Committee report on Planning in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"My officials are finalising a Memorandum of Reply to the 12 recommendations set out in the Public Accounts Committee report. As part of this process, there has been ongoing engagement with local government and other stakeholders. The Memorandum of Reply will be agreed with the Department of Finance Minister and submitted to the Public Accounts Committee when it is re-formed.","answerHtml":"My officials are finalising a Memorandum of Reply to the 12 recommendations set out in the Public Accounts Committee report. As part of this process, there has been ongoing engagement with local government and other stakeholders. The Memorandum of Reply will be agreed with the Department of Finance Minister and submitted to the Public Accounts Committee when it is re-formed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202827%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=380215","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=380215"}},{"id":"379841","reference":"AQW 2759/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-08-03","answerBy":"2022-08-18","answered":"2022-08-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the work being undertaken by Sustrans to carry out an assessment of the current state of greenway development across Northern Ireland and to develop a phased programme for greenway delivery with councils.","answerText":"I have received the Sustrans reports on the current state of greenway development and the phased programme for greenway delivery. I am considering the reports and the way forward for the future development of greenways across the North.","answerHtml":"I have received the Sustrans reports on the current state of greenway development and the phased programme for greenway delivery. I am considering the reports and the way forward for the future development of greenways across the North.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202759%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=379841","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=379841"}},{"id":"379838","reference":"AQW 2756/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-08-03","answerBy":"2022-08-18","answered":"2022-08-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 13669/17-22, for an update on the Driver and Vehicle Agency plans to move towards full acceptance of credit and debit card payments, removing cheques or postal orders as methods of payment.","answerText":"By way of update to AQW 13669/17-22, the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) is progressing a programme of work to move towards the full acceptance of credit and debit card payments for the services it provides.\n\nWork that is currently underway includes the ability to apply online for a first provisional driving licence and the renewal of vocational driving licences for lorry and bus drivers. It is anticipated these new online services will be implemented this financial year. The DVA is also planning to introduce electronic payments to enable Approved Tachograph Centres to pay for their periodic approval inspection fees using credit or debit card payments.","answerHtml":"By way of update to AQW 13669/17-22, the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) is progressing a programme of work to move towards the full acceptance of credit and debit card payments for the services it provides.
Work that is currently underway includes the ability to apply online for a first provisional driving licence and the renewal of vocational driving licences for lorry and bus drivers. It is anticipated these new online services will be implemented this financial year. The DVA is also planning to introduce electronic payments to enable Approved Tachograph Centres to pay for their periodic approval inspection fees using credit or debit card payments.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202756%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=379838","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=379838"}},{"id":"379835","reference":"AQW 2753/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-08-03","answerBy":"2022-08-18","answered":"2022-08-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 28606/17-22, whether his position remains the same as his predecessor concerning provision of a new safe off-road cycling path between Belfast and Bangor.","answerText":"As the member is aware the development of off-road cycling paths (greenways) is the responsibility of local Councils rather than my Department. However I am keen to support the development of greenways and have recently invited councils to submit applications for grant in support of greenways and active travel generally.\n\nIn relation to the development of a cycle path along the A2 Belfast Road there are significant challenges along the 2½ mile stretch of the A2 from Ballyrobert to Holywood. This section consists of a four lane single carriageway road with narrow footways. An initial general consideration of the route identified the following significant challenges to building a segregated cycle lane, which complies with up-to-date cycling design guidance:\n\nThe vesting of a 3 – 4m strip of land along the length of the route involving numerous landowners;\n\nDesign and safety considerations required to accommodate the numerous driveways that a cycle lane would have to cross; and\n\nSignificant level differences at various points along the route.\n\nThese difficulties have not lessened since I took up the post of Minister for Infrastructure.","answerHtml":"As the member is aware the development of off-road cycling paths (greenways) is the responsibility of local Councils rather than my Department. However I am keen to support the development of greenways and have recently invited councils to submit applications for grant in support of greenways and active travel generally.
In relation to the development of a cycle path along the A2 Belfast Road there are significant challenges along the 2½ mile stretch of the A2 from Ballyrobert to Holywood. This section consists of a four lane single carriageway road with narrow footways. An initial general consideration of the route identified the following significant challenges to building a segregated cycle lane, which complies with up-to-date cycling design guidance:
The vesting of a 3 – 4m strip of land along the length of the route involving numerous landowners;
Design and safety considerations required to accommodate the numerous driveways that a cycle lane would have to cross; and
Significant level differences at various points along the route.
These difficulties have not lessened since I took up the post of Minister for Infrastructure.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202753%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=379835","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=379835"}},{"id":"379834","reference":"AQW 2752/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-08-03","answerBy":"2022-08-18","answered":"2022-08-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the status of weed spraying in the North Down constituency including whether works are proceeding as originally scheduled.","answerText":"The weed spraying programme in Ards and North Down is well advanced with the initial treatment programmed to be completed by mid-August, subject to suitable weather conditions.\n\nWhile any schedule for weed spraying is always weather dependant, the works in Ards and North Down have progressed in line with expectations.\n\nShould you have any further questions on this please contact DfI Roads Southern Division at dfiroads.southern@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.","answerHtml":"The weed spraying programme in Ards and North Down is well advanced with the initial treatment programmed to be completed by mid-August, subject to suitable weather conditions.
While any schedule for weed spraying is always weather dependant, the works in Ards and North Down have progressed in line with expectations.
Should you have any further questions on this please contact DfI Roads Southern Division at dfiroads.southern@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202752%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=379834","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=379834"}},{"id":"379833","reference":"AQW 2751/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-08-03","answerBy":"2022-08-09","answered":"2022-08-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the timescale for delivery of the proposed flood alleviation schemes in the North West.","answerText":"My Department is developing a number of flood alleviation proposals for the North West. Proposed schemes for Drumahoe and Eglinton have been progressed to detailed design. However, the development of these proposals are complex and have required re-evaluation to determine if a viable solution can be found.\n\nThis re-evaluation continues and will also now include a review of the recent flooding to ensure that any proposals would be effective. It is hoped this re-evaluation will be completed by the end of 2022. Subject to the identification of a viable proposal the detailed design will be further developed, in conjunction with the environmental impact assessment, and I have asked my officials to progress this work as quickly as possible.\n\nA further flood alleviation scheme is currently proposed for the Derry City area, mainly focusing on tidal flood risk. It is intended this project will progress to design in the coming months.\n\nA feasibility study for Strabane is also on-going, which will assess the existing flood defences within Strabane. Meanwhile, works to construct a short term flood alleviation scheme at Ballycolman will now commence on site this month as soon as contractor resource becomes available.","answerHtml":"My Department is developing a number of flood alleviation proposals for the North West. Proposed schemes for Drumahoe and Eglinton have been progressed to detailed design. However, the development of these proposals are complex and have required re-evaluation to determine if a viable solution can be found.
This re-evaluation continues and will also now include a review of the recent flooding to ensure that any proposals would be effective. It is hoped this re-evaluation will be completed by the end of 2022. Subject to the identification of a viable proposal the detailed design will be further developed, in conjunction with the environmental impact assessment, and I have asked my officials to progress this work as quickly as possible.
A further flood alleviation scheme is currently proposed for the Derry City area, mainly focusing on tidal flood risk. It is intended this project will progress to design in the coming months.
A feasibility study for Strabane is also on-going, which will assess the existing flood defences within Strabane. Meanwhile, works to construct a short term flood alleviation scheme at Ballycolman will now commence on site this month as soon as contractor resource becomes available.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202751%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=379833","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=379833"}},{"id":"377941","reference":"AQW 2640/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-07-01","answerBy":"2022-07-20","answered":"2022-07-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether he intends to revise his Department’s policy on 30mph speed limit repeater signs to take into account local road safety concerns.","answerText":"There are no plans to change the policy on the provision of 30mph repeater signs, which uses the presence of street lights to indicate that there is a 30 mph (48 km/h) speed limit, unless otherwise signed. This approach is well understood as in the 2019/20 Continuous Household Survey, 90% of respondents correctly identified that the presence of streetlights indicates that the speed limit is generally 30mph.","answerHtml":"There are no plans to change the policy on the provision of 30mph repeater signs, which uses the presence of street lights to indicate that there is a 30 mph (48 km/h) speed limit, unless otherwise signed. This approach is well understood as in the 2019/20 Continuous Household Survey, 90% of respondents correctly identified that the presence of streetlights indicates that the speed limit is generally 30mph.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202640%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=377941","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=377941"}},{"id":"377711","reference":"AQW 2522/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-30","answerBy":"2022-07-19","answered":"2022-07-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline the methodology for the implementation of sectoral plans for transport which set a minimum spend of 10% on active travel from the overall transport budgets.","answerText":"The introduction of the Climate Change Act (NI) 2022 and the requirement for all Departments to set out policies and proposals within climate action plans to meet the 2050 net zero targets presents us with a real opportunity to address the climate emergency.\n\nMy Department is working internally and collaboratively with DAERA in the development of the sectoral plans required by the Act including determining how the specific measures which set a minimum spend of 10% on active travel from the overall transport budgets can be met.","answerHtml":"The introduction of the Climate Change Act (NI) 2022 and the requirement for all Departments to set out policies and proposals within climate action plans to meet the 2050 net zero targets presents us with a real opportunity to address the climate emergency.
My Department is working internally and collaboratively with DAERA in the development of the sectoral plans required by the Act including determining how the specific measures which set a minimum spend of 10% on active travel from the overall transport budgets can be met.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202522%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=377711","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=377711"}},{"id":"377710","reference":"AQW 2521/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-30","answerBy":"2022-07-19","answered":"2022-07-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail how many children across Northern Ireland are in receipt of free school meals.","answerText":"The Education Authority has confirmed that at 30 June there were 102,577 children entitled to free schools meals.\n\nThis is broken down as follows:\n\nNursery Age - 4,213\n\nPrimary Age - 54,032\n\nPost Primary Age (School Pupils) - 43,036\n\nFE Students - 1,296\n\nTotal 102,577","answerHtml":"The Education Authority has confirmed that at 30 June there were 102,577 children entitled to free schools meals.
This is broken down as follows:
Nursery Age - 4,213
Primary Age - 54,032
Post Primary Age (School Pupils) - 43,036
FE Students - 1,296
Total 102,577
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202521%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=377710","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=377710"}},{"id":"377708","reference":"AQW 2519/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-30","answerBy":"2022-07-06","answered":"2022-07-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to outline the (i) rationale; and (ii) consultation undertaken with key stakeholders, regarding the decision to change the date for the Modular exams for GCSE English and Maths from January 2023 to November/December 2022.","answerText":"Both January 2021 and January 2022 have been extremely difficult in regard to the public health context. Consequently, scheduling the exams for November/December reduces risk of cancellation.\n\nMy officials consulted with a wide range of educational stakeholders, including school leaders, young people and trade unions, to help inform my recent decisions for the awarding of CCEA qualifications in 2022/23. All post-primary leaders were also asked to complete an online survey on the proposed arrangements. The majority of respondents were in favour or had no preference in regard to the re-scheduling of the winter GCSE series.","answerHtml":"Both January 2021 and January 2022 have been extremely difficult in regard to the public health context. Consequently, scheduling the exams for November/December reduces risk of cancellation.
My officials consulted with a wide range of educational stakeholders, including school leaders, young people and trade unions, to help inform my recent decisions for the awarding of CCEA qualifications in 2022/23. All post-primary leaders were also asked to complete an online survey on the proposed arrangements. The majority of respondents were in favour or had no preference in regard to the re-scheduling of the winter GCSE series.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202519%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=377708","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=377708"}},{"id":"377706","reference":"AQW 2517/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-30","answerBy":"2022-07-19","answered":"2022-07-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the timescale for updating the Highway Code.","answerText":"The Northern Ireland Highway Code is the official guide for all citizens here with regards to using our roads safely and legally. The code is periodically updated to take account of changes in legislation or new developments in the field of road safety. As minister I take my responsibility for road safety very seriously, and have to consider the best way to use available resources to meet the needs of all road users, and to ensure that changes are managed in a way that they are clearly understood, reflect local needs and secure support from a wide range of road users. I am therefore unable to give a timescale for the update of the Highway Code at this point.","answerHtml":"The Northern Ireland Highway Code is the official guide for all citizens here with regards to using our roads safely and legally. The code is periodically updated to take account of changes in legislation or new developments in the field of road safety. As minister I take my responsibility for road safety very seriously, and have to consider the best way to use available resources to meet the needs of all road users, and to ensure that changes are managed in a way that they are clearly understood, reflect local needs and secure support from a wide range of road users. I am therefore unable to give a timescale for the update of the Highway Code at this point.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202517%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=377706","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=377706"}},{"id":"377705","reference":"AQW 2516/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-30","answerBy":"2022-07-19","answered":"2022-07-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the timescale for the publication of the Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan.","answerText":"My officials are currently in the process of preparing a new suite of Transport Plans intended to set out the framework for transport policy and investment decisions up until 2035. The Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan (RSTNTP) is the first Transport Plan in line for completion. It is concerned with strategic roads, the buses which run on them and the rail network.\n\nI expect to publish a draft RSTNTP for public consultation when all work has been completed on it, and I have had an opportunity to fully consider it.","answerHtml":"My officials are currently in the process of preparing a new suite of Transport Plans intended to set out the framework for transport policy and investment decisions up until 2035. The Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan (RSTNTP) is the first Transport Plan in line for completion. It is concerned with strategic roads, the buses which run on them and the rail network.
I expect to publish a draft RSTNTP for public consultation when all work has been completed on it, and I have had an opportunity to fully consider it.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202516%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=377705","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=377705"}},{"id":"377503","reference":"AQW 2393/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-29","answerBy":"2022-07-18","answered":"2022-07-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy what measures his Department is taking to ensure that groups which rely on the European Social Fund will receive match funding once the European Social Fund ends on 31st March 2023.","answerText":"As the Member will be aware, following the conclusion of EU funding programmes, my Department no longer has funding in baseline to continue provision of match funding.\n\nFrom 1st April 2023 the Shared Prosperity Fund is the sole funding source for activity currently supported under ESF.\n\nThe Member should note that the Finance Minister and officials lead in negotiation of replacement EU Funds with UKG and we will continue to work with them and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) to try to ensure that funding is directed to priority areas.","answerHtml":"As the Member will be aware, following the conclusion of EU funding programmes, my Department no longer has funding in baseline to continue provision of match funding.
From 1st April 2023 the Shared Prosperity Fund is the sole funding source for activity currently supported under ESF.
The Member should note that the Finance Minister and officials lead in negotiation of replacement EU Funds with UKG and we will continue to work with them and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) to try to ensure that funding is directed to priority areas.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202393%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=377503","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=377503"}},{"id":"377502","reference":"AQW 2392/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-29","answerBy":"2022-07-18","answered":"2022-07-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether he will consider further rates relief to help the hospitality sector following an increase energy and food costs.","answerText":"In the absence of an Executive I cannot bring forward any new rate reliefs for businesses.\n\nThe cost of living crisis and the associated increasing costs to business is a matter of concern for all Executive Departments but without an Executive, no new cross-cutting fiscal policies can be introduced nor can the £435 million of available funding be allocated. This funding may be used to help businesses within the hospitality sector with the cost of living impact.\n\nTherefore, I hope an Executive can be reformed as quickly as possible to enable us to allocate these funds.","answerHtml":"In the absence of an Executive I cannot bring forward any new rate reliefs for businesses.
The cost of living crisis and the associated increasing costs to business is a matter of concern for all Executive Departments but without an Executive, no new cross-cutting fiscal policies can be introduced nor can the £435 million of available funding be allocated. This funding may be used to help businesses within the hospitality sector with the cost of living impact.
Therefore, I hope an Executive can be reformed as quickly as possible to enable us to allocate these funds.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202392%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=377502","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=377502"}},{"id":"377501","reference":"AQW 2391/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-29","answerBy":"2022-07-18","answered":"2022-07-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy when his Department intends to bring forward a dedicated and bespoke Hospitality Strategy to help drive the sector's recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.","answerText":"Hospitality cuts across a number of Executive Departments. My Department and the wider Executive implemented a wide range of support schemes to help drive the hospitality sector’s recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nI am pleased that the hospitality sector can this year look forward to a summer season free of any COVID related restrictions and I am hopeful for a\n\npositive summer.\n\nMany of the topics that would need to be considered within a Hospitality Strategy are outside the remit of my Department, e.g. liquor licensing, use of outdoor spaces, pavement café licenses, opening hours. If Ministers agreed on the need for such a Strategy, it would therefore need to be a cross departmental piece of work.","answerHtml":"Hospitality cuts across a number of Executive Departments. My Department and the wider Executive implemented a wide range of support schemes to help drive the hospitality sector’s recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.
I am pleased that the hospitality sector can this year look forward to a summer season free of any COVID related restrictions and I am hopeful for a
positive summer.
Many of the topics that would need to be considered within a Hospitality Strategy are outside the remit of my Department, e.g. liquor licensing, use of outdoor spaces, pavement café licenses, opening hours. If Ministers agreed on the need for such a Strategy, it would therefore need to be a cross departmental piece of work.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202391%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=377501","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=377501"}},{"id":"377357","reference":"AQW 2303/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-28","answerBy":"2022-07-15","answered":"2022-07-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline whether his Department (i) maintains records of dropped kerbs and tactile paving across Northern Ireland; (ii) if this information is available to the public; and (iii) where this information can be accessed.","answerText":"My Department does not maintain records of the location of dropped kerbs and tactile paving.","answerHtml":"My Department does not maintain records of the location of dropped kerbs and tactile paving.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202303%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=377357","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=377357"}},{"id":"377356","reference":"AQW 2302/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-28","answerBy":"2022-07-04","answered":"2022-07-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 29290/17-22, whether any further consideration has been given to providing motorists with increased advance notice to book their MOT test, in light of the ongoing backlog.","answerText":"Pursuant to AQW 29290/17-22 and AQW 30994/17-22, Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) officials continue to monitor the Covid situation and will make a decision on when to increase the reminder notification period from six to seven weeks when they are satisfied that it has reached a more manageable position for certainty of staffing levels.\n\nThe DVA has steadily increased its vehicle testing capacity to pre-Covid levels by adopting a range of measures including the recruitment of additional vehicle examiners, the use of overtime to provide cover for leave and by offering vehicle test appointments on a Sunday and bank holidays, when testing is not normally available. To minimise late cancellations due to the non-availability of staff, the DVA is offering more short notice appointments to ensure testing can be delivered when staffing availability is confirmed. This is allowing many customers to bring their MOT appointments forward, as new appointment slots are released.\n\nThe DVA continues to experience significant demand for vehicle testing services and in some cases customers may not be able to have their vehicles tested before their current MOT certificate expires. In such cases, customers must book the earliest available test appointment for their vehicle, which may mean travelling to another test centre instead of their preferred location. The DVA releases vehicle test appointments on a daily basis and customers are encouraged to regularly check the booking system as they may be able to change their existing appointment to a different test centre and time if a slot becomes available.\n\nThe DVA’s advice to vehicle owners who require an MOT to tax their vehicle and cannot secure a date before their MOT expires is to:\n\nbook the earliest available appointment; and\n\nkeep checking the booking system for an earlier appointment.\n\nIf they get to within five days of the expiry date of their vehicle tax and they have been unable to secure an MOT appointment or their vehicle tax has expired, they should contact the DVA Customer Services team at dva.customerservices@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk, and they will do their best to get an urgent appointment for the vehicle. To date, all customers who have contacted the DVA in these circumstances have been offered an earlier appointment slot.\n\nThe latest information on MOTs is available on NI Direct at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/book-view-change-or-cancel-mot-vehicle-test and is also included as an advice note with every MOT Reminder Letter issued to their customers.","answerHtml":"Pursuant to AQW 29290/17-22 and AQW 30994/17-22, Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) officials continue to monitor the Covid situation and will make a decision on when to increase the reminder notification period from six to seven weeks when they are satisfied that it has reached a more manageable position for certainty of staffing levels.
The DVA has steadily increased its vehicle testing capacity to pre-Covid levels by adopting a range of measures including the recruitment of additional vehicle examiners, the use of overtime to provide cover for leave and by offering vehicle test appointments on a Sunday and bank holidays, when testing is not normally available. To minimise late cancellations due to the non-availability of staff, the DVA is offering more short notice appointments to ensure testing can be delivered when staffing availability is confirmed. This is allowing many customers to bring their MOT appointments forward, as new appointment slots are released.
The DVA continues to experience significant demand for vehicle testing services and in some cases customers may not be able to have their vehicles tested before their current MOT certificate expires. In such cases, customers must book the earliest available test appointment for their vehicle, which may mean travelling to another test centre instead of their preferred location. The DVA releases vehicle test appointments on a daily basis and customers are encouraged to regularly check the booking system as they may be able to change their existing appointment to a different test centre and time if a slot becomes available.
The DVA’s advice to vehicle owners who require an MOT to tax their vehicle and cannot secure a date before their MOT expires is to:
book the earliest available appointment; and
keep checking the booking system for an earlier appointment.
If they get to within five days of the expiry date of their vehicle tax and they have been unable to secure an MOT appointment or their vehicle tax has expired, they should contact the DVA Customer Services team at dva.customerservices@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk, and they will do their best to get an urgent appointment for the vehicle. To date, all customers who have contacted the DVA in these circumstances have been offered an earlier appointment slot.
The latest information on MOTs is available on NI Direct at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/book-view-change-or-cancel-mot-vehicle-test and is also included as an advice note with every MOT Reminder Letter issued to their customers.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202302%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=377356","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=377356"}},{"id":"377089","reference":"AQW 2176/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-24","answerBy":"2022-07-11","answered":"2022-07-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) when the backlog in MOT testing will be fully addressed; (ii) what further measures his Department can take to enable people to access test appointments at their local testing centre before the expiry of their MOT certificate.","answerText":"The Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) has steadily increased its vehicle testing capacity to pre-Covid levels by adopting a range of measures including the recruitment of additional vehicle examiners, the use of overtime to provide cover for leave and by offering vehicle test appointments on a Sunday and bank holidays, when testing is not normally available. The DVA is monitoring the number of applications received and tests carried out and expects waiting times to reduce over time through the actions they have taken to increase vehicle testing capacity across the network.\n\nThe DVA continues to experience significant demand for vehicle testing services and in some cases customers may not be able to have their vehicles tested before their current MOT certificate expires. In such cases, customers must book the earliest available test appointment for their vehicle, which may mean travelling to another test centre instead of their preferred location. The DVA releases short notice vehicle test appointments on a daily basis to ensure testing can be delivered when staffing availability is confirmed. Customers are encouraged to regularly check the booking system as they may be able to change their existing appointment to a different test centre and time if a slot becomes available.\n\nThe latest information on MOTs is available on NI Direct at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/book-view-change-or-cancel-mot-vehicle-test and is also included as an advice note with every MOT Reminder Letter issued to their customers.\n\nThe DVA will continue to work hard to reduce vehicle testing waiting times as quickly as possible.","answerHtml":"The Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) has steadily increased its vehicle testing capacity to pre-Covid levels by adopting a range of measures including the recruitment of additional vehicle examiners, the use of overtime to provide cover for leave and by offering vehicle test appointments on a Sunday and bank holidays, when testing is not normally available. The DVA is monitoring the number of applications received and tests carried out and expects waiting times to reduce over time through the actions they have taken to increase vehicle testing capacity across the network.
The DVA continues to experience significant demand for vehicle testing services and in some cases customers may not be able to have their vehicles tested before their current MOT certificate expires. In such cases, customers must book the earliest available test appointment for their vehicle, which may mean travelling to another test centre instead of their preferred location. The DVA releases short notice vehicle test appointments on a daily basis to ensure testing can be delivered when staffing availability is confirmed. Customers are encouraged to regularly check the booking system as they may be able to change their existing appointment to a different test centre and time if a slot becomes available.
The latest information on MOTs is available on NI Direct at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/book-view-change-or-cancel-mot-vehicle-test and is also included as an advice note with every MOT Reminder Letter issued to their customers.
The DVA will continue to work hard to reduce vehicle testing waiting times as quickly as possible.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202176%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=377089","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=377089"}},{"id":"377077","reference":"AQW 2164/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-24","answerBy":"2022-07-11","answered":"2022-07-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure when will the Annual Report confirming the road works programme for 2022/23 be presented to Ards and North Down Borough Council.","answerText":"Works programmes for the Ards and North Down area, as with all other Council areas, are now being finalised following recent confirmation of my Department’s 2022/23 contingency funding allocation. My Department’s officials will be in contact with their Council counterparts shortly to agree a date for the report to be presented. The Report will then be published on my Department’s website and placed in the Assembly library.\n\nShould you have any further questions on this matter, please contact DfI Roads Southern Division at: dfiroads.southern@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.","answerHtml":"Works programmes for the Ards and North Down area, as with all other Council areas, are now being finalised following recent confirmation of my Department’s 2022/23 contingency funding allocation. My Department’s officials will be in contact with their Council counterparts shortly to agree a date for the report to be presented. The Report will then be published on my Department’s website and placed in the Assembly library.
Should you have any further questions on this matter, please contact DfI Roads Southern Division at: dfiroads.southern@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202164%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=377077","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=377077"}},{"id":"376939","reference":"AQW 2093/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-23","answerBy":"2022-07-08","answered":"2022-07-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline an estimate of the financial costs of introducing an enhanced rider trainer scheme for motorcyclists in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"Road safety is a matter of significant importance and I, as Minister for Infrastructure, am committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users, particularly vulnerable road user groups, including motorcyclists.\n\nThere are a number of potential road safety interventions that were raised with the Department during the development of a new Road Safety Strategy, including an enhanced rider training scheme for motorcyclists. However, given the budget pressures faced by my Department for essential services, I am not in a position to commit any funding.\n\nMy officials will continue to engage with all road user representative bodies as we continue our important work on road safety and on the delivery of a new Road Safety Strategy to 2030.","answerHtml":"Road safety is a matter of significant importance and I, as Minister for Infrastructure, am committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users, particularly vulnerable road user groups, including motorcyclists.
There are a number of potential road safety interventions that were raised with the Department during the development of a new Road Safety Strategy, including an enhanced rider training scheme for motorcyclists. However, given the budget pressures faced by my Department for essential services, I am not in a position to commit any funding.
My officials will continue to engage with all road user representative bodies as we continue our important work on road safety and on the delivery of a new Road Safety Strategy to 2030.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202093%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=376939","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=376939"}},{"id":"376938","reference":"AQW 2092/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-23","answerBy":"2022-07-08","answered":"2022-07-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on his Department’s plans to introduce an enhanced rider trainer scheme for motorcyclists in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"Road safety is a matter of significant importance and I, as Minister for Infrastructure, am committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users, particularly vulnerable road user groups, including motorcyclists.\n\nThere are a number of potential road safety interventions that were raised with the Department during the development of a new Road Safety Strategy, including an enhanced rider training scheme for motorcyclists. However, given the budget pressures faced by my Department for essential services, I am not in a position to commit any funding.\n\nMy officials will continue to engage with all road user representative bodies as we continue our important work on road safety and on the delivery of a new Road Safety Strategy to 2030.","answerHtml":"Road safety is a matter of significant importance and I, as Minister for Infrastructure, am committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users, particularly vulnerable road user groups, including motorcyclists.
There are a number of potential road safety interventions that were raised with the Department during the development of a new Road Safety Strategy, including an enhanced rider training scheme for motorcyclists. However, given the budget pressures faced by my Department for essential services, I am not in a position to commit any funding.
My officials will continue to engage with all road user representative bodies as we continue our important work on road safety and on the delivery of a new Road Safety Strategy to 2030.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202092%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=376938","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=376938"}},{"id":"376918","reference":"AQW 2072/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-23","answerBy":"2022-06-29","answered":"2022-07-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on the review of legislation in relation to byelaws governing Crawfordsburn Country Park and the surrounding areas, following feedback from Ards and North Down Borough Council.","answerText":"I can confirm that my officials are currently reviewing the content of feedback from Ards and North Down Borough Council and have sought legal advice from the Departmental Solicitor’s Office (DSO). On full consideration of this advice, my Department will make further contact with the council in relation to the byelaws in place which cover Crawfordsburn Country Park and surrounding areas.","answerHtml":"I can confirm that my officials are currently reviewing the content of feedback from Ards and North Down Borough Council and have sought legal advice from the Departmental Solicitor’s Office (DSO). On full consideration of this advice, my Department will make further contact with the council in relation to the byelaws in place which cover Crawfordsburn Country Park and surrounding areas.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202072%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=376918","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=376918"}},{"id":"376517","reference":"AQW 1906/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-21","answerBy":"2022-07-06","answered":"2022-06-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail how many scheduled roads resurfacing projects in North Down, which were included in his Department's 2021/22 Annual Report, have not been completed due to the legal challenge of the asphalt resurfacing contract competition.","answerText":"Five schemes in the planned programme for 2021/22 were not completed prior to the expiry of the asphalt resurfacing contract in November 2021 at: Hawthorne Drive, Bangor; Beechwood Avenue, Bangor; Beechwood Gardens, Bangor; Silverstream Drive, Bangor; and Kinnegar Drive, Holywood.\n\nShould you have any further questions on this matter, please contact DfI Roads Southern Division at: dfiroads.southern@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.","answerHtml":"Five schemes in the planned programme for 2021/22 were not completed prior to the expiry of the asphalt resurfacing contract in November 2021 at: Hawthorne Drive, Bangor; Beechwood Avenue, Bangor; Beechwood Gardens, Bangor; Silverstream Drive, Bangor; and Kinnegar Drive, Holywood.
Should you have any further questions on this matter, please contact DfI Roads Southern Division at: dfiroads.southern@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201906%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=376517","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=376517"}},{"id":"376373","reference":"AQW 1842/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-20","answerBy":"2022-07-05","answered":"2022-07-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy why the Path to Net Zero Energy Strategy did not include the socialisation of connection charges for (i) electric vehicle chargers; and (ii) new domestic heating systems such as heat pumps.","answerText":"The Energy Strategy Path to Net Zero and the Action Plan sets out a long term, high level vision of net zero carbon and affordable energy which includes electrification of heat and transport.\n\nDelivering these ambitions will require a range of supporting workstreams to be undertaken and delivered, including reviewing connection charging policy particularly in the context of low carbon technologies such as electric vehicles and heat pumps.\n\nThe Utility Regulator has commenced the connection charging review and expect to publish a call for evidence later this year.","answerHtml":"The Energy Strategy Path to Net Zero and the Action Plan sets out a long term, high level vision of net zero carbon and affordable energy which includes electrification of heat and transport.
Delivering these ambitions will require a range of supporting workstreams to be undertaken and delivered, including reviewing connection charging policy particularly in the context of low carbon technologies such as electric vehicles and heat pumps.
The Utility Regulator has commenced the connection charging review and expect to publish a call for evidence later this year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201842%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=376373","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=376373"}},{"id":"376372","reference":"AQW 1841/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-20","answerBy":"2022-07-05","answered":"2022-06-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy when his Department will update the remit of the Utility Regulator to include decarbonisation.","answerText":"The Utility Regulator operates under an extensive legislative and regulatory framework and is required to exercise its functions in line with a broad range of duties. These include an obligation to exercise its functions in a way best calculated to secure a diverse, viable and environmentally sustainable long-term energy supply, which includes the need to guard against climate change. The extent to which new or amended frameworks will be needed to support the delivery of the Executive’s ‘Path to Net Zero Energy’ Strategy is being assessed by my officials, in conjunction with the Utility Regulator, as an integral part of ongoing policy work.","answerHtml":"The Utility Regulator operates under an extensive legislative and regulatory framework and is required to exercise its functions in line with a broad range of duties. These include an obligation to exercise its functions in a way best calculated to secure a diverse, viable and environmentally sustainable long-term energy supply, which includes the need to guard against climate change. The extent to which new or amended frameworks will be needed to support the delivery of the Executive’s ‘Path to Net Zero Energy’ Strategy is being assessed by my officials, in conjunction with the Utility Regulator, as an integral part of ongoing policy work.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201841%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=376372","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=376372"}},{"id":"376361","reference":"AQW 1830/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-20","answerBy":"2022-06-28","answered":"2022-06-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 23732/17-22, for an update on the implementation of Article 8 of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.","answerText":"The minimum requirements for electric vehicle charging infrastructure were originally set out in Article 8 of the European Union’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) for new residential and new and existing non-residential buildings. Following the British Government’s indication of its intention to comply with the Directive, transposition of the EPBD into legislation, is a devolved responsibility.\n\nMy Department is currently engaging with officials from other departments here and across these islands to examine the most effective way to bring forward the provision of EV Charging Infrastructure in dwellings into legislation.","answerHtml":"The minimum requirements for electric vehicle charging infrastructure were originally set out in Article 8 of the European Union’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) for new residential and new and existing non-residential buildings. Following the British Government’s indication of its intention to comply with the Directive, transposition of the EPBD into legislation, is a devolved responsibility.
My Department is currently engaging with officials from other departments here and across these islands to examine the most effective way to bring forward the provision of EV Charging Infrastructure in dwellings into legislation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201830%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=376361","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=376361"}},{"id":"375831","reference":"AQW 1489/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-14","answerBy":"2022-06-29","answered":"2022-06-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether consideration has been given to setting up a mutual bank in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"My officials have been in regular contact with stakeholders wishing to establish a mutual bank over the last couple of years regarding their ongoing campaign.\n\nMy officials continue to be willing to engage with the promoters of a mutual bank in developing their proposals. Also, there have been requests to make legislative changes so that a mutual bank can offer a full range of services. There was not sufficient time within the previous Assembly Mandate to complete these changes; therefore, this issue can be considered in the new mandate.","answerHtml":"My officials have been in regular contact with stakeholders wishing to establish a mutual bank over the last couple of years regarding their ongoing campaign.
My officials continue to be willing to engage with the promoters of a mutual bank in developing their proposals. Also, there have been requests to make legislative changes so that a mutual bank can offer a full range of services. There was not sufficient time within the previous Assembly Mandate to complete these changes; therefore, this issue can be considered in the new mandate.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201489%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=375831","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=375831"}},{"id":"375830","reference":"AQW 1488/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-14","answerBy":"2022-06-22","answered":"2022-06-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 320/22-27, to outline the timescales for resolving issues uncovered by GP practice visits.","answerText":"The Directorate of Integrated Care, SPPG, is undertaking a schedule of practice visits incorporating assessment, support and development to all General Medical Practices. The Practice Visit covers key contractual areas and also addresses Practice specific queries, concerns and issues.\n\nAs part of the visit process, if issues are identified, an action plan is agreed that details the issues discussed, actions agreed to address, and timelines for completion. The action plan is added to a GMS visit report and shared with the Practice but the contents of the report are confidential between SPPG and the GP Practice and therefore, the information is not published.\n\nThere is often a range of different issues identified through the GMS visit process with different timelines agreed to resolve, depending on the nature of the issue. It is therefore not possible to accurately outline the timescale for resolving issues uncovered at GMS Practice visits.\n\nIf issues are identified through the GMS visits process, SPPG colleagues work with GP practices to ensure that they are resolved in a timely manner, according to agreed timescales appropriate to the issue at hand.","answerHtml":"The Directorate of Integrated Care, SPPG, is undertaking a schedule of practice visits incorporating assessment, support and development to all General Medical Practices. The Practice Visit covers key contractual areas and also addresses Practice specific queries, concerns and issues.
As part of the visit process, if issues are identified, an action plan is agreed that details the issues discussed, actions agreed to address, and timelines for completion. The action plan is added to a GMS visit report and shared with the Practice but the contents of the report are confidential between SPPG and the GP Practice and therefore, the information is not published.
There is often a range of different issues identified through the GMS visit process with different timelines agreed to resolve, depending on the nature of the issue. It is therefore not possible to accurately outline the timescale for resolving issues uncovered at GMS Practice visits.
If issues are identified through the GMS visits process, SPPG colleagues work with GP practices to ensure that they are resolved in a timely manner, according to agreed timescales appropriate to the issue at hand.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201488%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=375830","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=375830"}},{"id":"375636","reference":"AQW 1407/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-13","answerBy":"2022-06-21","answered":"2022-06-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health when his Department will make public the broad findings about ongoing service and accessibility issues with regard to General Practice in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"Primary Care services have been under sustained pressure for a number of years prior to the pandemic. GP-led services cannot continue to meet the rising demand and expectations without urgent action to address the pressures facing the service.\n\nI am aware that some patients are experiencing difficulties in relation to access to GP services. My Department has established a Working Group to explore issues around access to GP services, including demand for services, limitations of infrastructure, and staffing and resourcing issues. The Working Group will also consider how technology can be better used to provide improved access in a standardised way across Northern Ireland.\n\nComing out of this, the Working Group will propose actions to be taken in the short, medium and long term to improve access for patients.\n\nThe Group includes representatives from General Practice, service users and officials from my Departmental among its membership.\n\nThe Working Group met for the first time on 1 June and there is no timescale as yet for when it shall report. When it does so, my Department will consider the findings and recommendations of the Working Group and respond as appropriate.","answerHtml":"Primary Care services have been under sustained pressure for a number of years prior to the pandemic. GP-led services cannot continue to meet the rising demand and expectations without urgent action to address the pressures facing the service.
I am aware that some patients are experiencing difficulties in relation to access to GP services. My Department has established a Working Group to explore issues around access to GP services, including demand for services, limitations of infrastructure, and staffing and resourcing issues. The Working Group will also consider how technology can be better used to provide improved access in a standardised way across Northern Ireland.
Coming out of this, the Working Group will propose actions to be taken in the short, medium and long term to improve access for patients.
The Group includes representatives from General Practice, service users and officials from my Departmental among its membership.
The Working Group met for the first time on 1 June and there is no timescale as yet for when it shall report. When it does so, my Department will consider the findings and recommendations of the Working Group and respond as appropriate.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201407%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=375636","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=375636"}},{"id":"375464","reference":"AQW 1321/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-10","answerBy":"2022-06-20","answered":"2022-06-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health what action he is taking to address the impact of inflation on the tapered annual allowance concerning the pensions of medical professionals.","answerText":"The current high rate of inflation is having a significant impact on all staff employed in the HSC as well as those who have now retired. The impact is also reflected across all areas of society.\n\nTaxation is of course a reserved matter, with Annual Allowance (AA) limits set by HMT. I do however recognise the issues regarding taxation rules on pensions and am also aware that the current high rate of inflation is likely to exacerbate the issue in the near future.\n\nDepartmental officials are considering the issues associated with this together with colleagues in England, Wales and Scotland.","answerHtml":"The current high rate of inflation is having a significant impact on all staff employed in the HSC as well as those who have now retired. The impact is also reflected across all areas of society.
Taxation is of course a reserved matter, with Annual Allowance (AA) limits set by HMT. I do however recognise the issues regarding taxation rules on pensions and am also aware that the current high rate of inflation is likely to exacerbate the issue in the near future.
Departmental officials are considering the issues associated with this together with colleagues in England, Wales and Scotland.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201321%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=375464","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=375464"}},{"id":"375463","reference":"AQW 1320/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-10","answerBy":"2022-06-27","answered":"2022-06-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether his Department has given consideration to the publication of a Driver and Vehicle Agency capital investment plan which will facilitate the reintroduction of a full emissions test for cars and light goods vehicles under 3,500kgs.","answerText":"The Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) currently conducts a fully compliant diesel emissions test on all heavy goods vehicles, buses and vans over 3,500kgs, and a partial diesel emissions test for cars and light goods vehicles. This includes a visual inspection of the vehicle’s emissions and a check of the engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), which indicates a defect in the vehicle emission control systems.\n\nThe reintroduction of a full emissions test for cars and light goods vehicles under 3,500kgs, will require a substantial capital investment in the vehicle testing estate to create a safe environment for staff and customers, in which an emissions test for diesel cars and light goods vehicles can be conducted.\n\nAs a first step, and as part of the DVA’s ongoing modernisation programme, it is investing in the construction of new test centres at Hydebank in Belfast and Mallusk in Newtownabbey. These new test centres include facilities for full emissions testing.","answerHtml":"The Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) currently conducts a fully compliant diesel emissions test on all heavy goods vehicles, buses and vans over 3,500kgs, and a partial diesel emissions test for cars and light goods vehicles. This includes a visual inspection of the vehicle’s emissions and a check of the engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), which indicates a defect in the vehicle emission control systems.
The reintroduction of a full emissions test for cars and light goods vehicles under 3,500kgs, will require a substantial capital investment in the vehicle testing estate to create a safe environment for staff and customers, in which an emissions test for diesel cars and light goods vehicles can be conducted.
As a first step, and as part of the DVA’s ongoing modernisation programme, it is investing in the construction of new test centres at Hydebank in Belfast and Mallusk in Newtownabbey. These new test centres include facilities for full emissions testing.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201320%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=375463","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=375463"}},{"id":"375462","reference":"AQW 1319/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-10","answerBy":"2022-06-27","answered":"2022-06-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure why grass cuttings are not lifted from treated areas.","answerText":"As part of the Department’s current verge management approach there is no need to lift grass cuttings, however we do lift cuttings in our ‘Don’t Mow Let It Grow’ areas. The Department has been engaged in the ‘Don’t Mow Let It Grow’ pilot project in conjunction with Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, Northern Ireland Environment Agency and others, in support of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, which contains a specific action ‘to promote pollinator-friendly management of the national road network in NI’. Details of this project can be found at: https://dontmowletitgrow.com/.\n\nGoing forward I am keen that our grass cutting policy supports this plan more widely and consideration is being given to lifting grass cuttings in more areas.","answerHtml":"As part of the Department’s current verge management approach there is no need to lift grass cuttings, however we do lift cuttings in our ‘Don’t Mow Let It Grow’ areas. The Department has been engaged in the ‘Don’t Mow Let It Grow’ pilot project in conjunction with Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, Northern Ireland Environment Agency and others, in support of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, which contains a specific action ‘to promote pollinator-friendly management of the national road network in NI’. Details of this project can be found at: https://dontmowletitgrow.com/.
Going forward I am keen that our grass cutting policy supports this plan more widely and consideration is being given to lifting grass cuttings in more areas.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201319%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=375462","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=375462"}},{"id":"375461","reference":"AQW 1318/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-10","answerBy":"2022-06-27","answered":"2022-06-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure when his Department intends to resume roadside grass cutting to the standard of five times per year.","answerText":"In support of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, which contains a specific action ‘to promote pollinator-friendly management of the national road network in NI’, the Department has been engaged in the ‘Don’t Mow Let It Grow’ pilot project in conjunction with Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, Northern Ireland Environment Agency and others. Details of this project can be found at: https://dontmowletitgrow.com/. Going forward I am keen that our grass cutting policy supports this plan more widely.","answerHtml":"In support of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, which contains a specific action ‘to promote pollinator-friendly management of the national road network in NI’, the Department has been engaged in the ‘Don’t Mow Let It Grow’ pilot project in conjunction with Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, Northern Ireland Environment Agency and others. Details of this project can be found at: https://dontmowletitgrow.com/. Going forward I am keen that our grass cutting policy supports this plan more widely.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201318%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=375461","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=375461"}},{"id":"375460","reference":"AQW 1317/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-10","answerBy":"2022-06-27","answered":"2022-06-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 22140/17-22, for an update on the review of Residents’ Parking Schemes including timescales for publishing the review report.","answerText":"I can confirm that the review of residents’ parking schemes is complete and I plan to make the report public once I have had the opportunity to discuss its findings with my officials. The review report will set out the lessons learnt from the Rugby Road scheme in Belfast, and the other schemes that did not make it to implementation, and will be used to establish the policy for such schemes going forward.","answerHtml":"I can confirm that the review of residents’ parking schemes is complete and I plan to make the report public once I have had the opportunity to discuss its findings with my officials. The review report will set out the lessons learnt from the Rugby Road scheme in Belfast, and the other schemes that did not make it to implementation, and will be used to establish the policy for such schemes going forward.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201317%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=375460","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=375460"}},{"id":"375011","reference":"AQW 1093/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-07","answerBy":"2022-06-14","answered":"2022-06-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline what action his Department is taking to address the erection of flags without permission on street furniture owned by his Department.","answerText":"Article 87 of the Roads (NI) Order 1993 makes it an offence to attach unauthorised signs or advertisements to structures such as lamp posts. One of my Department’s primary considerations is the safety of the public and where unauthorised flags or attachments pose a risk to road users, my Department will seek to remove that hazard. Where there is no such danger, my Department will liaise closely with other key stakeholders and seek to provide a solution.\n\nI note the commitments to respect for different cultures and identities contained in the New Decade New Approach. Finding a sustainable solution to the ongoing problem of illegally erected flags and emblems requires leadership and a united approach. I can assure you that I am committed to working with Executive colleagues and all stakeholders to deal with this issue comprehensively.","answerHtml":"Article 87 of the Roads (NI) Order 1993 makes it an offence to attach unauthorised signs or advertisements to structures such as lamp posts. One of my Department’s primary considerations is the safety of the public and where unauthorised flags or attachments pose a risk to road users, my Department will seek to remove that hazard. Where there is no such danger, my Department will liaise closely with other key stakeholders and seek to provide a solution.
I note the commitments to respect for different cultures and identities contained in the New Decade New Approach. Finding a sustainable solution to the ongoing problem of illegally erected flags and emblems requires leadership and a united approach. I can assure you that I am committed to working with Executive colleagues and all stakeholders to deal with this issue comprehensively.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201093%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=375011","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=375011"}},{"id":"374859","reference":"AQW 1016/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-06","answerBy":"2022-06-21","answered":"2022-08-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether consideration has been given to the rollout of a carer's allowance supplement in Northern Ireland, similar to that introduced in Scotland.","answerText":"I appointed an independent panel to complete a comprehensive review of existing welfare mitigation measures and to consider a future mitigation package.\n\nThe panel engaged with a wide range of people who access the social security system and with key stakeholders (including carers) so that their voices are heard on these important issues\n\nThe implementation of any new payment schemes will require Executive agreement on the allocation of necessary funding.","answerHtml":"I appointed an independent panel to complete a comprehensive review of existing welfare mitigation measures and to consider a future mitigation package.
The panel engaged with a wide range of people who access the social security system and with key stakeholders (including carers) so that their voices are heard on these important issues
The implementation of any new payment schemes will require Executive agreement on the allocation of necessary funding.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201016%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=374859","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=374859"}},{"id":"374555","reference":"AQW 850/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-05-31","answerBy":"2022-06-08","answered":"2022-06-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy how the Energy Bills Support Scheme can be rolled out in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"I refer you to the AQW 1038/22-27 from Mr Doug Beattie MLA on 08/06/2022 where this question was previously answered.","answerHtml":"I refer you to the AQW 1038/22-27 from Mr Doug Beattie MLA on 08/06/2022 where this question was previously answered.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%20850%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=374555","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=374555"}},{"id":"374333","reference":"AQW 716/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-05-27","answerBy":"2022-06-15","answered":"2022-06-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance when he will consult on legislation that will allow couples to convert civil partnerships, conducted outside Northern Ireland, to marriages.","answerText":"Conversions of civil partnerships conducted outside of the jurisdiction is a complex area of law, which would require careful consideration and agreement with other jurisdictions. It is possible that it could be considered as part of future policy considerations.","answerHtml":"Conversions of civil partnerships conducted outside of the jurisdiction is a complex area of law, which would require careful consideration and agreement with other jurisdictions. It is possible that it could be considered as part of future policy considerations.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%20716%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=374333","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=374333"}},{"id":"374331","reference":"AQW 714/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-05-27","answerBy":"2022-06-15","answered":"2022-05-31","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the Translink bus and rail (i) passenger numbers; and (ii) ticket sales revenue for the months of (a) February 2019; and (b) February 2022.","answerText":"Details regarding Translink’s bus and rail (i) passenger numbers; and (ii) ticket sales revenue for February 2019 and 2022 are an operational matter for Translink. You should, therefore, direct your question to Translink at aqw.request@translink.co.uk.","answerHtml":"Details regarding Translink’s bus and rail (i) passenger numbers; and (ii) ticket sales revenue for February 2019 and 2022 are an operational matter for Translink. You should, therefore, direct your question to Translink at aqw.request@translink.co.uk.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%20714%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=374331","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=374331"}},{"id":"374231","reference":"AQW 650/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-05-26","answerBy":"2022-06-07","answered":"2022-06-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether consideration has been given to the rollout of a carer's allowance supplement in Northern Ireland, similar to that introduced in Scotland.","answerText":"Carer’s allowance is the responsibility of the Department for Communities and it would be for that Department to consider.","answerHtml":"Carer’s allowance is the responsibility of the Department for Communities and it would be for that Department to consider.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%20650%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=374231","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=374231"}},{"id":"373769","reference":"AQW 320/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-05-20","answerBy":"2022-05-30","answered":"2022-05-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health when he intends to publish the outcomes of the Health and Social Care Board's GP practice visits.","answerText":"The Directorate of Integrated Care, SPPG, are undertaking a schedule of practice visits incorporating assessment, support and development to all General Medical Practices. The Practice Visit covers key contractual areas and Practice specific information. The outcome of Practice Visits are private and confidential between the SPPG and GP Practices, and therefore this information is not published.","answerHtml":"The Directorate of Integrated Care, SPPG, are undertaking a schedule of practice visits incorporating assessment, support and development to all General Medical Practices. The Practice Visit covers key contractual areas and Practice specific information. The outcome of Practice Visits are private and confidential between the SPPG and GP Practices, and therefore this information is not published.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%20320%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=373769","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=373769"}},{"id":"373454","reference":"AQW 48/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-05-16","answerBy":"2022-05-31","answered":"2022-05-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether consideration has been given to granting domestic rates relief to people participating in the Homes for Ukraine scheme.","answerText":"Sponsors participating in the Homes for Ukraine scheme are entitled to a £350 per month ‘thank you’ payment, funded by the British Government, which is intended to cover overheads. Any change in regard to rate relief would necessitate a change in the legislation governing domestic rate relief, and this cannot be progressed without a functioning Executive.","answerHtml":"Sponsors participating in the Homes for Ukraine scheme are entitled to a £350 per month ‘thank you’ payment, funded by the British Government, which is intended to cover overheads. Any change in regard to rate relief would necessitate a change in the legislation governing domestic rate relief, and this cannot be progressed without a functioning Executive.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=373454","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=373454"}},{"id":"373453","reference":"AQW 47/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-05-16","answerBy":"2022-05-31","answered":"2022-05-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail when the following asphalt resurfacing contracts will be awarded (i) IAW1 Magherafelt; (ii) IAW2 Omagh; (iii) IAW3 Dungannon; (iv) IAW4 Strabane; (v) IAS1 Newry and Mourne; and (vi) IAS2 Down.","answerText":"The current asphalt resurfacing procurement strategy consists of four phases with six new term contracts in each. The assessment of tenders for the first phase, which includes contracts for Magherafelt, Omagh, Dungannon, Strabane, Newry & Mourne, and Down, is well underway with contracts anticipated to be awarded in June 2022.","answerHtml":"The current asphalt resurfacing procurement strategy consists of four phases with six new term contracts in each. The assessment of tenders for the first phase, which includes contracts for Magherafelt, Omagh, Dungannon, Strabane, Newry & Mourne, and Down, is well underway with contracts anticipated to be awarded in June 2022.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=373453","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=373453"}},{"id":"373452","reference":"AQW 46/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-05-16","answerBy":"2022-05-20","answered":"2022-05-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure when he intends to publish the report from the independent investigation into asphalt resurfacing procurement, led by Sarah Hannaford QC.","answerText":"My officials are currently working through the procurement of interim resurfacing contracts, whilst developing a longer-term delivery strategy for resurfacing and other road work activities. It would not be appropriate to publish the report until after this work has been completed. This is likely to be towards the end of the year.","answerHtml":"My officials are currently working through the procurement of interim resurfacing contracts, whilst developing a longer-term delivery strategy for resurfacing and other road work activities. It would not be appropriate to publish the report until after this work has been completed. This is likely to be towards the end of the year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=373452","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=373452"}},{"id":"372173","reference":"AQW 31037/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-03-16","answerBy":"2022-03-24","answered":"2022-03-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to provide a breakdown of the proposed (i) capital; and (ii) resource spend on active travel in 2022/23.","answerText":"The Finance Minister announced on Tuesday 15th February 2022 that in the absence of an Executive, the Draft Budget 2022 – 25 cannot be progressed. Unfortunately, this means that I cannot confirm the capital and resource allocations on active travel in 2022/23.","answerHtml":"The Finance Minister announced on Tuesday 15th February 2022 that in the absence of an Executive, the Draft Budget 2022 – 25 cannot be progressed. Unfortunately, this means that I cannot confirm the capital and resource allocations on active travel in 2022/23.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2031037%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=372173","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=372173"}},{"id":"372024","reference":"AQW 30994/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-03-15","answerBy":"2022-03-22","answered":"2022-03-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 29290/17-22, to detail the outcome of the decision on whether to extend the reminder letter notification period for MOT tests.","answerText":"Pursuant to AQW 29290/17-22 Driver Vehicle Agency (DVA) officials have deferred the decision regarding the reminder letter notification period until they are satisfied that the COVID pandemic has reached a more manageable position for certainty of staffing levels.\n\nDVA will continue to monitor the Covid situation and will review the reminder letter notification period when it is appropriate to do so.","answerHtml":"Pursuant to AQW 29290/17-22 Driver Vehicle Agency (DVA) officials have deferred the decision regarding the reminder letter notification period until they are satisfied that the COVID pandemic has reached a more manageable position for certainty of staffing levels.
DVA will continue to monitor the Covid situation and will review the reminder letter notification period when it is appropriate to do so.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030994%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=372024","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=372024"}},{"id":"371924","reference":"AQW 30961/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-03-14","answerBy":"2022-03-25","answered":"2022-03-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail (i) the location of residential accommodation for the Assembly Speaker retained in Stormont Estate; and (ii) the running costs of this accommodation in each of the last five years, broken down by the reasons for the costs.","answerText":"There is no residential accommodation for the Assembly Speaker retained in the Stormont Estate. Villa 2, located adjacent to the Massey Avenue entrance, was utilised by the Assembly Speaker prior to 2016.\n\nN/A.","answerHtml":"There is no residential accommodation for the Assembly Speaker retained in the Stormont Estate. Villa 2, located adjacent to the Massey Avenue entrance, was utilised by the Assembly Speaker prior to 2016.
N/A.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030961%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=371924","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=371924"}},{"id":"371921","reference":"AQW 30958/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-03-14","answerBy":"2022-03-25","answered":"2022-03-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on plans for the implementation of a greenways strategy for Northern Ireland.","answerText":"‘Exercise – Explore – Enjoy: a Strategic Plan for Greenways’ was published by my Department in November 2016. It provides a framework within which Councils and other bodies can develop their own local schemes as part of a greenway network for the entire region. From the very start, it was recognised that delivery of the greenway projects in the strategy would be taken forward, generally speaking, by Councils.\n\nFollowing the launch of the strategy, under the ‘Small Grants for Greenways’ programme my Department provided grant funding for nineteen greenway feasibility studies and ten detailed designs. Since becoming Minister, I have provided over £6 million of capital grant funding to Councils from my Blue / Green Infrastructure Fund in support of greenway projects related to the greenway network published in the Strategic Plan.\n\nIn January 2022, I also announced a programme that would provide support to Councils for the development of greenway projects. I have awarded a grant of £50,000 to Sustrans to carry out an assessment of the current state of greenway development across Northern Ireland and to develop a phased programme of greenway delivery in consultation with Councils.","answerHtml":"‘Exercise – Explore – Enjoy: a Strategic Plan for Greenways’ was published by my Department in November 2016. It provides a framework within which Councils and other bodies can develop their own local schemes as part of a greenway network for the entire region. From the very start, it was recognised that delivery of the greenway projects in the strategy would be taken forward, generally speaking, by Councils.
Following the launch of the strategy, under the ‘Small Grants for Greenways’ programme my Department provided grant funding for nineteen greenway feasibility studies and ten detailed designs. Since becoming Minister, I have provided over £6 million of capital grant funding to Councils from my Blue / Green Infrastructure Fund in support of greenway projects related to the greenway network published in the Strategic Plan.
In January 2022, I also announced a programme that would provide support to Councils for the development of greenway projects. I have awarded a grant of £50,000 to Sustrans to carry out an assessment of the current state of greenway development across Northern Ireland and to develop a phased programme of greenway delivery in consultation with Councils.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030958%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=371921","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=371921"}},{"id":"371920","reference":"AQW 30957/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-03-14","answerBy":"2022-03-25","answered":"2022-03-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on plans for the implementation of the Belfast Cycling Network Plan.","answerText":"Following publication of ‘Making Belfast an Active City – Belfast Cycling Network 2021’ on 4th June last year, officials have been working on a Delivery Plan for the Network. The Member may be aware that I published this Delivery Plan on 24th March.\n\nThe Delivery Plan identifies individual schemes for the delivery of the Belfast Cycling Network and orders them into three groups for delivery: short term (2022 – 25); medium term (2025 – 28); and, long term (2028 – 31). It also provides information on how my Department will take these projects forward, subject to budget allocations. It is important to emphasise that this is not a static plan. It will be dynamic, responding to changes in the needs of the people of this city and will be reviewed on a regular basis.","answerHtml":"Following publication of ‘Making Belfast an Active City – Belfast Cycling Network 2021’ on 4th June last year, officials have been working on a Delivery Plan for the Network. The Member may be aware that I published this Delivery Plan on 24th March.
The Delivery Plan identifies individual schemes for the delivery of the Belfast Cycling Network and orders them into three groups for delivery: short term (2022 – 25); medium term (2025 – 28); and, long term (2028 – 31). It also provides information on how my Department will take these projects forward, subject to budget allocations. It is important to emphasise that this is not a static plan. It will be dynamic, responding to changes in the needs of the people of this city and will be reviewed on a regular basis.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030957%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=371920","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=371920"}},{"id":"371914","reference":"AQW 30951/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-03-14","answerBy":"2022-03-22","answered":"2022-03-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail plans for the implementation of Climate Change (No. 2) Bill Clause 22 concerning active travel spend once Royal Assent is received and the Bill enacted.","answerText":"I welcome that the amended Climate Change (No.2) Bill has been passed by the Assembly so that we will no longer be the only part of these islands without climate change legislation. As Infrastructure Minister, I have implemented a range of policies and measures to support decarbonisation of the transport sector. This has included significant investment to encourage walking, wheeling and cycling and use of low emission public transport as the first choice mode of transport whenever possible. My officials are considering Clause 22 and how best we can build on ongoing work to further promote and facilitate active travel. This will need to be progressed in the context of the wider transport sectoral plans as required by the Bill (at Clause 21).","answerHtml":"I welcome that the amended Climate Change (No.2) Bill has been passed by the Assembly so that we will no longer be the only part of these islands without climate change legislation. As Infrastructure Minister, I have implemented a range of policies and measures to support decarbonisation of the transport sector. This has included significant investment to encourage walking, wheeling and cycling and use of low emission public transport as the first choice mode of transport whenever possible. My officials are considering Clause 22 and how best we can build on ongoing work to further promote and facilitate active travel. This will need to be progressed in the context of the wider transport sectoral plans as required by the Bill (at Clause 21).
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030951%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=371914","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=371914"}},{"id":"371751","reference":"AQW 30907/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-03-11","answerBy":"2022-03-22","answered":"2022-03-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in relation to the Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme, to detail (i) how many properties have signed up to the scheme since it was introduced; and (ii) how many properties have had work completed under the scheme.","answerText":"My Department’s Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme (HFPGS) is specifically aimed to encourage the owners of residential properties, which meet the scheme’s eligibility criteria, to modify their properties to make them more resistant to flooding.\n\nSince the launch of the HFPGS in 2016, 109 residential property owners have signed up to have measures fitted to their property. Of these, 105 property owners have had measures fitted and a further 4 property owners are awaiting installation works.","answerHtml":"My Department’s Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme (HFPGS) is specifically aimed to encourage the owners of residential properties, which meet the scheme’s eligibility criteria, to modify their properties to make them more resistant to flooding.
Since the launch of the HFPGS in 2016, 109 residential property owners have signed up to have measures fitted to their property. Of these, 105 property owners have had measures fitted and a further 4 property owners are awaiting installation works.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030907%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=371751","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=371751"}},{"id":"371750","reference":"AQW 30906/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-03-11","answerBy":"2022-03-25","answered":"2022-03-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for a breakdown of properties that have signed up to the Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme to date, by constituency.","answerText":"My Department’s Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme (HFPGS) is specifically aimed to encourage the owners of residential properties, which meet the scheme’s eligibility criteria, to modify their properties to make them more resistant to flooding.\n\nSince the launch of the HFPGS in 2016, 109 residential property owners have signed up to have measures fitted to their property. Of these, 105 property owners have had measures fitted and a further 4 property owners are awaiting installation works. A breakdown of the 109 property owners that have signed up to the HFPGS by constituency is provided in the following table.\n\nConstituency\tNumber of HFPGS\nProperty Owners\tConstituency\tNumber of HFPGS\nProperty Owners\nBelfast East\t6\tNewry & Armagh\t5\nBelfast South\t11\tNorth Antrim\t3\nBelfast West\t3\tNorth Down\t3\nEast Antrim\t7\tSouth Antrim\t12\nEast Londonderry\t2\tSouth Down\t5\nFermanagh & South Tyrone\t2\tStrangford\t4\nFoyle\t28\tUpper Bann\t3\nLagan Valley\t1\tWest Tyrone\t11\nMid Ulster\t3","answerHtml":"My Department’s Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme (HFPGS) is specifically aimed to encourage the owners of residential properties, which meet the scheme’s eligibility criteria, to modify their properties to make them more resistant to flooding.
Since the launch of the HFPGS in 2016, 109 residential property owners have signed up to have measures fitted to their property. Of these, 105 property owners have had measures fitted and a further 4 property owners are awaiting installation works. A breakdown of the 109 property owners that have signed up to the HFPGS by constituency is provided in the following table.
| Constituency | Number of HFPGS Property Owners | Constituency | Number of HFPGS Property Owners |
| Belfast East | 6 | Newry & Armagh | 5 |
| Belfast South | 11 | North Antrim | 3 |
| Belfast West | 3 | North Down | 3 |
| East Antrim | 7 | South Antrim | 12 |
| East Londonderry | 2 | South Down | 5 |
| Fermanagh & South Tyrone | 2 | Strangford | 4 |
| Foyle | 28 | Upper Bann | 3 |
| Lagan Valley | 1 | West Tyrone | 11 |
| Mid Ulster | 3 |
The Housing Executive, which administers the scheme on behalf of the Department, has provided the following breakdown of the total expenditure for the Affordable Warmth Scheme in 2021/22 to date, and in each of the previous four financial years.
| Affordable Warmth Scheme Expenditure | £k |
| 2017/18 | 18,246 |
| 2018/19 | 14,542 |
| 2019/20 | 12,331 |
| 2020/21 | 6,677 |
| 2021/22 YTD to 28 Feb 2022 | 10,441 |
There were 73 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued in Helen’s Bay (Church Road, Fort Road and Grey Point) in 2020/21.
There have been 361 PCNs issued in this same area in 2021/22, up to 9 March 2022. For clarity, due to reports of inconsiderate parking as a result of increased visitors to the area during the pandemic, we adopted a targeted enforcement approach at Helen’s Bay.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030685%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=371303","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=371303"}},{"id":"371118","reference":"AQW 30648/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-03-07","answerBy":"2022-03-23","answered":"2022-03-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the pupil enrolment numbers for (i) Strangford Integrated College; and (ii) St. Columbanus’ College in the 2020-21 academic year, broken down by electoral ward.","answerText":"The information requested is detailed in the tables below.\n\nWards resided in by pupils enrolled in Strangford Integrated College – 2020/21\n\nWard\tNumber of pupils resident\nBallygowan\t*\nBallygrainey\t28\nBallyholme\t9\nBallymagee\t19\nBallywalter\t53\nBloomfield\t18\nBroadway\t*\nBryansburn\t*\nCarrowdore\t73\nCarrowreagh\t*\nCastle\t12\nClandeboye\t14\nComber North\t6\nComber South\t*\nComber West\t5\nConway Square\t25\nCronstown\t46\nCultra\t*\nDonaghadee\t44\nGilnahirk\t*\nGlen\t47\nGraham'S Bridge\t*\nGregstown\t23\nGroomsport\t12\nHarbour\t*\nHelen'S Bay\t*\nHolywood\t*\nKilcooley\t19\nKircubbin\t45\nLoughries\t51\nMovilla\t59\nPortaferry\t5\nPortavogie\t50\nRathgael\t11\nRathmore\t*\nScrabo\t18\nSilverbirch\t6\nSilverstream\t12\nWarren\t29\nWest Winds\t34\nTotal\t796\n\nii) Wards resided in by pupils enrolled in St. Columbanus’ College – 2020/21\n\nWard\tNumber of pupils resident\nBallycrochan\t35\nBallygrainey\t70\nBallyholme\t31\nBallymagee\t25\nBallywalter\t*\nBloomfield\t45\nBroadway\t24\nBryansburn\t32\nCarrowdore\t6\nCarrowreagh\t*\nCastle\t36\nChichester Park\t*\nClandeboye\t32\nComber North\t*\nComber South\t*\nComber West\t*\nConway Square\t14\nCronstown\t7\nCultra\t6\nDonaghadee\t15\nGlen\t23\nGraham'S Bridge\t*\nGregstown\t8\nGroomsport\t30\nHarbour\t19\nHelen's Bay\t11\nHolywood\t9\nKilcooley\t80\nKircubbin\t9\nLoughries\t13\nLoughview\t16\nMovilla\t14\nPortavogie\t*\nRathgael\t45\nRathmore\t19\nScrabo\t*\nSilverbirch\t34\nSilverstream\t26\nWarren\t28\nWest Winds\t*\nTotal\t785\n\nSource: NI school census\n\nNote:\n\n‘*’ denotes figure less than 5","answerHtml":"The information requested is detailed in the tables below.
Wards resided in by pupils enrolled in Strangford Integrated College – 2020/21
| Ward | Number of pupils resident |
| Ballygowan | * |
| Ballygrainey | 28 |
| Ballyholme | 9 |
| Ballymagee | 19 |
| Ballywalter | 53 |
| Bloomfield | 18 |
| Broadway | * |
| Bryansburn | * |
| Carrowdore | 73 |
| Carrowreagh | * |
| Castle | 12 |
| Clandeboye | 14 |
| Comber North | 6 |
| Comber South | * |
| Comber West | 5 |
| Conway Square | 25 |
| Cronstown | 46 |
| Cultra | * |
| Donaghadee | 44 |
| Gilnahirk | * |
| Glen | 47 |
| Graham'S Bridge | * |
| Gregstown | 23 |
| Groomsport | 12 |
| Harbour | * |
| Helen'S Bay | * |
| Holywood | * |
| Kilcooley | 19 |
| Kircubbin | 45 |
| Loughries | 51 |
| Movilla | 59 |
| Portaferry | 5 |
| Portavogie | 50 |
| Rathgael | 11 |
| Rathmore | * |
| Scrabo | 18 |
| Silverbirch | 6 |
| Silverstream | 12 |
| Warren | 29 |
| West Winds | 34 |
| Total | 796 |
ii) Wards resided in by pupils enrolled in St. Columbanus’ College – 2020/21
| Ward | Number of pupils resident |
| Ballycrochan | 35 |
| Ballygrainey | 70 |
| Ballyholme | 31 |
| Ballymagee | 25 |
| Ballywalter | * |
| Bloomfield | 45 |
| Broadway | 24 |
| Bryansburn | 32 |
| Carrowdore | 6 |
| Carrowreagh | * |
| Castle | 36 |
| Chichester Park | * |
| Clandeboye | 32 |
| Comber North | * |
| Comber South | * |
| Comber West | * |
| Conway Square | 14 |
| Cronstown | 7 |
| Cultra | 6 |
| Donaghadee | 15 |
| Glen | 23 |
| Graham'S Bridge | * |
| Gregstown | 8 |
| Groomsport | 30 |
| Harbour | 19 |
| Helen's Bay | 11 |
| Holywood | 9 |
| Kilcooley | 80 |
| Kircubbin | 9 |
| Loughries | 13 |
| Loughview | 16 |
| Movilla | 14 |
| Portavogie | * |
| Rathgael | 45 |
| Rathmore | 19 |
| Scrabo | * |
| Silverbirch | 34 |
| Silverstream | 26 |
| Warren | 28 |
| West Winds | * |
| Total | 785 |
Source: NI school census
Note:
‘*’ denotes figure less than 5
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030648%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=371118","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=371118"}},{"id":"370910","reference":"AQW 30572/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-03-04","answerBy":"2022-03-22","answered":"2022-03-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure pursuant to AQW 19144/17-22, for an update on the roll-out of the Don’t Mow, Let It Grow rewilding initiative to other transport corridors within the Ards and North Down Borough Council area.","answerText":"I recognise the value of and need to expand upon initiatives such as Don’t Mow Let it Grow and my officials are liaising with Ards and North Down Council officials to explore adopting this initiative within the council area.\n\nMy Department remains committed to reviewing its environmental policies to promote pollinator-friendly practices and to encourage their application on road schemes. I can confirm that officials are also engaging with Ulster Wildlife on this matter with the aim of further enhancing the available biodiversity resource along our roads.","answerHtml":"I recognise the value of and need to expand upon initiatives such as Don’t Mow Let it Grow and my officials are liaising with Ards and North Down Council officials to explore adopting this initiative within the council area.
My Department remains committed to reviewing its environmental policies to promote pollinator-friendly practices and to encourage their application on road schemes. I can confirm that officials are also engaging with Ulster Wildlife on this matter with the aim of further enhancing the available biodiversity resource along our roads.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030572%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=370910","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=370910"}},{"id":"370713","reference":"AQO 3267/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-03-03","answerBy":"2022-03-21","answered":"2022-03-21","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for an update on the establishment of new Civil Service regional hubs.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr C Murphy","text":"With your permission, Mr Deputy Speaker, I will answer questions 8 and 9 together. The hubs in Ballykelly, Downpatrick, Ballymena and Craigavon are complete and will become operational when appropriate. Progress is advancing well at the Connect2 hubs in Bangor and Omagh. Planning has started for additional hubs in the Antrim/Newtownabbey area, Derry, mid-Ulster, Enniskillen and Newry, all of which are planned to be delivered over the next two years."},{"speaker":"Mr McGlone","text":"Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as sin. Minister, will you give some details about the hubs in mid-Ulster, which is, as you will know, is one of the fastest-growing economic areas in the North? When might the scheme start in mid-Ulster?"},{"speaker":"Mr C Murphy","text":"When we looked at the council areas that had been provided in the first run of the scheme, there was a recognition that mid-Ulster was a notable gap. We want to ensure that there is the ability to access the hubs across all the council areas. The initial programme was mapped on to the data of where people were travelling into Belfast from in order to make sure that the areas that had the highest numbers of people travelling into Belfast were dealt with. We have worked our way through that. We have a good working relationship with local government, and I am sure that we are engaging with Mid Ulster District Council to identify a suitable location so that we can work in partnership with the council to make sure that a hub fits into its economic development strategies. The purpose of the hubs was to put them in town centres to make sure that they had an added benefit and were not sitting in an industrial estate but were bringing people into the town centres. They coincided with councils' development plans, so they harmonised with those. We will continue to engage. I am not certain about the time frame for that, but the sooner we get that level of engagement, the sooner we can identify sites. We have been pressing ahead with the hubs, and there are a number that are ready to open once we get the back-to-work announcement from the task force in the Department of Health. I think that they will be a success, and there is significant interest in them. They will generate additional interest from people in those areas and create more opportunities in the longer term for people to apply for Civil Service jobs when travelling in and out of Belfast five days a week is not part of that job."},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"One of the main Civil Service accommodation areas is at Rathgael House in Bangor. Has consideration been given to relocating to Bangor town centre to aid the regeneration of that town centre?"},{"speaker":"Mr C Murphy","text":"Politics is becoming very local this week for some reason [Laughter.]"},{"speaker":"","text":"I am not sure why Rathgael House was chosen or whether another option was available in Bangor; I am happy to check that. As I said, the broad template is to look for an available property, discuss with the local council to make sure that it fits in and for it to be as much in the town centre as possible. Rathgael House is slightly out of the town centre. A property should be as central in a town as possible to allow people the flexibility to work a number of days a week from their own area and, perhaps, to provide a space for local government officials to meet central government officials so that we can break down some of the barriers between the strands of administration here. I am happy to see whether another property was available in Bangor town centre, but availability of government-owned property is one of the key criteria. That is possibly why Rathgael House was chosen."},{"speaker":"Ms Brogan","text":"I will continue with the local politics trend and ask you for an update on the Civil Service hub in Omagh."},{"speaker":"Mr C Murphy","text":"I said in my original answer that the Connect2 hubs in Bangor and in Omagh were advancing well. The Omagh hub may not be up to the same level as the first few that we have done, but it is moving with some progress, and there has been useful engagement with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to make sure that we get the right place. I know that there is a lot of property in Omagh that is government-owned and that a lot of it is surplus to requirements now. We want to get a place that is the right fit to make sure that it coincides with the development plans for Omagh town centre and makes a contribution to all of that. I have been informed that progress is going well there, and I hope to see more movement on the hub in the near future."},{"speaker":"Mr Storey","text":"In the Minister's original answer, he talked about the hubs becoming operational \"when appropriate\". Can he elaborate on what that means? Does \"when appropriate\" mean \"when we have in place a proper return-to-work policy\", so that spaces that have been identified are no longer continually vacant?"},{"speaker":"Mr C Murphy","text":"The Member is correct. We are waiting for the advice. At the moment, the official advice is that people should work from home if possible. As a Department, we cannot countermand that advice. I have asked the task force if it is looking at the issue, and it will discuss with the Department of Health what the latest advice might be."},{"speaker":"","text":"The pandemic has not gone away. A lot of people are still contracting COVID-19 and unfortunately there are still people dying from it. So we have to have a cautious approach to emerging from this, although there is a great sense that we are, at last, seeing a lot of light at the end of the tunnel. We are awaiting that advice and making sure that we adhere to it. We have been developing policies on what a return to work looks like because the workplace, undoubtedly, will have changed. There is much more opportunity for people to have a flexible approach to work, and we need to recognise and accommodate that. IT solutions have advanced rapidly during the pandemic, which allows us to do that, and that is good for the Civil Service generally because it makes the option of working in it more open to people from rural and peripheral areas and to women to make sure that our Civil Service is more reflective of the society that it serves. We are waiting on that advice, and, as soon as we get it, we will press ahead as quickly as we can."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203267%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=370713","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2022-03-21&docID=372035#AQO%203267/17-22","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=370713"}},{"id":"370515","reference":"AQW 30468/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-03-02","answerBy":"2022-03-18","answered":"2022-03-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health what considerations his Department has given to improving the hourly wage and travel expense allowance of agency workers providing care in the community.","answerText":"Contracts between HSC trusts and employment agencies do not include a requirement for agency staff to receive similar hourly rates of pay or travel expenses, as those given to staff directly employed Health and Social Care Trusts.\n\nHowever, contracted agencies must comply fully with all employers’ legislation covering statutory entitlements, minimum wage, pensions and HMRC requirements.\n\nWhere staff are employed by agencies, their agency remains their employer and issues relating to pay, travel expenses etc are for their employer to consider.","answerHtml":"Contracts between HSC trusts and employment agencies do not include a requirement for agency staff to receive similar hourly rates of pay or travel expenses, as those given to staff directly employed Health and Social Care Trusts.
However, contracted agencies must comply fully with all employers’ legislation covering statutory entitlements, minimum wage, pensions and HMRC requirements.
Where staff are employed by agencies, their agency remains their employer and issues relating to pay, travel expenses etc are for their employer to consider.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030468%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=370515","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=370515"}},{"id":"370514","reference":"AQW 30467/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-03-02","answerBy":"2022-03-18","answered":"2022-03-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the work being undertaken to increase the provision of, and early access to, occupational therapy within the health and social care system.","answerText":"The Public Health Agency has and continues to work closely with the Health and Social Care Board, the Department and the HSC Trusts reviewing AHP support and interventions delivered across the HSC system, including Occupational Therapy.\n\nTo increase provision of access to Occupational Therapy services Health and Social Care Trusts are undertaking a range of measures including elective waiting list initiatives to increase the provision of additional Occupational Therapy clinics.\n\nAdditional Occupational Therapy staff have been employed through the Health and Social Care Workforce Appeal whilst utilising Bank and agency staff. This is being complemented with authorisation of the additional clinics and overtime for existing Occupational Therapy staff.\n\nDuring COVID-19 surges the HSC Trusts have also enhanced Occupational Therapy staffing in acute and some community settings through redeployment of staff providing 7 day cover to help ease patient flow.\n\nOccupational Therapy services continue to prioritise patients in line with regionally agreed criteria and the Departmental Elective Care Access Protocols. Services are provide through a choice of face to face, virtual or telephone appointments as appropriate subject to availability.","answerHtml":"The Public Health Agency has and continues to work closely with the Health and Social Care Board, the Department and the HSC Trusts reviewing AHP support and interventions delivered across the HSC system, including Occupational Therapy.
To increase provision of access to Occupational Therapy services Health and Social Care Trusts are undertaking a range of measures including elective waiting list initiatives to increase the provision of additional Occupational Therapy clinics.
Additional Occupational Therapy staff have been employed through the Health and Social Care Workforce Appeal whilst utilising Bank and agency staff. This is being complemented with authorisation of the additional clinics and overtime for existing Occupational Therapy staff.
During COVID-19 surges the HSC Trusts have also enhanced Occupational Therapy staffing in acute and some community settings through redeployment of staff providing 7 day cover to help ease patient flow.
Occupational Therapy services continue to prioritise patients in line with regionally agreed criteria and the Departmental Elective Care Access Protocols. Services are provide through a choice of face to face, virtual or telephone appointments as appropriate subject to availability.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030467%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=370514","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=370514"}},{"id":"369635","reference":"AQW 30236/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-02-24","answerBy":"2022-03-11","answered":"2022-03-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy, in light of a downturn in trade as a result of COVID-19, whether his Department has undertaken any assessment of the need for financial support for the guesthouse and B&B industry.","answerText":"Currently the Executive is not in a position to meet and my Department has no mandate from the Executive to take forward any further schemes outside of those already announced.","answerHtml":"Currently the Executive is not in a position to meet and my Department has no mandate from the Executive to take forward any further schemes outside of those already announced.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030236%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=369635","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=369635"}},{"id":"371267","reference":"AQO 3230/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-02-24","answerBy":"2022-03-07","answered":"2022-03-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to outline the reasons for the delay in bringing forward legislative proposals to ban conversion therapy.","answerText":"I agreed to take the lead in the process to bring forward legislation to introduce a ban on so called conversion practices here and policy work is progressing to inform the drafting of legislation to ban this abhorrent practice.\n\nIt is important to get this right and from the outset of this work, I have been clear that development of a comprehensive and robust ban would take time. It is essential that policy formation is supported by appropriate research amongst those impacted by these practices so that the resulting proposals are effective.\n\nThis is a cross cutting issue and an effective ban will require careful consideration of all of the elements involved, including penalties and enforcement, health and wellbeing, and equality and inclusion, all of which intersect in this matter.\n\nI met stakeholders last summer to discuss how to progress this as quickly as possible and my officials have continued to work closely with representatives of those most impacted.\n\nIt was agreed that only through comprehensive research, full consultation and careful drafting of legislation can we ensure that the resulting ban is robust and effective.\n\nTo support this, working with representative groups, I have initiated work to progress local research on the impact of these practices on those affected. Further extensive stakeholder engagement will also be essential in this process.\n\nIt is vital that legislation to ban this inhumane and cruel practice is introduced as soon as possible. We also need to make sure that we do this properly and get the policy right in order to protect our LGBTQI+ community.","answerHtml":"I agreed to take the lead in the process to bring forward legislation to introduce a ban on so called conversion practices here and policy work is progressing to inform the drafting of legislation to ban this abhorrent practice.
It is important to get this right and from the outset of this work, I have been clear that development of a comprehensive and robust ban would take time. It is essential that policy formation is supported by appropriate research amongst those impacted by these practices so that the resulting proposals are effective.
This is a cross cutting issue and an effective ban will require careful consideration of all of the elements involved, including penalties and enforcement, health and wellbeing, and equality and inclusion, all of which intersect in this matter.
I met stakeholders last summer to discuss how to progress this as quickly as possible and my officials have continued to work closely with representatives of those most impacted.
It was agreed that only through comprehensive research, full consultation and careful drafting of legislation can we ensure that the resulting ban is robust and effective.
To support this, working with representative groups, I have initiated work to progress local research on the impact of these practices on those affected. Further extensive stakeholder engagement will also be essential in this process.
It is vital that legislation to ban this inhumane and cruel practice is introduced as soon as possible. We also need to make sure that we do this properly and get the policy right in order to protect our LGBTQI+ community.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203230%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=371267","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=371267"}},{"id":"369252","reference":"AQW 30119/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-02-22","answerBy":"2022-03-09","answered":"2022-03-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (i) to detail the response times of the Natural Environment Division for renewable energy planning application, in each of the last three years; and (ii) to detail steps he has taken to improve performance.","answerText":"In the last three years, Natural Environment Division have received in totality, 651 planning consultations for renewable energy applications for consideration and advice. The figures below outline the breakdown of this number of planning consultations year on year and the average response times.\n\nYear\tNumber of Renewable Energy Planning Consultations Received\tAverage Response Time (in days)\n2019/2020\t235\t69\n2020/2021\t240\t59\n2021/2022\t176\t37\nTotal\t651\n\nDAERA is working to improve its consultation response performance through the Department for Infrastructure cross-governmental Planning Forum and an NIEA/EMFG Planning Action Plan. Action include Process and Caseload Management; Monitoring and Review; IT; and engagement with stakeholders, particularly the Local Planning Authorities, across a range of issues including those around consultation processes and maximising the use of existing published information and guidance. For example officials have recently introduced new Standing Advice for Single Dwellings, following a successful workshop open to all planners, to introduce a risk based approach to single dwelling applications which in turn should reduce the number of unnecessary single dwelling consultations being sent to the Department.","answerHtml":"In the last three years, Natural Environment Division have received in totality, 651 planning consultations for renewable energy applications for consideration and advice. The figures below outline the breakdown of this number of planning consultations year on year and the average response times.
| Year | Number of Renewable Energy Planning Consultations Received | Average Response Time (in days) |
| 2019/2020 | 235 | 69 |
| 2020/2021 | 240 | 59 |
| 2021/2022 | 176 | 37 |
| Total | 651 |
DAERA is working to improve its consultation response performance through the Department for Infrastructure cross-governmental Planning Forum and an NIEA/EMFG Planning Action Plan. Action include Process and Caseload Management; Monitoring and Review; IT; and engagement with stakeholders, particularly the Local Planning Authorities, across a range of issues including those around consultation processes and maximising the use of existing published information and guidance. For example officials have recently introduced new Standing Advice for Single Dwellings, following a successful workshop open to all planners, to introduce a risk based approach to single dwelling applications which in turn should reduce the number of unnecessary single dwelling consultations being sent to the Department.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030119%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=369252","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=369252"}},{"id":"369251","reference":"AQW 30118/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-02-22","answerBy":"2022-03-09","answered":"2022-03-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail traffic attendant (i) vacancies; and (ii) planned full complement, broken down by constituency.","answerText":"The operational areas for parking enforcement are not based on constituency boundaries, so the table below provides details of the NSL Ltd Traffic Attendant (TA) complement and vacancies by city/ town at the end of January 2022. It should be noted that some of these operate as base locations for mobile units that enforce in other settlements in the surrounding area.\n\nCity / Town\tTA complement\tTA vacancies\nAntrim\t1\t0\nBallymena\t9\t0\nBallymoney\t1\t0\nCarrickfergus\t4\t0\nColeraine\t8\t1\nLarne\t1\t0\nLimavady\t1\t0\nArmagh\t2\t0\nBanbridge\t4\t0\nDownpatrick\t3\t1\nLisburn\t4\t1\nLurgan\t2\t0\nPortadown\t9\t4\nNewry\t6\t0\nBangor\t5\t3\nBelfast\t58\t20\nHolywood\t2\t0\nNewtownards\t4\t0\nCookstown\t4\t1\nDungannon\t3\t2\nEnniskillen\t5\t0\nDerry/Londonderry\t14\t0\nMagherafelt\t3\t0\nOmagh\t5\t0\nStrabane\t4\t0\nTotal\t162\t33","answerHtml":"The operational areas for parking enforcement are not based on constituency boundaries, so the table below provides details of the NSL Ltd Traffic Attendant (TA) complement and vacancies by city/ town at the end of January 2022. It should be noted that some of these operate as base locations for mobile units that enforce in other settlements in the surrounding area.
| City / Town | TA complement | TA vacancies |
| Antrim | 1 | 0 |
| Ballymena | 9 | 0 |
| Ballymoney | 1 | 0 |
| Carrickfergus | 4 | 0 |
| Coleraine | 8 | 1 |
| Larne | 1 | 0 |
| Limavady | 1 | 0 |
| Armagh | 2 | 0 |
| Banbridge | 4 | 0 |
| Downpatrick | 3 | 1 |
| Lisburn | 4 | 1 |
| Lurgan | 2 | 0 |
| Portadown | 9 | 4 |
| Newry | 6 | 0 |
| Bangor | 5 | 3 |
| Belfast | 58 | 20 |
| Holywood | 2 | 0 |
| Newtownards | 4 | 0 |
| Cookstown | 4 | 1 |
| Dungannon | 3 | 2 |
| Enniskillen | 5 | 0 |
| Derry/Londonderry | 14 | 0 |
| Magherafelt | 3 | 0 |
| Omagh | 5 | 0 |
| Strabane | 4 | 0 |
| Total | 162 | 33 |
AQW 30018/17-22
You will be aware that my Department was notified by Ards and North Down Borough Council in relation to planning application reference: LA06/2020/0097/F (proposed redevelopment of Queen’s Parade) under the Planning (Notification of Applications) Direction 2017. Notification to my Department was required due to the council’s resolution to grant approval for the application where it had received a significant objection from a statutory consultee, in this instance a consultee from within my Department in relation to potential flood risk. A ‘holding’ Direction was issued by my Department on the 17 February 2021 and is currently in place.
The assessment of the notification is currently being finalised and it is my intention to respond to the council as soon as possible with a decision as to whether or not the application should be referred (‘called in’) to my Department for determination. Whilst I cannot provide a definitive timeframe for when this will be completed, I can assure you that I am mindful of the importance of reaching a decision on this matter to avoid any unnecessary delays.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030018%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=368996","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=368996"}},{"id":"368995","reference":"AQW 30017/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-02-18","answerBy":"2022-03-07","answered":"2022-03-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the membership of the Planning Forum.","answerText":"The Planning Forum is a cross government body. Membership is made up of staff from DfI Planning Group, the main statutory consultees, and 3 representatives from local government, as follows:\n\nDeputy Secretary, DfI Planning, Safety and Transport Policy Group, (Chair)\n\nChief Planner & Director of Regional Planning, DfI Planning\n\nDirector of Strategic Planning, DfI Planning\n\nDirector, Historic Environment Division, DfC\n\nDirector, Natural Environment Division, DAERA\n\nDirector of Network Services, DfI (Roads)\n\nTechnical Director, DfI (Rivers)\n\nHead of Investment Management, NI Water\n\nSenior Principal, Geological Survey of Northern Ireland, DfE\n\nAssistant Director, Land & Regeneration Services, NIHE\n\nInspector, Health & Safety Executive NI\n\nPlanning Manager, Belfast City Council\n\nPlanning Manager, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council\n\nPlanning Manager, Derry City and Strabane District Council","answerHtml":"The Planning Forum is a cross government body. Membership is made up of staff from DfI Planning Group, the main statutory consultees, and 3 representatives from local government, as follows:
Deputy Secretary, DfI Planning, Safety and Transport Policy Group, (Chair)
Chief Planner & Director of Regional Planning, DfI Planning
Director of Strategic Planning, DfI Planning
Director, Historic Environment Division, DfC
Director, Natural Environment Division, DAERA
Director of Network Services, DfI (Roads)
Technical Director, DfI (Rivers)
Head of Investment Management, NI Water
Senior Principal, Geological Survey of Northern Ireland, DfE
Assistant Director, Land & Regeneration Services, NIHE
Inspector, Health & Safety Executive NI
Planning Manager, Belfast City Council
Planning Manager, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council
Planning Manager, Derry City and Strabane District Council
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030017%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=368995","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=368995"}},{"id":"368994","reference":"AQW 30016/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-02-18","answerBy":"2022-03-07","answered":"2022-02-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) the descriptions and planning reference numbers for all planning applications subject to a holding direction from her Department; and (ii) the number of weeks since the holding direction was issued.","answerText":"The information requested is set out in the table below:\n\nTable: Applications subject to an Article 17 ‘holding’ direction as at 18/02/2022\n\nApplication Ref\tBrief description of proposal and site address\tType of direction in place\tNo. of weeks since direction issued\nLA06/2020/0097/F\tRe-development of Bangor Town Centre (Queen’s Parade)\tArticle 17 ‘holding’ direction\t52\nLA11/2020/0549/F\tPublic greenway for use by pedestrians and cyclists to connect Derry to Elagh Business Park\tArticle 17 ‘holding’ direction\t17\nLA04/2020/1943/F\tResidential conversion of the existing listed warehouses to form 57 units at 3-19 Rydalmere Street, Belfast\tArticle 17 ‘holding’ direction\t16\nLA02/2017/0594/F\tConstruction of a wind farm in the townlands of Carnalbanagh, Kilnacolpagh and Buckna, 9.5 kilometres east of Broughshane\tArticle 17 ‘holding’ direction\t14\nP/2013/0189/F\tSports Complex at 100m West of no 15 Drumsesk Road, Rostrevor\tArticle 17 ‘holding’ direction\t11\nLA10/2019/1392/F\tMixed use retail and leisure development on lands of former ‘Unipork’ site east of Cornagrade Road and west of Irvinestown Road, Enniskillen\tArticle 17 ‘holding’ direction\t36\n\nThe ‘No. of weeks since direction issued’ is calculated as being between the date of issue of an Article 17 ‘holding’ direction and the close of business on Friday 18/02/2022, rounded up to a whole week.","answerHtml":"The information requested is set out in the table below:
Table: Applications subject to an Article 17 ‘holding’ direction as at 18/02/2022
| Application Ref | Brief description of proposal and site address | Type of direction in place | No. of weeks since direction issued |
| LA06/2020/0097/F | Re-development of Bangor Town Centre (Queen’s Parade) | Article 17 ‘holding’ direction | 52 |
| LA11/2020/0549/F | Public greenway for use by pedestrians and cyclists to connect Derry to Elagh Business Park | Article 17 ‘holding’ direction | 17 |
| LA04/2020/1943/F | Residential conversion of the existing listed warehouses to form 57 units at 3-19 Rydalmere Street, Belfast | Article 17 ‘holding’ direction | 16 |
| LA02/2017/0594/F | Construction of a wind farm in the townlands of Carnalbanagh, Kilnacolpagh and Buckna, 9.5 kilometres east of Broughshane | Article 17 ‘holding’ direction | 14 |
| P/2013/0189/F | Sports Complex at 100m West of no 15 Drumsesk Road, Rostrevor | Article 17 ‘holding’ direction | 11 |
| LA10/2019/1392/F | Mixed use retail and leisure development on lands of former ‘Unipork’ site east of Cornagrade Road and west of Irvinestown Road, Enniskillen | Article 17 ‘holding’ direction | 36 |
The ‘No. of weeks since direction issued’ is calculated as being between the date of issue of an Article 17 ‘holding’ direction and the close of business on Friday 18/02/2022, rounded up to a whole week.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030016%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=368994","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=368994"}},{"id":"368993","reference":"AQW 30015/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-02-18","answerBy":"2022-03-07","answered":"2022-03-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities, in the absence of an agreed budget for the next financial year, what action she will take to mitigate the impact on Local Government.","answerText":"The De-Rating Grant (DRG) and Transferred Functions Grant (TFG), due to be paid to district councils by my Department in the next financial year, are statutory and not discretionary and therefore will be paid out of any budget made available to my Department for 2022/23.\n\nHowever, as a Budget cannot be set in the absence of an Executive my Department has no budget allocated for 2022/23. Therefore I am considering the options I have to provide certainty in relation to the other grants that are normally provided to Local Government.","answerHtml":"The De-Rating Grant (DRG) and Transferred Functions Grant (TFG), due to be paid to district councils by my Department in the next financial year, are statutory and not discretionary and therefore will be paid out of any budget made available to my Department for 2022/23.
However, as a Budget cannot be set in the absence of an Executive my Department has no budget allocated for 2022/23. Therefore I am considering the options I have to provide certainty in relation to the other grants that are normally provided to Local Government.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030015%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=368993","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=368993"}},{"id":"368992","reference":"AQW 30014/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-02-18","answerBy":"2022-03-07","answered":"2022-03-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities why funding under the Sub-Regional Stadia Programme for Soccer requires approval from the Executive.","answerText":"I reiterate that moving this Programme forward remains a priority for me as it has been since I took up office.\n\nMy officials have worked to provide a robust and up-to-date evidence base for the Programme by undertaking a Refresh and Re-engagement' exercise.\n\nThat work has been essential and has involved key stakeholders who have made a valuable contribution as members of the Advisory Working Group.\n\nDepartment’s officials continue to investigate facility needs identified through ongoing discussions with individual clubs and organisations.\n\nThis work is progressing at pace to enable the Programme to be launched and for the funding to be released. The Advisory Working Group continues to meet to provide advice and guidance to officials as the development work moves forward.\n\nThere are additional and immediate challenges created by the resignation of the First Minister and the consequent collapse of the Executive, which, in terms of the Sub-Regional Stadia Programme, means I cannot bring new proposals to the Executive for endorsement and agreement as would have been required.\n\nThese problems were not created by anyone in the football sector and I am determined that the sector does not suffer because of the actions of others. I remain determined to find a way around these difficulties to deliver the Sub-Regional Stadia Programme and the essential funding needed by football clubs.\n\nI met with representatives from IFA and NIFL, and have agreed to work with them to progress this project to application stage.\n\nI remain committed to moving this Programme forward and will continue to work to progress it. I am committed to working with fellow Ministers and key stakeholders to deliver for football at all levels.\n\nI have written to Ministers who remain in post asking them to support my efforts to progress this Programme as a matter of urgency.","answerHtml":"I reiterate that moving this Programme forward remains a priority for me as it has been since I took up office.
My officials have worked to provide a robust and up-to-date evidence base for the Programme by undertaking a Refresh and Re-engagement' exercise.
That work has been essential and has involved key stakeholders who have made a valuable contribution as members of the Advisory Working Group.
Department’s officials continue to investigate facility needs identified through ongoing discussions with individual clubs and organisations.
This work is progressing at pace to enable the Programme to be launched and for the funding to be released. The Advisory Working Group continues to meet to provide advice and guidance to officials as the development work moves forward.
There are additional and immediate challenges created by the resignation of the First Minister and the consequent collapse of the Executive, which, in terms of the Sub-Regional Stadia Programme, means I cannot bring new proposals to the Executive for endorsement and agreement as would have been required.
These problems were not created by anyone in the football sector and I am determined that the sector does not suffer because of the actions of others. I remain determined to find a way around these difficulties to deliver the Sub-Regional Stadia Programme and the essential funding needed by football clubs.
I met with representatives from IFA and NIFL, and have agreed to work with them to progress this project to application stage.
I remain committed to moving this Programme forward and will continue to work to progress it. I am committed to working with fellow Ministers and key stakeholders to deliver for football at all levels.
I have written to Ministers who remain in post asking them to support my efforts to progress this Programme as a matter of urgency.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030014%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=368992","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=368992"}},{"id":"368814","reference":"AQW 29959/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-02-17","answerBy":"2022-03-04","answered":"2022-02-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health what consideration has been given to changing the criteria for maintenance bursaries for medical students to being non-income assessed, in line with other UK regions.","answerText":"Health and student finance are devolved matters. The financial support available to healthcare students varies across the regions of the UK, depending upon where the student is ordinarily resident. Policy reflects the resources available to each administration and their assessment of workforce supply priorities.\n\nIt is therefore up to the Northern Ireland Executive to determine its own policy in this area. The current medical student support arrangements in Northern Ireland compare very favourably with other parts of the UK, for example in the level of fees levied.\n\nMoreover, the evidence available demonstrates that medical degree courses in Northern Ireland are extremely attractive and heavily oversubscribed which the vast majority of individuals see through to graduation.\n\nI therefore have no plans to change the current support arrangements.","answerHtml":"Health and student finance are devolved matters. The financial support available to healthcare students varies across the regions of the UK, depending upon where the student is ordinarily resident. Policy reflects the resources available to each administration and their assessment of workforce supply priorities.
It is therefore up to the Northern Ireland Executive to determine its own policy in this area. The current medical student support arrangements in Northern Ireland compare very favourably with other parts of the UK, for example in the level of fees levied.
Moreover, the evidence available demonstrates that medical degree courses in Northern Ireland are extremely attractive and heavily oversubscribed which the vast majority of individuals see through to graduation.
I therefore have no plans to change the current support arrangements.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029959%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=368814","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=368814"}},{"id":"368347","reference":"AQW 29829/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-02-15","answerBy":"2022-02-18","answered":"2022-02-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail the in-year Barnett consequential funding received but not yet allocated in the 2021-22 financial year due to the absence of an Executive.","answerText":"I can confirm that £111.3 million of Barnett consequentials have been received, but not yet allocated, since the January monitoring round.\n\n£100.1 million of this relates to the Council tax rebate in England and, in line with the Executive’s agreed approach, is being carried forward into 2022-23 to supplement next year’s Budget position. This flexibility has been agreed by the Treasury and this carry forward will not count against our Budget Exchange Limit.\n\nThe remaining £11.2 million Resource DEL Barnett consequential funding has not yet been allocated in the 2021-22 financial year. This is included in the remaining £95.0 million Resource DEL available for allocation in 2021-22 or carry-forward into 2022-23 through the Budget Exchange Scheme.\n\nIn order to ensure that the absence of an Executive does not lead to money being lost to Treasury, I have written to Executive colleagues outlining my intention to make £45 million of allocations in order to ensure that we do not exceed our carry-forward limit of £104.3 million. It would be my intention to carry-forward the remaining £50 million of unallocated funding into 2022-23.","answerHtml":"I can confirm that £111.3 million of Barnett consequentials have been received, but not yet allocated, since the January monitoring round.
£100.1 million of this relates to the Council tax rebate in England and, in line with the Executive’s agreed approach, is being carried forward into 2022-23 to supplement next year’s Budget position. This flexibility has been agreed by the Treasury and this carry forward will not count against our Budget Exchange Limit.
The remaining £11.2 million Resource DEL Barnett consequential funding has not yet been allocated in the 2021-22 financial year. This is included in the remaining £95.0 million Resource DEL available for allocation in 2021-22 or carry-forward into 2022-23 through the Budget Exchange Scheme.
In order to ensure that the absence of an Executive does not lead to money being lost to Treasury, I have written to Executive colleagues outlining my intention to make £45 million of allocations in order to ensure that we do not exceed our carry-forward limit of £104.3 million. It would be my intention to carry-forward the remaining £50 million of unallocated funding into 2022-23.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029829%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=368347","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=368347"}},{"id":"368346","reference":"AQW 29828/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-02-15","answerBy":"2022-03-02","answered":"2022-02-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance why guesthouses were excluded from the Omicron Hospitality Payment Scheme.","answerText":"While my department has stepped up, again, to deliver the Omicron Hospitality Payment on behalf of the Executive, I must emphasise that we do not have responsibility for business support. Neither do we have the expertise or information to make assessments about the particular needs of any business sector.\n\nThe Executive targeted support to the hospitality sector based on evidence put forward by the Department for the Economy that this was the sector which was the most severely affected by changes in consumer behaviour arising from the Omicron wave of the pandemic. I had asked the Economy Minister to consider whether there was a need for financial support for other business sectors. To date, the Department for the Economy has not provided any evidence or made any recommendations for financial support to businesses within the Guesthouse or B&B sector.\n\nUnfortunately, the current inability of the Executive to meet means that extending business support to other sectors may not be possible at this time.\n\nI would however highlight that some guesthouses and B&B’s, while having accommodation type certifications with Tourism NI, may also hold a liquor license. Where that is the case and the predominance of revenue is generated through the liquor license element of the business, they may be eligible for OHP.","answerHtml":"While my department has stepped up, again, to deliver the Omicron Hospitality Payment on behalf of the Executive, I must emphasise that we do not have responsibility for business support. Neither do we have the expertise or information to make assessments about the particular needs of any business sector.
The Executive targeted support to the hospitality sector based on evidence put forward by the Department for the Economy that this was the sector which was the most severely affected by changes in consumer behaviour arising from the Omicron wave of the pandemic. I had asked the Economy Minister to consider whether there was a need for financial support for other business sectors. To date, the Department for the Economy has not provided any evidence or made any recommendations for financial support to businesses within the Guesthouse or B&B sector.
Unfortunately, the current inability of the Executive to meet means that extending business support to other sectors may not be possible at this time.
I would however highlight that some guesthouses and B&B’s, while having accommodation type certifications with Tourism NI, may also hold a liquor license. Where that is the case and the predominance of revenue is generated through the liquor license element of the business, they may be eligible for OHP.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029828%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=368346","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=368346"}},{"id":"368345","reference":"AQW 29827/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-02-15","answerBy":"2022-03-02","answered":"2022-02-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the reasons for the delay to call-in planning application reference LA05/2018/1154/O following Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s decision to approve in April 2021.","answerText":"AQW 29827/17-22\n\nPlanning application LA05/2018/1154/O (for a mixed use development at Blaris, Lisburn, to include new housing (1300 dwellings) and commercial floor space (754,000 square feet), a 1.6km M1-Knockmore link road, riverside parkland and ancillary works) was notified to my Department on 12 May 2021. Under the terms of section 29 of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, it was subsequently referred to my Department (‘called in’) on 4 January 2022.\n\nWhilst the majority of notifications received by my Department are processed within 28 days of receipt, some are much more complex and require further time to consider. In such cases my Department has the power to extend this time, under the terms of Article 17 of the Planning (General Development Procedure) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015. This was the case in relation to the above planning application, but I can assure you that the decision was taken to ‘call in’ this application as soon as it was appropriate to do so.","answerHtml":"AQW 29827/17-22
Planning application LA05/2018/1154/O (for a mixed use development at Blaris, Lisburn, to include new housing (1300 dwellings) and commercial floor space (754,000 square feet), a 1.6km M1-Knockmore link road, riverside parkland and ancillary works) was notified to my Department on 12 May 2021. Under the terms of section 29 of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, it was subsequently referred to my Department (‘called in’) on 4 January 2022.
Whilst the majority of notifications received by my Department are processed within 28 days of receipt, some are much more complex and require further time to consider. In such cases my Department has the power to extend this time, under the terms of Article 17 of the Planning (General Development Procedure) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015. This was the case in relation to the above planning application, but I can assure you that the decision was taken to ‘call in’ this application as soon as it was appropriate to do so.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029827%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=368345","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=368345"}},{"id":"368344","reference":"AQW 29826/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-02-15","answerBy":"2022-03-02","answered":"2022-02-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 29233/17-22, what efforts are being made to ensure the timescales for Belfast Rapid Transit Phase 2 align with City Deal funding requirements.","answerText":"As outlined in my response to AQW 2933/17-22, work is progressing on the development of a Public Consultation Report and Outline Business Case, both of which are required to help inform the decision on a preferred route and progress the Belfast Rapid Transit Phase 2 (BRT2) project.\n\nWith regards to the alignment of BRT2 with Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD) funding, the £35m partial funding allocated by BRCD partners is insufficient to deliver the project. I remain committed to doing all that I can to deliver this priority project, and will work with BRCD partners and my ministerial colleagues in a bid to address the significant funding shortfall.","answerHtml":"As outlined in my response to AQW 2933/17-22, work is progressing on the development of a Public Consultation Report and Outline Business Case, both of which are required to help inform the decision on a preferred route and progress the Belfast Rapid Transit Phase 2 (BRT2) project.
With regards to the alignment of BRT2 with Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD) funding, the £35m partial funding allocated by BRCD partners is insufficient to deliver the project. I remain committed to doing all that I can to deliver this priority project, and will work with BRCD partners and my ministerial colleagues in a bid to address the significant funding shortfall.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029826%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=368344","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=368344"}},{"id":"368140","reference":"AQW 29748/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-02-14","answerBy":"2022-03-01","answered":"2022-02-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the Tillysburn Park and Ride project.","answerText":"You will be aware of my Department’s proposal to develop a Park and Ride site at Tillysburn, on ground situated between Holywood Road and Sydenham Bypass. This new Park and Ride at Tillysburn will, when it is built, provide around 500 spaces.\n\nIn March 2018, a public consultation on a Park & Ride proposal was undertaken. The Planning Application, that was intended to follow the consultation, was delayed to allow for design changes identified from that process to be incorporated. The design has subsequently been amended to address the access and traffic concerns raised in the consultation, specifically in relation to inclusion of a second entrance from the Sydenham By-pass, to supplement the main Holywood Road entrance. This will allow vehicles travelling on the A2 Belfast Road to directly access the Park & Ride facility.\n\nI am advised this amended proposal is currently undergoing a Pre-Application Discussion (PAD) ahead of a planning application. The PAD was submitted to Belfast City Council Planning Service on 5 August 2021 and their process of consultation with statutory consultees is ongoing.\n\nThis development will also integrate with a proposed new cycle route known as the Sydenham Greenway, linking Victoria Park and the Coastal path. On 11 February 2022, I launched a public consultation to gather views and comments on proposed walking and cycling infrastructure improvements (as part of the Sydenham Greenway project) between Belfast and North Down.\n\nI am committed to providing more choice for the travelling public as well as dealing with traffic congestion and tackling the climate emergency.","answerHtml":"You will be aware of my Department’s proposal to develop a Park and Ride site at Tillysburn, on ground situated between Holywood Road and Sydenham Bypass. This new Park and Ride at Tillysburn will, when it is built, provide around 500 spaces.
In March 2018, a public consultation on a Park & Ride proposal was undertaken. The Planning Application, that was intended to follow the consultation, was delayed to allow for design changes identified from that process to be incorporated. The design has subsequently been amended to address the access and traffic concerns raised in the consultation, specifically in relation to inclusion of a second entrance from the Sydenham By-pass, to supplement the main Holywood Road entrance. This will allow vehicles travelling on the A2 Belfast Road to directly access the Park & Ride facility.
I am advised this amended proposal is currently undergoing a Pre-Application Discussion (PAD) ahead of a planning application. The PAD was submitted to Belfast City Council Planning Service on 5 August 2021 and their process of consultation with statutory consultees is ongoing.
This development will also integrate with a proposed new cycle route known as the Sydenham Greenway, linking Victoria Park and the Coastal path. On 11 February 2022, I launched a public consultation to gather views and comments on proposed walking and cycling infrastructure improvements (as part of the Sydenham Greenway project) between Belfast and North Down.
I am committed to providing more choice for the travelling public as well as dealing with traffic congestion and tackling the climate emergency.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029748%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=368140","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=368140"}},{"id":"367585","reference":"AQW 29599/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-02-10","answerBy":"2022-02-15","answered":"2022-02-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether the absence of an Executive will have an impact on the ability to allocate additional Barnett consequentials received.","answerText":"I am currently seeking legal advice on this matter.","answerHtml":"I am currently seeking legal advice on this matter.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029599%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=367585","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=367585"}},{"id":"367484","reference":"AQO 3150/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-02-10","answerBy":"2022-02-22","answered":"2022-02-22","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for his response to the Fiscal Council’s assessment of the 2022-25 Draft Budget regarding proposed allocations to the Department of Justice.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr C Murphy (The Minister of Finance)","text":"I did not have the opportunity to be in the Chamber yesterday, so, before I answer the question, I want to add my condolences to those offered to the family, friends and colleagues of Christopher Stalford on his very sad loss. We will all be poorer for his passing. I have noted the views of the Fiscal Council and its view that the Department of Justice has done less well than other Departments when considering the combined impact of the required 2% savings and the general allocations provided. It is, however, worth noting that the Fiscal Council’s assessment did not take into account the other significant funding that was proposed for DOJ in the draft Budget, namely £44·4 million for the PSNI and £10·7 million for work on reducing and preventing domestic and sexual abuse. Further to that, DOJ would continue to receive security funding, which provides £31·2 million per annum for the three years outlined in the Budget. Of course, many pressures remain, and, throughout the Budget process, I have highlighted the significant financial challenges that we face. Simply, it remains the case that the funding available to us falls well short of what is required. As such, we must prioritise expenditure. On that issue, the Executive have consistently indicated that the priority is Health. The draft Budget reflected that, with the Department of Health receiving additional funding significantly above that received under Barnett. To do that, savings from other Departments, including the Department of Justice, were necessary. I welcome the views of the Fiscal Council and, indeed, all respondents to the draft Budget consultation. Those will be fully considered as and when the final Budget proposals are developed. It will be imperative that the Executive work collectively to find solutions to the financial challenges faced."},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"I thank the Minister for his response. The reality is that we do not have a new Budget for the next financial year, never mind the next three years, and the Fiscal Council's findings on the impact on the Department of Justice were clear. Does the Minister agree that we need not only a Budget but a Budget that keeps our communities safe and healthy? Will he reconsider his decision to terminate the consultation on the draft Budget?"},{"speaker":"Mr C Murphy","text":"I agree that we need a Budget. We need to ensure that there is an Executive in place to achieve that. I have taken advice on whether the Assembly can proceed with the Budget, but I have been advised that that is not possible. I agree with the Member that we need to ensure that communities are safe and protected. I have paused — not terminated — the consultation on the Budget. There is still a facility in the Department to receive input if people want to continue to make their views known on it, but there is no point in putting the Department and other public bodies through the process of responding to a Budget when the Executive are not in place to do anything about it. I hope, however that sense will prevail and that we will return at an early opportunity to deal with the Budget properly."},{"speaker":"Mr McGuigan","text":"Minister, the independent Fiscal Council said that a multi-year Budget provided a \"golden opportunity\" to reform public services, including to reform and improve our health service. Does he agree that it is disgraceful that this golden opportunity has been jeopardised by the DUP's reckless and selfish decision to collapse the Executive?"},{"speaker":"Mr C Murphy","text":"We have long recognised that the health service needs support in dealing with big issues such as cancer treatment, waiting lists and mental health provision. We have also recognised that transforming health services, as we have long wanted to do, would require multi-annual funding, and that recurrent funding is needed to allow us to employ the staff required to do that."},{"speaker":"","text":"There was the opportunity now, after a long number of years, to do that by getting the Budget agreed and by giving that certainty not just to the Health Department but to a whole range of Departments and other bodies that rely on funding through Departments. The fact that that certainty is not going to be there is, I think, a huge wasted opportunity. I could see some logic in the decision to pull out of the Executive if that were actually influencing the protocol negotiations, but they are going on regardless of what is happening in this institution. Surely, the logic is to come back in, get the Executive working and try to ensure that it is not the case that the only people who are being punished as a result of the standstill are the people whom we collectively represent."},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"I call Dolores Kelly."},{"speaker":"Mrs D Kelly","text":"I have been caught in the wrong spot altogether. On the recommendations for the Budget, the Department of Justice is saying that the Prison Service and, more particularly, the Police Service deal with vulnerable people, as you know and as I said before. What representations and recommendations have you had from the Fiscal Council about dealing with people with vulnerabilities across the piece?"},{"speaker":"Mr C Murphy","text":"The Fiscal Council did not get into making any recommendations on the Budget. It noted that the Department of Justice was particularly pressed, and I recognise that, if we were going to make the big commitment that we wanted to make and given that all parties agreed that Health should be the priority, that would put strain on other Departments. None of the Departments were receiving a reduction; they were all to receive an increase, but that increase was not at a level that Justice would need in order to do all the important things that it does. We had about £300 million additional to take into next year, so we had the opportunity to take that and allocate it to try to ease some of those pressures. That would have been very important for justice and policing to supplement their budgets, certainly for next year, but we will not now have the opportunity to do that either, and that is regrettable."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203150%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=367484","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2022-02-22&docID=368499#AQO%203150/17-22","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=367484"}},{"id":"367384","reference":"AQW 29516/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-02-09","answerBy":"2022-02-14","answered":"2022-02-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether the absence of an Executive will have an impact on being able to carry forward resource and capital funding from 2021-22 to 2022-23.","answerText":"The Executive can carry forward limited amounts each year through the Budget Exchange Scheme. Our current estimated limits for carry forward are £104.3 million Resource DEL, £25.3 million Capital DEL and £1.4 million Financial Transactions Capital.\n\nAny unallocated resources will automatically be carried forward into 2022-23 up to these limits, with any amounts over this being lost to Treasury with the exception of specific expenditure items that have separate carry-forward already agreed.\n\nThe resignation of the First Minister means that the Executive cannot meet to agree allocations and increases the risk that any unallocated funding could be lost to Treasury should the amount available exceed these limits.\n\nI am committed to ensuring that we utilise the funding available to us and I am currently exploring what options are available.","answerHtml":"The Executive can carry forward limited amounts each year through the Budget Exchange Scheme. Our current estimated limits for carry forward are £104.3 million Resource DEL, £25.3 million Capital DEL and £1.4 million Financial Transactions Capital.
Any unallocated resources will automatically be carried forward into 2022-23 up to these limits, with any amounts over this being lost to Treasury with the exception of specific expenditure items that have separate carry-forward already agreed.
The resignation of the First Minister means that the Executive cannot meet to agree allocations and increases the risk that any unallocated funding could be lost to Treasury should the amount available exceed these limits.
I am committed to ensuring that we utilise the funding available to us and I am currently exploring what options are available.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029516%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=367384","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=367384"}},{"id":"367267","reference":"AQW 29444/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-02-08","answerBy":"2022-02-11","answered":"2022-02-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether he intends to bring the Spring Supplementary Estimates and Vote on Account for debate before the end of the mandate.","answerText":"The Spring Supplementary Estimates and Vote on Account were laid in the Assembly on 9 February 2022, and the debate on the associated Supply Resolutions are scheduled for 21 February in line with the Order Papers and Provisional Indicative Timings recently published.","answerHtml":"The Spring Supplementary Estimates and Vote on Account were laid in the Assembly on 9 February 2022, and the debate on the associated Supply Resolutions are scheduled for 21 February in line with the Order Papers and Provisional Indicative Timings recently published.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029444%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=367267","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=367267"}},{"id":"367266","reference":"AQW 29443/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-02-08","answerBy":"2022-02-23","answered":"2022-02-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether he can bring forward a Budget Bill for the Assembly's consideration by end of the mandate.","answerText":"The Budget Bill is scheduled to be introduced into the Assembly on 21 February 2022 in line with the Order Papers and Provisional Indicative Timings recently published.","answerHtml":"The Budget Bill is scheduled to be introduced into the Assembly on 21 February 2022 in line with the Order Papers and Provisional Indicative Timings recently published.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029443%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=367266","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=367266"}},{"id":"367265","reference":"AQW 29442/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-02-08","answerBy":"2022-02-23","answered":"2022-02-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to outline the planned future use of Stormont House following the departure of the Northern Ireland Office.","answerText":"The Department of Finance is currently carrying out a technical assessment of the condition of the building for an options paper to inform the decision on the long-term plan for Stormont House.","answerHtml":"The Department of Finance is currently carrying out a technical assessment of the condition of the building for an options paper to inform the decision on the long-term plan for Stormont House.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029442%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=367265","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=367265"}},{"id":"367064","reference":"AQW 29375/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-02-07","answerBy":"2022-02-10","answered":"2022-02-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether he intends to bring The Rates (Regional Rates) Order to the Assembly before end of the Mandate to enable striking of the Regional Rate and dispatch of Rates Bills for 2022/23.","answerText":"I intend to bring the Regional Rates Order to the Assembly in the coming weeks to allow rate bills to be issued and to provide certainty for businesses and households with regards to their annual budgeting.","answerHtml":"I intend to bring the Regional Rates Order to the Assembly in the coming weeks to allow rate bills to be issued and to provide certainty for businesses and households with regards to their annual budgeting.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029375%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=367064","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=367064"}},{"id":"366818","reference":"AQW 29290/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-02-04","answerBy":"2022-02-21","answered":"2022-02-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether consideration has been given to providing motorists with increased advance notice to book their MOT test, in light of the current backlog.","answerText":"The Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) has steadily increased its vehicle testing capacity by adopting a range of measures including the recruitment of additional vehicle examiners, the use of overtime to provide cover for leave and sick absence and a reduction of the vehicle test appointment time. The DVA is also offering vehicle test appointments on a Sunday and bank holidays, at most test centres. Following conversion of an adjoining building at the Newbuildings test centre, additional testing capacity is now available to meet demand in the north-west.\n\nFrom 1 September to 31 December 2021, the DVA conducted 264,540 full vehicle tests, which is 8% more than the five-year average for those months. The DVA is monitoring the applications received and tests carried out and expect waiting times to reduce over time through the actions they have taken to increase vehicle testing capacity across the network.\n\nThe DVA currently issues reminder letters 6 weeks in advance of a vehicle’s MOT expiry date. The reminder letter encourages customers to book an MOT appointment as early as possible, which may mean having to travel to another test centre instead of their preferred location. The reminder letter also includes an advice leaflet, which sets out the position for those customers who may not be able to get their vehicles tested before the current MOT expires, due to the high demand for vehicle testing services at this time. This advice is also available on the NI Direct website.\n\nThe DVA will consider whether to extend the reminder letter notification period at the end of February, on the assumption that the COVID pandemic will have reached a more manageable position by that stage.","answerHtml":"The Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) has steadily increased its vehicle testing capacity by adopting a range of measures including the recruitment of additional vehicle examiners, the use of overtime to provide cover for leave and sick absence and a reduction of the vehicle test appointment time. The DVA is also offering vehicle test appointments on a Sunday and bank holidays, at most test centres. Following conversion of an adjoining building at the Newbuildings test centre, additional testing capacity is now available to meet demand in the north-west.
From 1 September to 31 December 2021, the DVA conducted 264,540 full vehicle tests, which is 8% more than the five-year average for those months. The DVA is monitoring the applications received and tests carried out and expect waiting times to reduce over time through the actions they have taken to increase vehicle testing capacity across the network.
The DVA currently issues reminder letters 6 weeks in advance of a vehicle’s MOT expiry date. The reminder letter encourages customers to book an MOT appointment as early as possible, which may mean having to travel to another test centre instead of their preferred location. The reminder letter also includes an advice leaflet, which sets out the position for those customers who may not be able to get their vehicles tested before the current MOT expires, due to the high demand for vehicle testing services at this time. This advice is also available on the NI Direct website.
The DVA will consider whether to extend the reminder letter notification period at the end of February, on the assumption that the COVID pandemic will have reached a more manageable position by that stage.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029290%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=366818","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=366818"}},{"id":"366817","reference":"AQW 29289/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-02-04","answerBy":"2022-02-21","answered":"2022-02-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department has undertaken an economic impact assessment of biennial MOT testing.","answerText":"I recently published a summary of the findings from the Call for Evidence which sought views on the potential introduction of biennial (every two years) MOT testing for cars, light goods vehicles and motorcycles. I can confirm that an economic impact assessment was not completed as part of that specific exercise. However, initial research was carried out into the potential impact of changes to the existing testing regime and this information was included in the background information in the Call for Evidence document.\n\nThe Department received a total of 1,224 responses from a wide range of individuals, groups, and those representing the industry, some of which set out potential economic impacts. Given the high volume of interest and the support for biennial MOT testing, I believe there is sufficient evidence to explore the next steps on a move to a biennial testing regime.\n\nI have therefore asked my officials to engage with key stakeholders, including the PSNI, automotive industry and the insurance industry and to commence work for a public consultation.\n\nFurther consultation is essential to ensure that there is a robust evidence base, including from a road safety perspective, to inform and underpin decisions, and a full economic impact (Regulatory Impact Assessment) will be undertaken as part of the next steps process.\n\nAny move to biennial testing will require new legislation in the new mandate.","answerHtml":"I recently published a summary of the findings from the Call for Evidence which sought views on the potential introduction of biennial (every two years) MOT testing for cars, light goods vehicles and motorcycles. I can confirm that an economic impact assessment was not completed as part of that specific exercise. However, initial research was carried out into the potential impact of changes to the existing testing regime and this information was included in the background information in the Call for Evidence document.
The Department received a total of 1,224 responses from a wide range of individuals, groups, and those representing the industry, some of which set out potential economic impacts. Given the high volume of interest and the support for biennial MOT testing, I believe there is sufficient evidence to explore the next steps on a move to a biennial testing regime.
I have therefore asked my officials to engage with key stakeholders, including the PSNI, automotive industry and the insurance industry and to commence work for a public consultation.
Further consultation is essential to ensure that there is a robust evidence base, including from a road safety perspective, to inform and underpin decisions, and a full economic impact (Regulatory Impact Assessment) will be undertaken as part of the next steps process.
Any move to biennial testing will require new legislation in the new mandate.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029289%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=366817","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=366817"}},{"id":"366687","reference":"AQW 29237/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-02-03","answerBy":"2022-02-08","answered":"2022-02-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the process for disposal of land if The Green Road, Conlig (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 is made.","answerText":"The making of an Abandonment Order relieves the Department of its maintenance responsibilities and in such a circumstance, the owner of the ‘bed and soil’ regains control of the land. If the Department is also the owner of abandoned lands, officials will also then take forward disposal of the surplus land.\n\nIn relation to the Green Road in Conlig, based on the information currently available my Department owns a small portion of land within the area that will be subject to The Green Road, Conlig (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022. If this process is completed satisfactorily, this land will then be disposed of in line with government disposal procedures which can be viewed via the following link: Government Disposal Procedures.","answerHtml":"The making of an Abandonment Order relieves the Department of its maintenance responsibilities and in such a circumstance, the owner of the ‘bed and soil’ regains control of the land. If the Department is also the owner of abandoned lands, officials will also then take forward disposal of the surplus land.
In relation to the Green Road in Conlig, based on the information currently available my Department owns a small portion of land within the area that will be subject to The Green Road, Conlig (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022. If this process is completed satisfactorily, this land will then be disposed of in line with government disposal procedures which can be viewed via the following link: Government Disposal Procedures.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029237%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=366687","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=366687"}},{"id":"366686","reference":"AQW 29236/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-02-03","answerBy":"2022-02-18","answered":"2022-02-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the status of the priority vehicle contact phoneline for MOTs.","answerText":"In respect of a DVA contact phone line for MOTs, 93.4% of all MOT bookings are made online through the DVA’s new booking system. MOT bookings and queries can also be made by telephone through NI Direct’s call centre by calling 0300 200 7862.\n\nFrom Monday 26 July 2021, the DVA reinstated normal vehicle test times, which has increased vehicle testing capacity across the network of test centres. From 1 September to 31 December 2021, the DVA conducted 264,540 full vehicle tests, which is 8% more than the five-year average for those months.\n\nAs of 8 February 2022, the DVA has confirmed that there are over 58,500 vehicle test appointments available across its network of centres up to 31 May 2022.\n\nThe DVA is currently experiencing significant demand for vehicle testing services and in some cases customers may not be able to have their vehicles tested before their current MOT certificate expires. In such cases, customers must book the earliest available test appointment for their vehicle, which may mean travelling to another test centre instead of their preferred location.\n\nThe DVA’s advice to customers who require an MOT to tax their vehicle and cannot secure a date before the MOT expires or have been advised by their insurer that they will not be covered if their vehicle does not have a valid MOT certificate is:\n\n• book the earliest available appointment;\n\n• keep checking the booking system for an appointment before their MOT expires.\n\nIf they get to within five days of the expiry date of their tax and they have been unable to secure an MOT appointment or your tax has expired, contact dva.customerservices@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk and the DVA will do their best to secure an urgent appointment for their vehicle. To date, all customers who have contacted the DVA in these circumstances have been offered an earlier appointment slot.\n\nThis advice is available on the NI Direct website and is also included as an insert with every MOT Reminder Letter issued to our customers.\n\nThe DVA have confirmed that any customer requiring an MOT to tax their vehicle will be given priority.","answerHtml":"In respect of a DVA contact phone line for MOTs, 93.4% of all MOT bookings are made online through the DVA’s new booking system. MOT bookings and queries can also be made by telephone through NI Direct’s call centre by calling 0300 200 7862.
From Monday 26 July 2021, the DVA reinstated normal vehicle test times, which has increased vehicle testing capacity across the network of test centres. From 1 September to 31 December 2021, the DVA conducted 264,540 full vehicle tests, which is 8% more than the five-year average for those months.
As of 8 February 2022, the DVA has confirmed that there are over 58,500 vehicle test appointments available across its network of centres up to 31 May 2022.
The DVA is currently experiencing significant demand for vehicle testing services and in some cases customers may not be able to have their vehicles tested before their current MOT certificate expires. In such cases, customers must book the earliest available test appointment for their vehicle, which may mean travelling to another test centre instead of their preferred location.
The DVA’s advice to customers who require an MOT to tax their vehicle and cannot secure a date before the MOT expires or have been advised by their insurer that they will not be covered if their vehicle does not have a valid MOT certificate is:
• book the earliest available appointment;
• keep checking the booking system for an appointment before their MOT expires.
If they get to within five days of the expiry date of their tax and they have been unable to secure an MOT appointment or your tax has expired, contact dva.customerservices@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk and the DVA will do their best to secure an urgent appointment for their vehicle. To date, all customers who have contacted the DVA in these circumstances have been offered an earlier appointment slot.
This advice is available on the NI Direct website and is also included as an insert with every MOT Reminder Letter issued to our customers.
The DVA have confirmed that any customer requiring an MOT to tax their vehicle will be given priority.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029236%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=366686","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=366686"}},{"id":"366685","reference":"AQW 29235/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-02-03","answerBy":"2022-02-18","answered":"2022-02-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for her assessment of current road safety standards in light of the MOT backlog.","answerText":"As Minister for Infrastructure part of my responsibility is promoting and improving road safety. This is a responsibility I take very seriously.\n\nThe Driver Vehicle Agency (DVA) will continue to monitor vehicle test pass rates through its published quarterly statistics. In addition, Analysis, Statistics and Research Branch annually produce a monitoring report on the current Road Safety Strategy using the most up to date data produced by PSNI. Included within the report is information on the causation of road traffic collisions. Regrettably, PSNI data continues to show that over 95% of road casualties are due to human error. The majority of collisions are caused by carelessness/inattention, driving at excessive speed or being impaired through alcohol/drugs.\n\nAs part of the Biennial MOT Call for Evidence, analysis has been undertaken to look at collisions which were caused by vehicle defects. The table below shows the number of casualties due to vehicle defects assigned by severity for the period 1st January 2015 to 31st December 2019.The table shows road traffic casualties for 2015 – 2019 and those caused by vehicles defects are in column 3 (and the proportion of overall casualties, in column 5).\n\nRoad traffic casualties by severity of injury – vehicle defects vs other causation factors 2015-2019\n\n1\t2\t3\t4\t5\nCasualties\tTotal\tVehicle Defects\tOther\t%\nVehicle Defects\nKilled\t316\t5\t311\t1.6%\nSeriously injured\t3,821\t53\t3,768\t1.4%\nSlightly injured\t41,967\t454\t41,513\t1.1%\nTotal\t46,104\t512\t45,592\t1.1%\n\nThe number of casualties with vehicle defects noted as a causation are low and that should not infer any indication of whether the vehicle was due an MOT or how recently the vehicle may have been through an MOT.\n\nIn addition, PSNI Statisticians have confirmed there were 33 fatal collisions between January 2020 and July 2020 and vehicle defect has not featured in either the primary or contributory causation factors for any of these 33 collisions.\n\nPublic consultation on the proposed content of the new Road Safety Strategy for Northern Ireland to 2030 was held between 15 November 2021 and 10 January 2022 (https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/consultations/infrastructure/consultation-document-road-safety-strategy2021.pdf)\n\nThe consultation document proposed three strategic outcomes that the new strategy will seek to achieve, one of which is Safe Vehicles, which recognises the positive contribution to road safety that well-maintained vehicles can bring in terms of reduced risk of collisions and harm to all road users.\n\nRoad safety remains a priority for me and I would remind drivers and riders that, regardless of the frequency of MOT testing, the statutory responsibility to ensure that a vehicle is roadworthy rests with the owner of the vehicle at all times.","answerHtml":"As Minister for Infrastructure part of my responsibility is promoting and improving road safety. This is a responsibility I take very seriously.
The Driver Vehicle Agency (DVA) will continue to monitor vehicle test pass rates through its published quarterly statistics. In addition, Analysis, Statistics and Research Branch annually produce a monitoring report on the current Road Safety Strategy using the most up to date data produced by PSNI. Included within the report is information on the causation of road traffic collisions. Regrettably, PSNI data continues to show that over 95% of road casualties are due to human error. The majority of collisions are caused by carelessness/inattention, driving at excessive speed or being impaired through alcohol/drugs.
As part of the Biennial MOT Call for Evidence, analysis has been undertaken to look at collisions which were caused by vehicle defects. The table below shows the number of casualties due to vehicle defects assigned by severity for the period 1st January 2015 to 31st December 2019.The table shows road traffic casualties for 2015 – 2019 and those caused by vehicles defects are in column 3 (and the proportion of overall casualties, in column 5).
Road traffic casualties by severity of injury – vehicle defects vs other causation factors 2015-2019
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Casualties | Total | Vehicle Defects | Other | % Vehicle Defects |
| Killed | 316 | 5 | 311 | 1.6% |
| Seriously injured | 3,821 | 53 | 3,768 | 1.4% |
| Slightly injured | 41,967 | 454 | 41,513 | 1.1% |
| Total | 46,104 | 512 | 45,592 | 1.1% |
The number of casualties with vehicle defects noted as a causation are low and that should not infer any indication of whether the vehicle was due an MOT or how recently the vehicle may have been through an MOT.
In addition, PSNI Statisticians have confirmed there were 33 fatal collisions between January 2020 and July 2020 and vehicle defect has not featured in either the primary or contributory causation factors for any of these 33 collisions.
Public consultation on the proposed content of the new Road Safety Strategy for Northern Ireland to 2030 was held between 15 November 2021 and 10 January 2022 (https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/consultations/infrastructure/consultation-document-road-safety-strategy2021.pdf)
The consultation document proposed three strategic outcomes that the new strategy will seek to achieve, one of which is Safe Vehicles, which recognises the positive contribution to road safety that well-maintained vehicles can bring in terms of reduced risk of collisions and harm to all road users.
Road safety remains a priority for me and I would remind drivers and riders that, regardless of the frequency of MOT testing, the statutory responsibility to ensure that a vehicle is roadworthy rests with the owner of the vehicle at all times.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029235%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=366685","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=366685"}},{"id":"366684","reference":"AQW 29234/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-02-03","answerBy":"2022-02-18","answered":"2022-02-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure why her Department cannot measure average lead times for securing a MOT test.","answerText":"The Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) does not currently hold information to enable it to accurately report the average waiting times for a vehicle test given that this position changes on a regular basis. However, as of 8 February 2022, the DVA has confirmed that over 58,500 vehicle test appointments were available across its network of centres up to 31 May 2022.\n\nFrom Monday 26 July 2021, the DVA reinstated normal vehicle test times, which has increased vehicle testing capacity across the network of test centres. From 1 September to 31 December 2021, the DVA conducted 264,540 full vehicle tests, which is 8% more than the five-year average for those months.\n\nThe DVA has steadily increased its vehicle testing capacity by adopting a range of measures including the recruitment of additional vehicle examiners, the use of overtime to provide cover for leave and sick absence and a reduction of the vehicle test appointment time. The DVA is also offering vehicle test appointments on a Sunday and bank holidays, at most test centres. Following conversion of an adjoining building at the Newbuildings test centre, additional testing capacity is now available to meet demand in the north-west.\n\nThe DVA are monitoring the applications received and tests carried out and expect waiting times to reduce over time through the actions they have taken to increase vehicle testing capacity across the network.","answerHtml":"The Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) does not currently hold information to enable it to accurately report the average waiting times for a vehicle test given that this position changes on a regular basis. However, as of 8 February 2022, the DVA has confirmed that over 58,500 vehicle test appointments were available across its network of centres up to 31 May 2022.
From Monday 26 July 2021, the DVA reinstated normal vehicle test times, which has increased vehicle testing capacity across the network of test centres. From 1 September to 31 December 2021, the DVA conducted 264,540 full vehicle tests, which is 8% more than the five-year average for those months.
The DVA has steadily increased its vehicle testing capacity by adopting a range of measures including the recruitment of additional vehicle examiners, the use of overtime to provide cover for leave and sick absence and a reduction of the vehicle test appointment time. The DVA is also offering vehicle test appointments on a Sunday and bank holidays, at most test centres. Following conversion of an adjoining building at the Newbuildings test centre, additional testing capacity is now available to meet demand in the north-west.
The DVA are monitoring the applications received and tests carried out and expect waiting times to reduce over time through the actions they have taken to increase vehicle testing capacity across the network.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029234%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=366684","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=366684"}},{"id":"366683","reference":"AQW 29233/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-02-03","answerBy":"2022-02-18","answered":"2022-02-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in light of the Belfast Rapid Transit Phase 2 consultation findings, to detail latest the timescales for (i) the completion of the consultation; and (ii) the finalisation of the proposed way forward.","answerText":"My officials and their transport consultants are currently considering the feedback received through the public consultation. This work is advancing and I have asked that it includes an assessment of alternative route proposals. A Public Consultation Report detailing these considerations and assessments will be published when ready. Following this, the Department will further develop the Outline Business Case, which will inform the selection of the preferred route. At this stage, it is too early to provide a timeline for the preferred route announcement.","answerHtml":"My officials and their transport consultants are currently considering the feedback received through the public consultation. This work is advancing and I have asked that it includes an assessment of alternative route proposals. A Public Consultation Report detailing these considerations and assessments will be published when ready. Following this, the Department will further develop the Outline Business Case, which will inform the selection of the preferred route. At this stage, it is too early to provide a timeline for the preferred route announcement.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029233%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=366683","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=366683"}},{"id":"366727","reference":"AQO 3141/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-02-03","answerBy":"2022-02-23","answered":"2022-02-23","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, in the absence of an agreed budget for the next financial year, what action she will take to mitigate the impact on her Department.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Miss McIlveen","text":"Education is facing unavoidable cost pressures and rising service demands associated with delivering statutory and policy obligations. The sector will require significantly more funding during this Budget period if we are to avoid a significant and detrimental impact on our children and young people. As I have said on many occasions, education is key to the future economic stability of our society, and we cannot afford to continue to neglect it through years of financial underfunding. The 2022-25 draft Budget had proposed allocating an additional £162 million towards pressures that are deemed to be inescapable or pre-committed, which are currently estimated to be about £376 million. However, without further additional funding, it would have been extremely challenging for my Department to implement a range of things, including the education actions in the Northern Ireland COVID recovery plan, the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act and any recommendations that will emanate from the independent review of education. I acknowledge that the absence of an agreed Budget for the next financial year will be a concern to our education stakeholders. I therefore recognise the need to provide as much clarity as possible to schools, the Education Authority, other non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) and relevant third-party organisations. I have agreed to my officials taking forward some budget planning to enable me to provide indicative allocations for schools and other organisations, pending the agreement of a final Budget in due course."},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"I thank the Minister for her response. The lack of an Executive, as a result of the DUP walking away, means that we cannot agree a Budget for the next financial year. That is causing great uncertainty and apprehension among the school community, including children and young people. Will the Minister reconsider her party's decision to walk away? How will being without a Budget for next year help the education of our young people?"},{"speaker":"Miss McIlveen","text":"I thank the Member for his question. As I said in my initial response, I acknowledge that there is concern. I have spoken to my officials, and we are looking to give some certainty where we can regarding the budget."},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"That ends the period for listed questions. We now move to 15 minutes of topical questions."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203141%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=366727","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2022-02-23&docID=368500#AQO%203141/17-22","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=366727"}},{"id":"366515","reference":"AQW 29144/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-02-02","answerBy":"2022-02-17","answered":"2022-02-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure why the publication of the Report on the Review of the Implementation of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 was delayed until 27 January 2022 following the conclusion of the consultation on 16 April 2021.","answerText":"A ‘Call for Evidence’ to assist in the preparation of the review report, was issued on 15 February 2021, and ran over an eight week period ending 16 April 2021. This was not a consultation exercise but rather, an evidence gathering exercise which attracted 55 complex, voluminous and detailed contributions from a range of stakeholders including, all 11 local councils, electricity/renewables and business sectors, environmental NGOs, community interests and some political parties.\n\nOfficials briefed the Committee for Infrastructure on 23 June 2021, with an overview of the broad themes which emerged from the analysis of responses to the Call for Evidence. Thereafter, further and more detailed analysis of the available evidence was undertaken which, together with the views and comments obtained through engagement with, for example, the Heads of Planning in local councils, provided the foundation for informed consideration of the suggestions for legislative and other change. This methodology culminated in the final review report together with its associated recommendations / actions being published on 27 January 2022.","answerHtml":"A ‘Call for Evidence’ to assist in the preparation of the review report, was issued on 15 February 2021, and ran over an eight week period ending 16 April 2021. This was not a consultation exercise but rather, an evidence gathering exercise which attracted 55 complex, voluminous and detailed contributions from a range of stakeholders including, all 11 local councils, electricity/renewables and business sectors, environmental NGOs, community interests and some political parties.
Officials briefed the Committee for Infrastructure on 23 June 2021, with an overview of the broad themes which emerged from the analysis of responses to the Call for Evidence. Thereafter, further and more detailed analysis of the available evidence was undertaken which, together with the views and comments obtained through engagement with, for example, the Heads of Planning in local councils, provided the foundation for informed consideration of the suggestions for legislative and other change. This methodology culminated in the final review report together with its associated recommendations / actions being published on 27 January 2022.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029144%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=366515","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=366515"}},{"id":"366260","reference":"AQW 29068/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-02-01","answerBy":"2022-02-16","answered":"2022-02-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy what support has been considered to help businesses cope with the recent increases in energy bills.","answerText":"Consumers are facing unprecedented increases in the price of fuels, especially natural gas and crude oil. These fuels are also used to generate the majority of our electricity.\n\nRegulation exists for the largest electricity domestic supplier in Northern Ireland as there is insufficient competition in the market to ensure a fair deal for domestic consumers. With a larger number of suppliers for business consumers, price regulation is driven by the market. However all consumers, including business customers, have the right to switch energy supplier and are protected in their dealings with energy companies through requirements in all energy supply licences.\n\nIn addition, Invest NI delivers a suite of support, including specialist advice and investment capital, to enable NI businesses to become more efficient and resilient through green efficiencies. This includes fully funded Technical Consultancy, a Resource Matching Service and the Resource Efficiency Capital Grant. This support helps businesses to optimise and futureproof their operations by implementing green efficiencies to achieve carbon savings and cost savings to mitigate the impact of rising energy costs.\n\nOne of the key objectives of the ‘Path to Net Zero Energy’, the new Energy Strategy, published on 16th December 2021, is to ensure that all businesses have access to essential and affordable energy to enable an adequate standard of competitiveness. The focus now turns to priorities for delivery to ensure that we maximise the benefits for our society and economy as soon as possible.","answerHtml":"Consumers are facing unprecedented increases in the price of fuels, especially natural gas and crude oil. These fuels are also used to generate the majority of our electricity.
Regulation exists for the largest electricity domestic supplier in Northern Ireland as there is insufficient competition in the market to ensure a fair deal for domestic consumers. With a larger number of suppliers for business consumers, price regulation is driven by the market. However all consumers, including business customers, have the right to switch energy supplier and are protected in their dealings with energy companies through requirements in all energy supply licences.
In addition, Invest NI delivers a suite of support, including specialist advice and investment capital, to enable NI businesses to become more efficient and resilient through green efficiencies. This includes fully funded Technical Consultancy, a Resource Matching Service and the Resource Efficiency Capital Grant. This support helps businesses to optimise and futureproof their operations by implementing green efficiencies to achieve carbon savings and cost savings to mitigate the impact of rising energy costs.
One of the key objectives of the ‘Path to Net Zero Energy’, the new Energy Strategy, published on 16th December 2021, is to ensure that all businesses have access to essential and affordable energy to enable an adequate standard of competitiveness. The focus now turns to priorities for delivery to ensure that we maximise the benefits for our society and economy as soon as possible.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029068%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=366260","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=366260"}},{"id":"366259","reference":"AQW 29067/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-02-01","answerBy":"2022-02-16","answered":"2022-02-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the organisations that her Department contacted seeking comments to accompany the media statement released by her Department on 27 January 2022 concerning the release of Report on the Review of the Implementation of the Planning Act (NI) 2011.","answerText":"Before its publication on 27 January 2022, the Department approached the Royal Town Planning Institute and the Construction Employers Federation NI to ask if they would consider the review report and its findings. Both bodies were subsequently content to provide comment on the report.","answerHtml":"Before its publication on 27 January 2022, the Department approached the Royal Town Planning Institute and the Construction Employers Federation NI to ask if they would consider the review report and its findings. Both bodies were subsequently content to provide comment on the report.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029067%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=366259","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=366259"}},{"id":"366258","reference":"AQW 29066/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-02-01","answerBy":"2022-02-16","answered":"2022-02-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what independent external oversight was sought concerning the Report on the Review of the Implementation of the Planning Act (NI) 2011.","answerText":"Section 228(1) of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 is affirmative and mandates that the Department must review and publish a report on the implementation of the Act. There is no provision in the legislation for the Department to appoint another person or body to undertake the review or to provide external oversight.","answerHtml":"Section 228(1) of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 is affirmative and mandates that the Department must review and publish a report on the implementation of the Act. There is no provision in the legislation for the Department to appoint another person or body to undertake the review or to provide external oversight.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029066%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=366258","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=366258"}},{"id":"366256","reference":"AQW 29064/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-02-01","answerBy":"2022-02-16","answered":"2022-02-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the external (i) organisations; and (ii) persons who were given advance sight of the Report on the Review of the Implementation of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 before publication on 27 January 2022.","answerText":"Before its publication on 27 January 2022, the Department approached the Royal Town Planning Institute, and the Construction Employers Federation NI to ask if they would consider the review report and its findings. Both bodies were subsequently content to provide comment on the report.","answerHtml":"Before its publication on 27 January 2022, the Department approached the Royal Town Planning Institute, and the Construction Employers Federation NI to ask if they would consider the review report and its findings. Both bodies were subsequently content to provide comment on the report.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029064%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=366256","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=366256"}},{"id":"365997","reference":"AQW 28995/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-01-31","answerBy":"2022-02-15","answered":"2022-02-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the envisaged budget for safety grants to reservoir managers once the relevant aspect of the Reservoirs Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 is commenced.","answerText":"Once the required legislation is in place, the Department can give further consideration to the provision of grants to reservoir managers. Any grant funding will be subject to public expenditure processes, including a viable business case exploring options, and the availability of funding.","answerHtml":"Once the required legislation is in place, the Department can give further consideration to the provision of grants to reservoir managers. Any grant funding will be subject to public expenditure processes, including a viable business case exploring options, and the availability of funding.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028995%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=365997","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=365997"}},{"id":"365996","reference":"AQW 28994/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-01-31","answerBy":"2022-02-15","answered":"2022-02-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the total amount of revenue derived from bus and rail ticket sales by Translink for the 2018/19 financial year, broken down by operating company.","answerText":"The table below outlines the total amount of revenue derived from bus and rail ticket sales by Translink for the 2018/19 financial year:\n\nUlsterbus\tMetro\tNIR\tTOTAL\n£'000\t£'000\t£'000\t£'000\nFare paying\t37,837\t26,861\t36,084\t100,782\n\nPlease note that this does not include concessionary fare sales.","answerHtml":"The table below outlines the total amount of revenue derived from bus and rail ticket sales by Translink for the 2018/19 financial year:
| Ulsterbus | Metro | NIR | TOTAL | |
| £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | |
| Fare paying | 37,837 | 26,861 | 36,084 | 100,782 |
Please note that this does not include concessionary fare sales.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028994%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=365996","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=365996"}},{"id":"365995","reference":"AQW 28993/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-01-31","answerBy":"2022-02-15","answered":"2022-02-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the total amount of money in reimbursements made to Translink under the Northern Ireland Concessionary Fares Scheme for the 2018/19 financial year, broken down by Concessionary Fares scheme type.","answerText":"The total amount of money in reimbursements made to Translink under the Northern Ireland Concessionary Fares Scheme for the 2018/19 financial year, broken down by Concessionary Fares scheme type is provided in the table below.\n\nScheme Type\t£m\nCross Border (ROI Residents 66+)\t0.203\nCross Border (NI Residents 65+)\t1.051\nBlind\t0.351\nROI residents (66+ free travel within NI)\t0.226\nO.A.Ps (NI Residents 65+)\t26.112\nChildren\t7.985\nWar Disabled\t0.194\nRegistered Half Fare Categories\t1.035\nFree Travel for 60-64's\t9.362\nScheme Administration Costs\t0.519\n47.038","answerHtml":"The total amount of money in reimbursements made to Translink under the Northern Ireland Concessionary Fares Scheme for the 2018/19 financial year, broken down by Concessionary Fares scheme type is provided in the table below.
| Scheme Type | £m |
| Cross Border (ROI Residents 66+) | 0.203 |
| Cross Border (NI Residents 65+) | 1.051 |
| Blind | 0.351 |
| ROI residents (66+ free travel within NI) | 0.226 |
| O.A.Ps (NI Residents 65+) | 26.112 |
| Children | 7.985 |
| War Disabled | 0.194 |
| Registered Half Fare Categories | 1.035 |
| Free Travel for 60-64's | 9.362 |
| Scheme Administration Costs | 0.519 |
| 47.038 |
The Executive agreed the Omicron Hospitality Support scheme on 23 December.
On 13 January I met with representatives of the hotel sector to listen to their concerns that they did not qualify for the scheme. I agreed that they needed to be supported but, as it would take time to establish a new grant support scheme specifically for hotels, it was preferable to seek their inclusion in the existing Omicron Hospitality Support scheme in order to get support to them in a timely fashion.
For this reason, rather than bidding for funding as part of the January monitoring round, I instead wrote to the Finance Minister on two occasions (29 December and 22 January) urging him to extend the scheme to the hotel sector.
I am delighted that the Executive has now agreed to extend the scheme to the hotel sector thereby providing much needed support to this vital industry. This payment will be between £10,000 and £20,000 dependent on the rateable value of the property.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028992%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=365994","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=365994"}},{"id":"365993","reference":"AQW 28991/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-01-31","answerBy":"2022-02-15","answered":"2022-02-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure why no other planning applications, apart from LA06/2020/0097/F, were previously called in by her Department due to Clandeboye Lake, Bangor.","answerText":"The power of my Department to ‘call in’ an application for planning permission, under section 29 of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, is a necessary safeguard where there are applications that raise issues of such importance that their impact is considered to extend to a sub-regional or regional level. Whilst this is a wide power, it is anticipated that it would only be used in exceptional circumstances as it is recognised that councils are best placed to deal with the vast majority of applications within their own area.\n\nYou may be aware that my Department has been notified by Ards and North Down Borough Council in relation to planning application reference: LA06/2020/0097/F (proposed redevelopment of Queen’s Parade) under the Planning (Notification of Applications) Direction 2017. Notification to my Department was required due to the council’s resolution to grant approval for the application where it had received a significant objection from a statutory consultee, in this instance a consultee from within my Department in relation to flood risk. Whilst planning application LA06/2020/0097/F has therefore been notified to my Department, it has not, to date, been ‘called in’.","answerHtml":"The power of my Department to ‘call in’ an application for planning permission, under section 29 of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, is a necessary safeguard where there are applications that raise issues of such importance that their impact is considered to extend to a sub-regional or regional level. Whilst this is a wide power, it is anticipated that it would only be used in exceptional circumstances as it is recognised that councils are best placed to deal with the vast majority of applications within their own area.
You may be aware that my Department has been notified by Ards and North Down Borough Council in relation to planning application reference: LA06/2020/0097/F (proposed redevelopment of Queen’s Parade) under the Planning (Notification of Applications) Direction 2017. Notification to my Department was required due to the council’s resolution to grant approval for the application where it had received a significant objection from a statutory consultee, in this instance a consultee from within my Department in relation to flood risk. Whilst planning application LA06/2020/0097/F has therefore been notified to my Department, it has not, to date, been ‘called in’.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028991%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=365993","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=365993"}},{"id":"365774","reference":"AQW 28935/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-01-28","answerBy":"2022-02-14","answered":"2022-02-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) whether the protocol for engagement with local councils regarding called-in applications has been changed recently; and (ii) the rationale for the change.","answerText":"The procedural guidance on the call in process, which includes the process for calling in applications from local councils, can be found in the Department’s Development Management Practice Note 13, “Notification and CalI in of Applications”, published in May 2016. Neither the published guidance nor the relevant legislation has been amended so as to change the protocol for engagement with local councils regarding called-in applications.","answerHtml":"The procedural guidance on the call in process, which includes the process for calling in applications from local councils, can be found in the Department’s Development Management Practice Note 13, “Notification and CalI in of Applications”, published in May 2016. Neither the published guidance nor the relevant legislation has been amended so as to change the protocol for engagement with local councils regarding called-in applications.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028935%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=365774","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=365774"}},{"id":"365773","reference":"AQW 28934/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-01-28","answerBy":"2022-02-14","answered":"2022-02-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the roads maintenance capital funding, for each financial year since 2007/08.","answerText":"Financial records are not retained by my Department prior to 2009-10. However I can provide you with expenditure on Capital Structural Maintenance covering the financial years from 2009-10 to 2020-21, and the forecast expenditure for 2021-22 as set out in the table below:\n\nFinancial Year\t£’millions\n2009-10\t63\n2010-11\t61\n2011-12\t88\n2012-13\t84\n2013-14\t106\n2014-15\t80\n2015-16\t41\n2016-17\t76\n2017-18\t54\n2018-19\t92\n2019-20\t93\n2020-21\t83\n2021-22\n(forecast)\t85\n\nThe expenditure in 2020-21 and the forecasted expenditure for 2021-22 includes my decision to prioritise £12m and £17m respectively, to a road recovery fund, of which £10m and £15m was allocated specifically to benefit rural roads.\n\nExpenditure will have been determined by budget availability and capacity in a given year.\n\nCapital Structural Maintenance includes Carriageway and Footway resurfacing, Asphalt Patching, Surface Dressing, and Structural Drainage and Stability.","answerHtml":"Financial records are not retained by my Department prior to 2009-10. However I can provide you with expenditure on Capital Structural Maintenance covering the financial years from 2009-10 to 2020-21, and the forecast expenditure for 2021-22 as set out in the table below:
| Financial Year | £’millions |
| 2009-10 | 63 |
| 2010-11 | 61 |
| 2011-12 | 88 |
| 2012-13 | 84 |
| 2013-14 | 106 |
| 2014-15 | 80 |
| 2015-16 | 41 |
| 2016-17 | 76 |
| 2017-18 | 54 |
| 2018-19 | 92 |
| 2019-20 | 93 |
| 2020-21 | 83 |
| 2021-22 (forecast) | 85 |
The expenditure in 2020-21 and the forecasted expenditure for 2021-22 includes my decision to prioritise £12m and £17m respectively, to a road recovery fund, of which £10m and £15m was allocated specifically to benefit rural roads.
Expenditure will have been determined by budget availability and capacity in a given year.
Capital Structural Maintenance includes Carriageway and Footway resurfacing, Asphalt Patching, Surface Dressing, and Structural Drainage and Stability.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028934%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=365773","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=365773"}},{"id":"365421","reference":"AQW 28868/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-01-27","answerBy":"2022-02-11","answered":"2022-02-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities for a breakdown of (i) capital; and (ii) resource expenditure incurred by her Department on the Queen’s Parade development, Bangor, since her Department, and the legacy departments, became involved.","answerText":"My Department has spent a total of £10.27m in site acquisition and maintenance on the Queen’s Parade project.\n\nThis can be broken down as follows:\n\nCapital expenditure of £8.81m; and\n\nResource expenditure of £1.46m (up to 31st December 2021)","answerHtml":"My Department has spent a total of £10.27m in site acquisition and maintenance on the Queen’s Parade project.
This can be broken down as follows:
Capital expenditure of £8.81m; and
Resource expenditure of £1.46m (up to 31st December 2021)
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028868%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=365421","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=365421"}},{"id":"365420","reference":"AQW 28867/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-01-27","answerBy":"2022-02-11","answered":"2022-02-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for a breakdown of roads maintenance capital funding bids made during monitoring rounds since the re-establishment of devolution in 2007, broken down by each separate monitoring round.","answerText":"Financial records are not retained by my Department prior to 2009-10. However, I can provide you with a breakdown of roads maintenance capital funding bids made during monitoring rounds from 2009-10 until 2021-22, and this is detailed in the table below.\n\nYear\tMonitoring Round\tBid\n£m\n2009-10\tSeptember\t36\nDecember\t12\nFebruary\t5\n2010-11\tJune\t41\nSeptember\t34\n2011-12\tJune\t53.5\nOctober\t20\nJanuary\t15\n2012-13\tJune\t40\nOctober\t20.5\nJanuary\t18\n2013-14\tJune\t61\nOctober\t40\nJanuary\t9\n2014-15\tJune\t80.1\nOctober\t45\n2015-16\tNovember\t23\n2016-17\tJune\t40\n2017-18\tDecember\t13\nJanuary\t11.5\n2018-19\tJune\t25\nOctober\t17\nJanuary\t11\n2019-20\tSeptember\t10\n2020-21\tOctober\t4.5\n\nThe capacity of my Department to deliver road schemes is influenced by the capacity within both our design teams and contractors within a given financial year.\n\nIn relation to the current year, 2021-22, the capital budget currently being spent by my Department represents the largest ever capital budget.\n\nFollowing legal challenges to the award of Structural Maintenance contracts and a re-assessment of progress on the development of the interim procurement strategy, the capacity of our internal and external resources and the need to ensure all current capital programmes are delivered by 31 March 2022, no further bids were put forward for structural maintenance this financial year.","answerHtml":"Financial records are not retained by my Department prior to 2009-10. However, I can provide you with a breakdown of roads maintenance capital funding bids made during monitoring rounds from 2009-10 until 2021-22, and this is detailed in the table below.
| Year | Monitoring Round | Bid £m |
| 2009-10 | September | 36 |
| December | 12 | |
| February | 5 | |
| 2010-11 | June | 41 |
| September | 34 | |
| 2011-12 | June | 53.5 |
| October | 20 | |
| January | 15 | |
| 2012-13 | June | 40 |
| October | 20.5 | |
| January | 18 | |
| 2013-14 | June | 61 |
| October | 40 | |
| January | 9 | |
| 2014-15 | June | 80.1 |
| October | 45 | |
| 2015-16 | November | 23 |
| 2016-17 | June | 40 |
| 2017-18 | December | 13 |
| January | 11.5 | |
| 2018-19 | June | 25 |
| October | 17 | |
| January | 11 | |
| 2019-20 | September | 10 |
| 2020-21 | October | 4.5 |
The capacity of my Department to deliver road schemes is influenced by the capacity within both our design teams and contractors within a given financial year.
In relation to the current year, 2021-22, the capital budget currently being spent by my Department represents the largest ever capital budget.
Following legal challenges to the award of Structural Maintenance contracts and a re-assessment of progress on the development of the interim procurement strategy, the capacity of our internal and external resources and the need to ensure all current capital programmes are delivered by 31 March 2022, no further bids were put forward for structural maintenance this financial year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028867%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=365420","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=365420"}},{"id":"365419","reference":"AQW 28866/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-01-27","answerBy":"2022-02-11","answered":"2022-02-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the establishment of an independent Infrastructure Commission.","answerText":"I was pleased to see my proposal for the establishment of an Infrastructure Commission here included as a key action in the Executive’s Covid-19 Recovery Plan. A cross-departmental group, led by TEO, has been established to progress this matter and you may wish to contact the Executive Office direct for further information.\n\nI continue to offer my support and that of my officials, to this group and hope that rapid progress can be made to deliver on this key commitment given it is, I believe, the game changer our economy, environment and community needs.","answerHtml":"I was pleased to see my proposal for the establishment of an Infrastructure Commission here included as a key action in the Executive’s Covid-19 Recovery Plan. A cross-departmental group, led by TEO, has been established to progress this matter and you may wish to contact the Executive Office direct for further information.
I continue to offer my support and that of my officials, to this group and hope that rapid progress can be made to deliver on this key commitment given it is, I believe, the game changer our economy, environment and community needs.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028866%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=365419","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=365419"}},{"id":"365418","reference":"AQW 28865/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-01-27","answerBy":"2022-02-11","answered":"2022-02-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in relation to rail services to and from Derry~Londonderry on a permanent basis, what plans there are to increase the frequency of trains (i) at peak times before 0900 and between 1600 to 1800; (ii) on Sundays; and (iii) later than 2110 from Belfast.","answerText":"Since coming into office, I have been clear that my priority is addressing regional imbalance, better connecting communities and, importantly, ensuring that we shape our places around our people, for our people and with our people.\n\nMy Department has submitted a bid of £2.8m to enhance services on the Belfast – Derry Line for the period 2021-22 to 2024-25 from New Decade New Approach Unique Circumstances Funding administered by the Northern Ireland Office. The bid included proposals for the enhancement of services containing:\n\nan hourly Derry –Coleraine frequency on a Sunday;\n\nan additional early morning service from Derry to Belfast connecting with the 08.00hrs Enterprise service to Dublin; and\n\nan additional later night Saturday service from Belfast arriving in Derry at 0:44 hours\n\nFunding has not yet been made available in respect of this bid however my Department and Translink remain ready to implement these enhancements should it be made available.","answerHtml":"Since coming into office, I have been clear that my priority is addressing regional imbalance, better connecting communities and, importantly, ensuring that we shape our places around our people, for our people and with our people.
My Department has submitted a bid of £2.8m to enhance services on the Belfast – Derry Line for the period 2021-22 to 2024-25 from New Decade New Approach Unique Circumstances Funding administered by the Northern Ireland Office. The bid included proposals for the enhancement of services containing:
an hourly Derry –Coleraine frequency on a Sunday;
an additional early morning service from Derry to Belfast connecting with the 08.00hrs Enterprise service to Dublin; and
an additional later night Saturday service from Belfast arriving in Derry at 0:44 hours
Funding has not yet been made available in respect of this bid however my Department and Translink remain ready to implement these enhancements should it be made available.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028865%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=365418","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=365418"}},{"id":"365292","reference":"AQW 28781/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-01-26","answerBy":"2022-02-10","answered":"2022-02-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities how her Department will ensure that any subordinate legislation on extending the ability of district councils to hold remote council meetings throughout 2022 is passed before the end of the Assembly mandate.","answerText":"As stated in response to AQW27168/17-22, the Local Government (Meetings and Performance) Act 2021 provides my Department with an enabling power to make subordinate legislation to provide councils with the flexibility to hold remote/hybrid meetings post-March 2022.","answerHtml":"As stated in response to AQW27168/17-22, the Local Government (Meetings and Performance) Act 2021 provides my Department with an enabling power to make subordinate legislation to provide councils with the flexibility to hold remote/hybrid meetings post-March 2022.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028781%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=365292","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=365292"}},{"id":"365291","reference":"AQW 28780/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-01-26","answerBy":"2022-02-10","answered":"2022-02-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, given delays to remedial works, whether her Department has carried out a health and safety risk assessment on Pattons Lane, Holywood.","answerText":"My Department carries out routine safety inspections to identify and action repairs to defects which meet the current intervention threshold as opposed to undertaking a health and safety risk assessment for routine maintenance works.\n\nI can advise that my Department is continuing to progress design work to facilitate the combined delivery of resurfacing at Patton’s Lane, Gray’s Lane and High Street, Holywood with delivery scheduled for later this year pending the anticipated award of a new resurfacing contract. In the interim my Department will continue to carry out routine inspections and repairs in accordance with our current maintenance policy.","answerHtml":"My Department carries out routine safety inspections to identify and action repairs to defects which meet the current intervention threshold as opposed to undertaking a health and safety risk assessment for routine maintenance works.
I can advise that my Department is continuing to progress design work to facilitate the combined delivery of resurfacing at Patton’s Lane, Gray’s Lane and High Street, Holywood with delivery scheduled for later this year pending the anticipated award of a new resurfacing contract. In the interim my Department will continue to carry out routine inspections and repairs in accordance with our current maintenance policy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028780%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=365291","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=365291"}},{"id":"365290","reference":"AQW 28779/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-01-26","answerBy":"2022-02-10","answered":"2022-02-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether any consideration is being given to make the current arrangements for MOT tests permanent, alongside providing accommodation to shelter motorists.","answerText":"The Driver and Vehicle Agency’s current arrangements for vehicle testing are based on Generic Risk Assessments of the respective processes being conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. These Assessments are regularly reviewed and amended if necessary to ensure that the health, safety and welfare of staff and customers is maintained so far as is reasonably practicable.\n\nTo comply with public health guidance in relation to social distancing, the DVA has had to take steps to reduce the number of people in its test halls. Reception areas are available for shelter and the public toilets are open, however, during busy periods the maximum number of customers that can be safely accommodated can be reached, meaning some customers may need to remain outside. For this reason customers are advised in their reminder notice and booking appointment confirmation, to come prepared for the weather as they may need to remain outside for the duration of the test.\n\nThe DVA will continue to monitor PHA advice and guidance over the coming weeks with a view to resuming its normal MOT service with customers back in the test hall during the testing process. Any changes to its processes will be communicated to customers through NI Direct and social media channels.","answerHtml":"The Driver and Vehicle Agency’s current arrangements for vehicle testing are based on Generic Risk Assessments of the respective processes being conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. These Assessments are regularly reviewed and amended if necessary to ensure that the health, safety and welfare of staff and customers is maintained so far as is reasonably practicable.
To comply with public health guidance in relation to social distancing, the DVA has had to take steps to reduce the number of people in its test halls. Reception areas are available for shelter and the public toilets are open, however, during busy periods the maximum number of customers that can be safely accommodated can be reached, meaning some customers may need to remain outside. For this reason customers are advised in their reminder notice and booking appointment confirmation, to come prepared for the weather as they may need to remain outside for the duration of the test.
The DVA will continue to monitor PHA advice and guidance over the coming weeks with a view to resuming its normal MOT service with customers back in the test hall during the testing process. Any changes to its processes will be communicated to customers through NI Direct and social media channels.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028779%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=365290","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=365290"}},{"id":"365289","reference":"AQW 28778/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-01-26","answerBy":"2022-02-10","answered":"2022-02-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) to outline the proposed timescales for delivery of Phase 3 of the Derry~Londonderry to Coleraine line upgrade; and (ii) whether this will involve night working or complete line closure.","answerText":"I am pleased to inform you that work on the feasibility study is now complete and I can confirm that it has outlined various options for the redevelopment of this vitally important railway line.\n\nThe options identified in the study will now be fully examined in an Outline Business Case which is currently being prepared. This will allow the Department to consider the project including its value for money and, if approved, this process will ensure that all spend is informed with high-level assurance on costs, risks and benefit realisation.\n\nIf the Outline Business Case is approved and funding is allocated for this project, it is anticipated that construction will commence in 2025 and complete by 2027.\n\nThe feasibility study has demonstrated that construction for this project will mainly require a line closure supported by night time working. I can confirm that the line closure is not anticipated for the full construction period however this will be fully communicated to stakeholders and citizens should the project progress.","answerHtml":"I am pleased to inform you that work on the feasibility study is now complete and I can confirm that it has outlined various options for the redevelopment of this vitally important railway line.
The options identified in the study will now be fully examined in an Outline Business Case which is currently being prepared. This will allow the Department to consider the project including its value for money and, if approved, this process will ensure that all spend is informed with high-level assurance on costs, risks and benefit realisation.
If the Outline Business Case is approved and funding is allocated for this project, it is anticipated that construction will commence in 2025 and complete by 2027.
The feasibility study has demonstrated that construction for this project will mainly require a line closure supported by night time working. I can confirm that the line closure is not anticipated for the full construction period however this will be fully communicated to stakeholders and citizens should the project progress.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028778%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=365289","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=365289"}},{"id":"365288","reference":"AQW 28777/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-01-26","answerBy":"2022-02-10","answered":"2022-02-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to list the descriptions and planning reference numbers for all (i) Regionally Significant Developments; and (ii) Called-in Applications currently being considered by her Department, alongside the number of weeks since each application was received or called-in.","answerText":"Data extracted from my Department’s Planning Portal shows the following list of live regionally Significant and Called-in planning applications (including retained applications) with my Department up to 30 September 2021. This is taken from the latest published information.\n\nFigures up until the end of December 2021 will be published on 31 March 2022.\n\nCALLED IN APPLICATIONS\n\nApplication No.\tDescription\tWeeks since called in\nT/2005/0977/F\n(retained)\tConstruction of a Waste Transfer & Recycling Facility for Construction & Demolition Wastes (Amended proposal and Receipt of Further Environmental Information)\t825\nT/2005/1054/F\n(retained)\tLandfill Facility for inert Construction and Demolition Wastes (Amended Proposal and Receipt of Further Environmental Information)\t821\nH/2009/0270/F\tWorks to listed buildings to include: the extension, and conversion of the former Art Deco Building into a new factory (extending to 4,030 sq metres); change of use and retention of 1a for car parking; change of use and retention of 14a as a communal space\t328\nH/2009/0271/LB\tWorks to listed buildings to include: the extension, and conversion of the former Art Deco Building into a new factory (extending to 4,030 sq metres); change of use and retention of 1a for car parking; change of use and retention of 14a as a communal space\t328\nLA04/2017/0541/HSC\tThe storage/use of Gas Oil, Propane/Butane, Hydrogen and Natural Gas.\t227\nLA01/2017/0689/F\tRetention and Part refurbishment/restoration of the structural walls, shop fronts and roofs of both No 39 and 41 Main Street and demolition of the residual elements of the listed building within the full extent of the site at 39-41 Main Street and 2 Atlantic Avenue Portrush, so as to erect a three to five storey, 87 bedroom hotel with a restaurant, bar and all associated ancillary services (Additional Information received : Bat Roost Potential Survey received 29 June 2020)\t109\nLA01/2018/0446/LBC\tRetention and part refurbishment/restoration of the structural walls, shop fronts and roofs of both No. 39 and 41 Main Street and demolition of the residual elements of the listed building within the full extent of the site at 39-41 Main Street and 2 Atlantic Avenue Portrush, so as to erect a three to five storey, 87 bedroom hotel with a restaurant, bar and all associated ancillary services (Additional Information received : Bat Roost Potential Survey received 29 June 2020)\t109\nLA10/2019/1386/F\t33kV power line involving both construction of above ground 33kV overhead line supported by wooden poles and underground 33kV cable laid below ground level in ducts, to serve Curraghinalt mine (currently under consideration planning application LA10/2017/1249/F)\t92\nLA11/2019/1000/F\t33kV power line involving both construction of above ground 33kV overhead line supported by wooden poles and underground 33kV cable laid below ground level in ducts, to serve Curraghinalt mine (currently under consideration planning application LA10/2017/1249/F)\t92\nLA09/2019/0024/O\tOutline planning application to support future mixed use and enterprise centre/ business units which will be subject to Reserved Matters Planning Applications submitted by purchasers of plots from Mid Ulster District Council\t48\nLA09/2019/0025/F\tProposed development of existing brown field site for development of new internal access road/footpaths, improved access include right hand turning lane, alteration of existing levels to provide platforms for future development, installation of utilities, installation of site fencing, clearance of undergrowth vegetation and associated site works to support future mixed use and enterprise centre/business units (As amended)\t48\n\nREGIONALLY SIGNIFICANT APPLICATIONS\n\nApplication No\tDescription\tNo of weeks in system\nLA03/2015/0234/F\tConstruction and operation of a solar farm. Development comprises photo-voltaic panels on mounting frames; 1 No. substation; 18 No. Inverter stations; 21 No. CCTV cameras (3m high poles); 2.45m high perimeter fence; upgrading of 2 No. existing accesses onto Whappstown Road; internal service tracks; 2 No. temporary construction compounds; and additional landscaping to augment existing.\t327\nLA10/2017/1249/F\tUnderground valuable minerals mining and exploration, surface level development including processing plant and other associated development and ancillary works, Greencastle, County Tyrone. Please see application form P1, sheet 1 for full project description\t201\nLA02/2020/0458/F\tErection of a windfarm comprising 14 (three-bladed) horizontal axis wind turbines, each up to a maximum of 149.9 m to tip height, with a total installed capacity of up to 58.8 MW. The Development would include an upgraded site entrance, access tracks, crane hardstandings, control building and substation compound, electricity transformers, underground cabling, energy storage containers and drainage works. During construction and commissioning there will be a number of temporary works including enabling works compound and construction compound with car parking, temporary parts of crane hardstanding, welfare facilities and off-site road widenings into 3rd party lands on the Brustin Brae Road, Ballycoose Road and Feystown Road.\t53\nH/2009/0264/O\n(retained)\tDemolition of unlisted buildings to facilitate the heritage led regeneration (restoration and retention of listed mill buildings) of the former William Clark and Sons Linen Mill complex incorporating: residential development, leisure and recreational uses community facilities including museum/exhibition space and other associated site works.\t646\nP/2015/0218/F\n(retained)\tConstruction of a wind farm comprising 8 no. wind turbines (tip height not exceeding 142.5 metres), and electrical substation and control building, construction of internal access tracks, spoil deposition areas, temporary construction compound, formation of passing bays on Mullaghgarriff Road, delivery route improvements at Rostrevor Road, junction improvements at Rostrevor/Mullaghgarriff Road and all associated ancillary works.\t340\n\nMy Department’s Strategic Planning Directorate is also continuing to process the arc21 planning application (T/2014/0114/F), which was remitted back to the Department by the Courts following the original grant of permission.\n\nYou will note the extensive timescales taken to process some of these applications. The timescales reflect the inherent complexity and often controversial nature of some of these applications, the volume of information comprising the application, the level of representations received, the conducting of Inquiry and Hearings into the applications and the tendency for legal challenges to a number of these controversial proposals. For example, the two oldest called in applications have previously been recommended for approval by the Department but those decisions have been contested and so the applications remain live.\n\nI very much recognise the need to improve performance in the planning system, and my Department is undertaking a number of actions to address this. My Department commissioned a report into the role of statutory consultees in the planning process, which contained a number of recommendations with the aim of improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the planning process, particularly with regard to major and “economically sensitive” planning applications.\n\nI am also aware of the pressures across the planning system and that statutory consultees are currently facing unprecedented increases in consultations (both statutory and non-statutory), and ever more complex consultations, all within constrained resources. I have recently raised the resourcing issue around planning consultations with the Finance Minister, and a funding requirement for the additional staff needed within my Department to ensure that this important work is placed on a sustainable and improved footing has also been included as an inescapable resource bid in the 2022/25 budget exercise.","answerHtml":"Data extracted from my Department’s Planning Portal shows the following list of live regionally Significant and Called-in planning applications (including retained applications) with my Department up to 30 September 2021. This is taken from the latest published information.
Figures up until the end of December 2021 will be published on 31 March 2022.
CALLED IN APPLICATIONS
| Application No. | Description | Weeks since called in |
| T/2005/0977/F (retained) | Construction of a Waste Transfer & Recycling Facility for Construction & Demolition Wastes (Amended proposal and Receipt of Further Environmental Information) | 825 |
| T/2005/1054/F (retained) | Landfill Facility for inert Construction and Demolition Wastes (Amended Proposal and Receipt of Further Environmental Information) | 821 |
| H/2009/0270/F | Works to listed buildings to include: the extension, and conversion of the former Art Deco Building into a new factory (extending to 4,030 sq metres); change of use and retention of 1a for car parking; change of use and retention of 14a as a communal space | 328 |
| H/2009/0271/LB | Works to listed buildings to include: the extension, and conversion of the former Art Deco Building into a new factory (extending to 4,030 sq metres); change of use and retention of 1a for car parking; change of use and retention of 14a as a communal space | 328 |
| LA04/2017/0541/HSC | The storage/use of Gas Oil, Propane/Butane, Hydrogen and Natural Gas. | 227 |
| LA01/2017/0689/F | Retention and Part refurbishment/restoration of the structural walls, shop fronts and roofs of both No 39 and 41 Main Street and demolition of the residual elements of the listed building within the full extent of the site at 39-41 Main Street and 2 Atlantic Avenue Portrush, so as to erect a three to five storey, 87 bedroom hotel with a restaurant, bar and all associated ancillary services (Additional Information received : Bat Roost Potential Survey received 29 June 2020) | 109 |
| LA01/2018/0446/LBC | Retention and part refurbishment/restoration of the structural walls, shop fronts and roofs of both No. 39 and 41 Main Street and demolition of the residual elements of the listed building within the full extent of the site at 39-41 Main Street and 2 Atlantic Avenue Portrush, so as to erect a three to five storey, 87 bedroom hotel with a restaurant, bar and all associated ancillary services (Additional Information received : Bat Roost Potential Survey received 29 June 2020) | 109 |
| LA10/2019/1386/F | 33kV power line involving both construction of above ground 33kV overhead line supported by wooden poles and underground 33kV cable laid below ground level in ducts, to serve Curraghinalt mine (currently under consideration planning application LA10/2017/1249/F) | 92 |
| LA11/2019/1000/F | 33kV power line involving both construction of above ground 33kV overhead line supported by wooden poles and underground 33kV cable laid below ground level in ducts, to serve Curraghinalt mine (currently under consideration planning application LA10/2017/1249/F) | 92 |
| LA09/2019/0024/O | Outline planning application to support future mixed use and enterprise centre/ business units which will be subject to Reserved Matters Planning Applications submitted by purchasers of plots from Mid Ulster District Council | 48 |
| LA09/2019/0025/F | Proposed development of existing brown field site for development of new internal access road/footpaths, improved access include right hand turning lane, alteration of existing levels to provide platforms for future development, installation of utilities, installation of site fencing, clearance of undergrowth vegetation and associated site works to support future mixed use and enterprise centre/business units (As amended) | 48 |
REGIONALLY SIGNIFICANT APPLICATIONS
| Application No | Description | No of weeks in system |
| LA03/2015/0234/F | Construction and operation of a solar farm. Development comprises photo-voltaic panels on mounting frames; 1 No. substation; 18 No. Inverter stations; 21 No. CCTV cameras (3m high poles); 2.45m high perimeter fence; upgrading of 2 No. existing accesses onto Whappstown Road; internal service tracks; 2 No. temporary construction compounds; and additional landscaping to augment existing. | 327 |
| LA10/2017/1249/F | Underground valuable minerals mining and exploration, surface level development including processing plant and other associated development and ancillary works, Greencastle, County Tyrone. Please see application form P1, sheet 1 for full project description | 201 |
| LA02/2020/0458/F | Erection of a windfarm comprising 14 (three-bladed) horizontal axis wind turbines, each up to a maximum of 149.9 m to tip height, with a total installed capacity of up to 58.8 MW. The Development would include an upgraded site entrance, access tracks, crane hardstandings, control building and substation compound, electricity transformers, underground cabling, energy storage containers and drainage works. During construction and commissioning there will be a number of temporary works including enabling works compound and construction compound with car parking, temporary parts of crane hardstanding, welfare facilities and off-site road widenings into 3rd party lands on the Brustin Brae Road, Ballycoose Road and Feystown Road. | 53 |
| H/2009/0264/O (retained) | Demolition of unlisted buildings to facilitate the heritage led regeneration (restoration and retention of listed mill buildings) of the former William Clark and Sons Linen Mill complex incorporating: residential development, leisure and recreational uses community facilities including museum/exhibition space and other associated site works. | 646 |
| P/2015/0218/F (retained) | Construction of a wind farm comprising 8 no. wind turbines (tip height not exceeding 142.5 metres), and electrical substation and control building, construction of internal access tracks, spoil deposition areas, temporary construction compound, formation of passing bays on Mullaghgarriff Road, delivery route improvements at Rostrevor Road, junction improvements at Rostrevor/Mullaghgarriff Road and all associated ancillary works. | 340 |
My Department’s Strategic Planning Directorate is also continuing to process the arc21 planning application (T/2014/0114/F), which was remitted back to the Department by the Courts following the original grant of permission.
You will note the extensive timescales taken to process some of these applications. The timescales reflect the inherent complexity and often controversial nature of some of these applications, the volume of information comprising the application, the level of representations received, the conducting of Inquiry and Hearings into the applications and the tendency for legal challenges to a number of these controversial proposals. For example, the two oldest called in applications have previously been recommended for approval by the Department but those decisions have been contested and so the applications remain live.
I very much recognise the need to improve performance in the planning system, and my Department is undertaking a number of actions to address this. My Department commissioned a report into the role of statutory consultees in the planning process, which contained a number of recommendations with the aim of improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the planning process, particularly with regard to major and “economically sensitive” planning applications.
I am also aware of the pressures across the planning system and that statutory consultees are currently facing unprecedented increases in consultations (both statutory and non-statutory), and ever more complex consultations, all within constrained resources. I have recently raised the resourcing issue around planning consultations with the Finance Minister, and a funding requirement for the additional staff needed within my Department to ensure that this important work is placed on a sustainable and improved footing has also been included as an inescapable resource bid in the 2022/25 budget exercise.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028777%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=365288","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=365288"}},{"id":"364992","reference":"AQW 28687/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-01-25","answerBy":"2022-02-09","answered":"2022-02-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what lessons have been learnt following the judgment by Justice Humphreys in the matter of an application by ABO Wind NI Limited and Energia Renewables Company 1 Limited for judicial review in relation to Battery Energy Storage Systems.","answerText":"My officials have only recently received the final declaration in this matter and are carefully considering both the judgment and the declaration in order to consider the appropriate next steps.","answerHtml":"My officials have only recently received the final declaration in this matter and are carefully considering both the judgment and the declaration in order to consider the appropriate next steps.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028687%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=364992","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=364992"}},{"id":"364991","reference":"AQW 28686/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-01-25","answerBy":"2022-02-09","answered":"2022-02-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in relation to works schemes proposed for the 2021/22 financial year in the Southern Division’s Annual report to Ards and North Down Borough Council, to detail (i) what schemes will be completed before end of the 2021/22 financial year; and (ii) what schemes will not be completed before end of 2021/22 financial year, with the reasons for non-completion.","answerText":"The 2021/22 Ards and North Down Council Report contains an extensive list of work programmes (Southern Division Annual Report to Ards & North Down Borough Council 2021/22 (infrastructure-ni.gov.uk). If however there are any specific schemes within the report that you are interested in then a progress report on the scheme can be obtained from Divisional staff.\n\nI can advise also that details of works completed during the 2021/22 year, along with the proposed work programmes for 2022/23, will be included in my Department’s 2022/23 Annual Spring Report which will be presented to Council following confirmation of the 2022/23 budget settlement and published shortly after.\n\nUnfortunately, the delivery of the work programme during the current financial year has been impacted by contractual and COVID related issues which has had a particular impact on resurfacing and Local Transport and Safety Measures schemes.\n\nThe annual reports are published online and available in the Assembly library. They can also be accessed through the www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications webpage.","answerHtml":"The 2021/22 Ards and North Down Council Report contains an extensive list of work programmes (Southern Division Annual Report to Ards & North Down Borough Council 2021/22 (infrastructure-ni.gov.uk). If however there are any specific schemes within the report that you are interested in then a progress report on the scheme can be obtained from Divisional staff.
I can advise also that details of works completed during the 2021/22 year, along with the proposed work programmes for 2022/23, will be included in my Department’s 2022/23 Annual Spring Report which will be presented to Council following confirmation of the 2022/23 budget settlement and published shortly after.
Unfortunately, the delivery of the work programme during the current financial year has been impacted by contractual and COVID related issues which has had a particular impact on resurfacing and Local Transport and Safety Measures schemes.
The annual reports are published online and available in the Assembly library. They can also be accessed through the www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications webpage.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028686%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=364991","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=364991"}},{"id":"364990","reference":"AQW 28685/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-01-25","answerBy":"2022-02-09","answered":"2022-02-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether any requirement can be imposed to require reinstatements to be on a like-for-like basis, utilising original materials, following road openings undertaken by utility companies.","answerText":"The Street Works (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 (the Order) forms the legislative framework for street works by statutory undertakers. The Order requires the undertaker, when reinstating a street, to comply with such requirements as may be prescribed in relation to the specification of materials to be used and the standards of workmanship to be observed. These requirements have been prescribed in the Specification for the Reinstatement of Openings in Roads (2nd Edition), a code of practice approved by the Department under Article 31 of the Order.\n\nIn general, surface materials are replaced on a like for like basis, particularly where bituminous materials already exist. However, flagged areas can present a range of problems. There are many old flagged footways with cracks or which have been broken prior to utility works taking place. Historically my Department has provided replacement flags free of charge to utility companies to facilitate reinstatement on a like for like basis. However, supplying replacement flags to utility companies represents a considerable funding commitment and experience to date indicates this does not represent good value for money as flags quickly become damaged and broken again.\n\nMy officials are of the opinion that rather than investing in concrete flags, the funding would be better allocated towards footway resurfacing as part of a planned works programme. Footways affected by utility works will therefore be considered for inclusion in future programmes of work. In the meantime Utility companies have been permitted to use bituminous materials to reinstate trench openings made in flagged footways to return the footway to a safe and serviceable standard.\n\nIf a utility company does not reinstate the footway in a satisfactory manner, my officials apply the appropriate procedures for inspection of reinstatements and for dealing with reinstatement failures as set out in the Northern Ireland Road Authority and Utilities Committee (NIRAUC) Code of Practice for Inspections.","answerHtml":"The Street Works (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 (the Order) forms the legislative framework for street works by statutory undertakers. The Order requires the undertaker, when reinstating a street, to comply with such requirements as may be prescribed in relation to the specification of materials to be used and the standards of workmanship to be observed. These requirements have been prescribed in the Specification for the Reinstatement of Openings in Roads (2nd Edition), a code of practice approved by the Department under Article 31 of the Order.
In general, surface materials are replaced on a like for like basis, particularly where bituminous materials already exist. However, flagged areas can present a range of problems. There are many old flagged footways with cracks or which have been broken prior to utility works taking place. Historically my Department has provided replacement flags free of charge to utility companies to facilitate reinstatement on a like for like basis. However, supplying replacement flags to utility companies represents a considerable funding commitment and experience to date indicates this does not represent good value for money as flags quickly become damaged and broken again.
My officials are of the opinion that rather than investing in concrete flags, the funding would be better allocated towards footway resurfacing as part of a planned works programme. Footways affected by utility works will therefore be considered for inclusion in future programmes of work. In the meantime Utility companies have been permitted to use bituminous materials to reinstate trench openings made in flagged footways to return the footway to a safe and serviceable standard.
If a utility company does not reinstate the footway in a satisfactory manner, my officials apply the appropriate procedures for inspection of reinstatements and for dealing with reinstatement failures as set out in the Northern Ireland Road Authority and Utilities Committee (NIRAUC) Code of Practice for Inspections.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028685%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=364990","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=364990"}},{"id":"364989","reference":"AQW 28684/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-01-25","answerBy":"2022-02-09","answered":"2022-02-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 25097/17-22, what guidance has been issued to local councils.","answerText":"The Department for Communities (DfC) is actively considering the implications of the judicial review and next steps. Officials within my Department are engaging with colleagues in DfC Local Government and Housing Regulation Division to provide assistance as appropriate. Both departments are keeping local government advised of progress. In the meantime, councils should proceed in line with the judgment. DfI has not issued any guidance to local councils on this.","answerHtml":"The Department for Communities (DfC) is actively considering the implications of the judicial review and next steps. Officials within my Department are engaging with colleagues in DfC Local Government and Housing Regulation Division to provide assistance as appropriate. Both departments are keeping local government advised of progress. In the meantime, councils should proceed in line with the judgment. DfI has not issued any guidance to local councils on this.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028684%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=364989","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=364989"}},{"id":"364988","reference":"AQW 28683/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-01-25","answerBy":"2022-02-09","answered":"2022-01-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update into the review of bylaws concerning alcohol consumption in Crawfordsburn Country Park.","answerText":"The review of byelaws around alcohol consumption in Ards and North Down Borough Council (including Crawfordsburn Country Park) is something that remains a matter for Ards and North Down Borough Council. While I can confirm that I have been in limited correspondence with the council in regard to general issues around this matter, I am not aware of the detail in respect of their review of byelaws relating to alcohol consumption and have requested an update from the council in this regard.","answerHtml":"The review of byelaws around alcohol consumption in Ards and North Down Borough Council (including Crawfordsburn Country Park) is something that remains a matter for Ards and North Down Borough Council. While I can confirm that I have been in limited correspondence with the council in regard to general issues around this matter, I am not aware of the detail in respect of their review of byelaws relating to alcohol consumption and have requested an update from the council in this regard.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028683%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=364988","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=364988"}},{"id":"364819","reference":"AQW 28606/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-01-24","answerBy":"2022-02-01","answered":"2022-01-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on work being undertaken by her Department for the provision of a new safe off-road cycling path between Belfast and Bangor.","answerText":"The development of off-road paths (greenways) is the responsibility of local Councils rather than my Department. However, I am keen to support Councils in the development of their off-road, traffic-free greenway paths and have already provided £6 million of capital grant funding for Council greenway projects.\n\nI have already indicated to the Member in my answer to AQW 24999/17-22 that there are significant practical challenges to be considered in respect of providing a separated cycle facility along the 2½ mile stretch of the A2 from Ballyrobert to Holywood. While my Department currently has no plans to develop a scheme on this section of road, I have asked my officials to continue to consult with Ards and North Down Borough Council to ascertain if any other options may be available for a potential scheme which could align with their active travel priorities.","answerHtml":"The development of off-road paths (greenways) is the responsibility of local Councils rather than my Department. However, I am keen to support Councils in the development of their off-road, traffic-free greenway paths and have already provided £6 million of capital grant funding for Council greenway projects.
I have already indicated to the Member in my answer to AQW 24999/17-22 that there are significant practical challenges to be considered in respect of providing a separated cycle facility along the 2½ mile stretch of the A2 from Ballyrobert to Holywood. While my Department currently has no plans to develop a scheme on this section of road, I have asked my officials to continue to consult with Ards and North Down Borough Council to ascertain if any other options may be available for a potential scheme which could align with their active travel priorities.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028606%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=364819","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=364819"}},{"id":"364653","reference":"AQW 28512/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-01-21","answerBy":"2022-01-26","answered":"2022-01-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health what consideration is being given to relaxing maternity services visiting restrictions in line with A Pathway to Enhanced Visiting.","answerText":"The Pathway to Enhanced Visiting requires scheduled reviews, broadly every four weeks, in which health professionals assess the risks impacting on visiting arrangements and this informs the decision as to whether it is appropriate to move to the next stage of the pathway. The most recent review of the Hospice/Hospital (incl. Maternity) restrictions was completed on 18 January, and resulted in a recommendation of remaining at the “Gradual Easing” stage of the relevant Pathway.\n\nThe guidance further states that in certain, prescribed circumstances, local decisions may be made to reinstate some restrictions for limited periods to protect patients, families and staff, so from time to time, some additional local visiting restrictions may apply in a particular geographical area or facility.\n\nIt is important to note that any visiting restrictions currently being implemented above those outlined in the Pathway to Enhanced Visiting, are kept under regular review by the appropriate HSCT, to allow for a reversion to the permissions outlined in the regional visiting guidance document at the earliest opportunity.","answerHtml":"The Pathway to Enhanced Visiting requires scheduled reviews, broadly every four weeks, in which health professionals assess the risks impacting on visiting arrangements and this informs the decision as to whether it is appropriate to move to the next stage of the pathway. The most recent review of the Hospice/Hospital (incl. Maternity) restrictions was completed on 18 January, and resulted in a recommendation of remaining at the “Gradual Easing” stage of the relevant Pathway.
The guidance further states that in certain, prescribed circumstances, local decisions may be made to reinstate some restrictions for limited periods to protect patients, families and staff, so from time to time, some additional local visiting restrictions may apply in a particular geographical area or facility.
It is important to note that any visiting restrictions currently being implemented above those outlined in the Pathway to Enhanced Visiting, are kept under regular review by the appropriate HSCT, to allow for a reversion to the permissions outlined in the regional visiting guidance document at the earliest opportunity.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028512%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=364653","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=364653"}},{"id":"364652","reference":"AQW 28511/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-01-21","answerBy":"2022-02-07","answered":"2022-02-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what legislation is being developed by her Department for introduction during the next mandate.","answerText":"As Minister for Infrastructure, I am responsible for a wide range of statutory functions where I feel that primary legislative change would be beneficial. However, given the constraints on Assembly time within the current mandate and the impact of the COVID pandemic on the processes required to facilitate these, I have been unable to progress these legislative changes to the point where they could be introduced in the current mandate. However, my officials do continue to work in key areas in relation to primary legislation.\n\nI recently published a review of the implementation of the Planning Act (NI) 2011. Legislation will be required to deliver some of the review recommendations with amendments likely to be proposed to several of the associated pieces of legislation. Officials are also working to support commencement of the Reservoirs Act 2015 following the transfer of functions from DAERA.\n\nThere are also a number of areas where work is ongoing and the outcome may necessitate the amendment of primary legislation in the next mandate, including the consultation exercise on inconsiderate pavement parking. The consultation on a new road safety strategy may also identify other areas were legislative change is required.\n\nOn road traffic and vehicles, my Department is actively considering a range of policy adjustments. Many of these, if they were to be adopted in the next mandate, would entail legislative change. The issues under consideration include careless driving, graduated driver licensing and biennial testing. Final decisions on these will be made by an incoming Minister.\n\nMy officials currently are considering one piece of legislation (Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022) in relation to remote control parking which is likely to be introduced within the next mandate.\n\nThe further development and introduction of any legislation within the next mandate will of course depend on the priorities of an incoming Minister.","answerHtml":"As Minister for Infrastructure, I am responsible for a wide range of statutory functions where I feel that primary legislative change would be beneficial. However, given the constraints on Assembly time within the current mandate and the impact of the COVID pandemic on the processes required to facilitate these, I have been unable to progress these legislative changes to the point where they could be introduced in the current mandate. However, my officials do continue to work in key areas in relation to primary legislation.
I recently published a review of the implementation of the Planning Act (NI) 2011. Legislation will be required to deliver some of the review recommendations with amendments likely to be proposed to several of the associated pieces of legislation. Officials are also working to support commencement of the Reservoirs Act 2015 following the transfer of functions from DAERA.
There are also a number of areas where work is ongoing and the outcome may necessitate the amendment of primary legislation in the next mandate, including the consultation exercise on inconsiderate pavement parking. The consultation on a new road safety strategy may also identify other areas were legislative change is required.
On road traffic and vehicles, my Department is actively considering a range of policy adjustments. Many of these, if they were to be adopted in the next mandate, would entail legislative change. The issues under consideration include careless driving, graduated driver licensing and biennial testing. Final decisions on these will be made by an incoming Minister.
My officials currently are considering one piece of legislation (Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022) in relation to remote control parking which is likely to be introduced within the next mandate.
The further development and introduction of any legislation within the next mandate will of course depend on the priorities of an incoming Minister.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028511%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=364652","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=364652"}},{"id":"364651","reference":"AQW 28510/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-01-21","answerBy":"2022-02-07","answered":"2022-01-31","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance what legislation is being developed by his Department for introduction during the next mandate.","answerText":"I can confirm below is the current legislation being developed for introduction during the next mandate.\n\nMarriage & Civil Partnership (Amendment) Regulations (NI) 2022\n\nGender Recognition Regulations\n\nThe Pensions Increase Review Order (Northern Ireland)\n\nThe Public Service Pensions Revaluation Order (Northern Ireland)\n\nThe Public Service Pensions Employer Cost cap Regulations (Northern Ireland)\n\nNorthern Ireland Fiscal Council Bill\n\nPublic Bodies Bill\n\nThe Land Registry (Fees) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022\n\nShared Property Management\n\nFamily Law\n\nDefamation Law\n\nSecondary legislation\n\n(Pensions and Associated Schemes Rules and Regulations)\n\nMcCloud Retrospective Remedy – to implement the Deferred Choice Underpin as part of the McCloud Remedy.\n\nWalker and Goodwin Judgments – to equalise survivor pension benefits under the NICS Pension Schemes.\n\nCivil Service Injury Benefits Scheme (NI) – to introduce reforms to the Injury Benefits scheme.","answerHtml":"I can confirm below is the current legislation being developed for introduction during the next mandate.
Marriage & Civil Partnership (Amendment) Regulations (NI) 2022
Gender Recognition Regulations
The Pensions Increase Review Order (Northern Ireland)
The Public Service Pensions Revaluation Order (Northern Ireland)
The Public Service Pensions Employer Cost cap Regulations (Northern Ireland)
Northern Ireland Fiscal Council Bill
Public Bodies Bill
The Land Registry (Fees) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022
Shared Property Management
Family Law
Defamation Law
Secondary legislation
(Pensions and Associated Schemes Rules and Regulations)
McCloud Retrospective Remedy – to implement the Deferred Choice Underpin as part of the McCloud Remedy.
Walker and Goodwin Judgments – to equalise survivor pension benefits under the NICS Pension Schemes.
Civil Service Injury Benefits Scheme (NI) – to introduce reforms to the Injury Benefits scheme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028510%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=364651","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=364651"}},{"id":"364650","reference":"AQW 28509/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-01-21","answerBy":"2022-02-07","answered":"2022-02-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline the standard timescales for inspection of reinstatements following road openings undertaken by utility companies.","answerText":"My Department applies the procedures for inspection of reinstatements and for dealing with reinstatement failures as set out in the Northern Ireland Road Authority and Utilities Committee (NIRAUC) Code of Practice for Inspections.\n\nMy Department monitors utility company reinstatements by inspecting 10% of completed reinstatements, randomly selected, within six months of completion and a further 10% within three months of the end of the reinstatement warranty period.","answerHtml":"My Department applies the procedures for inspection of reinstatements and for dealing with reinstatement failures as set out in the Northern Ireland Road Authority and Utilities Committee (NIRAUC) Code of Practice for Inspections.
My Department monitors utility company reinstatements by inspecting 10% of completed reinstatements, randomly selected, within six months of completion and a further 10% within three months of the end of the reinstatement warranty period.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028509%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=364650","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=364650"}},{"id":"364649","reference":"AQW 28508/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-01-21","answerBy":"2022-02-07","answered":"2022-02-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she plans to bid for funds to enable a further support package to support taxi drivers affected by a downturn of trade due to COVID-19.","answerText":"I have asked my officials to continue to monitor the impact of Covid-19 on the taxi industry.\n\nI can confirm that the taxi action plan, which was announced in September 2021 and provides additional support to the sector, remains in place. It is aimed at helping the industry to increase its capacity to meet the considerable demands on it through supporting new drivers, raising the maximum fare and providing free taximeter tests, if they are booked before the end of February 2022.","answerHtml":"I have asked my officials to continue to monitor the impact of Covid-19 on the taxi industry.
I can confirm that the taxi action plan, which was announced in September 2021 and provides additional support to the sector, remains in place. It is aimed at helping the industry to increase its capacity to meet the considerable demands on it through supporting new drivers, raising the maximum fare and providing free taximeter tests, if they are booked before the end of February 2022.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028508%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=364649","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=364649"}},{"id":"364190","reference":"AQW 28271/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-01-18","answerBy":"2022-02-02","answered":"2022-01-31","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the number of road openings undertaken by utilities during (i) the current financial year; and (ii) each of the last four financial years, broken down by utility company, on Groomsport Road, Bangor.","answerText":"Details of the number of recorded openings on the B511 Groomsport Road, from the roundabout on the A2 to the junction with B21 Donaghadee Road, that have been recorded on my Department’s Streets Works Register (NISRANS) are shown in the table below:\n\nUtility\t2017/18\t2018/19\t2019/20\t2020/21\t2021/22\nNIE\t2\t1\t7\t1\t0\nNIW\t6\t6\t13\t9\t8\nBT\t8\t2\t6\t2\t0\nPNG\t6\t7\t6\t4\t2\nVirgin Media\t41\t1\t1\t0\t0\nMG\t3\t0\t0\t0\t0","answerHtml":"Details of the number of recorded openings on the B511 Groomsport Road, from the roundabout on the A2 to the junction with B21 Donaghadee Road, that have been recorded on my Department’s Streets Works Register (NISRANS) are shown in the table below:
| Utility | 2017/18 | 2018/19 | 2019/20 | 2020/21 | 2021/22 |
| NIE | 2 | 1 | 7 | 1 | 0 |
| NIW | 6 | 6 | 13 | 9 | 8 |
| BT | 8 | 2 | 6 | 2 | 0 |
| PNG | 6 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Virgin Media | 41 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| MG | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
My Department collates details of road openings undertaken by utilities by Council area rather than by constituency. The figures below have been extracted from the Department’s Streets Works Register (NISRANS) and cover the entire Ards and North Down Council area:
| Utility | 2017/18 | 2018/19 | 2019/20 | 2020/21 | 2021/22 |
| NIE | 313 | 317 | 343 | 266 | 271 |
| NIW | 1546 | 1716 | 1570 | 1521 | 1362 |
| BT | 580 | 208 | 153 | 811 | 1209 |
| PNG | 1404 | 1412 | 1462 | 1212 | 1085 |
| Virgin Media | 1504 | 468 | 224 | 188 | 292 |
| Telephonia | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 6 |
| C & W | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| EE | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Fibrus | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 51 |
| Firmus | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
The PAC Report into the Road Openings by Utilities was presented to the then Department for Regional Development in 2009.
I am advised that records show that all of the recommendations from this report were implemented with the exception of two (7b and 10) which were closed off as being no longer required.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028269%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=364188","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=364188"}},{"id":"364187","reference":"AQW 28268/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-01-18","answerBy":"2022-02-02","answered":"2022-01-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what actions her Department has taken to address faulty reinstatements concerning road openings undertaken by utilities on Groomsport Road, Bangor.","answerText":"My officials are aware there have been a large number of utility reinstatements in the vicinity of The Banks on Groomsport Road and acknowledge the road would benefit from being resurfaced. They have undertaken to consider its inclusion within the 2022/23 resurfacing programme the scale of which will be dependent on the availability of funding in next year’s budget and the availability of contractor resource.","answerHtml":"My officials are aware there have been a large number of utility reinstatements in the vicinity of The Banks on Groomsport Road and acknowledge the road would benefit from being resurfaced. They have undertaken to consider its inclusion within the 2022/23 resurfacing programme the scale of which will be dependent on the availability of funding in next year’s budget and the availability of contractor resource.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028268%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=364187","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=364187"}},{"id":"363702","reference":"AQW 28072/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-01-14","answerBy":"2022-01-19","answered":"2022-01-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, following the allocation made by the Minister of Finance on 13 January 2022, to outline the remaining funding requirement for NI Water in 2021-22 with respect to increased energy costs.","answerText":"The emergence of the global gas supply crisis, and the impact this has had on NI Water’s power costs, continues to present very significant resource DEL pressures for my Department. Despite the Finance Minister’s most recent allocation of £1.8 million, there remains significant financial pressures for NI Water in 2021-22. As a consequence, I have submitted a bid for £12m resource DEL funding in the January monitoring submission.","answerHtml":"The emergence of the global gas supply crisis, and the impact this has had on NI Water’s power costs, continues to present very significant resource DEL pressures for my Department. Despite the Finance Minister’s most recent allocation of £1.8 million, there remains significant financial pressures for NI Water in 2021-22. As a consequence, I have submitted a bid for £12m resource DEL funding in the January monitoring submission.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028072%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=363702","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=363702"}},{"id":"363701","reference":"AQW 28071/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-01-14","answerBy":"2022-01-31","answered":"2022-01-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to provide an update on plans to introduce age discrimination legislation in the provision of goods, facilities and services.","answerText":"Consideration of extending age discrimination legislation to the provision of goods, facilities and services was commenced under the previous Executive. A decision was not made in respect of the scope of that legislation prior to the end of the last Assembly. The issue requires further work to inform the potential scope of any legislation. Officials are considering next steps to advance this matter, however given current pressures legislation is unlikely in this Assembly mandate.","answerHtml":"Consideration of extending age discrimination legislation to the provision of goods, facilities and services was commenced under the previous Executive. A decision was not made in respect of the scope of that legislation prior to the end of the last Assembly. The issue requires further work to inform the potential scope of any legislation. Officials are considering next steps to advance this matter, however given current pressures legislation is unlikely in this Assembly mandate.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028071%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=363701","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=363701"}},{"id":"363444","reference":"AQW 27999/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-01-13","answerBy":"2022-01-19","answered":"2022-01-31","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy what grant support he intends to bring forward to support hotels as a result of downturn in trade due to increases in COVID-19 transmission.","answerText":"Whilst the Omicron Hospitality Payment scheme agreed by the Executive before Christmas was warmly welcomed, there was huge disappointment and frustration that hotels were excluded.\n\nI always maintained that hotels should be included as they faced the same challenges as those businesses which were eligible for support. I wrote to the Finance Minister on two occasions urging him to extend the scheme to the hotel sector.\n\nI am delighted that the Executive has now agreed to extend the scheme thereby providing much needed support to this vital industry.\n\nThis payment will be between £10,000 and £20,000 dependent on the rateable value of the property.","answerHtml":"Whilst the Omicron Hospitality Payment scheme agreed by the Executive before Christmas was warmly welcomed, there was huge disappointment and frustration that hotels were excluded.
I always maintained that hotels should be included as they faced the same challenges as those businesses which were eligible for support. I wrote to the Finance Minister on two occasions urging him to extend the scheme to the hotel sector.
I am delighted that the Executive has now agreed to extend the scheme thereby providing much needed support to this vital industry.
This payment will be between £10,000 and £20,000 dependent on the rateable value of the property.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027999%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=363444","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=363444"}},{"id":"365830","reference":"AQO 3015/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-01-13","answerBy":"2022-01-25","answered":"2022-01-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education what measures are in place to assist schools, seeking to transform to integrated status, to adjust to re-classification from rural to urban as part of the Sustainable Schools policy.","answerText":"The re-classification from rural to urban may impact on some primary schools but not solely those schools seeking to transform to Integrated status.\n\nTo help mitigate the impact of re-classification, a transition period will run to 31 August 2027 (ie the end of the next Area Planning cycle) which will allow schools and school managing authorities the time to assess impact and develop solutions to help safeguard the school’s future sustainability.","answerHtml":"The re-classification from rural to urban may impact on some primary schools but not solely those schools seeking to transform to Integrated status.
To help mitigate the impact of re-classification, a transition period will run to 31 August 2027 (ie the end of the next Area Planning cycle) which will allow schools and school managing authorities the time to assess impact and develop solutions to help safeguard the school’s future sustainability.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203015%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=365830","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=365830"}},{"id":"363336","reference":"AQW 27910/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-01-12","answerBy":"2022-01-19","answered":"2022-01-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to outline why absences unrelated to COVID-19 are not collated from schools on a daily basis.","answerText":"The daily survey on staff absence began on Monday 10 January and was designed to be straightforward to complete to minimise the burden on schools at this time. Therefore, it originally only asked for information on COVID related absences.\n\nHowever, following the launch of the survey the Department has been monitoring feedback from schools in relation to the inclusion of non-COVID related absence. In response to this, from Monday 17 January, the survey was extended to collect information on the number of teachers and classroom assistants “not on site today due to Non-COVID related absences”. This additional information will appear in the results from now on.\n\nThe Department will continue to review the response rate, content and frequency of the survey on a regular basis to ensure that the right balance is achieved between collecting the information that is needed and keeping the survey as user friendly as possible to avoid placing an additional burden on our schools.","answerHtml":"The daily survey on staff absence began on Monday 10 January and was designed to be straightforward to complete to minimise the burden on schools at this time. Therefore, it originally only asked for information on COVID related absences.
However, following the launch of the survey the Department has been monitoring feedback from schools in relation to the inclusion of non-COVID related absence. In response to this, from Monday 17 January, the survey was extended to collect information on the number of teachers and classroom assistants “not on site today due to Non-COVID related absences”. This additional information will appear in the results from now on.
The Department will continue to review the response rate, content and frequency of the survey on a regular basis to ensure that the right balance is achieved between collecting the information that is needed and keeping the survey as user friendly as possible to avoid placing an additional burden on our schools.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027910%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=363336","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=363336"}},{"id":"363171","reference":"AQW 27845/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-01-11","answerBy":"2022-01-26","answered":"2022-01-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance what assurances his Department has received from HM Treasury that £50 million Barnett consequential funding, due to be secured as part of the Non-domestic Rates Valuations (Coronavirus) Bill in Westminster, can be spent in 2022/23.","answerText":"I can confirm the Barnett Consequential for the Westminster Rates funding will now be received in 2021-22 however Treasury has provided no assurances on carry forward to 2022-23 beyond the normal Budget Exchange Scheme mechanism.\n\nThe Executive’s 2022-25 Draft Budget does however provide funding in 2022-23 to allow the Executive to carry out its own scheme locally.","answerHtml":"I can confirm the Barnett Consequential for the Westminster Rates funding will now be received in 2021-22 however Treasury has provided no assurances on carry forward to 2022-23 beyond the normal Budget Exchange Scheme mechanism.
The Executive’s 2022-25 Draft Budget does however provide funding in 2022-23 to allow the Executive to carry out its own scheme locally.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027845%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=363171","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=363171"}},{"id":"363170","reference":"AQW 27844/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-01-11","answerBy":"2022-01-26","answered":"2022-01-31","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail the timescale for the commencement of Bathing Water Quality Northern Ireland 2022 monitoring.","answerText":"My Department will commence bathing water quality monitoring on 01 June 2022, with a pre-season sample scheduled for May 2022.\n\nMy Department is also preparing for a full review of Bathing Waters in 2022/23 and a public consultation will issue shortly. This will not only look at the identification of new Bathing Waters but will also consider extending the length of the bathing season. The review recognises the marked increase in popularity of all year open water swimming in recent times.","answerHtml":"My Department will commence bathing water quality monitoring on 01 June 2022, with a pre-season sample scheduled for May 2022.
My Department is also preparing for a full review of Bathing Waters in 2022/23 and a public consultation will issue shortly. This will not only look at the identification of new Bathing Waters but will also consider extending the length of the bathing season. The review recognises the marked increase in popularity of all year open water swimming in recent times.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027844%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=363170","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=363170"}},{"id":"366904","reference":"AQO 2955/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2022-01-10","answerBy":"2022-01-17","answered":"2022-02-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline what actions he intends to take to improve the provision of access to outdoor recreation in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline what actions he intends to take to improve the provision of access to outdoor recreation in Northern Ireland.\n\nI am an advocate of the many benefits that being outside in nature brings to the well-being of our citizens, their care for the environment and the benefits to the economy.\n\nMy commitment is evident throughout the continued delivery of enhanced outdoor recreation by my Department. My Department will continue to seek ways to progress the provision of outdoor recreation whilst ensuring that that our natural environment is protected and landowners’ livelihoods are respected.\n\nThe MoU between the National Trust and Forest Service that I signed late last year will benefit the environment, recreation, tourism and public health and is an excellent example of how nature and recreation can flourish together.\n\nOther examples I have overseen include: the provision of access to our Forest and Country Parks; monitoring of bathing waters; development of strategies; and the delivery of significant financial assistance through a number of grant programmes.\n\nAs part of the Outdoor Recreation Action Plan for Northern Ireland my Department is also currently reviewing associated legislation with a view to optimising the benefits and opportunities for outdoor recreation. A Public Consultation survey has been drafted and is expected to issue shortly.\n\nThe draft Environment Strategy, which is out for consultation until 18th January, has a specific theme of providing a ‘Healthy & accessible environment & landscapes everyone can connect with & enjoy’ and sets out proposed actions and targets for Connecting People to the Environment through Outdoor Recreation & Natural Space Provision.\n\nMy Department is continuing to provide and further develop access to its significant estate including Forests Parks, Angling Estates, Nature Reserves and Country Parks and CAFRE sites, providing outdoor recreation opportunities such as fishing, walking and mountain biking.\n\nDAERA, through grant programmes such as the Environment Fund and Rural Development Fund provides substantial grant funding to support others to maintain and increase outdoor recreation opportunities. It is my intention that this funding together with the future PEACE PLUS funding will continue to improve existing and provide additional opportunities for outdoor recreation.\n\nRecent research shows that 29% of people considered that they do not have greenspace within easy walking distance of their home and only 27% of the population were meeting the Chief Medical Officer’s physical activity targets through leisure time spent outdoors (i.e. 150+ mins/week or 75+ mins at a vigorous level).\n\nThere is much work that can be done. The Chamber will be aware that many Departments have a role play a role in ensure the people of Northern Ireland have opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Through cooperation and collective actions we can achieve great things to enhance the provision of outdoor access for our citizens.","answerHtml":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline what actions he intends to take to improve the provision of access to outdoor recreation in Northern Ireland.
I am an advocate of the many benefits that being outside in nature brings to the well-being of our citizens, their care for the environment and the benefits to the economy.
My commitment is evident throughout the continued delivery of enhanced outdoor recreation by my Department. My Department will continue to seek ways to progress the provision of outdoor recreation whilst ensuring that that our natural environment is protected and landowners’ livelihoods are respected.
The MoU between the National Trust and Forest Service that I signed late last year will benefit the environment, recreation, tourism and public health and is an excellent example of how nature and recreation can flourish together.
Other examples I have overseen include: the provision of access to our Forest and Country Parks; monitoring of bathing waters; development of strategies; and the delivery of significant financial assistance through a number of grant programmes.
As part of the Outdoor Recreation Action Plan for Northern Ireland my Department is also currently reviewing associated legislation with a view to optimising the benefits and opportunities for outdoor recreation. A Public Consultation survey has been drafted and is expected to issue shortly.
The draft Environment Strategy, which is out for consultation until 18th January, has a specific theme of providing a ‘Healthy & accessible environment & landscapes everyone can connect with & enjoy’ and sets out proposed actions and targets for Connecting People to the Environment through Outdoor Recreation & Natural Space Provision.
My Department is continuing to provide and further develop access to its significant estate including Forests Parks, Angling Estates, Nature Reserves and Country Parks and CAFRE sites, providing outdoor recreation opportunities such as fishing, walking and mountain biking.
DAERA, through grant programmes such as the Environment Fund and Rural Development Fund provides substantial grant funding to support others to maintain and increase outdoor recreation opportunities. It is my intention that this funding together with the future PEACE PLUS funding will continue to improve existing and provide additional opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Recent research shows that 29% of people considered that they do not have greenspace within easy walking distance of their home and only 27% of the population were meeting the Chief Medical Officer’s physical activity targets through leisure time spent outdoors (i.e. 150+ mins/week or 75+ mins at a vigorous level).
There is much work that can be done. The Chamber will be aware that many Departments have a role play a role in ensure the people of Northern Ireland have opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Through cooperation and collective actions we can achieve great things to enhance the provision of outdoor access for our citizens.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202955%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=366904","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=366904"}},{"id":"361545","reference":"AQW 27320/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-12-13","answerBy":"2021-12-21","answered":"2022-01-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what actions his Department is taking to address a series of pollution incidents affecting Ward Park, Bangor.","answerText":"The catchment area of the waterway that flows through Ward Park in Bangor is approximately 10km2 in size, is largely urbanised, with a significant proportion being culverted underground. Since 1 January 2016, Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) have on average investigated 6 water pollution reports each year in the river and given the enclosed nature of the waterway coupled with the intermittent nature of the discharges, often little or no evidence remains to allow investigatory staff to trace the discharged matter back upstream to a specific source. From the evidence available, NIEA believe that the greater proportion of the significant incidents observed in Ward Park relate to operations being carried out by businesses within the Industrial Estates upstream.\n\nNIEA have undertaken a scoping study which has identified in the region of 200 industrial and commercial premises operating in the river catchment upstream of Ward Park. Balloo Industrial Estate has been added to the NIEA Pollution Prevention Team’s priority work list and a systematic risk identification and action programme is underway.\n\nInspectors have been engaging with businesses in the Balloo Industrial Estate and a number are now carrying out works to remove potential sources of pollution or minimise the risk of pollution incidents from occurring. Any business found through that programme to be either causing, or at risk of causing, water pollution will be required to take action to stop it, or minimise the risk of water pollution from occurring. The progress made to date has been encouraging however further work is required and ongoing.\n\nThank you for your continued interest in this matter and should you or your constituents become aware of any information that would be useful in respect of sourcing any of these discharges, please contact NIEA, in confidence via the Incident Hotline on 0800 807060.","answerHtml":"The catchment area of the waterway that flows through Ward Park in Bangor is approximately 10km2 in size, is largely urbanised, with a significant proportion being culverted underground. Since 1 January 2016, Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) have on average investigated 6 water pollution reports each year in the river and given the enclosed nature of the waterway coupled with the intermittent nature of the discharges, often little or no evidence remains to allow investigatory staff to trace the discharged matter back upstream to a specific source. From the evidence available, NIEA believe that the greater proportion of the significant incidents observed in Ward Park relate to operations being carried out by businesses within the Industrial Estates upstream.
NIEA have undertaken a scoping study which has identified in the region of 200 industrial and commercial premises operating in the river catchment upstream of Ward Park. Balloo Industrial Estate has been added to the NIEA Pollution Prevention Team’s priority work list and a systematic risk identification and action programme is underway.
Inspectors have been engaging with businesses in the Balloo Industrial Estate and a number are now carrying out works to remove potential sources of pollution or minimise the risk of pollution incidents from occurring. Any business found through that programme to be either causing, or at risk of causing, water pollution will be required to take action to stop it, or minimise the risk of water pollution from occurring. The progress made to date has been encouraging however further work is required and ongoing.
Thank you for your continued interest in this matter and should you or your constituents become aware of any information that would be useful in respect of sourcing any of these discharges, please contact NIEA, in confidence via the Incident Hotline on 0800 807060.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027320%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=361545","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=361545"}},{"id":"361201","reference":"AQW 27168/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-12-09","answerBy":"2021-12-15","answered":"2021-12-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities what plans she has to extend the ability for district councils to hold remote council meetings throughout 2022.","answerText":"The Local Government (Meetings and Performance) Act 2021 provides my Department with an enabling power to make subordinate legislation to provide councils with the flexibility to hold remote/hybrid meetings post-March 2022.\n\nThe Department plans to issue a Call for Evidence to gather information and views about the use of the current arrangements for councils to meet remotely","answerHtml":"The Local Government (Meetings and Performance) Act 2021 provides my Department with an enabling power to make subordinate legislation to provide councils with the flexibility to hold remote/hybrid meetings post-March 2022.
The Department plans to issue a Call for Evidence to gather information and views about the use of the current arrangements for councils to meet remotely
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027168%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=361201","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=361201"}},{"id":"360856","reference":"AQW 27015/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-12-07","answerBy":"2021-12-10","answered":"2021-12-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health when people will be able to register their booster vaccination on the COVID status certificate system.","answerText":"The European Union has recently agreed the technical specification for the display of booster vaccinations. Citizens who need this information urgently, for international travel, will be issued with a single dose letter (with a QR code) in the first instance via a pdf download or in print.\n\nApplications for the letters can be made, through the NI Direct website and Helpline, from 16 December. The app will begin displaying the information in early January.\n\nThe information to be included in paper and digital certificates is taken from the regional Vaccination Management System which is updated by clinical staff at the time a booster vaccination is given. Citizens do not have to provide any additional information.","answerHtml":"The European Union has recently agreed the technical specification for the display of booster vaccinations. Citizens who need this information urgently, for international travel, will be issued with a single dose letter (with a QR code) in the first instance via a pdf download or in print.
Applications for the letters can be made, through the NI Direct website and Helpline, from 16 December. The app will begin displaying the information in early January.
The information to be included in paper and digital certificates is taken from the regional Vaccination Management System which is updated by clinical staff at the time a booster vaccination is given. Citizens do not have to provide any additional information.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027015%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=360856","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=360856"}},{"id":"360855","reference":"AQW 27014/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-12-07","answerBy":"2021-12-22","answered":"2021-12-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education what long-term measures her Department is undertaking to increase the supply of special educational needs trained teaching staff, given the shortage currently impacting provision of teaching in special schools.","answerText":"I am aware of the enormous challenges that are currently being felt within all schools but particularly the special school sector in relation to the availability of teaching and non-teaching staff. However, the Department is not responsible for the supply of special educational needs (SEN) trained teachers.\n\nWhile the Department is responsible for the overall approval of Initial Teacher Education intakes and programmes, it is the Higher Education Institutions which deliver these programmes to ensure they are aligned with, and prepare future teachers for the delivery of, the Northern Ireland Curriculum.\n\nIn terms of the current staff shortages, the Department, in conjunction with its education support bodies, is actively considering a range of options for how best to further assist schools in responding to the issues they currently face.\n\nDepartmental officials continue to meet regularly and engage with the Special Schools Strategic Leadership Group (SSSLG) and wider special school sector, both to understand and bring forward actions to address the immediate issues. This has included facilitation of engagement with colleagues from the Department of Health and the Public Health Agency in relation to public health guidance.\n\nThe Education Authority (EA) has established an Emergency Resourcing team to provide additional support to schools experiencing staffing difficulties due to Covid and non-Covid issues. This team has supported the establishment of a number of relief registers across a range of non-teaching roles and also provides additional support to schools who have been unable to source teaching cover via the Northern Ireland Substitute Teacher Register (NISTR). The EA Emergency Resourcing team continues to work closely with the SSSLG to provide support in response to the staffing challenges faced by special schools.\n\nThe FE colleges have been provided with information about the classroom assistant emergency register and asked to bring it to the attention of students who may be qualified/available for casual work, particularly those with an interest in working with pupils with complex needs.\n\nThe EA continues to work to find solutions in partnership with Trade Unions and schools in relation to the ongoing challenges that are being faced across the education system. The Department and EA are also actively considering how best to further support schools in responding to current issues, including exploring the practical implications of utilising the skills and experience of recently retired teachers.\n\nIt is extremely important that we maximise face to face teaching for pupils and I believe that the best place for children is at school, not only for the educational benefits that accrue but simply for the positive impact it has on their general mental health and well-being at this time.\n\nEnsuring that all schools remain safe and open to provide teaching and learning for children and young people is therefore my key priority and I have asked officials to keep this situation under close review and to keep me regularly updated in relation to emerging challenges.\n\nMichelle McIlveen MLA","answerHtml":"I am aware of the enormous challenges that are currently being felt within all schools but particularly the special school sector in relation to the availability of teaching and non-teaching staff. However, the Department is not responsible for the supply of special educational needs (SEN) trained teachers.
While the Department is responsible for the overall approval of Initial Teacher Education intakes and programmes, it is the Higher Education Institutions which deliver these programmes to ensure they are aligned with, and prepare future teachers for the delivery of, the Northern Ireland Curriculum.
In terms of the current staff shortages, the Department, in conjunction with its education support bodies, is actively considering a range of options for how best to further assist schools in responding to the issues they currently face.
Departmental officials continue to meet regularly and engage with the Special Schools Strategic Leadership Group (SSSLG) and wider special school sector, both to understand and bring forward actions to address the immediate issues. This has included facilitation of engagement with colleagues from the Department of Health and the Public Health Agency in relation to public health guidance.
The Education Authority (EA) has established an Emergency Resourcing team to provide additional support to schools experiencing staffing difficulties due to Covid and non-Covid issues. This team has supported the establishment of a number of relief registers across a range of non-teaching roles and also provides additional support to schools who have been unable to source teaching cover via the Northern Ireland Substitute Teacher Register (NISTR). The EA Emergency Resourcing team continues to work closely with the SSSLG to provide support in response to the staffing challenges faced by special schools.
The FE colleges have been provided with information about the classroom assistant emergency register and asked to bring it to the attention of students who may be qualified/available for casual work, particularly those with an interest in working with pupils with complex needs.
The EA continues to work to find solutions in partnership with Trade Unions and schools in relation to the ongoing challenges that are being faced across the education system. The Department and EA are also actively considering how best to further support schools in responding to current issues, including exploring the practical implications of utilising the skills and experience of recently retired teachers.
It is extremely important that we maximise face to face teaching for pupils and I believe that the best place for children is at school, not only for the educational benefits that accrue but simply for the positive impact it has on their general mental health and well-being at this time.
Ensuring that all schools remain safe and open to provide teaching and learning for children and young people is therefore my key priority and I have asked officials to keep this situation under close review and to keep me regularly updated in relation to emerging challenges.
Michelle McIlveen MLA
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027014%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=360855","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=360855"}},{"id":"360854","reference":"AQW 27013/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-12-07","answerBy":"2021-12-22","answered":"2021-12-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what powers her Department has to assess a local council's decision-making regarding enforcement action around planning matters.","answerText":"The Planning (NI) Act 2011 empowers the Department to conduct, or appoint a person to conduct on its behalf, an assessment of a council's performance of functions generally under the Act, or of particular functions under the Act. In addition, the Act provides for such an assessment of how councils deal with applications for planning permission, but does not specifically extend this power to cover the council's discretionary enforcement function.","answerHtml":"The Planning (NI) Act 2011 empowers the Department to conduct, or appoint a person to conduct on its behalf, an assessment of a council's performance of functions generally under the Act, or of particular functions under the Act. In addition, the Act provides for such an assessment of how councils deal with applications for planning permission, but does not specifically extend this power to cover the council's discretionary enforcement function.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027013%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=360854","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=360854"}},{"id":"360595","reference":"AQW 26930/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-12-06","answerBy":"2021-12-21","answered":"2021-12-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the actions being taken to improve major planning application processing times by local councils.","answerText":"It is the responsibility of each planning authority including my Department, to monitor their major applications to ensure they are processed in a timely manner. I recognise that performance around major planning applications needs to improve and my Department has been working with key stakeholders to expedite this improvement in a number of ways.\n\nMy Department commissioned a report into the role of statutory consultees in the planning process. This report contained a number of recommendations with the aim of improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the planning process, particularly with regard to major and “economically sensitive” planning applications. Recommendations from this report are actioned and monitored through a cross governmental Planning Forum.\n\nIn addition, my Department is carrying out a review of the Planning Act (NI) 2011, which may identify potential areas for legislative change to help to improve processing times for planning applications. Regular meetings are also held with council heads of planning to discuss matters of policy and practice which may be affecting performance in various areas of the planning system.\n\nMy Department has established a Planning Engagement Partnership to look at how to enhance the quality and depth of community engagement in the planning process at both the regional and local planning levels. Also, as part of a collaborative project with 10 councils, we will introduce a new Planning IT system next year to help improve the submission and processing of planning applications.\n\nIt is intended that the collective improvements delivered from this work will increase efficiency and effectiveness in the system and deliver improvements around processing times for major planning applications.","answerHtml":"It is the responsibility of each planning authority including my Department, to monitor their major applications to ensure they are processed in a timely manner. I recognise that performance around major planning applications needs to improve and my Department has been working with key stakeholders to expedite this improvement in a number of ways.
My Department commissioned a report into the role of statutory consultees in the planning process. This report contained a number of recommendations with the aim of improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the planning process, particularly with regard to major and “economically sensitive” planning applications. Recommendations from this report are actioned and monitored through a cross governmental Planning Forum.
In addition, my Department is carrying out a review of the Planning Act (NI) 2011, which may identify potential areas for legislative change to help to improve processing times for planning applications. Regular meetings are also held with council heads of planning to discuss matters of policy and practice which may be affecting performance in various areas of the planning system.
My Department has established a Planning Engagement Partnership to look at how to enhance the quality and depth of community engagement in the planning process at both the regional and local planning levels. Also, as part of a collaborative project with 10 councils, we will introduce a new Planning IT system next year to help improve the submission and processing of planning applications.
It is intended that the collective improvements delivered from this work will increase efficiency and effectiveness in the system and deliver improvements around processing times for major planning applications.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026930%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=360595","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=360595"}},{"id":"360594","reference":"AQW 26929/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-12-06","answerBy":"2021-12-21","answered":"2021-12-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether guidance is issued to local councils in relation to the extent to which urban design considerations can be used to justify refusal of a planning application.","answerText":"My Department’s policy and guidance should be taken into account in plan-making and decision-taking and will therefore assist councils in reaching their determination on planning applications. The Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS) sets out five core planning principles for the two-tier planning system, one of which is ‘Supporting good design and positive place-making’. The SPPS recognises that good urban design and place-making can change lives, communities and neighbourhoods for the better, and can create more successful places to live, bringing people together, and attracting business investment.\n\nIn addition, my Department’s ‘Living Places: An Urban Stewardship and Design Guide’ sits beneath the SPPS and provides strategic guidance to planning authorities and all other users of the planning system on how our urban places, whether a city or a village, should develop and change over time. It sets out the key principles behind good place-making and urban design, and seeks to inform and inspire all those involved in the process of managing (stewardship) and making (design) urban places, with a view to raising standards across the North. It emphasises the importance of collaboration and the commitment of all professions and stakeholders to raising design quality.\n\nAll planning applications for new development proposals should be considered by the relevant local council (or my department, as appropriate), on a case by case basis, taking into account the local development plan, regional planning policy (including the SPPS) and guidance (including Living Places), local circumstances and all other material considerations. Ultimately, the application, relevance and weight to be accorded to planning policy, planning guidance and all other material considerations, such as urban design and place-making, is a matter of judgement for the relevant planning authority.","answerHtml":"My Department’s policy and guidance should be taken into account in plan-making and decision-taking and will therefore assist councils in reaching their determination on planning applications. The Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS) sets out five core planning principles for the two-tier planning system, one of which is ‘Supporting good design and positive place-making’. The SPPS recognises that good urban design and place-making can change lives, communities and neighbourhoods for the better, and can create more successful places to live, bringing people together, and attracting business investment.
In addition, my Department’s ‘Living Places: An Urban Stewardship and Design Guide’ sits beneath the SPPS and provides strategic guidance to planning authorities and all other users of the planning system on how our urban places, whether a city or a village, should develop and change over time. It sets out the key principles behind good place-making and urban design, and seeks to inform and inspire all those involved in the process of managing (stewardship) and making (design) urban places, with a view to raising standards across the North. It emphasises the importance of collaboration and the commitment of all professions and stakeholders to raising design quality.
All planning applications for new development proposals should be considered by the relevant local council (or my department, as appropriate), on a case by case basis, taking into account the local development plan, regional planning policy (including the SPPS) and guidance (including Living Places), local circumstances and all other material considerations. Ultimately, the application, relevance and weight to be accorded to planning policy, planning guidance and all other material considerations, such as urban design and place-making, is a matter of judgement for the relevant planning authority.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026929%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=360594","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=360594"}},{"id":"360593","reference":"AQW 26928/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-12-06","answerBy":"2021-12-21","answered":"2021-12-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether a review of the use of Section 76 agreements is incorporated as part of the review of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011.","answerText":"The focus of the current review of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 is on the implementation of the legislative provisions of the Act itself and the extent to which the original objectives of the Act have been achieved. I am aware that the issue of Section 76 planning agreements has been raised by some respondents in the recent call for evidence on the Review of the Implementation of the Planning Act (NI) 2011. I will, therefore, give consideration to this evidence as part of the review process.","answerHtml":"The focus of the current review of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 is on the implementation of the legislative provisions of the Act itself and the extent to which the original objectives of the Act have been achieved. I am aware that the issue of Section 76 planning agreements has been raised by some respondents in the recent call for evidence on the Review of the Implementation of the Planning Act (NI) 2011. I will, therefore, give consideration to this evidence as part of the review process.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026928%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=360593","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=360593"}},{"id":"360592","reference":"AQW 26927/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-12-06","answerBy":"2021-12-21","answered":"2021-12-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether consideration is being given to the introduction of pre-application discussion processing targets for local councils.","answerText":"Engaging stakeholders is an essential part of an effective and inclusive planning system. Pre-application discussions (PADs) are intended to add value at the start of the development management process by improving the quality of the proposal and allowing applicants the opportunity to amend their emerging proposals to accommodate stakeholder opinion. This seeks to ensure that all parties are clear on the process that leads to a decision.\n\nThe issue of PADs was raised by a broad cross-section of respondents to the call for evidence on the review of the implementation of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 and I will be giving consideration to the evidence received in finalising the review.\n\nIn addition, the Department’s Planning Forum has conducted an initial review of the current PAD process to identify potential improvements in practice between planning authorities and statutory consultees. This work is ongoing, including a local government-led workshop due to take place in the new year to consider how to create a more consistent, structured and proportionate PAD process which will, in turn, contribute to improving planning application processing times especially for major and regionally significant applications.","answerHtml":"Engaging stakeholders is an essential part of an effective and inclusive planning system. Pre-application discussions (PADs) are intended to add value at the start of the development management process by improving the quality of the proposal and allowing applicants the opportunity to amend their emerging proposals to accommodate stakeholder opinion. This seeks to ensure that all parties are clear on the process that leads to a decision.
The issue of PADs was raised by a broad cross-section of respondents to the call for evidence on the review of the implementation of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 and I will be giving consideration to the evidence received in finalising the review.
In addition, the Department’s Planning Forum has conducted an initial review of the current PAD process to identify potential improvements in practice between planning authorities and statutory consultees. This work is ongoing, including a local government-led workshop due to take place in the new year to consider how to create a more consistent, structured and proportionate PAD process which will, in turn, contribute to improving planning application processing times especially for major and regionally significant applications.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026927%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=360592","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=360592"}},{"id":"360136","reference":"AQW 26732/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-12-01","answerBy":"2021-12-07","answered":"2021-12-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether Section 208 of Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 provides her Department with powers to assess a local council's decision regarding enforcement action where a development has proceeded without, or contrary to, planning permission.","answerText":"Section 208 of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 gives the Department or a person appointed by the Department the power to conduct an assessment of how a council deals with applications for planning permission. This does not include enforcement action.","answerHtml":"Section 208 of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 gives the Department or a person appointed by the Department the power to conduct an assessment of how a council deals with applications for planning permission. This does not include enforcement action.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026732%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=360136","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=360136"}},{"id":"359708","reference":"AQW 26596/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-29","answerBy":"2021-12-02","answered":"2021-12-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 25349/17-22, when the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Taskforce will hold their inaugural meeting.","answerText":"Subject to availability of members, the first meeting of the EV Infrastructure Task-Force will take place prior to Christmas.","answerHtml":"Subject to availability of members, the first meeting of the EV Infrastructure Task-Force will take place prior to Christmas.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026596%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=359708","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=359708"}},{"id":"358919","reference":"AQW 26266/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-23","answerBy":"2021-12-08","answered":"2021-12-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department will consider the introduction of a 20mph speed limit on Firmount Crescent, Holywood.","answerText":"You may be aware that, in Northern Ireland, a 20mph zone is generally an extension of an existing traffic calming scheme. As such they are usually only implemented in residential areas where self-enforcing measures such as road humps are already in place to reduce vehicle speeds to approximately 20mph.\n\nRequests for changes to a speed limit are assessed in accordance with my Department’s Roads Service Policy and Procedure Guide (RSPPG) E051 ‘Setting Local Speed Limits in Northern Ireland’. A traffic calming assessment was carried out in 2019 which indicated that Firmount Crescent did not score or rank highly enough to be considered for road humps when compared to other locations in the North Down area competing for the finite amount of funding available.\n\nAside from sites that are self-enforcing through the use of road humps, a number of sites were identified for trialling the effectiveness of 20mph speed limits using signs only. A study on this concluded that this approach had little or no impact on the speed of traffic.\n\nIn light of these findings and in the absence of self-enforcing road humps, the Department is not at this time considering the introduction of a 20mph speed limit at this location.","answerHtml":"You may be aware that, in Northern Ireland, a 20mph zone is generally an extension of an existing traffic calming scheme. As such they are usually only implemented in residential areas where self-enforcing measures such as road humps are already in place to reduce vehicle speeds to approximately 20mph.
Requests for changes to a speed limit are assessed in accordance with my Department’s Roads Service Policy and Procedure Guide (RSPPG) E051 ‘Setting Local Speed Limits in Northern Ireland’. A traffic calming assessment was carried out in 2019 which indicated that Firmount Crescent did not score or rank highly enough to be considered for road humps when compared to other locations in the North Down area competing for the finite amount of funding available.
Aside from sites that are self-enforcing through the use of road humps, a number of sites were identified for trialling the effectiveness of 20mph speed limits using signs only. A study on this concluded that this approach had little or no impact on the speed of traffic.
In light of these findings and in the absence of self-enforcing road humps, the Department is not at this time considering the introduction of a 20mph speed limit at this location.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026266%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=358919","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=358919"}},{"id":"358739","reference":"AQW 26178/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-22","answerBy":"2021-12-07","answered":"2021-11-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail future envisaged timescales for the School Enhancement Programme (SEP2) planned for St Columbanus’ College, Bangor.","answerText":"The School Enhancement Programme at St Columbanus’ College was announced in January 2019 to advance in design under the Second Call to the School Enhancement Programme (SEP2).\n\nA design team has been appointed to develop the plans for the building and to oversee the construction phase.\n\nA feasibility report produced by the design team is under consideration by the Department.\n\nIt is currently estimated that the SEP2 project will start on site in summer 2023, with the works complete in 2024. The programme will be subject to regular review by the Project Board, given the current challenges in the construction industry and budget availability.","answerHtml":"The School Enhancement Programme at St Columbanus’ College was announced in January 2019 to advance in design under the Second Call to the School Enhancement Programme (SEP2).
A design team has been appointed to develop the plans for the building and to oversee the construction phase.
A feasibility report produced by the design team is under consideration by the Department.
It is currently estimated that the SEP2 project will start on site in summer 2023, with the works complete in 2024. The programme will be subject to regular review by the Project Board, given the current challenges in the construction industry and budget availability.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026178%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=358739","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=358739"}},{"id":"358356","reference":"AQW 26042/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-18","answerBy":"2021-11-23","answered":"2021-11-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health what alternative methods of application can be provided for the HSC Staff Recognition Payment in cases where former employers are refusing to apply for the scheme on behalf of former employees who are entitled to apply under the second phase of payments.","answerText":"You may be aware that on the 29 October 2021 a letter was issued to all Independent Sector care home and domiciliary care providers registered with the RQIA, inviting them to identify their qualifying employees. The letter included details of eligibility criteria and how the employer should claim on behalf of their staff.\n\nDue to the transient nature of staff employed in the independent sector, some people may have moved to another employer for any number of reasons, including a job in a new sector. Where this is the case, it will be their previous employers who have responsibility to claim the recognition payment and pass this onto those former employees.\n\nThe mechanism for administering the special recognition payments in these circumstances, and other more specific and complex cases, is currently being finalised and will be included in the second phase of this process. Details of this will be communicated to all Independent Sector care home and domiciliary care providers registered with the RQIA.\n\nThe Department would encourage all sector organisations to work proactively to ensure all their members participate in this scheme.\n\nA revised FAQ on the special recognition payment has been published on the Department’s website and is available via the following link;\n\nhttps://www.health-ni.gov.uk/news/hsc-staff-recognition-payment-faqs","answerHtml":"You may be aware that on the 29 October 2021 a letter was issued to all Independent Sector care home and domiciliary care providers registered with the RQIA, inviting them to identify their qualifying employees. The letter included details of eligibility criteria and how the employer should claim on behalf of their staff.
Due to the transient nature of staff employed in the independent sector, some people may have moved to another employer for any number of reasons, including a job in a new sector. Where this is the case, it will be their previous employers who have responsibility to claim the recognition payment and pass this onto those former employees.
The mechanism for administering the special recognition payments in these circumstances, and other more specific and complex cases, is currently being finalised and will be included in the second phase of this process. Details of this will be communicated to all Independent Sector care home and domiciliary care providers registered with the RQIA.
The Department would encourage all sector organisations to work proactively to ensure all their members participate in this scheme.
A revised FAQ on the special recognition payment has been published on the Department’s website and is available via the following link;
https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/news/hsc-staff-recognition-payment-faqs
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026042%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=358356","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=358356"}},{"id":"358355","reference":"AQW 26041/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-18","answerBy":"2021-12-03","answered":"2021-11-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities how her Department intends to consult on future plans for Grey Point Fort, Helen’s Bay.","answerText":"Grey Point Fort is a State Care Monument in the care of my Department. My Department is working with Ards and North Down Borough Council to explore the best way to engage with the local community regarding future developments at the site. The engagement with Council and stakeholders is expected to produce a Masterplan for the site, which will identify how the site can be developed to reach its full potential, for both the local community and for visitors to the Helen’s Bay area.","answerHtml":"Grey Point Fort is a State Care Monument in the care of my Department. My Department is working with Ards and North Down Borough Council to explore the best way to engage with the local community regarding future developments at the site. The engagement with Council and stakeholders is expected to produce a Masterplan for the site, which will identify how the site can be developed to reach its full potential, for both the local community and for visitors to the Helen’s Bay area.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026041%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=358355","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=358355"}},{"id":"358144","reference":"AQW 25972/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-17","answerBy":"2021-12-02","answered":"2021-11-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she is aware of plans for the installation of additional electric vehicle charging points in North Down.","answerText":"The Sixtowns Road is a lightly trafficked rural road which is routinely inspected by the Department every three months as part of our scheduled maintenance programme.\n\nIn 2019, the Department completed two significant resurfacing schemes on this road and renewed and upgraded a large section of drainage to help alleviate problems with surface water on the road surface.\n\nIn June 2021 the Department completed a further significant resurfacing scheme along a 2.5km section of this road, which also included some localised widening.\n\nOfficials will continue to inspect and repair any actionable defects in line with current maintenance guidelines.","answerHtml":"The Sixtowns Road is a lightly trafficked rural road which is routinely inspected by the Department every three months as part of our scheduled maintenance programme.
In 2019, the Department completed two significant resurfacing schemes on this road and renewed and upgraded a large section of drainage to help alleviate problems with surface water on the road surface.
In June 2021 the Department completed a further significant resurfacing scheme along a 2.5km section of this road, which also included some localised widening.
Officials will continue to inspect and repair any actionable defects in line with current maintenance guidelines.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025972%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=358144","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=358144"}},{"id":"358143","reference":"AQW 25971/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-17","answerBy":"2021-12-02","answered":"2021-11-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail the amount of (i) Capital DEL; and (ii) Financial Transactions Capital that remains unallocated for this financial year.","answerText":"3.2 million Capital DEL and £66.7 million Financial Transactions Capital DEL remains unallocated for this financial year.\n\nDetails of unallocated resource at the conclusion of each monitoring round are set out in the Monitoring Statements. These Statements are published on the Department for Finance website.\n\nDetails of the unallocated resource at the conclusion of the October Monitoring round can be accessed via the link below:\n\nWritten Ministerial Statement to the Assembly October Monitoring 2021","answerHtml":"3.2 million Capital DEL and £66.7 million Financial Transactions Capital DEL remains unallocated for this financial year.
Details of unallocated resource at the conclusion of each monitoring round are set out in the Monitoring Statements. These Statements are published on the Department for Finance website.
Details of the unallocated resource at the conclusion of the October Monitoring round can be accessed via the link below:
Written Ministerial Statement to the Assembly October Monitoring 2021
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025971%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=358143","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=358143"}},{"id":"357684","reference":"AQW 25818/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-15","answerBy":"2021-11-18","answered":"2021-11-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what measures her Department is taking to enable better take up by local councils of the Office for Zero Emission Vehicle's On-street Residential Chargepoint Scheme.","answerText":"The British Government has made £20 million in grant funding available to local authorities/councils in GB-NI during 2021-22 to provide charge points for residents without off-street parking. I continue to encourage our councils to make an application for funding.\n\nI have recently written to councils advising them that I have made available match-funding of circa £350k, subject to public expenditure processes, from within my Department’s Blue Green Fund to assist local councils making an application to the On-street Residential Charge Point Scheme (ORCS).\n\nThis funding cannot be accessed by my Department, it is only available to local councils and it is for them to apply individually or collectively. Accessing the funding, from the Blue Green Fund is dependent on our councils submitting a successful ORCS application. Therefore, should a council make a successful application to ORCS for 75% funding, the 25% match from my Blue Green Fund will mean that the capital costs are fully covered.\n\nI am delighted that Derry City and Strabane District Council has volunteered to take the lead in a Council Consortium to develop an application for ORCS funding. My Department is represented, in an advisory capacity, on the ORCS council consortium and my officials will continue to make themselves available to local councils to provide support, advice and guidance.\n\nYou will also be aware, I have recently announced the establishment of an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Task-Force, which comprises key organisations with a role to play in this area, including local government.\n\nI remain committed to working in partnership with Executive colleagues and others across our islands to help deliver a change in the way we travel that also helps us to tackle the climate crisis.","answerHtml":"The British Government has made £20 million in grant funding available to local authorities/councils in GB-NI during 2021-22 to provide charge points for residents without off-street parking. I continue to encourage our councils to make an application for funding.
I have recently written to councils advising them that I have made available match-funding of circa £350k, subject to public expenditure processes, from within my Department’s Blue Green Fund to assist local councils making an application to the On-street Residential Charge Point Scheme (ORCS).
This funding cannot be accessed by my Department, it is only available to local councils and it is for them to apply individually or collectively. Accessing the funding, from the Blue Green Fund is dependent on our councils submitting a successful ORCS application. Therefore, should a council make a successful application to ORCS for 75% funding, the 25% match from my Blue Green Fund will mean that the capital costs are fully covered.
I am delighted that Derry City and Strabane District Council has volunteered to take the lead in a Council Consortium to develop an application for ORCS funding. My Department is represented, in an advisory capacity, on the ORCS council consortium and my officials will continue to make themselves available to local councils to provide support, advice and guidance.
You will also be aware, I have recently announced the establishment of an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Task-Force, which comprises key organisations with a role to play in this area, including local government.
I remain committed to working in partnership with Executive colleagues and others across our islands to help deliver a change in the way we travel that also helps us to tackle the climate crisis.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025818%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=357684","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=357684"}},{"id":"357277","reference":"AQW 25680/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-11","answerBy":"2021-11-26","answered":"2021-11-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure when her Department plans to introduce new road signage that can be used by accredited marshalls during cycling events.","answerText":"The use of accredited marshals during cycling events is currently being considered as part of the ongoing review of the operation of the Roads (Miscellaneous Provision) Act (Northern Ireland) 2010, known as the ‘Special Events’ legislation. I am working with officials to finalise this work and will make the findings publically available when in a position to be able to do so.","answerHtml":"The use of accredited marshals during cycling events is currently being considered as part of the ongoing review of the operation of the Roads (Miscellaneous Provision) Act (Northern Ireland) 2010, known as the ‘Special Events’ legislation. I am working with officials to finalise this work and will make the findings publically available when in a position to be able to do so.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025680%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=357277","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=357277"}},{"id":"356885","reference":"AQW 25526/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-09","answerBy":"2021-11-24","answered":"2021-11-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether plans exist to align to booster COVID-19 vaccine arrangements with England, where the booster jab is available five months after second jab.","answerText":"Arrangements in Northern Ireland align with those in England on the interval for administering a booster dose against Covid-19. Booster doses are administered at an interval of six months from second primary dose. This period may be reduced to five months for certain operational reasons.\n\nThis is the position across the UK and Chapter 14A Green Book on Immunisation Against Infectious Disease refers.","answerHtml":"Arrangements in Northern Ireland align with those in England on the interval for administering a booster dose against Covid-19. Booster doses are administered at an interval of six months from second primary dose. This period may be reduced to five months for certain operational reasons.
This is the position across the UK and Chapter 14A Green Book on Immunisation Against Infectious Disease refers.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025526%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=356885","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=356885"}},{"id":"356884","reference":"AQW 25525/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-09","answerBy":"2021-11-24","answered":"2021-11-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether she has plans to move to an entirely zero emission fleet of vehicles.","answerText":"In line with the Executive’s commitment to the COP26 Joint Declaration, my Department will work towards all new cars being zero emission by 2035.","answerHtml":"In line with the Executive’s commitment to the COP26 Joint Declaration, my Department will work towards all new cars being zero emission by 2035.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025525%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=356884","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=356884"}},{"id":"356883","reference":"AQW 25524/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-09","answerBy":"2021-11-24","answered":"2021-11-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health how his Department regulates charges set by GPs in relation to DLM1 medical reports.","answerText":"GPs are independent contractors who contract with the Health and Social Care Board under the HPSS (General Medical Services Contracts) Regulations (NI) 2004 to provide primary medical services to their registered list of patients.\n\nWhile these Regulations stipulate a range of functions beyond the clinical treatment and care of their patients which GPs must provide free, for example the completion of medical certificates for Social Security purposes, the completion of forms for driving licences does not fall within the scope of the Regulations.\n\nGPs are therefore under no contractual obligation to complete these forms and so are free to decide whether or not to do so and also whether to charge for this service.\n\nThere are no set fees for carrying out such work. It is a matter for the GP to decide what fee is charged for providing this service.","answerHtml":"GPs are independent contractors who contract with the Health and Social Care Board under the HPSS (General Medical Services Contracts) Regulations (NI) 2004 to provide primary medical services to their registered list of patients.
While these Regulations stipulate a range of functions beyond the clinical treatment and care of their patients which GPs must provide free, for example the completion of medical certificates for Social Security purposes, the completion of forms for driving licences does not fall within the scope of the Regulations.
GPs are therefore under no contractual obligation to complete these forms and so are free to decide whether or not to do so and also whether to charge for this service.
There are no set fees for carrying out such work. It is a matter for the GP to decide what fee is charged for providing this service.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025524%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=356883","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=356883"}},{"id":"356882","reference":"AQW 25523/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-09","answerBy":"2021-11-24","answered":"2021-11-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether they plan to move to an entirely zero emission fleet of vehicles.","answerText":"TEO is currently in the process of acquiring four hybrid vehicles via DoF’s Construction and Procurement Delivery (CPD), to replace the four official cars within The Executive Office. The new vehicles are expected to be delivered in 2022.\n\nIn line with the NI Executive’s commitment to the COP26 Joint Declaration, the Department will work towards all new cars being zero emissions by no later than 2035.","answerHtml":"TEO is currently in the process of acquiring four hybrid vehicles via DoF’s Construction and Procurement Delivery (CPD), to replace the four official cars within The Executive Office. The new vehicles are expected to be delivered in 2022.
In line with the NI Executive’s commitment to the COP26 Joint Declaration, the Department will work towards all new cars being zero emissions by no later than 2035.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025523%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=356882","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=356882"}},{"id":"356881","reference":"AQW 25522/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-09","answerBy":"2021-11-24","answered":"2021-11-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether he has plans to move to an entirely zero emission fleet of vehicles.","answerText":"Zero emission options will be considered when any Department of Finance vehicle is being replaced.","answerHtml":"Zero emission options will be considered when any Department of Finance vehicle is being replaced.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025522%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=356881","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=356881"}},{"id":"356716","reference":"AQW 25426/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-08","answerBy":"2021-11-23","answered":"2021-11-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether he has plans to move to an entirely zero emission fleet of vehicles.","answerText":"The Department for the Economy uses a very small number of official vehicles. Consisting of two HGVs, five light vans and four cars.\n\nAs these vehicles reach the end of their service life decisions on their replacements will include zero emission options if they are suitable.\n\nMy official car was replaced recently with a petrol/electric hybrid vehicle.","answerHtml":"The Department for the Economy uses a very small number of official vehicles. Consisting of two HGVs, five light vans and four cars.
As these vehicles reach the end of their service life decisions on their replacements will include zero emission options if they are suitable.
My official car was replaced recently with a petrol/electric hybrid vehicle.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025426%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=356716","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=356716"}},{"id":"356715","reference":"AQW 25425/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-08","answerBy":"2021-11-23","answered":"2021-11-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether she has plans to move to an entirely zero emission fleet of vehicles.","answerText":"Procurement of fleet vehicles is an operational matter for the Education Authority (EA). The EA understands the importance of considering carbon neutral technology and it has included the procurement of two alternatively fuelled vehicles in year five (2024/25) of the current Five Year Fleet Replacement Programme. These vehicles will be used to complete trials alongside diesel vehicles for operational performance in order to identify the best alternative fuels solution(s) for the EA, moving towards the 2030 ban on new diesel vehicle registrations.\n\nThe EA is keen to ensure that any new buses are in keeping with the strategic aims of NI environmental policy. Zero emission vehicles, however, currently attract significant additional cost and any move towards this technology will require a broad consideration of associated fuelling/charging infrastructure and maintenance arrangements.","answerHtml":"Procurement of fleet vehicles is an operational matter for the Education Authority (EA). The EA understands the importance of considering carbon neutral technology and it has included the procurement of two alternatively fuelled vehicles in year five (2024/25) of the current Five Year Fleet Replacement Programme. These vehicles will be used to complete trials alongside diesel vehicles for operational performance in order to identify the best alternative fuels solution(s) for the EA, moving towards the 2030 ban on new diesel vehicle registrations.
The EA is keen to ensure that any new buses are in keeping with the strategic aims of NI environmental policy. Zero emission vehicles, however, currently attract significant additional cost and any move towards this technology will require a broad consideration of associated fuelling/charging infrastructure and maintenance arrangements.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025425%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=356715","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=356715"}},{"id":"356714","reference":"AQW 25424/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-08","answerBy":"2021-11-23","answered":"2021-11-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she has plans to move to an entirely zero-emission fleet of vehicles.","answerText":"I was pleased as the Minister for Infrastructure to sign The Glasgow Declaration on Zero Emission Cars and Vans on behalf of the Northern Ireland Executive to reinforce our commitment to the decarbonisation of transport across these islands. This is a key declaration on tackling emissions from vehicles and it makes clear our commitment towards decarbonising our transport network.\n\nThis same commitment applies to my Department and plans are being developed to move to an entirely zero-emissions fleet of vehicles. Initial work has started on our smaller vans and trials of fully electric vans are ongoing. Consideration is also being given to the new technologies that could be used to power the larger items of plant, and in particular our specialist equipment such as gritters.","answerHtml":"I was pleased as the Minister for Infrastructure to sign The Glasgow Declaration on Zero Emission Cars and Vans on behalf of the Northern Ireland Executive to reinforce our commitment to the decarbonisation of transport across these islands. This is a key declaration on tackling emissions from vehicles and it makes clear our commitment towards decarbonising our transport network.
This same commitment applies to my Department and plans are being developed to move to an entirely zero-emissions fleet of vehicles. Initial work has started on our smaller vans and trials of fully electric vans are ongoing. Consideration is also being given to the new technologies that could be used to power the larger items of plant, and in particular our specialist equipment such as gritters.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025424%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=356714","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=356714"}},{"id":"356713","reference":"AQW 25423/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-08","answerBy":"2021-11-23","answered":"2021-11-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail (i) when the Better Beaches Forum last met; and (ii) when the Better Beaches Forum is due to meet again.","answerText":"The Better Beaches Forum last met on 25 October 2021 and discussed the following topics:\n\n2021 bathing season and bathing water compliance;\n\nUpdates on activities from NI Water and bathing water operators;\n\nUpdates from Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful on beach awards and availability of funding streams for projects and environmental outreach;\n\nUse of Personal Watercraft and powers held by statutory bodies;\n\nSingle-use plastics and waste prevention, future projects and legislation;\n\n2022 Review of bathing waters.\n\nGiven the current range of issues, the Better Beaches Forum has agreed to meet again before the next bathing season in Spring 2022.","answerHtml":"The Better Beaches Forum last met on 25 October 2021 and discussed the following topics:
2021 bathing season and bathing water compliance;
Updates on activities from NI Water and bathing water operators;
Updates from Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful on beach awards and availability of funding streams for projects and environmental outreach;
Use of Personal Watercraft and powers held by statutory bodies;
Single-use plastics and waste prevention, future projects and legislation;
2022 Review of bathing waters.
Given the current range of issues, the Better Beaches Forum has agreed to meet again before the next bathing season in Spring 2022.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025423%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=356713","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=356713"}},{"id":"356712","reference":"AQW 25422/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-08","answerBy":"2021-11-23","answered":"2021-11-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs whether he has plans to move to an entirely zero-emission fleet of vehicles.","answerText":"In our Draft Green Growth Strategy, my Executive colleagues and I have made a series of commitments – one of which is to lead by example. That is why we have committed to delivering a government estate and fleet with net zero operational carbon emissions and to ensure that there is a Green Growth aligned procurement strategy for all government spend. Accordingly I will ensure that my Department takes the appropriate steps to deliver on this commitment.","answerHtml":"In our Draft Green Growth Strategy, my Executive colleagues and I have made a series of commitments – one of which is to lead by example. That is why we have committed to delivering a government estate and fleet with net zero operational carbon emissions and to ensure that there is a Green Growth aligned procurement strategy for all government spend. Accordingly I will ensure that my Department takes the appropriate steps to deliver on this commitment.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025422%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=356712","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=356712"}},{"id":"356537","reference":"AQW 25349/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-05","answerBy":"2021-11-22","answered":"2021-11-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure when her Department plans to establish a cross-departmental electric vehicle taskforce.","answerText":"You will be aware that I have recently announced the establishment of an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Task-Force which comprises of key organisations with a role to play in this area.\n\nThe role of this Task-Force is to consider EV Infrastructure in the context of the overarching principles of prioritising active travel (walking, wheeling and cycling) and public transport towards decarbonising our transport system. In establishing this Task-Force, I recognise the importance of having a modern, reliable public electric vehicle charging infrastructure to provide confidence to users of low emission vehicles and improving connectivity across the North.\n\nIt is planned to hold the inaugural meeting of the group, subject to the availability of representatives, this month.","answerHtml":"You will be aware that I have recently announced the establishment of an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Task-Force which comprises of key organisations with a role to play in this area.
The role of this Task-Force is to consider EV Infrastructure in the context of the overarching principles of prioritising active travel (walking, wheeling and cycling) and public transport towards decarbonising our transport system. In establishing this Task-Force, I recognise the importance of having a modern, reliable public electric vehicle charging infrastructure to provide confidence to users of low emission vehicles and improving connectivity across the North.
It is planned to hold the inaugural meeting of the group, subject to the availability of representatives, this month.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025349%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=356537","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=356537"}},{"id":"356536","reference":"AQW 25348/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-05","answerBy":"2021-11-22","answered":"2021-11-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether it is envisaged that the abolition of the Health and Social Care Board will speed up the timeframe within which Health and Social Care Trust business cases for capital works are approved.","answerText":"Only business cases for capital works that are above the appropriate Trusts’ delegated limits need to be approved by my Department.\n\nHSCB involvement in the approval process is to provide a letter of support from the Commissioners. This support letter will continue to be required after the HSCB has closed when the commissioning function will transfer to a unit within my Department. Therefore it is envisaged that there will be no noticeable change to the timeframes for the approval of capital business cases from the HSC Trusts.","answerHtml":"Only business cases for capital works that are above the appropriate Trusts’ delegated limits need to be approved by my Department.
HSCB involvement in the approval process is to provide a letter of support from the Commissioners. This support letter will continue to be required after the HSCB has closed when the commissioning function will transfer to a unit within my Department. Therefore it is envisaged that there will be no noticeable change to the timeframes for the approval of capital business cases from the HSC Trusts.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025348%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=356536","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=356536"}},{"id":"356535","reference":"AQW 25347/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-05","answerBy":"2021-11-22","answered":"2021-11-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the current timeframe for the approval of Health and Social Trust business cases for capital works; and how many are currently awaiting approval.","answerText":"Only business cases for capital works from the HSC Trusts that are above the appropriate delegated limits are approved by my Department. Business cases above the Department’s delegated limit, or are considered novel or contentious, need approval by the Department of Finance.\n\nIt can take up to 6 months to approve a business case after it has been submitted to the Department, in order to adequately address queries from advisors and ensure a robust and adequate case has been made, and an additional 3 months if DoF approval is required. However, there are no set time limits to the approvals process as each case is looked at on its own merits.\n\nMy Department currently has 8 active capital business cases from the HSC Trusts at various stages of the approval process.\n\nTRUST\tNUMBER OF CASES\nBHSCT\t2\nNHSCT\t2\nSEHSCT\t1\nWHSCT\t2\nSHSCT\t0\nNIAS\t1","answerHtml":"Only business cases for capital works from the HSC Trusts that are above the appropriate delegated limits are approved by my Department. Business cases above the Department’s delegated limit, or are considered novel or contentious, need approval by the Department of Finance.
It can take up to 6 months to approve a business case after it has been submitted to the Department, in order to adequately address queries from advisors and ensure a robust and adequate case has been made, and an additional 3 months if DoF approval is required. However, there are no set time limits to the approvals process as each case is looked at on its own merits.
My Department currently has 8 active capital business cases from the HSC Trusts at various stages of the approval process.
| TRUST | NUMBER OF CASES |
| BHSCT | 2 |
| NHSCT | 2 |
| SEHSCT | 1 |
| WHSCT | 2 |
| SHSCT | 0 |
| NIAS | 1 |
Prior to the installation of the part-time 20mph speed limits at schools the Department carried out a trial to determine the effectiveness of the new type of signage. The report on the trial is publically available at 20mph Speed Limit Trials - Review Report | Department for Infrastructure (infrastructure-ni.gov.uk). In addition to our routine monitoring of road safety, in collaboration with the PSNI, consideration is being given to a more formal review on this specific programme. It is intended that this will be done when all the sites identified for treatment in Tranche 1 and 2 are operational.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025346%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=356534","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=356534"}},{"id":"356533","reference":"AQW 25345/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-05","answerBy":"2021-11-22","answered":"2021-11-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the outcome of the Reshaping Stroke Care Consultation; and how this will impact upon the provision of Acute Stroke Services at the Ulster Hospital.","answerText":"My Department’s ‘Reshaping Stroke Care’ consultation received in excess of 19,000 responses. I recognise the concerns respondents from the South Eastern Trust area hold about any changes to stroke services at the Ulster Hospital.\n\nI intend to consider those views alongside a workforce analysis, the evidence base for reform and learning from the past 18 months in reaching a decision on the way forward. I can assure you that this will take no longer than is absolutely necessary.","answerHtml":"My Department’s ‘Reshaping Stroke Care’ consultation received in excess of 19,000 responses. I recognise the concerns respondents from the South Eastern Trust area hold about any changes to stroke services at the Ulster Hospital.
I intend to consider those views alongside a workforce analysis, the evidence base for reform and learning from the past 18 months in reaching a decision on the way forward. I can assure you that this will take no longer than is absolutely necessary.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025345%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=356533","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=356533"}},{"id":"356389","reference":"AQW 25279/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-04","answerBy":"2021-11-19","answered":"2021-11-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to provide a list of enrolment numbers of pupils for (i) Ballyholme Primary School; (ii) Ballymagee Primary School; (iii) Kilmaine Primary School; (iv) Towerview Primary School; and (v) Millisle Primary School, broken down by electoral ward.","answerText":"The answer is contained in the following tables.\n\nEnrolment of Ballyholme Primary School by electoral ward of pupil residence 2020/21\n\nElectoral Ward of pupil residence\tPupil Number\nBallybot\t*\nBallycrochan\t29\nBallygrainey\t10\nBallyholme\t235\nBallymagee\t22\nBloomfield\t16\nBroadway\t119\nBryansburn\t5\nCastle\t6\nClandeboye\t10\nDonaghadee\t*\nGlen\t*\nGroomsport\t43\nHarbour\t83\nHelen'S Bay\t7\nLoughries\t*\nRathmore\t*\nScrabo\t*\nSilverbirch\t10\nWarren\t17\nTotal\t625\n\nEnrolment of Ballymagee Primary School by electoral ward of pupil residence 2020/21\n\nElectoral Ward of pupil residence\tPupil Number\nBallycrochan\t19\nBallygrainey\t48\nBallyholme\t*\nBallymagee\t170\nBloomfield\t48\nBroadway\t*\nBryansburn\t*\nCarrowdore\t*\nCastle\t6\nClandeboye\t6\nDonaghadee\t*\nGroomsport\t*\nHarbour\t*\nHelen'S Bay\t*\nKilcooley\t*\nLoughries\t*\nMovilla\t*\nRathgael\t*\nRathmore\t*\nSilverbirch\t100\nSilverstream\t*\nWarren\t*\nTotal\t430\n\nEnrolment of Kilmaine Primary School by electoral ward of pupil residence 2020/21\n\nElectoral Ward of pupil residence\tPupil Number\nBallycrochan\t138\nBallygrainey\t84\nBallyholme\t7\nBallymagee\t105\nBloomfield\t61\nBroadway\t13\nCarrowdore\t*\nCastle\t14\nClandeboye\t19\nConway Square\t*\nCronstown\t*\nDonaghadee\t5\nGroomsport\t20\nHarbour\t5\nHelen'S Bay\t*\nKilcooley\t12\nKillinchy\t*\nKircubbin\t*\nLoughries\t*\nMovilla\t*\nPortavogie\t*\nRathmore\t*\nSilverbirch\t140\nSilverstream\t15\nWarren\t9\nTotal\t667\n\nEnrolment of Towerview Primary School by electoral ward of pupil residence 2020/21\n\nElectoral Ward of pupil residence\tPupil Number\nBallybot\t*\nBallycrochan\t42\nBallygrainey\t50\nBallyholme\t13\nBallymagee\t33\nBallywalter\t*\nBloomfield\t43\nBroadway\t29\nBryansburn\t*\nCarrowdore\t*\nCastle\t5\nClandeboye\t20\nDonaghadee\t9\nGraham'S Bridge\t*\nGroomsport\t136\nHarbour\t*\nHelen'S Bay\t*\nKilcooley\t*\nLoughries\t6\nLoughview\t*\nMovilla\t*\nPortavogie\t*\nRathgael\t*\nRathmore\t*\nSilverbirch\t15\nSilverstream\t5\nWarren\t22\nWest Winds\t*\nTotal\t460\n\nEnrolment of Millisle Primary School by electoral ward of pupil residence 2020/21\n\nElectoral Ward of pupil residence\tPupil Number\nBallymagee\t*\nBallywalter\t#\nBloomfield\t*\nCarrowdore\t107\nDonaghadee\t9\nLoughries\t86\nWarren\t7\nTotal\t218\n\nSource: NI school census\n\nNotes:\n\nData are based on pupils enrolled on Census day i.e. The Friday of the first full week in October (In 2020/21 this was the 9 October 2020)\n\nFigures include all pupils enrolled in schools, so may include nursery units and reception, along with year 1 – 7 classes.\n\n‘*’ denotes fewer than 5 pupils suppressed due to the sensitive nature and potential identification of individual pupils.\n\n‘#’ denotes figures greater than or equal to 5 counter suppressed due to potential identification of individual pupils.","answerHtml":"The answer is contained in the following tables.
Enrolment of Ballyholme Primary School by electoral ward of pupil residence 2020/21
| Electoral Ward of pupil residence | Pupil Number |
| Ballybot | * |
| Ballycrochan | 29 |
| Ballygrainey | 10 |
| Ballyholme | 235 |
| Ballymagee | 22 |
| Bloomfield | 16 |
| Broadway | 119 |
| Bryansburn | 5 |
| Castle | 6 |
| Clandeboye | 10 |
| Donaghadee | * |
| Glen | * |
| Groomsport | 43 |
| Harbour | 83 |
| Helen'S Bay | 7 |
| Loughries | * |
| Rathmore | * |
| Scrabo | * |
| Silverbirch | 10 |
| Warren | 17 |
| Total | 625 |
Enrolment of Ballymagee Primary School by electoral ward of pupil residence 2020/21
| Electoral Ward of pupil residence | Pupil Number |
| Ballycrochan | 19 |
| Ballygrainey | 48 |
| Ballyholme | * |
| Ballymagee | 170 |
| Bloomfield | 48 |
| Broadway | * |
| Bryansburn | * |
| Carrowdore | * |
| Castle | 6 |
| Clandeboye | 6 |
| Donaghadee | * |
| Groomsport | * |
| Harbour | * |
| Helen'S Bay | * |
| Kilcooley | * |
| Loughries | * |
| Movilla | * |
| Rathgael | * |
| Rathmore | * |
| Silverbirch | 100 |
| Silverstream | * |
| Warren | * |
| Total | 430 |
Enrolment of Kilmaine Primary School by electoral ward of pupil residence 2020/21
| Electoral Ward of pupil residence | Pupil Number |
| Ballycrochan | 138 |
| Ballygrainey | 84 |
| Ballyholme | 7 |
| Ballymagee | 105 |
| Bloomfield | 61 |
| Broadway | 13 |
| Carrowdore | * |
| Castle | 14 |
| Clandeboye | 19 |
| Conway Square | * |
| Cronstown | * |
| Donaghadee | 5 |
| Groomsport | 20 |
| Harbour | 5 |
| Helen'S Bay | * |
| Kilcooley | 12 |
| Killinchy | * |
| Kircubbin | * |
| Loughries | * |
| Movilla | * |
| Portavogie | * |
| Rathmore | * |
| Silverbirch | 140 |
| Silverstream | 15 |
| Warren | 9 |
| Total | 667 |
Enrolment of Towerview Primary School by electoral ward of pupil residence 2020/21
| Electoral Ward of pupil residence | Pupil Number |
| Ballybot | * |
| Ballycrochan | 42 |
| Ballygrainey | 50 |
| Ballyholme | 13 |
| Ballymagee | 33 |
| Ballywalter | * |
| Bloomfield | 43 |
| Broadway | 29 |
| Bryansburn | * |
| Carrowdore | * |
| Castle | 5 |
| Clandeboye | 20 |
| Donaghadee | 9 |
| Graham'S Bridge | * |
| Groomsport | 136 |
| Harbour | * |
| Helen'S Bay | * |
| Kilcooley | * |
| Loughries | 6 |
| Loughview | * |
| Movilla | * |
| Portavogie | * |
| Rathgael | * |
| Rathmore | * |
| Silverbirch | 15 |
| Silverstream | 5 |
| Warren | 22 |
| West Winds | * |
| Total | 460 |
Enrolment of Millisle Primary School by electoral ward of pupil residence 2020/21
| Electoral Ward of pupil residence | Pupil Number |
| Ballymagee | * |
| Ballywalter | # |
| Bloomfield | * |
| Carrowdore | 107 |
| Donaghadee | 9 |
| Loughries | 86 |
| Warren | 7 |
| Total | 218 |
Source: NI school census
Notes:
Data are based on pupils enrolled on Census day i.e. The Friday of the first full week in October (In 2020/21 this was the 9 October 2020)
Figures include all pupils enrolled in schools, so may include nursery units and reception, along with year 1 – 7 classes.
‘*’ denotes fewer than 5 pupils suppressed due to the sensitive nature and potential identification of individual pupils.
‘#’ denotes figures greater than or equal to 5 counter suppressed due to potential identification of individual pupils.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025279%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=356389","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=356389"}},{"id":"356388","reference":"AQW 25278/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-04","answerBy":"2021-11-19","answered":"2021-11-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to provide a list of enrolment numbers of pupils for (i) Loughries Integrated Primary School; (ii) Bangor Central Integrated Primary School; (iii) Kircubbin Integrated Primary School; and (iv) Carrowdore Primary School, broken down by electoral ward.","answerText":"The answer is contained in the following tables.\n\nEnrolment of Loughries Integrated Primary School by electoral ward of pupil residence 2020/21\n\nElectoral Ward of pupil residence\tPupil Number\nBallygrainey\t*\nBallywalter\t*\nCarrowdore\t9\nCarryduff West\t*\nCastle\t*\nConway Square\t*\nCronstown\t11\nDonaghadee\t*\nGlen\t*\nGregstown\t6\nKilcooley\t*\nKircubbin\t*\nLoughries\t20\nMovilla\t5\nPortavogie\t6\nScrabo\t*\nSilverstream\t*\nWest Winds\t6\nTotal\t86\n\nEnrolment of Bangor Central Integrated Primary School by electoral ward of pupil residence 2020/21\n\nElectoral Ward of pupil residence\tPupil Number\nBallycrochan\t7\nBallydugan\t*\nBallygrainey\t88\nBallyholme\t14\nBallymagee\t10\nBloomfield\t37\nBroadway\t36\nBryansburn\t14\nCarrowdore\t*\nCarrowreagh\t*\nCastle\t105\nClandeboye\t24\nCultra\t*\nDonaghadee\t*\nGlen\t*\nGroomsport\t5\nHarbour\t72\nHelen'S Bay\t6\nKilcooley\t23\nLoughries\t*\nMovilla\t*\nPortavogie\t*\nRathgael\t39\nRathmore\t*\nSilverbirch\t18\nSilverstream\t29\nWarren\t*\nWoodvale\t*\nTotal\t550\n\nEnrolment of Kircubbin Integrated Primary School by electoral ward of pupil residence 2020/21\n\nElectoral Ward of pupil residence\tPupil Number\nBallywalter\t45\nCarrowdore\t*\nGalwally\t*\nKircubbin\t108\nLoughries\t*\nPortaferry\t5\nPortavogie\t39\nSilverstream\t*\nUnknown/Invalid address\t*\nTotal\t203\n\nEnrolment of Carrowdore Primary School by electoral ward of pupil residence 2020/21\n\nElectoral Ward of pupil residence\tPupil Number\nBallywalter\t6\nCarrowdore\t133\nConway Square\t*\nCronstown\t*\nDonaghadee\t*\nGregstown\t*\nKircubbin\t*\nLoughries\t19\nTotal\t167\n\nSource: NI school census\n\nNotes:\n\nData are based on pupils enrolled on Census day i.e. The Friday of the first full week in October (In 2020/21 this was the 9 October 2020)\n\nFigures include all pupils enrolled in schools, so may include nursery units and reception, along with year 1 – 7 classes.\n\n‘*’ denotes fewer than 5 pupils suppressed due to the sensitive nature and potential identification of individual pupils.\n\n‘#’ denotes figures greater than or equal to 5 counter suppressed due to potential identification of individual pupils.","answerHtml":"The answer is contained in the following tables.
Enrolment of Loughries Integrated Primary School by electoral ward of pupil residence 2020/21
| Electoral Ward of pupil residence | Pupil Number |
| Ballygrainey | * |
| Ballywalter | * |
| Carrowdore | 9 |
| Carryduff West | * |
| Castle | * |
| Conway Square | * |
| Cronstown | 11 |
| Donaghadee | * |
| Glen | * |
| Gregstown | 6 |
| Kilcooley | * |
| Kircubbin | * |
| Loughries | 20 |
| Movilla | 5 |
| Portavogie | 6 |
| Scrabo | * |
| Silverstream | * |
| West Winds | 6 |
| Total | 86 |
Enrolment of Bangor Central Integrated Primary School by electoral ward of pupil residence 2020/21
| Electoral Ward of pupil residence | Pupil Number |
| Ballycrochan | 7 |
| Ballydugan | * |
| Ballygrainey | 88 |
| Ballyholme | 14 |
| Ballymagee | 10 |
| Bloomfield | 37 |
| Broadway | 36 |
| Bryansburn | 14 |
| Carrowdore | * |
| Carrowreagh | * |
| Castle | 105 |
| Clandeboye | 24 |
| Cultra | * |
| Donaghadee | * |
| Glen | * |
| Groomsport | 5 |
| Harbour | 72 |
| Helen'S Bay | 6 |
| Kilcooley | 23 |
| Loughries | * |
| Movilla | * |
| Portavogie | * |
| Rathgael | 39 |
| Rathmore | * |
| Silverbirch | 18 |
| Silverstream | 29 |
| Warren | * |
| Woodvale | * |
| Total | 550 |
Enrolment of Kircubbin Integrated Primary School by electoral ward of pupil residence 2020/21
| Electoral Ward of pupil residence | Pupil Number |
| Ballywalter | 45 |
| Carrowdore | * |
| Galwally | * |
| Kircubbin | 108 |
| Loughries | * |
| Portaferry | 5 |
| Portavogie | 39 |
| Silverstream | * |
| Unknown/Invalid address | * |
| Total | 203 |
Enrolment of Carrowdore Primary School by electoral ward of pupil residence 2020/21
| Electoral Ward of pupil residence | Pupil Number |
| Ballywalter | 6 |
| Carrowdore | 133 |
| Conway Square | * |
| Cronstown | * |
| Donaghadee | * |
| Gregstown | * |
| Kircubbin | * |
| Loughries | 19 |
| Total | 167 |
Source: NI school census
Notes:
Data are based on pupils enrolled on Census day i.e. The Friday of the first full week in October (In 2020/21 this was the 9 October 2020)
Figures include all pupils enrolled in schools, so may include nursery units and reception, along with year 1 – 7 classes.
‘*’ denotes fewer than 5 pupils suppressed due to the sensitive nature and potential identification of individual pupils.
‘#’ denotes figures greater than or equal to 5 counter suppressed due to potential identification of individual pupils.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025278%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=356388","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=356388"}},{"id":"356387","reference":"AQW 25277/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-04","answerBy":"2021-11-19","answered":"2021-11-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline the actions being taken to improve bathing water quality in the vicinity of Donaghadee Harbour.","answerText":"Donaghadee Harbour is not an identified bathing water, and so there are no specific programmes to improve bathing water in this area. However, I will shortly be undertaking a review of bathing waters, which will provide an opportunity for additional bathing waters to be considered for identification.","answerHtml":"Donaghadee Harbour is not an identified bathing water, and so there are no specific programmes to improve bathing water in this area. However, I will shortly be undertaking a review of bathing waters, which will provide an opportunity for additional bathing waters to be considered for identification.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025277%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=356387","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=356387"}},{"id":"356386","reference":"AQW 25276/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-04","answerBy":"2021-11-19","answered":"2021-11-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline the actions being taken to improve bathing water quality at Ballyholme Beach, Bangor.","answerText":"My Department works in partnership with local councils, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful (KNIB), NI Water and other bathing water operators to manage our bathing waters and beaches through the Better Beaches Forum Action Plan. The Action Plan focusses on three strands:\n\nImproving water quality;\n\nImproving beach cleanliness, facilities management and signage; and\n\nKeeping the public and media better informed.\n\nNI Water is targeting £15.5M on an extensive programme of upgrades to the wastewater network in the Bangor area to improve coastal water quality, including Ballyholme. My Department is also working closely with relevant stakeholders to address agricultural impacts on Ballyholme bathing water. Since 2017, NIEA inspectors have carried out many farm inspections and pollution investigations to identify and rectify agricultural issues affecting the catchment.","answerHtml":"My Department works in partnership with local councils, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful (KNIB), NI Water and other bathing water operators to manage our bathing waters and beaches through the Better Beaches Forum Action Plan. The Action Plan focusses on three strands:
Improving water quality;
Improving beach cleanliness, facilities management and signage; and
Keeping the public and media better informed.
NI Water is targeting £15.5M on an extensive programme of upgrades to the wastewater network in the Bangor area to improve coastal water quality, including Ballyholme. My Department is also working closely with relevant stakeholders to address agricultural impacts on Ballyholme bathing water. Since 2017, NIEA inspectors have carried out many farm inspections and pollution investigations to identify and rectify agricultural issues affecting the catchment.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025276%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=356386","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=356386"}},{"id":"356385","reference":"AQW 25275/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-04","answerBy":"2021-11-19","answered":"2021-11-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether on-street car parking spaces that are adjacent to ESB electric vehicle charging infrastructure are under the ownership of her Department.","answerText":"The on-street parking spaces adjacent to e-car NI charging points are under the control of my Department.","answerHtml":"The on-street parking spaces adjacent to e-car NI charging points are under the control of my Department.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025275%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=356385","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=356385"}},{"id":"357729","reference":"AQO 2732/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-04","answerBy":"2021-11-15","answered":"2021-11-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for an update on the measures being taken to accelerate the replacement of the mobile classroom accommodation at St Columbanus’ College, Bangor.","answerText":"I am informed that a modular classroom for Technology and Design and a general modular classroom should be on site in early March 2022. These are being provided to replace two condemned mobile classrooms at the School.\n\nDelivery was initially planned for January 2022, but has been delayed due to the steel supply shortages affecting the wider construction industry, which in turn is impacting on the provision of these units.\n\nMy officials, along with colleagues from the Education Authority and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools, met with the school on 14 October 2021. The school was updated on the situation and has agreed to put contingency arrangements in place until March 2022.\n\nI accept that it is far from ideal that these contingency arrangements will involve pupils continuing to use the Assembly Hall for Technology, Environmental and Science subjects. However, I can assure you that the Education Authority is working closely with the Contractor to ensure the new modular units are delivered and in place as soon as possible.\n\nI am visiting St Columbanus’ College on 23 November 2021 and will have the opportunity to discuss accommodation issues with the school then.","answerHtml":"I am informed that a modular classroom for Technology and Design and a general modular classroom should be on site in early March 2022. These are being provided to replace two condemned mobile classrooms at the School.
Delivery was initially planned for January 2022, but has been delayed due to the steel supply shortages affecting the wider construction industry, which in turn is impacting on the provision of these units.
My officials, along with colleagues from the Education Authority and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools, met with the school on 14 October 2021. The school was updated on the situation and has agreed to put contingency arrangements in place until March 2022.
I accept that it is far from ideal that these contingency arrangements will involve pupils continuing to use the Assembly Hall for Technology, Environmental and Science subjects. However, I can assure you that the Education Authority is working closely with the Contractor to ensure the new modular units are delivered and in place as soon as possible.
I am visiting St Columbanus’ College on 23 November 2021 and will have the opportunity to discuss accommodation issues with the school then.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202732%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=357729","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=357729"}},{"id":"356211","reference":"AQW 25188/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-03","answerBy":"2021-11-18","answered":"2021-11-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what options are available for people living in mobile homes if licence conditions are not being met.","answerText":"The licensing system for Caravan sites is controlled through the Caravans Act (Northern Ireland) 1963 and is administered by District Councils who are responsible for the issuing and enforcement of site licences. If a mobile home owner has any issues relating to site licence conditions they should contact the licence holder or the relevant council.","answerHtml":"The licensing system for Caravan sites is controlled through the Caravans Act (Northern Ireland) 1963 and is administered by District Councils who are responsible for the issuing and enforcement of site licences. If a mobile home owner has any issues relating to site licence conditions they should contact the licence holder or the relevant council.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025188%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=356211","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=356211"}},{"id":"356210","reference":"AQW 25187/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-03","answerBy":"2021-11-18","answered":"2021-11-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance, pursuant to AQW 20446/17-22, (i) what next steps are proposed; and (ii) whether progression of legislation to ring-fence rent arrears accrued from March 2020 for business tenants affected by Covid-19 business closures forms part of these next steps.","answerText":"(i) My department will conduct a campaign aimed at all landlords and tenants who are dealing with rent debt accrued during lockdown to raise awareness for the alternative dispute resolution avenues open to those parties. We will encourage them to take the opportunity, between now and the end of the moratorium on evictions, to work out their differences so they do not find themselves in mandatory arbitration proceedings.\n\n(ii) My Officials have been working with Westminster counterparts to insert an enabling power in the new Westminster Bill. This power would allow us to replicate that policy, if required, in a local context by making subordinate legislation in the Assembly, should mandatory arbitration be considered to be an appropriate method for addressing the issue of unpaid commercial rent when the business moratorium ends.","answerHtml":"(i) My department will conduct a campaign aimed at all landlords and tenants who are dealing with rent debt accrued during lockdown to raise awareness for the alternative dispute resolution avenues open to those parties. We will encourage them to take the opportunity, between now and the end of the moratorium on evictions, to work out their differences so they do not find themselves in mandatory arbitration proceedings.
(ii) My Officials have been working with Westminster counterparts to insert an enabling power in the new Westminster Bill. This power would allow us to replicate that policy, if required, in a local context by making subordinate legislation in the Assembly, should mandatory arbitration be considered to be an appropriate method for addressing the issue of unpaid commercial rent when the business moratorium ends.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025187%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=356210","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=356210"}},{"id":"356209","reference":"AQW 25186/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-03","answerBy":"2021-11-18","answered":"2021-11-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to outline the protections that are currently in place for people living in mobile homes.","answerText":"My Department’s responsibilities are for those who live in mobile homes as their permanent residential accommodation. The Caravans Act 2011, is currently under review, a cross Departmental Working Group encompassing DfC, DfE and DfI officials, has been established, and preparatory work is underway to launch the Review and gather input.","answerHtml":"My Department’s responsibilities are for those who live in mobile homes as their permanent residential accommodation. The Caravans Act 2011, is currently under review, a cross Departmental Working Group encompassing DfC, DfE and DfI officials, has been established, and preparatory work is underway to launch the Review and gather input.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025186%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=356209","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=356209"}},{"id":"356208","reference":"AQW 25185/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-03","answerBy":"2021-11-18","answered":"2021-11-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for her assessment of the impact arising from un-met October 2021 Monitoring Round bids for Translink.","answerText":"At the October monitoring round, public transport Covid pressures of £17m and non-Covid pressures of £24m were unable to be funded, which is a major concern for both the board of Translink and my Department.\n\nMy officials are currently undertaking a rigorous contingency planning exercise to identify options to address the inescapable pressures that remain across the Department. Unless additional funding becomes available, though, it is inevitable that service reductions will be required, the detail of which will not be clear until the outcome of the contingency planning exercise is determined.","answerHtml":"At the October monitoring round, public transport Covid pressures of £17m and non-Covid pressures of £24m were unable to be funded, which is a major concern for both the board of Translink and my Department.
My officials are currently undertaking a rigorous contingency planning exercise to identify options to address the inescapable pressures that remain across the Department. Unless additional funding becomes available, though, it is inevitable that service reductions will be required, the detail of which will not be clear until the outcome of the contingency planning exercise is determined.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025185%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=356208","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=356208"}},{"id":"356207","reference":"AQW 25184/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-03","answerBy":"2021-11-18","answered":"2021-11-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for her assessment of the impact arising from only £1.5million being received from October 2021 Monitoring Round bids for NI Water.","answerText":"At the October monitoring round, NI Water pressures of £18.2m resulting from increasing energy costs were unable to be funded. Following submission of bids for October monitoring, energy costs have continued to rise resulting in a further £5m increase forecast for this financial year for water and waste water.\n\nWith just over 4 months of the financial year remaining, it is clear that this level of pressure cannot be absorbed without serious consequences and major impacts. My officials are currently undertaking a rigorous contingency planning exercise to identify options to address the inescapable pressures that remain across the Department. Unless additional funding becomes available, though, it is inevitable that service reductions will be required and the greatest impact is most likely to be seen in wastewater treatment, creating possible pollution and environmental impacts.\n\nWhile my Department and NI Water will take every possible step to protect drinking water provision, loss of service cannot be ruled out, for example, in supply restrictions, interruptions, and possibly drinking water quality at the tap.","answerHtml":"At the October monitoring round, NI Water pressures of £18.2m resulting from increasing energy costs were unable to be funded. Following submission of bids for October monitoring, energy costs have continued to rise resulting in a further £5m increase forecast for this financial year for water and waste water.
With just over 4 months of the financial year remaining, it is clear that this level of pressure cannot be absorbed without serious consequences and major impacts. My officials are currently undertaking a rigorous contingency planning exercise to identify options to address the inescapable pressures that remain across the Department. Unless additional funding becomes available, though, it is inevitable that service reductions will be required and the greatest impact is most likely to be seen in wastewater treatment, creating possible pollution and environmental impacts.
While my Department and NI Water will take every possible step to protect drinking water provision, loss of service cannot be ruled out, for example, in supply restrictions, interruptions, and possibly drinking water quality at the tap.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025184%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=356207","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=356207"}},{"id":"355995","reference":"AQW 25100/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-02","answerBy":"2021-11-05","answered":"2021-11-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for her assessment of the impact current vacancies within DfI Roads and Rivers Centre of Procurement Expertise have on the ability to deliver tenders under the new Roads and Rivers Procurement Strategy for Asphalt Resurfacing 2021-2023 within timescales published on her Department's future tenders list.","answerText":"In common with all NICS departments, my Department has a high level of vacancies which officials are working hard to prioritise and fill, including posts in the Centre of Procurement Expertise that are delivering the new Procurement Strategy for Asphalt Resurfacing 20212023, and I can confirm that dedicated teams have been established to deliver that strategy. It sets out indicative but challenging timeframes to release tenders for new term contracts and one-off resurfacing schemes. The first one-off resurfacing scheme has been released for tender and the other contracts are largely on track. While there has been some slippage to the published timeframe for the first phase of new term contracts in six areas, this has been necessary to ensure that the procurement process is as robust as it possibly can be. I anticipate that these contracts will be released for tender shortly, with subsequent phases to be released within three month intervals thereafter.","answerHtml":"In common with all NICS departments, my Department has a high level of vacancies which officials are working hard to prioritise and fill, including posts in the Centre of Procurement Expertise that are delivering the new Procurement Strategy for Asphalt Resurfacing 20212023, and I can confirm that dedicated teams have been established to deliver that strategy. It sets out indicative but challenging timeframes to release tenders for new term contracts and one-off resurfacing schemes. The first one-off resurfacing scheme has been released for tender and the other contracts are largely on track. While there has been some slippage to the published timeframe for the first phase of new term contracts in six areas, this has been necessary to ensure that the procurement process is as robust as it possibly can be. I anticipate that these contracts will be released for tender shortly, with subsequent phases to be released within three month intervals thereafter.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025100%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=355995","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=355995"}},{"id":"355994","reference":"AQW 25099/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-02","answerBy":"2021-11-17","answered":"2021-11-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail accommodation works (i) provided in last five financial years; (ii) undertaken in 2021/22; (iii) planned for the remainder of 2021/22; and (iv) planned for 2022/23 at Clifton Special School, Bangor.","answerText":"In respect of minor capital works the Education Authority has advised me that:\n\nthe conversion of a Home Economics classroom to a general classroom was delivered in December 2019;\n\nadditional teaching accommodation was delivered in June 2021 and a double modular unit in November 2021;\n\nthere are no minor works schemes planned for the remainder of 2021/22; and\n\na hire unit for additional storage and the investigation of potential satellite site options is planned for 2022/23.\n\nIn addition, Clifton Special School was announced in May 2020 to advance in design under the second call to the School Enhancement Programme (SEP2). An Integrated Consultancy Team (ICT) is currently being procured for the SEP2 project and it is anticipated that the successful ICT will be appointed early in 2022. A programme for delivery of the SEP2 project will be developed when the ICT is appointed.","answerHtml":"In respect of minor capital works the Education Authority has advised me that:
the conversion of a Home Economics classroom to a general classroom was delivered in December 2019;
additional teaching accommodation was delivered in June 2021 and a double modular unit in November 2021;
there are no minor works schemes planned for the remainder of 2021/22; and
a hire unit for additional storage and the investigation of potential satellite site options is planned for 2022/23.
In addition, Clifton Special School was announced in May 2020 to advance in design under the second call to the School Enhancement Programme (SEP2). An Integrated Consultancy Team (ICT) is currently being procured for the SEP2 project and it is anticipated that the successful ICT will be appointed early in 2022. A programme for delivery of the SEP2 project will be developed when the ICT is appointed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025099%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=355994","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=355994"}},{"id":"355993","reference":"AQW 25098/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-02","answerBy":"2021-11-17","answered":"2021-11-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure pursuant to AQW 902/17-22 and AQW 903/17-22, for an update on the A1 Junctions Phase 2 Scheme, including up to date envisaged project milestones.","answerText":"I am very aware of how important the A1 improvements are for all those who have lost loved ones or incurred injuries during incidents as well as the many people who have expressed their support for the scheme.\n\nI am pleased to report that good progress continues to be made on the A1 Junctions Phase 2 Road Improvement Scheme. The Statutory Orders for the scheme have been made with the Stopping Up (of Private Accesses) coming into operation on 24 June 2021 and the Direction Order coming into operation on 16 July 2021. The completion of the Statutory Orders is a major milestone for the project.\n\nWork is currently ongoing on the preparation of an economic appraisal for the scheme. The next milestone would be the commencement of the procurement phase, including the preparation of contract documents. I am fully committed to progressing this project at pace and will be considering the next steps following the completion of the economic appraisal and the outcome of Spending Review 2021","answerHtml":"I am very aware of how important the A1 improvements are for all those who have lost loved ones or incurred injuries during incidents as well as the many people who have expressed their support for the scheme.
I am pleased to report that good progress continues to be made on the A1 Junctions Phase 2 Road Improvement Scheme. The Statutory Orders for the scheme have been made with the Stopping Up (of Private Accesses) coming into operation on 24 June 2021 and the Direction Order coming into operation on 16 July 2021. The completion of the Statutory Orders is a major milestone for the project.
Work is currently ongoing on the preparation of an economic appraisal for the scheme. The next milestone would be the commencement of the procurement phase, including the preparation of contract documents. I am fully committed to progressing this project at pace and will be considering the next steps following the completion of the economic appraisal and the outcome of Spending Review 2021
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025098%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=355993","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=355993"}},{"id":"355992","reference":"AQW 25097/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-02","answerBy":"2021-11-17","answered":"2021-11-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what action she plans to take in response to recent court findings concerning the planning decision made by Derry City and Strabane District Council with respect to 260 houses proposed for the Springtown area of Derry/ Londonderry by Hartlands (NI) Ltd.","answerText":"I am aware of the court ruling and am considering its implications.","answerHtml":"I am aware of the court ruling and am considering its implications.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025097%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=355992","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=355992"}},{"id":"355991","reference":"AQW 25096/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-02","answerBy":"2021-11-17","answered":"2021-11-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether she plans to extend the 2013 Mobile Homes Act to Northern Ireland.","answerText":"My Department’s responsibilities are for those who live in mobile homes as their permanent residential accommodation. The Caravans Act 2011, is currently under review.\n\nA cross Departmental Working Group encompassing DfC, DfE and DfI officials, has been established, and preparatory work is underway to launch the Review and gather input.","answerHtml":"My Department’s responsibilities are for those who live in mobile homes as their permanent residential accommodation. The Caravans Act 2011, is currently under review.
A cross Departmental Working Group encompassing DfC, DfE and DfI officials, has been established, and preparatory work is underway to launch the Review and gather input.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025096%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=355991","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=355991"}},{"id":"355798","reference":"AQW 24999/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-01","answerBy":"2021-11-16","answered":"2021-11-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure pursuant to AQW 6084/17-22, to detail on the significant challenges advised by officials.","answerText":"The 2½ mile stretch of the A2 from Ballyrobert to Holywood consists of a four lane single carriageway road with narrow footways. An initial general consideration of the route identified the following significant challenges to building a segregated cycle lane, which complies with up-to-date cycling design guidance:\n\nThe vesting of a 3 – 4m strip of land along the length of the route involving numerous landowners;\n\nDesign and safety considerations required to accommodate the numerous driveways that a cycle lane would have to cross; and\n\nSignificant level differences at various points along the route.","answerHtml":"The 2½ mile stretch of the A2 from Ballyrobert to Holywood consists of a four lane single carriageway road with narrow footways. An initial general consideration of the route identified the following significant challenges to building a segregated cycle lane, which complies with up-to-date cycling design guidance:
The vesting of a 3 – 4m strip of land along the length of the route involving numerous landowners;
Design and safety considerations required to accommodate the numerous driveways that a cycle lane would have to cross; and
Significant level differences at various points along the route.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024999%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=355798","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=355798"}},{"id":"355797","reference":"AQW 24998/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-01","answerBy":"2021-11-16","answered":"2021-11-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister pursuant to AQW 7574/17-22, when the revised Ministerial Code will be presented for approval.","answerText":"We are currently considering draft amendments to the Ministerial Code. Subject to agreement, these will be tabled for approval by the Executive and Assembly thereafter.","answerHtml":"We are currently considering draft amendments to the Ministerial Code. Subject to agreement, these will be tabled for approval by the Executive and Assembly thereafter.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024998%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=355797","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=355797"}},{"id":"355796","reference":"AQW 24997/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-01","answerBy":"2021-11-16","answered":"2021-11-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on a review of the Housing Allocation Points System.","answerText":"My Department is working with the Housing Executive to enable the implementation of 18 of the 20 proposals set out in the December 2020 Consultation Outcome Report on the “A Fundamental Review of Social Housing Allocations”. Further work will be carried out and alternatives considered for two proposals relating to intimidation points and interim accommodation points.\n\nThe Housing Executive’s project team has commenced the planning stage for implementation and delivery of these proposals that will make the Housing Selection Scheme fairer and better at responding to objective need.\n\nThe intention is for implementation of a number of proposals to be underway by March 2022.","answerHtml":"My Department is working with the Housing Executive to enable the implementation of 18 of the 20 proposals set out in the December 2020 Consultation Outcome Report on the “A Fundamental Review of Social Housing Allocations”. Further work will be carried out and alternatives considered for two proposals relating to intimidation points and interim accommodation points.
The Housing Executive’s project team has commenced the planning stage for implementation and delivery of these proposals that will make the Housing Selection Scheme fairer and better at responding to objective need.
The intention is for implementation of a number of proposals to be underway by March 2022.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024997%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=355796","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=355796"}},{"id":"355795","reference":"AQW 24996/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-01","answerBy":"2021-11-16","answered":"2021-11-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether there are any plans to review legislation in relation to the eviction of tenants.","answerText":"In response to the current pandemic, I have written to social landlords to ask that the “no eviction” agreement for Covid-19 related rent arrears currently in place within the social housing sector continues to 4 May 2022.\n\nThe Private Tenancies (Coronavirus Modifications) Act (NI) 2020 also continues to 4 May 2022 and imposed on landlords the requirement to provide tenants with a 12 weeks’ “Notice To Quit” period.\n\nA Private Tenancies Bill, currently progressing through the Assembly will introduce further changes to Notice to Quit. As part of a programme of longer term work to reform the private rented sector, I will consider the possibility of creating grounds for eviction, upon which stakeholders will be consulted.","answerHtml":"In response to the current pandemic, I have written to social landlords to ask that the “no eviction” agreement for Covid-19 related rent arrears currently in place within the social housing sector continues to 4 May 2022.
The Private Tenancies (Coronavirus Modifications) Act (NI) 2020 also continues to 4 May 2022 and imposed on landlords the requirement to provide tenants with a 12 weeks’ “Notice To Quit” period.
A Private Tenancies Bill, currently progressing through the Assembly will introduce further changes to Notice to Quit. As part of a programme of longer term work to reform the private rented sector, I will consider the possibility of creating grounds for eviction, upon which stakeholders will be consulted.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024996%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=355795","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=355795"}},{"id":"355794","reference":"AQW 24995/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-11-01","answerBy":"2021-11-16","answered":"2021-11-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to outline preparations in place for the Digital Switch Over when copper phone line networks will be switched off in 2025.","answerText":"The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is a privately-owned telecoms network and the decision to upgrade it has been taken by the telecoms industry. Fixed-line operators - including Openreach and Virgin Media - will replace legacy, copper telephone services with VoIP technology, which carries voice calls over an internet connection. The upgrade will be delivered by industry in a phased approach over the next few years with the network expected to be fully upgraded to VoIP services in 2025. The industry’s decision to upgrade the PSTN is due to necessity, the network is increasingly unreliable and prone to failure, with some telecoms companies finding it impossible to source a certain replacement or spare part to maintain or repair connections.\n\nPSTN’s replacement, VoIP technology, is expected to offer consumers clearer and better quality phone calls. In order to function correctly, VoIP requires a minimum stable connection speed of just 0.5Mbps, and for current landline-only customers, it will be possible to order a VoIP landline without purchasing a general internet connection. The process of upgrading for most consumers will involve unplugging their existing landline phone from the wall and instead plugging it into the back of their broadband router.\n\nAs the PSTN upgrade is an industry-led process, industry have the responsibility to ensure that all customers affected by the switch over are fully informed and aware of the impacts and alternative/ replacement services.\n\nAs telecommunications policy is a reserved matter, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) are leading on public communications around this issue, and along with Ofcom are working to ensure consumers and sectors are protected and prepared for the upgrade process. This includes close engagement with the emergency services.\n\nYou can find more information about the PSTN upgrade on Ofcom’s website at: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/about-ofcom/latest/features-and-news/upgrading-landlines-to-digital-technology\n\nIn terms of preparations for the Northern Ireland Civil Service (as a PSTN customer), Digital Shared Services within the Department of Finance (DoF), are taking the lead on communicating to other NICS Departments, giving advice on suitable replacements to PSTN lines. This work is well advanced and will be completed before the Digital Switch Over date.","answerHtml":"The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is a privately-owned telecoms network and the decision to upgrade it has been taken by the telecoms industry. Fixed-line operators - including Openreach and Virgin Media - will replace legacy, copper telephone services with VoIP technology, which carries voice calls over an internet connection. The upgrade will be delivered by industry in a phased approach over the next few years with the network expected to be fully upgraded to VoIP services in 2025. The industry’s decision to upgrade the PSTN is due to necessity, the network is increasingly unreliable and prone to failure, with some telecoms companies finding it impossible to source a certain replacement or spare part to maintain or repair connections.
PSTN’s replacement, VoIP technology, is expected to offer consumers clearer and better quality phone calls. In order to function correctly, VoIP requires a minimum stable connection speed of just 0.5Mbps, and for current landline-only customers, it will be possible to order a VoIP landline without purchasing a general internet connection. The process of upgrading for most consumers will involve unplugging their existing landline phone from the wall and instead plugging it into the back of their broadband router.
As the PSTN upgrade is an industry-led process, industry have the responsibility to ensure that all customers affected by the switch over are fully informed and aware of the impacts and alternative/ replacement services.
As telecommunications policy is a reserved matter, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) are leading on public communications around this issue, and along with Ofcom are working to ensure consumers and sectors are protected and prepared for the upgrade process. This includes close engagement with the emergency services.
You can find more information about the PSTN upgrade on Ofcom’s website at: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/about-ofcom/latest/features-and-news/upgrading-landlines-to-digital-technology
In terms of preparations for the Northern Ireland Civil Service (as a PSTN customer), Digital Shared Services within the Department of Finance (DoF), are taking the lead on communicating to other NICS Departments, giving advice on suitable replacements to PSTN lines. This work is well advanced and will be completed before the Digital Switch Over date.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024995%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=355794","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=355794"}},{"id":"355077","reference":"AQW 24787/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-10-21","answerBy":"2021-10-27","answered":"2021-10-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will review the legislation to exclude funeral director limousines from PSV classification.","answerText":"Funeral cars are included as part of the Taxis Act 2008 (the Act) and are subject to PSV testing. They are regarded as taxis within the meaning of the Act, as they are vehicles which carry passengers for hire or reward in the course of their business. This is not new but rather a continuation of regulation under previous legislation (Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1981).\n\nAs you are aware, as Minister I have responsibility for road safety and I take that role very seriously. The current regulatory arrangements help to ensure we have a funeral sector that has appropriate safety standards embedded throughout, in urban and rural settings. I acknowledge that there are differences between funeral cars and other types of taxis. However the aim of the legislation was to introduce a proportionate licensing regime which would strike the right balance between the important safeguards that have been put in place to protect the public, and the commercial interests of operators.\n\nAny review of the Taxis Act would require extensive legislative/policy consideration and public consultation which would not be possible in the short time remaining in this current Assembly mandate.","answerHtml":"Funeral cars are included as part of the Taxis Act 2008 (the Act) and are subject to PSV testing. They are regarded as taxis within the meaning of the Act, as they are vehicles which carry passengers for hire or reward in the course of their business. This is not new but rather a continuation of regulation under previous legislation (Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1981).
As you are aware, as Minister I have responsibility for road safety and I take that role very seriously. The current regulatory arrangements help to ensure we have a funeral sector that has appropriate safety standards embedded throughout, in urban and rural settings. I acknowledge that there are differences between funeral cars and other types of taxis. However the aim of the legislation was to introduce a proportionate licensing regime which would strike the right balance between the important safeguards that have been put in place to protect the public, and the commercial interests of operators.
Any review of the Taxis Act would require extensive legislative/policy consideration and public consultation which would not be possible in the short time remaining in this current Assembly mandate.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024787%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=355077","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=355077"}},{"id":"355095","reference":"AQO 2664/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-10-21","answerBy":"2021-11-08","answered":"2021-11-08","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether consideration is being given to reopening the Travel Agents Coronavirus Financial Assistance Scheme 2021.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202664%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=355095","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2021-11-08&docID=356094#AQO%202664/17-22","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=355095"}},{"id":"354886","reference":"AQW 24692/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-10-20","answerBy":"2021-10-26","answered":"2021-10-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what consideration her Department has given to additional actions that can be used to address the backlog in driving tests beyond the recruitment of additional examiners.","answerText":"The DVA has, and continues, to work hard to increase its capacity to help meet the high demand for driving tests for all customers, including those who are required to take a further driving test.\n\nIn the first five full months since driving tests resumed, on 23 April, the DVA has conducted 29,687 driving tests, which is 45% higher than the five-year average for that period.\n\nIn addition to the recruitment of additional examiners, the DVA has taken a range of measures to maximise the availability of driving test slots at all test centres, including the provision of new temporary test centres, if needed in the local area and there is sufficient driving examiner capacity. The new temporary test centres at Cookstown and Omagh have now opened for appointments.","answerHtml":"The DVA has, and continues, to work hard to increase its capacity to help meet the high demand for driving tests for all customers, including those who are required to take a further driving test.
In the first five full months since driving tests resumed, on 23 April, the DVA has conducted 29,687 driving tests, which is 45% higher than the five-year average for that period.
In addition to the recruitment of additional examiners, the DVA has taken a range of measures to maximise the availability of driving test slots at all test centres, including the provision of new temporary test centres, if needed in the local area and there is sufficient driving examiner capacity. The new temporary test centres at Cookstown and Omagh have now opened for appointments.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024692%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=354886","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=354886"}},{"id":"354605","reference":"AQW 24589/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-10-19","answerBy":"2021-10-22","answered":"2021-11-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education what efforts are being made to expedite the replacement of mobile classroom accommodation for St Columbanus’ College, Bangor by the original timeframe of December 2021, in light of the impact upon young people of the temporary teaching arrangements currently in place at College Assembly Hall.","answerText":"Officials from my Estate Operations Team, the Education Authority (EA) and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools met with the school on 14 October 2021 to discuss the replacement modular accommodation. The school are aware that it will not be possible to deliver the accommodation until early March 2022. Delivery has been delayed due to steel supply shortages affecting the construction industry and, whilst officials will continue to work closely with the Contractor to bring this date forward where possible, it is very unlikely that the accommodation will be delivered before March 2022.","answerHtml":"Officials from my Estate Operations Team, the Education Authority (EA) and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools met with the school on 14 October 2021 to discuss the replacement modular accommodation. The school are aware that it will not be possible to deliver the accommodation until early March 2022. Delivery has been delayed due to steel supply shortages affecting the construction industry and, whilst officials will continue to work closely with the Contractor to bring this date forward where possible, it is very unlikely that the accommodation will be delivered before March 2022.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024589%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=354605","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=354605"}},{"id":"354604","reference":"AQW 24588/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-10-19","answerBy":"2021-11-03","answered":"2021-10-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure when the crash barriers at the entrance to the Bangor Park and Ride carpark, Abbey Street, will be repaired.","answerText":"My officials advise that the damaged pedestrian guard rail referred to was installed as part of an environmental improvement scheme and is more ornate than the standard guardrails normally used by my Department. My Department has instructed the contractor to fabricate a matching guardrail and although it will take a little longer due to its bespoke nature, the repair work is expected to be completed by the end of November 2021.","answerHtml":"My officials advise that the damaged pedestrian guard rail referred to was installed as part of an environmental improvement scheme and is more ornate than the standard guardrails normally used by my Department. My Department has instructed the contractor to fabricate a matching guardrail and although it will take a little longer due to its bespoke nature, the repair work is expected to be completed by the end of November 2021.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024588%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=354604","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=354604"}},{"id":"354400","reference":"AQW 24491/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-10-18","answerBy":"2021-10-21","answered":"2021-10-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether current resourcing within the Roads and Rivers Centre of Procurement Expertise is sufficient to deliver upon recommendations contained within (i) the Independent Review into the Funding Requirements for Structural Maintenance of the Northern Ireland road network by Jim Barton; and (ii) the Structural Maintenance of the Road Network Report by the NI Audit Office of March 2019.","answerText":"It is abundantly clear that we need to increase the level of investment in structural maintenance of our transport infrastructure – pavements, roads, cycle paths and public transport - and I have been consistent in making that point. For roads maintenance, the recommendations contained within the Barton Report and the NIAO Report broadly confirmed the need for much higher levels of investment with £143m per annum (based on 2018 prices) being identified as the minimum amount that we should be spending on structural maintenance activities such as resurfacing, surface dressing and structural drainage. It is also clear that not spending at this level can often represent poor value for money as repairs and settling claims inevitably cost more in the long term.\n\nHowever, budgetary constraints mean that we cannot do all that I or Members or the public might like. Our ability to increase the level of structural maintenance, not just on roads but across our transport network, and our capacity to deliver it is directly linked to the level of resources made available to my Department.","answerHtml":"It is abundantly clear that we need to increase the level of investment in structural maintenance of our transport infrastructure – pavements, roads, cycle paths and public transport - and I have been consistent in making that point. For roads maintenance, the recommendations contained within the Barton Report and the NIAO Report broadly confirmed the need for much higher levels of investment with £143m per annum (based on 2018 prices) being identified as the minimum amount that we should be spending on structural maintenance activities such as resurfacing, surface dressing and structural drainage. It is also clear that not spending at this level can often represent poor value for money as repairs and settling claims inevitably cost more in the long term.
However, budgetary constraints mean that we cannot do all that I or Members or the public might like. Our ability to increase the level of structural maintenance, not just on roads but across our transport network, and our capacity to deliver it is directly linked to the level of resources made available to my Department.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024491%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=354400","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=354400"}},{"id":"354399","reference":"AQW 24490/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-10-18","answerBy":"2021-11-02","answered":"2021-11-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister (i) whether the Travel Agents Coronavirus Financial Assistance Scheme will be extended; and (ii) to detail the expected timeframe for the reopening of applications.","answerText":"The delivery of the Coronavirus Travel Agents Support Scheme is now complete and has paid out £1.2 million in support to our travel agents who have faced losses as a result of the pandemic. There is currently no consideration being given to a further specific scheme for travel agents by TEO.\n\nThe Scheme was one element in a wider support package provided to businesses. An unprecedented range and volume of financial support has been provided throughout the Covid-19 period since March 2020, aimed at preventing businesses from closing and protecting as many jobs and livelihoods as possible.\n\nThe Department for the Economy has published a comprehensive Economic Recovery Action Plan, which the Executive has funded in full for this financial year. This Plan includes a number of interventions aimed at supporting the travel and tourism sector, such as the ‘Holiday at Home’ scheme.","answerHtml":"The delivery of the Coronavirus Travel Agents Support Scheme is now complete and has paid out £1.2 million in support to our travel agents who have faced losses as a result of the pandemic. There is currently no consideration being given to a further specific scheme for travel agents by TEO.
The Scheme was one element in a wider support package provided to businesses. An unprecedented range and volume of financial support has been provided throughout the Covid-19 period since March 2020, aimed at preventing businesses from closing and protecting as many jobs and livelihoods as possible.
The Department for the Economy has published a comprehensive Economic Recovery Action Plan, which the Executive has funded in full for this financial year. This Plan includes a number of interventions aimed at supporting the travel and tourism sector, such as the ‘Holiday at Home’ scheme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024490%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=354399","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=354399"}},{"id":"354398","reference":"AQW 24489/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-10-18","answerBy":"2021-11-02","answered":"2021-10-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail what partnership arrangements her Department has established with local councils to enable litter collection along arterial A Roads.","answerText":"Under the Litter (Northern Ireland) Order 1994 (as amended by the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011) the removal of litter from a public road is for the most part the responsibility of the relevant local Council. My Department’s responsibilities in this regard are limited to ‘designated roads’, which includes the motorway network and ‘special roads’ such as the A12 Westlink.\n\nNo formal partnership arrangements are in place with councils, however there are occasions when the Department will assist local councils with traffic management on roads to allow litter picking to take place. For example, Councils may be given prior notice of when the Department is planning to close roads, including arterial ‘A’ roads, for maintenance works allowing councils the opportunity to carry out a clean-up whilst the road closure is in place.\n\nMy Department will continue to fulfil its obligations on those roads for which it is responsible and when appropriate my officials will alert councils if we identify roads which fall within their remit that have an accumulation of litter that requires attention.","answerHtml":"Under the Litter (Northern Ireland) Order 1994 (as amended by the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011) the removal of litter from a public road is for the most part the responsibility of the relevant local Council. My Department’s responsibilities in this regard are limited to ‘designated roads’, which includes the motorway network and ‘special roads’ such as the A12 Westlink.
No formal partnership arrangements are in place with councils, however there are occasions when the Department will assist local councils with traffic management on roads to allow litter picking to take place. For example, Councils may be given prior notice of when the Department is planning to close roads, including arterial ‘A’ roads, for maintenance works allowing councils the opportunity to carry out a clean-up whilst the road closure is in place.
My Department will continue to fulfil its obligations on those roads for which it is responsible and when appropriate my officials will alert councils if we identify roads which fall within their remit that have an accumulation of litter that requires attention.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024489%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=354398","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=354398"}},{"id":"354247","reference":"AQW 24413/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-10-15","answerBy":"2021-10-20","answered":"2021-10-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline (i) the number of; and (ii) grade of vacancies in DfI Roads and Rivers Centre of Procurement Expertise.","answerText":"The Roads and Rivers Centre of Procurement Expertise (CoPE) comprises staff who are directly involved in procurement or in the management and delivery of a wide range of contracts for supplies and services or construction. There are currently 91 vacancies in Roads and Rivers related to CoPE activities. These are broken down by grade as follows.\n\nGrade 5 Director\t1\nPPTO Civil Engineer\t3\nSPTO Civil Engineer\t4\nHPTO/ Graduate Trainee Civil Engineer\t9\nStaff Officer - Procurement\t2\nPTO Civil Engineering Assistant\t56\nTechnical Grade I\t16\n\nIn common with all NICS departments, my Department has a high level of vacancies at the moment and officials are working hard to prioritise and fill all affordable vacancies, however, the Covid-19 pandemic has slowed recruitment across all NICS departments.","answerHtml":"The Roads and Rivers Centre of Procurement Expertise (CoPE) comprises staff who are directly involved in procurement or in the management and delivery of a wide range of contracts for supplies and services or construction. There are currently 91 vacancies in Roads and Rivers related to CoPE activities. These are broken down by grade as follows.
| Grade 5 Director | 1 |
| PPTO Civil Engineer | 3 |
| SPTO Civil Engineer | 4 |
| HPTO/ Graduate Trainee Civil Engineer | 9 |
| Staff Officer - Procurement | 2 |
| PTO Civil Engineering Assistant | 56 |
| Technical Grade I | 16 |
In common with all NICS departments, my Department has a high level of vacancies at the moment and officials are working hard to prioritise and fill all affordable vacancies, however, the Covid-19 pandemic has slowed recruitment across all NICS departments.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024413%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=354247","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=354247"}},{"id":"356024","reference":"AQO 2647/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-10-14","answerBy":"2021-11-01","answered":"2021-11-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline what actions her Department is taking to improve safety for pedestrians in light of an increase in usage of e-scooters.","answerText":"It remains illegal to use e-scooters on public roads and public spaces here. The impact on the safety of pedestrians and other road users posed by the increasing usage of e-scooters is therefore very much of concern to me. Enforcement is the responsibility of the PSNI, who I know are taking steps to increase their response given the current increase in usage.\n\nUsing e-scooters on public roads and public spaces in Great Britain is also illegal, unless they are being used as part of a Department for Transport pilot rental scheme. The aim of these schemes is to monitor the impact of e-scooters on public roads and spaces, the environment and the safety of both their users and others. The schemes began in July 2020 and are due to end in March 2022.\n\nMy officials are monitoring the progress of these pilot schemes and once DfT have published their findings will provide me with a report. I will then consider the legal position of e-scooters and their potential use on our roads and public spaces. As always, the road safety of all road users is a priority for me.","answerHtml":"It remains illegal to use e-scooters on public roads and public spaces here. The impact on the safety of pedestrians and other road users posed by the increasing usage of e-scooters is therefore very much of concern to me. Enforcement is the responsibility of the PSNI, who I know are taking steps to increase their response given the current increase in usage.
Using e-scooters on public roads and public spaces in Great Britain is also illegal, unless they are being used as part of a Department for Transport pilot rental scheme. The aim of these schemes is to monitor the impact of e-scooters on public roads and spaces, the environment and the safety of both their users and others. The schemes began in July 2020 and are due to end in March 2022.
My officials are monitoring the progress of these pilot schemes and once DfT have published their findings will provide me with a report. I will then consider the legal position of e-scooters and their potential use on our roads and public spaces. As always, the road safety of all road users is a priority for me.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202647%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=356024","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=356024"}},{"id":"354047","reference":"AQO 2624/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-10-14","answerBy":"2021-11-01","answered":"2021-11-01","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities what plans her Department has to support the establishment of new parkrun events.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Ms Hargey","text":"Parkrun is a global charitable organisation that delivers events that are run by volunteers, with the primary aim of helping people to live healthier, happier lives. The events are free to enter and non-competitive and are generally for runners and walkers who enjoy taking part in less formal settings than the more structured competitive events organised by governing bodies or sports clubs. The success of parkrun has been remarkable globally and locally in terms of its popularity and getting people of all ages and abilities into running and walking. There are now 35 events taking place every Saturday morning. My Department recognises the great work that goes on through parkruns. As COVID restrictions were lifted, parkruns played an important role in getting large numbers of people back outdoors and into a safe environment and bringing volunteers and communities together. Parkrun has and will continue to have a positive impact on communities, and my Department has engaged extensively with the organisers to assist with the early return of events. Last year, Carál met the Member who asked the question and the event organisers, and that engagement with parkrun organisers continues. While government involvement in the development of new events is not consistent with the parkrun delivery model, my Department is happy to look at where we can assist. We have done so during the COVID pandemic through PPE packs and other supports. We will continue to keep that engagement going in the time ahead."},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"At the outset, I declare that I am the event director for Crawfordsburn Country Park parkrun. I thank the Minister for her response. Does the Minister agree that the physical and mental health benefits of participating in parkrun events on a Saturday morning are immense? Following on from that, does the Minister recognise the challenges in getting funding for new events? Will she join me in taking part in a parkrun on a Saturday or, failing that, meet the organisers and me to see how we can give further support?"},{"speaker":"Ms Hargey","text":"I tried a parkrun once in Ormeau Park, and I left it after one. I preferred to play camogie, but that was just me. They are enormous events. Recently, on social media, I saw one person who will complete his 500th parkrun in January. With no running experience at all, he started on a treadmill a few years ago, and he went on to do parkruns and has the tattoos to show for it. Parkrun has a huge impact, and, as I said, people from all age groups, backgrounds and abilities can come together to share in those events. Some of the difficulties are to do with parkrun not being a sports governing body. There are certain rules about who can apply for the funding that I can give through Sport NI. However, we are looking to work with parkrun, because we recognise the wider impact on getting people active, looking at healthy living, improving health and well-being — particularly mental health and resilience — and the importance that the events have in all of that. I am keen to work with it in the time ahead. I know that Sport NI is doing Project Re:Boot as part of the Supporting Sport to Build Back Better programme. Again, I encourage parkrun organisers to speak to Sport NI. My officials and I are more than keen to continue to engage with them to see what further support we can provide."},{"speaker":"Mr Delargy","text":"I know that the Minister is supportive of parkrun events. What engagement has been undertaken and what support has been provided during and after COVID to help parkrun get back to normal?"},{"speaker":"Ms Hargey","text":"At the start of this year, three parkruns, including two junior parkruns, received the COVID-safe PPE sports packs as part of my Department's support package. Moreover, in the financial year 2018-19, three parkruns, including two junior parkrun events, benefited from the Department's defibrillator programme and associated training. The sports packs and the defibrillator programme are managed through Sport NI, so I encourage parkruns to continue to engage with it. Further back, the Department also provided IT system support for some parkrun initiatives. We will continue to support them. A fund is available through Sport NI as part of the Supporting Sport to Build Back Better programme. Notwithstanding the fact that it is not a recognised sport, we are more than willing to continue to work with the parkrun initiative to see how we can support it in the time ahead."},{"speaker":"Mr Durkan","text":"The Minister has accepted and repeated many of the benefits associated with running. I very much welcome her commitment that the Department will work with the organisers to see how it can assist them more. Will the Minister extend that offer to the organisers of the Walled City Marathon and Derry City and Strabane District Council to see how we can get that great event back up and running?"},{"speaker":"Ms Hargey","text":"We will continue to work with parkrun. As I say, we met Andrew and a couple of the organisers last year. I am more than happy to do that. I am not aware of having received a request from the organisers of that marathon. I regularly work with Derry City and Strabane District Council, so I am more than happy to pick up that specific issue as part of my engagement."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202624%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=354047","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2021-11-01&docID=354734#AQO%202624/17-22","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=354047"}},{"id":"353857","reference":"AQW 24249/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-10-13","answerBy":"2021-10-28","answered":"2021-10-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what steps her Department has taken towards introducing dedicated car parking spaces and other necessary infrastructure for car club business models in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"My Department is currently considering a number of options to develop cleaner transport, new business models and new modes of travel, to transform how people, goods and services move. I have put forward a number of proposals for inclusion in the Executive’s Energy Strategy, which is due for release later this year.\n\nGreater use of more efficient, on-demand business models for transport, such as Car Clubs, will enable more frequent and better integrated personal mobility services which would help to reduce emissions and congestion in our towns and cities.\n\nMembers of the public already have access to Car Club vehicles in several urban areas across Northern Ireland. In addition, in consultation with my Department, a number of developers have recently included Car Clubs in their Travel Plans for residential developments in Belfast.\n\nVirtually all Car Clubs across the UK and Europe operate as commercial businesses, and as such I do not intend my Department to actively establish or operate Car Clubs. Additionally, legislation on the commercialisation of public assets precludes private operators from occupying on-street public parking spaces for Car Clubs. I do however look forward to seeing additional operators entering the market, and widening access to this service across Northern Ireland as an alternative to private car ownership.","answerHtml":"My Department is currently considering a number of options to develop cleaner transport, new business models and new modes of travel, to transform how people, goods and services move. I have put forward a number of proposals for inclusion in the Executive’s Energy Strategy, which is due for release later this year.
Greater use of more efficient, on-demand business models for transport, such as Car Clubs, will enable more frequent and better integrated personal mobility services which would help to reduce emissions and congestion in our towns and cities.
Members of the public already have access to Car Club vehicles in several urban areas across Northern Ireland. In addition, in consultation with my Department, a number of developers have recently included Car Clubs in their Travel Plans for residential developments in Belfast.
Virtually all Car Clubs across the UK and Europe operate as commercial businesses, and as such I do not intend my Department to actively establish or operate Car Clubs. Additionally, legislation on the commercialisation of public assets precludes private operators from occupying on-street public parking spaces for Car Clubs. I do however look forward to seeing additional operators entering the market, and widening access to this service across Northern Ireland as an alternative to private car ownership.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024249%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=353857","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=353857"}},{"id":"353435","reference":"AQW 24064/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-10-11","answerBy":"2021-10-26","answered":"2021-10-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the potential roll out of Car Free Days in Belfast city centre.","answerText":"I am supportive of this idea as it aligns with my Department’s aims to encourage cycling, wheeling and walking and greater use of public transport. I have asked my officials to work with Belfast City Council on the detail of any scheme they wish to bring forward.","answerHtml":"I am supportive of this idea as it aligns with my Department’s aims to encourage cycling, wheeling and walking and greater use of public transport. I have asked my officials to work with Belfast City Council on the detail of any scheme they wish to bring forward.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024064%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=353435","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=353435"}},{"id":"353268","reference":"AQW 23992/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-10-08","answerBy":"2021-10-25","answered":"2022-01-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether there are any plans to increase the number of face to face GP consultations.","answerText":"GP practices are open and will continue to provide both face to face appointments and alternative consultation options for patients as appropriate.\n\nThe general practice telephone first consultations allow patients to seek timely medical advice from their GP for both routine and urgent problems. The GP determines the most appropriate approach to safely addressing the patient’s needs using their clinical expertise. Where a face to face appointment is appropriate, that will be arranged. Alternatively, the GP may decide, based on their clinical assessment, that a telephone consultation is appropriate or that the patient should be signposted or directed to other relevant services.\n\nThis approach helps the GP to appropriately manage, treat and support the large number of us who seek clinical support and advice from our primary care practitioners. It has allowed practices to maintain the majority of GP services and has enabled GPs to appropriately manage, treat and support a greater number of people than would otherwise have been the case. With the level of pressure on the service continuing to rise, the use of telephone consultations are an important part of how GPs can treat and support the large number of patients who need their services. With figures in 2019 indicating patient contacts were almost 15 million per year up from an estimated 12.7 million in 2014, it was clear that GP-led services could not continue to meet rising demand and expectations without urgent action to address the pressures facing the service.\n\nIn recognition of the increasing demand for primary care services, the Department has continued to invest in our GP workforce and has increased the number of GP trainees by over 70% from 2015 levels. Work has also recently commenced on a review of GP trainee places, to make sure there are enough GPs to meet our primary care needs into the future.\n\nIt is important to note however that the increase in demand for primary care services cannot be met solely by increasing the number of GPs. Rather this is part of a wider programme of work to help improve patient access to services in primary care. Other elements include the wider roll-out of primary care Multi-disciplinary Teams as well as the introduction of Advanced Nurse Practitioners and additional General Practice Nurses, all of which are making a difference to how services are delivered in primary care and contributing to improved patient outcomes.\n\nInvestment in technology, including telephony, is also assisting General Practice to meet growing demand. Primary Care’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the implementation of new and innovative ways of working, including making greater use of technology and telephony, both of which have helped General Practice, along with all other areas within the health and social care system, to react quickly and adapt flexibly to the demands and challenges of the pandemic. Further urgent work with GPs and the Health and Social Care Board is underway to explore how telephony can be better used to support the service.\n\nIt is important to emphasise again that if people have symptoms or an unexplained illness or have any reason to be concerned, they should in the first instance contact their GP who will be able to provide advice. GPs want anyone who has a health concern to feel reassured that they will be able to get an appointment and see a GP if necessary.","answerHtml":"GP practices are open and will continue to provide both face to face appointments and alternative consultation options for patients as appropriate.
The general practice telephone first consultations allow patients to seek timely medical advice from their GP for both routine and urgent problems. The GP determines the most appropriate approach to safely addressing the patient’s needs using their clinical expertise. Where a face to face appointment is appropriate, that will be arranged. Alternatively, the GP may decide, based on their clinical assessment, that a telephone consultation is appropriate or that the patient should be signposted or directed to other relevant services.
This approach helps the GP to appropriately manage, treat and support the large number of us who seek clinical support and advice from our primary care practitioners. It has allowed practices to maintain the majority of GP services and has enabled GPs to appropriately manage, treat and support a greater number of people than would otherwise have been the case. With the level of pressure on the service continuing to rise, the use of telephone consultations are an important part of how GPs can treat and support the large number of patients who need their services. With figures in 2019 indicating patient contacts were almost 15 million per year up from an estimated 12.7 million in 2014, it was clear that GP-led services could not continue to meet rising demand and expectations without urgent action to address the pressures facing the service.
In recognition of the increasing demand for primary care services, the Department has continued to invest in our GP workforce and has increased the number of GP trainees by over 70% from 2015 levels. Work has also recently commenced on a review of GP trainee places, to make sure there are enough GPs to meet our primary care needs into the future.
It is important to note however that the increase in demand for primary care services cannot be met solely by increasing the number of GPs. Rather this is part of a wider programme of work to help improve patient access to services in primary care. Other elements include the wider roll-out of primary care Multi-disciplinary Teams as well as the introduction of Advanced Nurse Practitioners and additional General Practice Nurses, all of which are making a difference to how services are delivered in primary care and contributing to improved patient outcomes.
Investment in technology, including telephony, is also assisting General Practice to meet growing demand. Primary Care’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the implementation of new and innovative ways of working, including making greater use of technology and telephony, both of which have helped General Practice, along with all other areas within the health and social care system, to react quickly and adapt flexibly to the demands and challenges of the pandemic. Further urgent work with GPs and the Health and Social Care Board is underway to explore how telephony can be better used to support the service.
It is important to emphasise again that if people have symptoms or an unexplained illness or have any reason to be concerned, they should in the first instance contact their GP who will be able to provide advice. GPs want anyone who has a health concern to feel reassured that they will be able to get an appointment and see a GP if necessary.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023992%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=353268","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=353268"}},{"id":"353089","reference":"AQW 23921/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-10-07","answerBy":"2021-10-22","answered":"2021-10-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education what measures are being considered by her Department, in consultation with the Department of Finance, to address the issues arising from removal of borrowing powers from the Voluntary Grammar and the Grant Maintained Integrated schools sector previously used to extensively supplement public funding to enhance the school estate.","answerText":"As a number of your questions relate to the same issue, I have responded to each of them in the combined response below.\n\nThe value of borrowings undertaken by Voluntary Grammar and Grant Maintained Integrated schools for the last ten financial years, based on information held by the Department, is set out in Table A below.\n\nWork is ongoing by the Department in seeking to challenge the classification status of Voluntary Grammar and Grant Maintained Integrated schools as Non Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs) and the consequent impact on borrowing. The Department’s current assessment is that this matter does not impact on the stewardship role of Trustees of these schools, although this will be kept under review.\n\nThe list of Voluntary Grammar and Grant Maintained Integrated schools categorised as NDPBs is set out in Table B below.\n\nAs advised above, work is ongoing by the Department in seeking to challenge the impact on borrowing by these schools as a result of their NDPB classification status, although the issues involved are complex. Most recently the Department has sought further legal advice in relation to this matter and is currently awaiting a response.\n\nTable A\n\nSchool\t2011-12 (£)\t2012-13 (£)\t2013-14 (£)\t2014-15 (£)\t2015-16 (£)\t2016-17 (£)\t2017-18 (£)\t2018-19 (£)\t2019-20\n(£)\t2020-21 (£)\nBangor Grammar School\t398,328\t586,158\t11,809\t13,191\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\nRathmore Grammar School\t-\t-\t200,000\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\nFriends’ School\t-\t-\t550,000\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\nSullivan Upper School\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t500,000\t-\t-\t-\nMethodist College\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t600,000\t-\t1,000,000\t-\nBelfast High School\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t210,000\t-\nCampbell College\t-\t-\t4,100,000\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\nWallace High School\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t100,000\t-\t-\t-\t-\nBallymena Academy\t-\t-\t-\t-\t861,000\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\nRoyal School Armagh\t-\t-\t-\t28,887\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\n\nNote 1: Royal School Armagh has a second loan, the balance outstanding at 31 March 2019 was £185,845. The Department does not hold any further information regarding this loan.\n\nNote 2: The information in the table relates only to borrowing/loans undertaken by Voluntary Grammar and Grant Maintained Integrated schools. It does not include any debts which may relate to grant recovery.\n\nTable B\n\nList of Voluntary Grammar & Grant Maintained Integrated Schools\nDE Reference Number\tSchool Name\nVoluntary Grammar Group 'A'\n142-0021\tSt Mary's Christian Brothers' Grammar, Belfast\n142-0022\tMethodist College, Belfast\n142-0028\tBelfast Royal Academy\n142-0029\tSt Dominic's High School, Belfast\n142-0030\tSt Malachy's College, Belfast\n142-0082\tDominican College, Belfast\n142-0089\tStrathearn School, Belfast\n142-0095\tRathmore Grammar, Belfast\n142-0264\tVictoria College, Belfast\n142-0265\tHunterhouse College, Belfast\n142-0277\tAquinas Diocesan Grammar, Belfast\n242-0041\tMount Lourdes Grammar, Enniskillen\n242-0043\tSt Michael's College, Enniskillen\n242-0052\tThornhill College, Londonderry\n242-0054\tSt Columb's College, Londonderry\n242-0064\tChristian Brothers' Grammar, Omagh\n242-0065\tLoreto Grammar, Omagh\n242-0229\tFoyle College, Londonderry\n242-0287\tLumen Christi College, Londonderry\n242-0320\tEnniskillen Royal Grammar\n342-0010\tSt Louis Grammar, Ballymena\n342-0011\tBallymena Academy\n342-0012\tDalriada School, Ballymoney\n342-0034\tLoreto College, Coleraine\n342-0046\tLarne Grammar School\n342-0058\tRainey Endowed School, Magherafelt\n342-0068\tDominican College, Portstewart\n342-0077\tBelfast High School\n342-0080\tSt Mary's Grammar, Magherafelt\n342-0317\tColeraine Grammar\n442-0015\tBangor Grammar School\n442-0044\tSullivan Upper School, Holywood\n442-0050\tFriends' School, Lisburn\n442-0051\tWallace High School, Lisburn\n442-0086\tAssumption Grammar, Ballynahinch\n442-0088\tSt Patrick's Grammar, Downpatrick\n442-0259\tOur Lady and St Patrick's College Belfast\n542-0045\tSt Louis Grammar, Kilkeel\n542-0059\tAbbey Christian Brothers Grammar, Newry\n542-0060\tOur Lady's Grammar, Newry\n542-0062\tSt Colman's College, Newry\n542-0073\tSt Joseph's Grammar School, Donaghmore\n542-0076\tSacred Heart Grammar, Newry\n542-0260\tThe Royal School, Dungannon\n542-0263\tThe Royal School, Armagh\n542-0268\tSt Patrick's Grammar, Armagh\n542-0304\tSt Patrick's Academy, Dungannon\n542-0314\tSt Ronan's College\nVoluntary Grammar Group 'B'\n142-0020\tCampbell College, Belfast\n142-0027\tThe Royal Belfast Academical Institution\nGrant Maintained Integrated\n306-6568\tAcorn Integrated Primary\n306-6551\tBraidside Integrated Primary\n506-6540\tBridge Integrated Primary\n406-6588\tCedar Integrated Primary\n306-6561\tCorran Integrated Primary\n106-6580\tCranmore Integrated Primary\n406-6668\tDrumlins Integrated Primary\n206-6549\tEnniskillen Integrated Primary\n106-6531\tHazelwood Integrated Primary\n406-6579\tLough View Integrated Primary & Nursery School\n306-6652\tMaine Integrated Primary\n306-6544\tMill Strand Integrated Primary\n406-6644\tMillennium Integrated Primary\n206-6558\tOakgrove Integrated Primary\n406-6611\tOakwood Integrated Primary\n206-6552\tOmagh Integrated Primary\n506-6657\tPhoenix Integrated Primary\n506-6553\tPortadown Integrated Primary\n206-6665\tRoe Valley Integrated Primary\n406-6682\tRowandale Integrated Primary\n506-6578\tSaints & Scholars Integrated Primary\n306-6613\tSpires Integrated Primary\n506-6554\tWindmill Integrated Primary\n426-0309\tBlackwater Integrated College\n226-0283\tDrumragh Integrated College\n526-0286\tIntegrated College Dungannon\n226-0280\tErne Integrated College\n126-0269\tHazelwood Integrated College\n426-0255\tLagan Integrated College\n126-0294\tMalone Integrated College\n526-0285\tNew-Bridge Integrated College\n326-0290\tNorth Coast Integrated College\n226-0276\tOakgrove Integrated College\n426-0281\tShimna Integrated College\n326-0289\tSlemish Integrated College\n326-0303\tSperrin Integrated College\n426-0295\tStrangford Integrated College\n326-0299\tUlidia Integrated College","answerHtml":"As a number of your questions relate to the same issue, I have responded to each of them in the combined response below.
The value of borrowings undertaken by Voluntary Grammar and Grant Maintained Integrated schools for the last ten financial years, based on information held by the Department, is set out in Table A below.
Work is ongoing by the Department in seeking to challenge the classification status of Voluntary Grammar and Grant Maintained Integrated schools as Non Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs) and the consequent impact on borrowing. The Department’s current assessment is that this matter does not impact on the stewardship role of Trustees of these schools, although this will be kept under review.
The list of Voluntary Grammar and Grant Maintained Integrated schools categorised as NDPBs is set out in Table B below.
As advised above, work is ongoing by the Department in seeking to challenge the impact on borrowing by these schools as a result of their NDPB classification status, although the issues involved are complex. Most recently the Department has sought further legal advice in relation to this matter and is currently awaiting a response.
Table A
| School | 2011-12 (£) | 2012-13 (£) | 2013-14 (£) | 2014-15 (£) | 2015-16 (£) | 2016-17 (£) | 2017-18 (£) | 2018-19 (£) | 2019-20 (£) | 2020-21 (£) |
| Bangor Grammar School | 398,328 | 586,158 | 11,809 | 13,191 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Rathmore Grammar School | - | - | 200,000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Friends’ School | - | - | 550,000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Sullivan Upper School | - | - | - | - | - | - | 500,000 | - | - | - |
| Methodist College | - | - | - | - | - | - | 600,000 | - | 1,000,000 | - |
| Belfast High School | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 210,000 | - |
| Campbell College | - | - | 4,100,000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Wallace High School | - | - | - | - | - | 100,000 | - | - | - | - |
| Ballymena Academy | - | - | - | - | 861,000 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Royal School Armagh | - | - | - | 28,887 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Note 1: Royal School Armagh has a second loan, the balance outstanding at 31 March 2019 was £185,845. The Department does not hold any further information regarding this loan.
Note 2: The information in the table relates only to borrowing/loans undertaken by Voluntary Grammar and Grant Maintained Integrated schools. It does not include any debts which may relate to grant recovery.
Table B
| List of Voluntary Grammar & Grant Maintained Integrated Schools | |
| DE Reference Number | School Name |
| Voluntary Grammar Group 'A' | |
| 142-0021 | St Mary's Christian Brothers' Grammar, Belfast |
| 142-0022 | Methodist College, Belfast |
| 142-0028 | Belfast Royal Academy |
| 142-0029 | St Dominic's High School, Belfast |
| 142-0030 | St Malachy's College, Belfast |
| 142-0082 | Dominican College, Belfast |
| 142-0089 | Strathearn School, Belfast |
| 142-0095 | Rathmore Grammar, Belfast |
| 142-0264 | Victoria College, Belfast |
| 142-0265 | Hunterhouse College, Belfast |
| 142-0277 | Aquinas Diocesan Grammar, Belfast |
| 242-0041 | Mount Lourdes Grammar, Enniskillen |
| 242-0043 | St Michael's College, Enniskillen |
| 242-0052 | Thornhill College, Londonderry |
| 242-0054 | St Columb's College, Londonderry |
| 242-0064 | Christian Brothers' Grammar, Omagh |
| 242-0065 | Loreto Grammar, Omagh |
| 242-0229 | Foyle College, Londonderry |
| 242-0287 | Lumen Christi College, Londonderry |
| 242-0320 | Enniskillen Royal Grammar |
| 342-0010 | St Louis Grammar, Ballymena |
| 342-0011 | Ballymena Academy |
| 342-0012 | Dalriada School, Ballymoney |
| 342-0034 | Loreto College, Coleraine |
| 342-0046 | Larne Grammar School |
| 342-0058 | Rainey Endowed School, Magherafelt |
| 342-0068 | Dominican College, Portstewart |
| 342-0077 | Belfast High School |
| 342-0080 | St Mary's Grammar, Magherafelt |
| 342-0317 | Coleraine Grammar |
| 442-0015 | Bangor Grammar School |
| 442-0044 | Sullivan Upper School, Holywood |
| 442-0050 | Friends' School, Lisburn |
| 442-0051 | Wallace High School, Lisburn |
| 442-0086 | Assumption Grammar, Ballynahinch |
| 442-0088 | St Patrick's Grammar, Downpatrick |
| 442-0259 | Our Lady and St Patrick's College Belfast |
| 542-0045 | St Louis Grammar, Kilkeel |
| 542-0059 | Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar, Newry |
| 542-0060 | Our Lady's Grammar, Newry |
| 542-0062 | St Colman's College, Newry |
| 542-0073 | St Joseph's Grammar School, Donaghmore |
| 542-0076 | Sacred Heart Grammar, Newry |
| 542-0260 | The Royal School, Dungannon |
| 542-0263 | The Royal School, Armagh |
| 542-0268 | St Patrick's Grammar, Armagh |
| 542-0304 | St Patrick's Academy, Dungannon |
| 542-0314 | St Ronan's College |
| Voluntary Grammar Group 'B' | |
| 142-0020 | Campbell College, Belfast |
| 142-0027 | The Royal Belfast Academical Institution |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | |
| 306-6568 | Acorn Integrated Primary |
| 306-6551 | Braidside Integrated Primary |
| 506-6540 | Bridge Integrated Primary |
| 406-6588 | Cedar Integrated Primary |
| 306-6561 | Corran Integrated Primary |
| 106-6580 | Cranmore Integrated Primary |
| 406-6668 | Drumlins Integrated Primary |
| 206-6549 | Enniskillen Integrated Primary |
| 106-6531 | Hazelwood Integrated Primary |
| 406-6579 | Lough View Integrated Primary & Nursery School |
| 306-6652 | Maine Integrated Primary |
| 306-6544 | Mill Strand Integrated Primary |
| 406-6644 | Millennium Integrated Primary |
| 206-6558 | Oakgrove Integrated Primary |
| 406-6611 | Oakwood Integrated Primary |
| 206-6552 | Omagh Integrated Primary |
| 506-6657 | Phoenix Integrated Primary |
| 506-6553 | Portadown Integrated Primary |
| 206-6665 | Roe Valley Integrated Primary |
| 406-6682 | Rowandale Integrated Primary |
| 506-6578 | Saints & Scholars Integrated Primary |
| 306-6613 | Spires Integrated Primary |
| 506-6554 | Windmill Integrated Primary |
| 426-0309 | Blackwater Integrated College |
| 226-0283 | Drumragh Integrated College |
| 526-0286 | Integrated College Dungannon |
| 226-0280 | Erne Integrated College |
| 126-0269 | Hazelwood Integrated College |
| 426-0255 | Lagan Integrated College |
| 126-0294 | Malone Integrated College |
| 526-0285 | New-Bridge Integrated College |
| 326-0290 | North Coast Integrated College |
| 226-0276 | Oakgrove Integrated College |
| 426-0281 | Shimna Integrated College |
| 326-0289 | Slemish Integrated College |
| 326-0303 | Sperrin Integrated College |
| 426-0295 | Strangford Integrated College |
| 326-0299 | Ulidia Integrated College |
As a number of your questions relate to the same issue, I have responded to each of them in the combined response below.
The value of borrowings undertaken by Voluntary Grammar and Grant Maintained Integrated schools for the last ten financial years, based on information held by the Department, is set out in Table A below.
Work is ongoing by the Department in seeking to challenge the classification status of Voluntary Grammar and Grant Maintained Integrated schools as Non Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs) and the consequent impact on borrowing. The Department’s current assessment is that this matter does not impact on the stewardship role of Trustees of these schools, although this will be kept under review.
The list of Voluntary Grammar and Grant Maintained Integrated schools categorised as NDPBs is set out in Table B below.
As advised above, work is ongoing by the Department in seeking to challenge the impact on borrowing by these schools as a result of their NDPB classification status, although the issues involved are complex. Most recently the Department has sought further legal advice in relation to this matter and is currently awaiting a response.
Table A
| School | 2011-12 (£) | 2012-13 (£) | 2013-14 (£) | 2014-15 (£) | 2015-16 (£) | 2016-17 (£) | 2017-18 (£) | 2018-19 (£) | 2019-20 (£) | 2020-21 (£) |
| Bangor Grammar School | 398,328 | 586,158 | 11,809 | 13,191 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Rathmore Grammar School | - | - | 200,000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Friends’ School | - | - | 550,000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Sullivan Upper School | - | - | - | - | - | - | 500,000 | - | - | - |
| Methodist College | - | - | - | - | - | - | 600,000 | - | 1,000,000 | - |
| Belfast High School | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 210,000 | - |
| Campbell College | - | - | 4,100,000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Wallace High School | - | - | - | - | - | 100,000 | - | - | - | - |
| Ballymena Academy | - | - | - | - | 861,000 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Royal School Armagh | - | - | - | 28,887 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Note 1: Royal School Armagh has a second loan, the balance outstanding at 31 March 2019 was £185,845. The Department does not hold any further information regarding this loan.
Note 2: The information in the table relates only to borrowing/loans undertaken by Voluntary Grammar and Grant Maintained Integrated schools. It does not include any debts which may relate to grant recovery.
Table B
| List of Voluntary Grammar & Grant Maintained Integrated Schools | |
| DE Reference Number | School Name |
| Voluntary Grammar Group 'A' | |
| 142-0021 | St Mary's Christian Brothers' Grammar, Belfast |
| 142-0022 | Methodist College, Belfast |
| 142-0028 | Belfast Royal Academy |
| 142-0029 | St Dominic's High School, Belfast |
| 142-0030 | St Malachy's College, Belfast |
| 142-0082 | Dominican College, Belfast |
| 142-0089 | Strathearn School, Belfast |
| 142-0095 | Rathmore Grammar, Belfast |
| 142-0264 | Victoria College, Belfast |
| 142-0265 | Hunterhouse College, Belfast |
| 142-0277 | Aquinas Diocesan Grammar, Belfast |
| 242-0041 | Mount Lourdes Grammar, Enniskillen |
| 242-0043 | St Michael's College, Enniskillen |
| 242-0052 | Thornhill College, Londonderry |
| 242-0054 | St Columb's College, Londonderry |
| 242-0064 | Christian Brothers' Grammar, Omagh |
| 242-0065 | Loreto Grammar, Omagh |
| 242-0229 | Foyle College, Londonderry |
| 242-0287 | Lumen Christi College, Londonderry |
| 242-0320 | Enniskillen Royal Grammar |
| 342-0010 | St Louis Grammar, Ballymena |
| 342-0011 | Ballymena Academy |
| 342-0012 | Dalriada School, Ballymoney |
| 342-0034 | Loreto College, Coleraine |
| 342-0046 | Larne Grammar School |
| 342-0058 | Rainey Endowed School, Magherafelt |
| 342-0068 | Dominican College, Portstewart |
| 342-0077 | Belfast High School |
| 342-0080 | St Mary's Grammar, Magherafelt |
| 342-0317 | Coleraine Grammar |
| 442-0015 | Bangor Grammar School |
| 442-0044 | Sullivan Upper School, Holywood |
| 442-0050 | Friends' School, Lisburn |
| 442-0051 | Wallace High School, Lisburn |
| 442-0086 | Assumption Grammar, Ballynahinch |
| 442-0088 | St Patrick's Grammar, Downpatrick |
| 442-0259 | Our Lady and St Patrick's College Belfast |
| 542-0045 | St Louis Grammar, Kilkeel |
| 542-0059 | Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar, Newry |
| 542-0060 | Our Lady's Grammar, Newry |
| 542-0062 | St Colman's College, Newry |
| 542-0073 | St Joseph's Grammar School, Donaghmore |
| 542-0076 | Sacred Heart Grammar, Newry |
| 542-0260 | The Royal School, Dungannon |
| 542-0263 | The Royal School, Armagh |
| 542-0268 | St Patrick's Grammar, Armagh |
| 542-0304 | St Patrick's Academy, Dungannon |
| 542-0314 | St Ronan's College |
| Voluntary Grammar Group 'B' | |
| 142-0020 | Campbell College, Belfast |
| 142-0027 | The Royal Belfast Academical Institution |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | |
| 306-6568 | Acorn Integrated Primary |
| 306-6551 | Braidside Integrated Primary |
| 506-6540 | Bridge Integrated Primary |
| 406-6588 | Cedar Integrated Primary |
| 306-6561 | Corran Integrated Primary |
| 106-6580 | Cranmore Integrated Primary |
| 406-6668 | Drumlins Integrated Primary |
| 206-6549 | Enniskillen Integrated Primary |
| 106-6531 | Hazelwood Integrated Primary |
| 406-6579 | Lough View Integrated Primary & Nursery School |
| 306-6652 | Maine Integrated Primary |
| 306-6544 | Mill Strand Integrated Primary |
| 406-6644 | Millennium Integrated Primary |
| 206-6558 | Oakgrove Integrated Primary |
| 406-6611 | Oakwood Integrated Primary |
| 206-6552 | Omagh Integrated Primary |
| 506-6657 | Phoenix Integrated Primary |
| 506-6553 | Portadown Integrated Primary |
| 206-6665 | Roe Valley Integrated Primary |
| 406-6682 | Rowandale Integrated Primary |
| 506-6578 | Saints & Scholars Integrated Primary |
| 306-6613 | Spires Integrated Primary |
| 506-6554 | Windmill Integrated Primary |
| 426-0309 | Blackwater Integrated College |
| 226-0283 | Drumragh Integrated College |
| 526-0286 | Integrated College Dungannon |
| 226-0280 | Erne Integrated College |
| 126-0269 | Hazelwood Integrated College |
| 426-0255 | Lagan Integrated College |
| 126-0294 | Malone Integrated College |
| 526-0285 | New-Bridge Integrated College |
| 326-0290 | North Coast Integrated College |
| 226-0276 | Oakgrove Integrated College |
| 426-0281 | Shimna Integrated College |
| 326-0289 | Slemish Integrated College |
| 326-0303 | Sperrin Integrated College |
| 426-0295 | Strangford Integrated College |
| 326-0299 | Ulidia Integrated College |
The classification of schools here, including Voluntary Grammar and Grant Maintained Integrated Schools, to the Public Sector was confirmed in 2005, and communicated by the Treasury following the decision by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). ONS is the independent body responsible for assessing bodies and transactions against international rules to decide how they should be treated in the National Accounts.
The classification of these schools to Public Sector is based on the requirements of the European System of Accounts (ESA). It is this sector classification that ONS uses to determine the treatment of bodies for National Accounts and therefore public expenditure purposes, including the impact of any borrowing on the Executive’s Capital Budget.
.
As this classification decision was made by ONS, my Department does not hold detailed records as to which other bodies, including Trustees and Foundation Schools in England and Wales, were considered to inform that decision by ONS in 2005.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023919%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=353087","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=353087"}},{"id":"353086","reference":"AQW 23918/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-10-07","answerBy":"2021-10-22","answered":"2021-10-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for her assessment of whether the stewardship role of Trustee Governors will be impaired for those Voluntary Grammar and Grant Maintained Integrated schools with charitable status as a result of the removal of borrowing powers.","answerText":"As a number of your questions relate to the same issue, I have responded to each of them in the combined response below.\n\nThe value of borrowings undertaken by Voluntary Grammar and Grant Maintained Integrated schools for the last ten financial years, based on information held by the Department, is set out in Table A below.\n\nWork is ongoing by the Department in seeking to challenge the classification status of Voluntary Grammar and Grant Maintained Integrated schools as Non Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs) and the consequent impact on borrowing. The Department’s current assessment is that this matter does not impact on the stewardship role of Trustees of these schools, although this will be kept under review.\n\nThe list of Voluntary Grammar and Grant Maintained Integrated schools categorised as NDPBs is set out in Table B below.\n\nAs advised above, work is ongoing by the Department in seeking to challenge the impact on borrowing by these schools as a result of their NDPB classification status, although the issues involved are complex. Most recently the Department has sought further legal advice in relation to this matter and is currently awaiting a response.\n\nTable A\n\nSchool\t2011-12 (£)\t2012-13 (£)\t2013-14 (£)\t2014-15 (£)\t2015-16 (£)\t2016-17 (£)\t2017-18 (£)\t2018-19 (£)\t2019-20\n(£)\t2020-21 (£)\nBangor Grammar School\t398,328\t586,158\t11,809\t13,191\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\nRathmore Grammar School\t-\t-\t200,000\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\nFriends’ School\t-\t-\t550,000\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\nSullivan Upper School\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t500,000\t-\t-\t-\nMethodist College\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t600,000\t-\t1,000,000\t-\nBelfast High School\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t210,000\t-\nCampbell College\t-\t-\t4,100,000\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\nWallace High School\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t100,000\t-\t-\t-\t-\nBallymena Academy\t-\t-\t-\t-\t861,000\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\nRoyal School Armagh\t-\t-\t-\t28,887\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\n\nNote 1: Royal School Armagh has a second loan, the balance outstanding at 31 March 2019 was £185,845. The Department does not hold any further information regarding this loan.\n\nNote 2: The information in the table relates only to borrowing/loans undertaken by Voluntary Grammar and Grant Maintained Integrated schools. It does not include any debts which may relate to grant recovery.\n\nTable B\n\nList of Voluntary Grammar & Grant Maintained Integrated Schools\nDE Reference Number\tSchool Name\nVoluntary Grammar Group 'A'\n142-0021\tSt Mary's Christian Brothers' Grammar, Belfast\n142-0022\tMethodist College, Belfast\n142-0028\tBelfast Royal Academy\n142-0029\tSt Dominic's High School, Belfast\n142-0030\tSt Malachy's College, Belfast\n142-0082\tDominican College, Belfast\n142-0089\tStrathearn School, Belfast\n142-0095\tRathmore Grammar, Belfast\n142-0264\tVictoria College, Belfast\n142-0265\tHunterhouse College, Belfast\n142-0277\tAquinas Diocesan Grammar, Belfast\n242-0041\tMount Lourdes Grammar, Enniskillen\n242-0043\tSt Michael's College, Enniskillen\n242-0052\tThornhill College, Londonderry\n242-0054\tSt Columb's College, Londonderry\n242-0064\tChristian Brothers' Grammar, Omagh\n242-0065\tLoreto Grammar, Omagh\n242-0229\tFoyle College, Londonderry\n242-0287\tLumen Christi College, Londonderry\n242-0320\tEnniskillen Royal Grammar\n342-0010\tSt Louis Grammar, Ballymena\n342-0011\tBallymena Academy\n342-0012\tDalriada School, Ballymoney\n342-0034\tLoreto College, Coleraine\n342-0046\tLarne Grammar School\n342-0058\tRainey Endowed School, Magherafelt\n342-0068\tDominican College, Portstewart\n342-0077\tBelfast High School\n342-0080\tSt Mary's Grammar, Magherafelt\n342-0317\tColeraine Grammar\n442-0015\tBangor Grammar School\n442-0044\tSullivan Upper School, Holywood\n442-0050\tFriends' School, Lisburn\n442-0051\tWallace High School, Lisburn\n442-0086\tAssumption Grammar, Ballynahinch\n442-0088\tSt Patrick's Grammar, Downpatrick\n442-0259\tOur Lady and St Patrick's College Belfast\n542-0045\tSt Louis Grammar, Kilkeel\n542-0059\tAbbey Christian Brothers Grammar, Newry\n542-0060\tOur Lady's Grammar, Newry\n542-0062\tSt Colman's College, Newry\n542-0073\tSt Joseph's Grammar School, Donaghmore\n542-0076\tSacred Heart Grammar, Newry\n542-0260\tThe Royal School, Dungannon\n542-0263\tThe Royal School, Armagh\n542-0268\tSt Patrick's Grammar, Armagh\n542-0304\tSt Patrick's Academy, Dungannon\n542-0314\tSt Ronan's College\nVoluntary Grammar Group 'B'\n142-0020\tCampbell College, Belfast\n142-0027\tThe Royal Belfast Academical Institution\nGrant Maintained Integrated\n306-6568\tAcorn Integrated Primary\n306-6551\tBraidside Integrated Primary\n506-6540\tBridge Integrated Primary\n406-6588\tCedar Integrated Primary\n306-6561\tCorran Integrated Primary\n106-6580\tCranmore Integrated Primary\n406-6668\tDrumlins Integrated Primary\n206-6549\tEnniskillen Integrated Primary\n106-6531\tHazelwood Integrated Primary\n406-6579\tLough View Integrated Primary & Nursery School\n306-6652\tMaine Integrated Primary\n306-6544\tMill Strand Integrated Primary\n406-6644\tMillennium Integrated Primary\n206-6558\tOakgrove Integrated Primary\n406-6611\tOakwood Integrated Primary\n206-6552\tOmagh Integrated Primary\n506-6657\tPhoenix Integrated Primary\n506-6553\tPortadown Integrated Primary\n206-6665\tRoe Valley Integrated Primary\n406-6682\tRowandale Integrated Primary\n506-6578\tSaints & Scholars Integrated Primary\n306-6613\tSpires Integrated Primary\n506-6554\tWindmill Integrated Primary\n426-0309\tBlackwater Integrated College\n226-0283\tDrumragh Integrated College\n526-0286\tIntegrated College Dungannon\n226-0280\tErne Integrated College\n126-0269\tHazelwood Integrated College\n426-0255\tLagan Integrated College\n126-0294\tMalone Integrated College\n526-0285\tNew-Bridge Integrated College\n326-0290\tNorth Coast Integrated College\n226-0276\tOakgrove Integrated College\n426-0281\tShimna Integrated College\n326-0289\tSlemish Integrated College\n326-0303\tSperrin Integrated College\n426-0295\tStrangford Integrated College\n326-0299\tUlidia Integrated College","answerHtml":"As a number of your questions relate to the same issue, I have responded to each of them in the combined response below.
The value of borrowings undertaken by Voluntary Grammar and Grant Maintained Integrated schools for the last ten financial years, based on information held by the Department, is set out in Table A below.
Work is ongoing by the Department in seeking to challenge the classification status of Voluntary Grammar and Grant Maintained Integrated schools as Non Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs) and the consequent impact on borrowing. The Department’s current assessment is that this matter does not impact on the stewardship role of Trustees of these schools, although this will be kept under review.
The list of Voluntary Grammar and Grant Maintained Integrated schools categorised as NDPBs is set out in Table B below.
As advised above, work is ongoing by the Department in seeking to challenge the impact on borrowing by these schools as a result of their NDPB classification status, although the issues involved are complex. Most recently the Department has sought further legal advice in relation to this matter and is currently awaiting a response.
Table A
| School | 2011-12 (£) | 2012-13 (£) | 2013-14 (£) | 2014-15 (£) | 2015-16 (£) | 2016-17 (£) | 2017-18 (£) | 2018-19 (£) | 2019-20 (£) | 2020-21 (£) |
| Bangor Grammar School | 398,328 | 586,158 | 11,809 | 13,191 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Rathmore Grammar School | - | - | 200,000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Friends’ School | - | - | 550,000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Sullivan Upper School | - | - | - | - | - | - | 500,000 | - | - | - |
| Methodist College | - | - | - | - | - | - | 600,000 | - | 1,000,000 | - |
| Belfast High School | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 210,000 | - |
| Campbell College | - | - | 4,100,000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Wallace High School | - | - | - | - | - | 100,000 | - | - | - | - |
| Ballymena Academy | - | - | - | - | 861,000 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Royal School Armagh | - | - | - | 28,887 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Note 1: Royal School Armagh has a second loan, the balance outstanding at 31 March 2019 was £185,845. The Department does not hold any further information regarding this loan.
Note 2: The information in the table relates only to borrowing/loans undertaken by Voluntary Grammar and Grant Maintained Integrated schools. It does not include any debts which may relate to grant recovery.
Table B
| List of Voluntary Grammar & Grant Maintained Integrated Schools | |
| DE Reference Number | School Name |
| Voluntary Grammar Group 'A' | |
| 142-0021 | St Mary's Christian Brothers' Grammar, Belfast |
| 142-0022 | Methodist College, Belfast |
| 142-0028 | Belfast Royal Academy |
| 142-0029 | St Dominic's High School, Belfast |
| 142-0030 | St Malachy's College, Belfast |
| 142-0082 | Dominican College, Belfast |
| 142-0089 | Strathearn School, Belfast |
| 142-0095 | Rathmore Grammar, Belfast |
| 142-0264 | Victoria College, Belfast |
| 142-0265 | Hunterhouse College, Belfast |
| 142-0277 | Aquinas Diocesan Grammar, Belfast |
| 242-0041 | Mount Lourdes Grammar, Enniskillen |
| 242-0043 | St Michael's College, Enniskillen |
| 242-0052 | Thornhill College, Londonderry |
| 242-0054 | St Columb's College, Londonderry |
| 242-0064 | Christian Brothers' Grammar, Omagh |
| 242-0065 | Loreto Grammar, Omagh |
| 242-0229 | Foyle College, Londonderry |
| 242-0287 | Lumen Christi College, Londonderry |
| 242-0320 | Enniskillen Royal Grammar |
| 342-0010 | St Louis Grammar, Ballymena |
| 342-0011 | Ballymena Academy |
| 342-0012 | Dalriada School, Ballymoney |
| 342-0034 | Loreto College, Coleraine |
| 342-0046 | Larne Grammar School |
| 342-0058 | Rainey Endowed School, Magherafelt |
| 342-0068 | Dominican College, Portstewart |
| 342-0077 | Belfast High School |
| 342-0080 | St Mary's Grammar, Magherafelt |
| 342-0317 | Coleraine Grammar |
| 442-0015 | Bangor Grammar School |
| 442-0044 | Sullivan Upper School, Holywood |
| 442-0050 | Friends' School, Lisburn |
| 442-0051 | Wallace High School, Lisburn |
| 442-0086 | Assumption Grammar, Ballynahinch |
| 442-0088 | St Patrick's Grammar, Downpatrick |
| 442-0259 | Our Lady and St Patrick's College Belfast |
| 542-0045 | St Louis Grammar, Kilkeel |
| 542-0059 | Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar, Newry |
| 542-0060 | Our Lady's Grammar, Newry |
| 542-0062 | St Colman's College, Newry |
| 542-0073 | St Joseph's Grammar School, Donaghmore |
| 542-0076 | Sacred Heart Grammar, Newry |
| 542-0260 | The Royal School, Dungannon |
| 542-0263 | The Royal School, Armagh |
| 542-0268 | St Patrick's Grammar, Armagh |
| 542-0304 | St Patrick's Academy, Dungannon |
| 542-0314 | St Ronan's College |
| Voluntary Grammar Group 'B' | |
| 142-0020 | Campbell College, Belfast |
| 142-0027 | The Royal Belfast Academical Institution |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | |
| 306-6568 | Acorn Integrated Primary |
| 306-6551 | Braidside Integrated Primary |
| 506-6540 | Bridge Integrated Primary |
| 406-6588 | Cedar Integrated Primary |
| 306-6561 | Corran Integrated Primary |
| 106-6580 | Cranmore Integrated Primary |
| 406-6668 | Drumlins Integrated Primary |
| 206-6549 | Enniskillen Integrated Primary |
| 106-6531 | Hazelwood Integrated Primary |
| 406-6579 | Lough View Integrated Primary & Nursery School |
| 306-6652 | Maine Integrated Primary |
| 306-6544 | Mill Strand Integrated Primary |
| 406-6644 | Millennium Integrated Primary |
| 206-6558 | Oakgrove Integrated Primary |
| 406-6611 | Oakwood Integrated Primary |
| 206-6552 | Omagh Integrated Primary |
| 506-6657 | Phoenix Integrated Primary |
| 506-6553 | Portadown Integrated Primary |
| 206-6665 | Roe Valley Integrated Primary |
| 406-6682 | Rowandale Integrated Primary |
| 506-6578 | Saints & Scholars Integrated Primary |
| 306-6613 | Spires Integrated Primary |
| 506-6554 | Windmill Integrated Primary |
| 426-0309 | Blackwater Integrated College |
| 226-0283 | Drumragh Integrated College |
| 526-0286 | Integrated College Dungannon |
| 226-0280 | Erne Integrated College |
| 126-0269 | Hazelwood Integrated College |
| 426-0255 | Lagan Integrated College |
| 126-0294 | Malone Integrated College |
| 526-0285 | New-Bridge Integrated College |
| 326-0290 | North Coast Integrated College |
| 226-0276 | Oakgrove Integrated College |
| 426-0281 | Shimna Integrated College |
| 326-0289 | Slemish Integrated College |
| 326-0303 | Sperrin Integrated College |
| 426-0295 | Strangford Integrated College |
| 326-0299 | Ulidia Integrated College |
As a number of your questions relate to the same issue, I have responded to each of them in the combined response below.
The value of borrowings undertaken by Voluntary Grammar and Grant Maintained Integrated schools for the last ten financial years, based on information held by the Department, is set out in Table A below.
Work is ongoing by the Department in seeking to challenge the classification status of Voluntary Grammar and Grant Maintained Integrated schools as Non Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs) and the consequent impact on borrowing. The Department’s current assessment is that this matter does not impact on the stewardship role of Trustees of these schools, although this will be kept under review.
The list of Voluntary Grammar and Grant Maintained Integrated schools categorised as NDPBs is set out in Table B below.
As advised above, work is ongoing by the Department in seeking to challenge the impact on borrowing by these schools as a result of their NDPB classification status, although the issues involved are complex. Most recently the Department has sought further legal advice in relation to this matter and is currently awaiting a response.
Table A
| School | 2011-12 (£) | 2012-13 (£) | 2013-14 (£) | 2014-15 (£) | 2015-16 (£) | 2016-17 (£) | 2017-18 (£) | 2018-19 (£) | 2019-20 (£) | 2020-21 (£) |
| Bangor Grammar School | 398,328 | 586,158 | 11,809 | 13,191 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Rathmore Grammar School | - | - | 200,000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Friends’ School | - | - | 550,000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Sullivan Upper School | - | - | - | - | - | - | 500,000 | - | - | - |
| Methodist College | - | - | - | - | - | - | 600,000 | - | 1,000,000 | - |
| Belfast High School | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 210,000 | - |
| Campbell College | - | - | 4,100,000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Wallace High School | - | - | - | - | - | 100,000 | - | - | - | - |
| Ballymena Academy | - | - | - | - | 861,000 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Royal School Armagh | - | - | - | 28,887 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Note 1: Royal School Armagh has a second loan, the balance outstanding at 31 March 2019 was £185,845. The Department does not hold any further information regarding this loan.
Note 2: The information in the table relates only to borrowing/loans undertaken by Voluntary Grammar and Grant Maintained Integrated schools. It does not include any debts which may relate to grant recovery.
Table B
| List of Voluntary Grammar & Grant Maintained Integrated Schools | |
| DE Reference Number | School Name |
| Voluntary Grammar Group 'A' | |
| 142-0021 | St Mary's Christian Brothers' Grammar, Belfast |
| 142-0022 | Methodist College, Belfast |
| 142-0028 | Belfast Royal Academy |
| 142-0029 | St Dominic's High School, Belfast |
| 142-0030 | St Malachy's College, Belfast |
| 142-0082 | Dominican College, Belfast |
| 142-0089 | Strathearn School, Belfast |
| 142-0095 | Rathmore Grammar, Belfast |
| 142-0264 | Victoria College, Belfast |
| 142-0265 | Hunterhouse College, Belfast |
| 142-0277 | Aquinas Diocesan Grammar, Belfast |
| 242-0041 | Mount Lourdes Grammar, Enniskillen |
| 242-0043 | St Michael's College, Enniskillen |
| 242-0052 | Thornhill College, Londonderry |
| 242-0054 | St Columb's College, Londonderry |
| 242-0064 | Christian Brothers' Grammar, Omagh |
| 242-0065 | Loreto Grammar, Omagh |
| 242-0229 | Foyle College, Londonderry |
| 242-0287 | Lumen Christi College, Londonderry |
| 242-0320 | Enniskillen Royal Grammar |
| 342-0010 | St Louis Grammar, Ballymena |
| 342-0011 | Ballymena Academy |
| 342-0012 | Dalriada School, Ballymoney |
| 342-0034 | Loreto College, Coleraine |
| 342-0046 | Larne Grammar School |
| 342-0058 | Rainey Endowed School, Magherafelt |
| 342-0068 | Dominican College, Portstewart |
| 342-0077 | Belfast High School |
| 342-0080 | St Mary's Grammar, Magherafelt |
| 342-0317 | Coleraine Grammar |
| 442-0015 | Bangor Grammar School |
| 442-0044 | Sullivan Upper School, Holywood |
| 442-0050 | Friends' School, Lisburn |
| 442-0051 | Wallace High School, Lisburn |
| 442-0086 | Assumption Grammar, Ballynahinch |
| 442-0088 | St Patrick's Grammar, Downpatrick |
| 442-0259 | Our Lady and St Patrick's College Belfast |
| 542-0045 | St Louis Grammar, Kilkeel |
| 542-0059 | Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar, Newry |
| 542-0060 | Our Lady's Grammar, Newry |
| 542-0062 | St Colman's College, Newry |
| 542-0073 | St Joseph's Grammar School, Donaghmore |
| 542-0076 | Sacred Heart Grammar, Newry |
| 542-0260 | The Royal School, Dungannon |
| 542-0263 | The Royal School, Armagh |
| 542-0268 | St Patrick's Grammar, Armagh |
| 542-0304 | St Patrick's Academy, Dungannon |
| 542-0314 | St Ronan's College |
| Voluntary Grammar Group 'B' | |
| 142-0020 | Campbell College, Belfast |
| 142-0027 | The Royal Belfast Academical Institution |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | |
| 306-6568 | Acorn Integrated Primary |
| 306-6551 | Braidside Integrated Primary |
| 506-6540 | Bridge Integrated Primary |
| 406-6588 | Cedar Integrated Primary |
| 306-6561 | Corran Integrated Primary |
| 106-6580 | Cranmore Integrated Primary |
| 406-6668 | Drumlins Integrated Primary |
| 206-6549 | Enniskillen Integrated Primary |
| 106-6531 | Hazelwood Integrated Primary |
| 406-6579 | Lough View Integrated Primary & Nursery School |
| 306-6652 | Maine Integrated Primary |
| 306-6544 | Mill Strand Integrated Primary |
| 406-6644 | Millennium Integrated Primary |
| 206-6558 | Oakgrove Integrated Primary |
| 406-6611 | Oakwood Integrated Primary |
| 206-6552 | Omagh Integrated Primary |
| 506-6657 | Phoenix Integrated Primary |
| 506-6553 | Portadown Integrated Primary |
| 206-6665 | Roe Valley Integrated Primary |
| 406-6682 | Rowandale Integrated Primary |
| 506-6578 | Saints & Scholars Integrated Primary |
| 306-6613 | Spires Integrated Primary |
| 506-6554 | Windmill Integrated Primary |
| 426-0309 | Blackwater Integrated College |
| 226-0283 | Drumragh Integrated College |
| 526-0286 | Integrated College Dungannon |
| 226-0280 | Erne Integrated College |
| 126-0269 | Hazelwood Integrated College |
| 426-0255 | Lagan Integrated College |
| 126-0294 | Malone Integrated College |
| 526-0285 | New-Bridge Integrated College |
| 326-0290 | North Coast Integrated College |
| 226-0276 | Oakgrove Integrated College |
| 426-0281 | Shimna Integrated College |
| 326-0289 | Slemish Integrated College |
| 326-0303 | Sperrin Integrated College |
| 426-0295 | Strangford Integrated College |
| 326-0299 | Ulidia Integrated College |
The requirements on international travel, for travellers arriving into Northern Ireland from outside the Common Travel Area (UK, RoI, Isle of Man and Channel Islands) are laid down in the Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021.
Travel restrictions in place for arrivals into Northern Ireland from higher risk countries (red list countries) include pre-departure testing, 10 day managed hotel isolation and PCR testing on days 2 and 8 post-arrival. Travel restrictions in place for arrivals into Northern Ireland from non-red list countries are predicated on vaccination status.
Those who qualify as 'fully vaccinated' are required to undertake PCR testing on day 2 post-arrival, whilst those who do not qualify as fully vaccinated must undertake pre-departure testing, self-isolate at their home or place where they are staying for 10 days and undertake PCR tests on days 2 and 8 post-arrival.
The purpose of pre-departure testing is to determine infectiousness at time of departure to Northern Ireland. The tests that can be used include PCR, LFD or LAMP tests, provided they meet the minimum performance standards in the regulations. Guidance on NI Direct outlines that LFD tests are less likely to return a positive result due to a historic infection.
Post-arrival PCR testing is aimed at identifying positive infections and variants of the virus, picked up as a result of international travel. Where positive cases are identified, there is a requirement to self-isolate for 10 days following the day the test was undertaken.
Public health advice remains that virus levels diminish after 10 days to a level where it is unlikely to transmit the infection.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023817%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=352963","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=352963"}},{"id":"352758","reference":"AQW 23733/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-10-05","answerBy":"2021-10-20","answered":"2021-10-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance, pursuant to AQW 5482/17-22, for an update on his Department’s work on amending Northern Ireland’s Building Regulations with regards to Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure, in light of EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (Article 8).","answerText":"Policy on electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure is the responsibility of the Department for Infrastructure (DfI). My Department has offered the use of Building Regulations as a potential legislative mechanism to assist DfI in implementing Article 8 requirements for the provision of EV charging point infrastructure for new construction or major renovation of buildings and associated car parks, should that department decide to progress in this way.","answerHtml":"Policy on electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure is the responsibility of the Department for Infrastructure (DfI). My Department has offered the use of Building Regulations as a potential legislative mechanism to assist DfI in implementing Article 8 requirements for the provision of EV charging point infrastructure for new construction or major renovation of buildings and associated car parks, should that department decide to progress in this way.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023733%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=352758","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=352758"}},{"id":"352757","reference":"AQW 23732/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-10-05","answerBy":"2021-10-20","answered":"2021-10-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure pursuant to AQW 5482/17-22, for an update on the implementation of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (Article 8).","answerText":"Article 8 of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) sets minimum requirements in relation to electric vehicle charging infrastructure in new residential and new and existing non-residential buildings and following the British Government’s indication of its intention to comply with the Directive, transposition of the EPBD into legislation is a devolved responsibility.\n\nOfficials from my Department continue to fully engage with officials in the Department of Finance and the Department for Transport to determine the most effective means for implementing Article 8 of the Directive.\n\nI remain committed to working in partnership with Executive colleagues and others across our islands to help deliver a change in the way we travel that also helps us to tackle the climate crisis.","answerHtml":"Article 8 of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) sets minimum requirements in relation to electric vehicle charging infrastructure in new residential and new and existing non-residential buildings and following the British Government’s indication of its intention to comply with the Directive, transposition of the EPBD into legislation is a devolved responsibility.
Officials from my Department continue to fully engage with officials in the Department of Finance and the Department for Transport to determine the most effective means for implementing Article 8 of the Directive.
I remain committed to working in partnership with Executive colleagues and others across our islands to help deliver a change in the way we travel that also helps us to tackle the climate crisis.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023732%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=352757","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=352757"}},{"id":"352391","reference":"AQW 23577/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-10-01","answerBy":"2021-10-18","answered":"2021-10-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether a Rural Needs Impact Assessment was conducted as part of PPS 21 Planning Advice Note issued in August 2021.","answerText":"The Planning Advice Note (PAN) ‘Implementation of Strategic Planning Policy for the Development of the Countryside’ issued by my Department on 2 August 2021, was not subject to a Rural Needs Impact Assessment (as required by the Rural Needs Act 2016) as it does not add to or change existing policy.","answerHtml":"The Planning Advice Note (PAN) ‘Implementation of Strategic Planning Policy for the Development of the Countryside’ issued by my Department on 2 August 2021, was not subject to a Rural Needs Impact Assessment (as required by the Rural Needs Act 2016) as it does not add to or change existing policy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023577%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=352391","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=352391"}},{"id":"352390","reference":"AQW 23576/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-10-01","answerBy":"2021-10-18","answered":"2021-10-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether the ability to raise financing for housing was considered when compiling PPS 21 Planning Advice Note issued in August 2021.","answerText":"My Department issued the PAN following my assessment of a ‘Call for Evidence’ and an independent consultant’s report to inform the way forward for policy on development in the countryside. The ability of applicants to raise mortgage finance for dwellings approved under extant strategic planning policy, was raised through engagement on both pieces of the abovementioned work, in the context of occupancy conditions associated with dwellings where there are ‘personal and domestic circumstances’. I am also aware that the issue has been occasionally raised with the Department in respect of ‘dwellings on farms’ and in the context of shared access laneways.\n\nAs the PAN does not add to or change the fundamental approach of extant policy for development in the countryside, it does not, therefore, specifically address the issue of mortgage finance for housing. I have, however, written to UK Finance, a trade association for the UK banking and financial services sector, to reinforce the importance of its members taking full account of planning approvals when considering mortgage applications.","answerHtml":"My Department issued the PAN following my assessment of a ‘Call for Evidence’ and an independent consultant’s report to inform the way forward for policy on development in the countryside. The ability of applicants to raise mortgage finance for dwellings approved under extant strategic planning policy, was raised through engagement on both pieces of the abovementioned work, in the context of occupancy conditions associated with dwellings where there are ‘personal and domestic circumstances’. I am also aware that the issue has been occasionally raised with the Department in respect of ‘dwellings on farms’ and in the context of shared access laneways.
As the PAN does not add to or change the fundamental approach of extant policy for development in the countryside, it does not, therefore, specifically address the issue of mortgage finance for housing. I have, however, written to UK Finance, a trade association for the UK banking and financial services sector, to reinforce the importance of its members taking full account of planning approvals when considering mortgage applications.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023576%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=352390","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=352390"}},{"id":"352389","reference":"AQW 23575/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-10-01","answerBy":"2021-10-18","answered":"2021-10-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether consideration is being given to the introduction of the right of appeal as part of Review of the 2011 Planning Act.","answerText":"The legislative and structural changes to the planning system which came into effect with the new two-tier system in 2015 are designed to deliver an inclusive, front-loaded system with stronger third party engagement and local democratic accountability. My concerns with the introduction of third party rights of appeal would be the risk of undermining this, reducing certainty and the effectiveness and efficiency of the planning system at this critical time.\n\nHowever, I am aware that the issue of third-party rights of appeal has been raised by some respondents in the recent call for evidence on the Review of the Implementation of the Planning Act (NI) 2011, and at fact finding events held by the Planning Engagement Partnership. I will give consideration to the evidence presented through those processes.","answerHtml":"The legislative and structural changes to the planning system which came into effect with the new two-tier system in 2015 are designed to deliver an inclusive, front-loaded system with stronger third party engagement and local democratic accountability. My concerns with the introduction of third party rights of appeal would be the risk of undermining this, reducing certainty and the effectiveness and efficiency of the planning system at this critical time.
However, I am aware that the issue of third-party rights of appeal has been raised by some respondents in the recent call for evidence on the Review of the Implementation of the Planning Act (NI) 2011, and at fact finding events held by the Planning Engagement Partnership. I will give consideration to the evidence presented through those processes.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023575%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=352389","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=352389"}},{"id":"352157","reference":"AQW 23510/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-30","answerBy":"2021-10-15","answered":"2021-10-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail the (i) percentage; (ii) number; and (iii) value of contracts awarded by his Department in 2020/21 that are within the threshold remit of the Scoring Social Value Policy and included a score for Social Value at, or above, 10 per cent.","answerText":"The new policy requirement to allocate a minimum weighting of 10% for social value in award criteria applies from 1 June 2022. Training is being developed to equip commissioners and potential suppliers to operate this new system. The Department of Finance has not yet introduced scoring but it will do so in advance of the June commencement date if possible.","answerHtml":"The new policy requirement to allocate a minimum weighting of 10% for social value in award criteria applies from 1 June 2022. Training is being developed to equip commissioners and potential suppliers to operate this new system. The Department of Finance has not yet introduced scoring but it will do so in advance of the June commencement date if possible.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023510%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=352157","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=352157"}},{"id":"352156","reference":"AQW 23509/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-30","answerBy":"2021-10-15","answered":"2021-10-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether his Department intends to issue guidance on how fair work practices should form part of government procurement contracts as part of the Scoring Social Value Policy.","answerText":"Construction Procurement Delivery (CPD) has developed guidance on how fair work practices can be incorporated into procurements facilitated through CPD. This guidance will be shared with other Centres of Procurement Expertise to assist them in incorporating fair work practices into their own procurements.","answerHtml":"Construction Procurement Delivery (CPD) has developed guidance on how fair work practices can be incorporated into procurements facilitated through CPD. This guidance will be shared with other Centres of Procurement Expertise to assist them in incorporating fair work practices into their own procurements.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023509%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=352156","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=352156"}},{"id":"352155","reference":"AQW 23508/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-30","answerBy":"2021-10-15","answered":"2021-10-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for an update on the preparation of legislation to underpin the Scoring Social Value Policy.","answerText":"Procurement Policy Note 01/21 – Scoring Social Value was published on 5 July.\n\nThe mandating of the scoring of social value is a significant statement indicating clearly the importance the Executive attaches to delivering social value from its procurement spend.\n\nThe appropriate legislation to underpin this policy is under consideration.","answerHtml":"Procurement Policy Note 01/21 – Scoring Social Value was published on 5 July.
The mandating of the scoring of social value is a significant statement indicating clearly the importance the Executive attaches to delivering social value from its procurement spend.
The appropriate legislation to underpin this policy is under consideration.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023508%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=352155","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=352155"}},{"id":"352154","reference":"AQW 23507/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-30","answerBy":"2021-10-15","answered":"2021-10-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether any opt-outs from the Scoring Social Value Policy have been notified to Construction and Procurement Delivery following approval Ministers.","answerText":"The Executive has approved this Policy which mandates that from 1 June 2022 tenders must include a minimum of 10% of the total award criteria to social value.\n\nConstruction and Procurement Delivery has not been notified of any opt-outs from the Scoring Social Value Policy following approval by Ministers.","answerHtml":"The Executive has approved this Policy which mandates that from 1 June 2022 tenders must include a minimum of 10% of the total award criteria to social value.
Construction and Procurement Delivery has not been notified of any opt-outs from the Scoring Social Value Policy following approval by Ministers.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023507%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=352154","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=352154"}},{"id":"351984","reference":"AQW 23423/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-29","answerBy":"2021-10-04","answered":"2021-10-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for an update on planned interventions to assist businesses following the end to protections from forfeiture granted for Business Tenants after 30 September 2021.","answerText":"Legislation has been made and laid by my Department to extend the moratorium here to 25th March 2022, in line with the extension implemented in England and Wales.\n\nMy officials have also assessed the high level Westminster policy statement on mandatory arbitration for landlords and commercial tenants in relation to rent arrears accrued whilst the moratorium has been in force. We await the full detail of the proposals, including those on arbitration delivery mechanisms, which will be required in order to conduct an assessment on whether the policy being brought forward is both suitable and operative in our local context.","answerHtml":"Legislation has been made and laid by my Department to extend the moratorium here to 25th March 2022, in line with the extension implemented in England and Wales.
My officials have also assessed the high level Westminster policy statement on mandatory arbitration for landlords and commercial tenants in relation to rent arrears accrued whilst the moratorium has been in force. We await the full detail of the proposals, including those on arbitration delivery mechanisms, which will be required in order to conduct an assessment on whether the policy being brought forward is both suitable and operative in our local context.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023423%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=351984","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=351984"}},{"id":"351983","reference":"AQW 23422/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-29","answerBy":"2021-10-14","answered":"2021-10-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline the position for motorists unable to renew their Vehicle Excise Duty prior to expiry due to inability to book an MOT test in context of current backlog.","answerText":"The Driver & Vehicle Agency’s (DVA) advice to customers who require an MOT in order to tax their vehicle, but cannot secure a date before their current MOT certificate expires, is that they should:\n\nbook the earliest available appointment; and\n\nkeep checking the booking system for an appointment before their MOT expires.\n\nIf they get to within five days of their MOT expiry date, contact dva.customerservices@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk and DVA will do their best to get them an urgent appointment. To date, all customers who have used this process and contacted the DVA in these circumstances have been offered an earlier appointment.","answerHtml":"The Driver & Vehicle Agency’s (DVA) advice to customers who require an MOT in order to tax their vehicle, but cannot secure a date before their current MOT certificate expires, is that they should:
book the earliest available appointment; and
keep checking the booking system for an appointment before their MOT expires.
If they get to within five days of their MOT expiry date, contact dva.customerservices@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk and DVA will do their best to get them an urgent appointment. To date, all customers who have used this process and contacted the DVA in these circumstances have been offered an earlier appointment.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023422%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=351983","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=351983"}},{"id":"351982","reference":"AQW 23421/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-29","answerBy":"2021-10-14","answered":"2021-10-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether consideration has been given to the introduction of Temporary Exemption Certificates to deal with current MOT backlog resulting in drivers being unable to use their vehicle due to (i) an inability to renew Vehicle Excise Duty; and (i) their insurance deemed invalid without a valid MOT and paid up Vehicle Excise Duty.","answerText":"From Monday 26 July 2021 normal vehicle test times have been reinstated, which has increased vehicle testing capacity across the network of test centres. In August 2021, the DVA conducted 60,680 full vehicle tests, which is 98% of the five year average for that month.\n\nFrom a road safety perspective there are no plans to issue further TECs as it is important that all vehicles are brought forward for test at the earliest opportunity.\n\nIf a customer has been advised by their insurer that they will not be covered if their vehicle does not have a valid MOT certificate, or they require an MOT to tax a vehicle and cannot secure a date before the MOT expires, they should:\n\nbook the earliest available appointment;\n\nkeep checking the booking system for an appointment before their MOT expires\n\nIf they get to within five days of their MOT expiry date, contact dva.customerservices@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk and DVA will do their best to get an urgent appointment.\n\nLike all public facing services, the Covid-19 restrictions mean that the DVA has had to adapt its services to ensure that they can be provided safely and they would ask customers for their patience at this difficult time.","answerHtml":"From Monday 26 July 2021 normal vehicle test times have been reinstated, which has increased vehicle testing capacity across the network of test centres. In August 2021, the DVA conducted 60,680 full vehicle tests, which is 98% of the five year average for that month.
From a road safety perspective there are no plans to issue further TECs as it is important that all vehicles are brought forward for test at the earliest opportunity.
If a customer has been advised by their insurer that they will not be covered if their vehicle does not have a valid MOT certificate, or they require an MOT to tax a vehicle and cannot secure a date before the MOT expires, they should:
book the earliest available appointment;
keep checking the booking system for an appointment before their MOT expires
If they get to within five days of their MOT expiry date, contact dva.customerservices@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk and DVA will do their best to get an urgent appointment.
Like all public facing services, the Covid-19 restrictions mean that the DVA has had to adapt its services to ensure that they can be provided safely and they would ask customers for their patience at this difficult time.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023421%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=351982","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=351982"}},{"id":"351981","reference":"AQW 23420/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-29","answerBy":"2021-10-14","answered":"2021-10-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on remediation efforts in relation to the illegal landfill at Mobouy.","answerText":"My priority remains to protect the water quality of the River Faughan and the NI Water abstraction in addition to protecting the environment by remediating this site. Throughout the period of the Covid-19 pandemic, my Department has continued to implement a comprehensive Environmental Monitoring Programme (EMP) at the site. This includes site and river bank inspections together with daily laboratory testing of water quality at the NI Water public water abstraction. No pollution incidents in the River Faughan have been reported by members of the public or identified through the monitoring carried out under the EMP.\n\nIn June 2021, my Department appointed an Integrated Consultancy Team (ICT), Tetra Tech Ltd. to further update and finalise the Optimum Remediation Strategy (ORS) and the Business Case (OBC2) in support of appointing the remediation contractor to carry out the site remediation. A new Ground Investigation contract is commencing on site this month to build on the work to date and provide additional information required to further inform the conceptual site model and the Optimum Remediation Strategy (ORS).\n\nThe size and complexity of the Mobuoy waste site means that its remediation will not be a quick fix and at this stage, a definitive timeline for the work cannot be provided. The ongoing criminal prosecution imposes severe limitations on project information being made public but current planning assumptions are that the Optimum Remediation Strategy (ORS) and the Business Case (OBC2) will be completed by December 2022. Based on successful approval of the business case, it is expected that the remediation contractor will be appointed by late 2023.\n\nWork is continuing with the Strategic Investment Board and Derry City and Strabane District Council to progress Stakeholder Engagement plans and develop the vision for future use of the site so that it can become a community asset once it has been remediated.","answerHtml":"My priority remains to protect the water quality of the River Faughan and the NI Water abstraction in addition to protecting the environment by remediating this site. Throughout the period of the Covid-19 pandemic, my Department has continued to implement a comprehensive Environmental Monitoring Programme (EMP) at the site. This includes site and river bank inspections together with daily laboratory testing of water quality at the NI Water public water abstraction. No pollution incidents in the River Faughan have been reported by members of the public or identified through the monitoring carried out under the EMP.
In June 2021, my Department appointed an Integrated Consultancy Team (ICT), Tetra Tech Ltd. to further update and finalise the Optimum Remediation Strategy (ORS) and the Business Case (OBC2) in support of appointing the remediation contractor to carry out the site remediation. A new Ground Investigation contract is commencing on site this month to build on the work to date and provide additional information required to further inform the conceptual site model and the Optimum Remediation Strategy (ORS).
The size and complexity of the Mobuoy waste site means that its remediation will not be a quick fix and at this stage, a definitive timeline for the work cannot be provided. The ongoing criminal prosecution imposes severe limitations on project information being made public but current planning assumptions are that the Optimum Remediation Strategy (ORS) and the Business Case (OBC2) will be completed by December 2022. Based on successful approval of the business case, it is expected that the remediation contractor will be appointed by late 2023.
Work is continuing with the Strategic Investment Board and Derry City and Strabane District Council to progress Stakeholder Engagement plans and develop the vision for future use of the site so that it can become a community asset once it has been remediated.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023420%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=351981","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=351981"}},{"id":"351980","reference":"AQW 23419/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-29","answerBy":"2021-10-14","answered":"2021-10-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline the forecasted spend from the Blue/Green Fund in 2021/22.","answerText":"I expect to fully spend the £20 million Blue Green Infrastructure Fund in 2021/22. I have already announced some of the main elements of the fund, including £13.5 million which will be invested in active travel projects across Northern Ireland and provide support to Councils for the development of greenways in 2021/22. I have also allocated £500k to the Living Places and Spaces Grant programme to provide grants of up to £10k to community groups for blue green projects. This grant programme was announced on 4 October and will open for applications in November.","answerHtml":"I expect to fully spend the £20 million Blue Green Infrastructure Fund in 2021/22. I have already announced some of the main elements of the fund, including £13.5 million which will be invested in active travel projects across Northern Ireland and provide support to Councils for the development of greenways in 2021/22. I have also allocated £500k to the Living Places and Spaces Grant programme to provide grants of up to £10k to community groups for blue green projects. This grant programme was announced on 4 October and will open for applications in November.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023419%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=351980","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=351980"}},{"id":"351783","reference":"AQW 23331/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-28","answerBy":"2021-10-13","answered":"2021-10-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for her assessment of the impact of the Planning Advice Note concerning Implementation of Strategic Planning Policy for Development in the Countryside.","answerText":"My assessment is that the Planning Advice Note (the PAN), which recently issued on the 2 August 2021, will have a positive impact on the planning system overall and our rural communities.\n\nThe PAN provides advice, which councils, as planning authorities in their own right, will take into account when determining planning applications for development in the countryside, along with all other material planning considerations. The PAN does not, however, change existing planning policy. It is intended to assist planning authorities and users of the planning system in the interpretation and implementation of extant planning policy as contained in the Strategic Planning Policy Statement (the SPPS). It re-emphasises and clarifies several policy issues and will assist in ensuring a consistent interpretation of the policy across the North.\n\nI firmly believe that the current policy approach for development in the countryside remains appropriate and facilitates sustainable patterns of development while also supporting a vibrant rural community. I will continue to consider current and emerging issues, such as the climate emergency, to ensure that strategic planning policy for development in the countryside remains fit for purpose.","answerHtml":"My assessment is that the Planning Advice Note (the PAN), which recently issued on the 2 August 2021, will have a positive impact on the planning system overall and our rural communities.
The PAN provides advice, which councils, as planning authorities in their own right, will take into account when determining planning applications for development in the countryside, along with all other material planning considerations. The PAN does not, however, change existing planning policy. It is intended to assist planning authorities and users of the planning system in the interpretation and implementation of extant planning policy as contained in the Strategic Planning Policy Statement (the SPPS). It re-emphasises and clarifies several policy issues and will assist in ensuring a consistent interpretation of the policy across the North.
I firmly believe that the current policy approach for development in the countryside remains appropriate and facilitates sustainable patterns of development while also supporting a vibrant rural community. I will continue to consider current and emerging issues, such as the climate emergency, to ensure that strategic planning policy for development in the countryside remains fit for purpose.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023331%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=351783","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=351783"}},{"id":"351782","reference":"AQW 23330/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-28","answerBy":"2021-10-13","answered":"2021-10-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether there are any plans to expand the network of pharmacies offering the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.","answerText":"Across Northern Ireland, the network of community pharmacies involved in delivering the Moderna vaccine has expanded to 134 pharmacies.\n\nDetails of participating pharmacies can be found on the NI Direct website.","answerHtml":"Across Northern Ireland, the network of community pharmacies involved in delivering the Moderna vaccine has expanded to 134 pharmacies.
Details of participating pharmacies can be found on the NI Direct website.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023330%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=351782","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=351782"}},{"id":"351347","reference":"AQW 23142/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-24","answerBy":"2021-09-29","answered":"2021-09-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether any formal assurance has been received from Association of British Insurers concerning the validity of motorists' insurance if driving without a valid MOT but with an appointment booked.","answerText":"From 26 July 2021, the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) reinstated its normal vehicle test times, which has increased capacity across the network of test centres. In August 2021, the DVA conducted 60,680 full vehicle tests, which is 98% of the five year average for that month.\n\nThe DVA is currently experiencing significant demand for vehicle testing services and in some cases customers may not be able to get their vehicles tested before their current MOT expires. In such cases, customers must book the earliest available test appointment for their vehicle, which may mean travelling to another test centre instead of their preferred location.\n\nDVA officials have consulted with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Association of British Insurers (ABI) to make them aware of the current position regarding MOT appointments. If motorists are unable to book an MOT appointment before their MOT expiry date but still need to use their vehicle the PSNI has agreed not to penalise the driver of a vehicle whose MOT has expired so long as the vehicle is in a roadworthy and safe condition; the vehicle is properly insured; and the driver can provide proof (by showing an MOT appointment notification, either in electronic or paper form) that a test appointment has been booked for the vehicle.\n\nThe ABI view is that not having a valid MOT certificate would not necessarily invalidate insurance but customers, who find themselves in that situation due to delays in getting their vehicle tested, should check their policy documents or speak to their insurer. However, the ABI confirmed that it is a condition of insurance that owners maintain their vehicles in a roadworthy condition.\n\nDVA customers must therefore book a vehicle test appointment as soon as possible, even if it is after their current MOT expiry date. All other offences relating to vehicle roadworthiness and insurance will be dealt with by the PSNI and DVA enforcement officers in the usual manner.\n\nIf a customer has been advised by their insurer that they will not be covered if their vehicle does not have a valid MOT certificate, they should:\n\nbook the earliest available appointment;\n\nkeep checking the booking system for an appointment before your MOT expires\n\nIf they get to within five days of their MOT expiry date, contact dva.customerservices@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk and DVA will do their best to get an urgent appointment.\n\nLike all public facing services, the Covid-19 restrictions mean that the DVA has had to adapt its services to ensure that they can be provided safely and they would ask customers for their patience at this difficult time.","answerHtml":"From 26 July 2021, the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) reinstated its normal vehicle test times, which has increased capacity across the network of test centres. In August 2021, the DVA conducted 60,680 full vehicle tests, which is 98% of the five year average for that month.
The DVA is currently experiencing significant demand for vehicle testing services and in some cases customers may not be able to get their vehicles tested before their current MOT expires. In such cases, customers must book the earliest available test appointment for their vehicle, which may mean travelling to another test centre instead of their preferred location.
DVA officials have consulted with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Association of British Insurers (ABI) to make them aware of the current position regarding MOT appointments. If motorists are unable to book an MOT appointment before their MOT expiry date but still need to use their vehicle the PSNI has agreed not to penalise the driver of a vehicle whose MOT has expired so long as the vehicle is in a roadworthy and safe condition; the vehicle is properly insured; and the driver can provide proof (by showing an MOT appointment notification, either in electronic or paper form) that a test appointment has been booked for the vehicle.
The ABI view is that not having a valid MOT certificate would not necessarily invalidate insurance but customers, who find themselves in that situation due to delays in getting their vehicle tested, should check their policy documents or speak to their insurer. However, the ABI confirmed that it is a condition of insurance that owners maintain their vehicles in a roadworthy condition.
DVA customers must therefore book a vehicle test appointment as soon as possible, even if it is after their current MOT expiry date. All other offences relating to vehicle roadworthiness and insurance will be dealt with by the PSNI and DVA enforcement officers in the usual manner.
If a customer has been advised by their insurer that they will not be covered if their vehicle does not have a valid MOT certificate, they should:
book the earliest available appointment;
keep checking the booking system for an appointment before your MOT expires
If they get to within five days of their MOT expiry date, contact dva.customerservices@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk and DVA will do their best to get an urgent appointment.
Like all public facing services, the Covid-19 restrictions mean that the DVA has had to adapt its services to ensure that they can be provided safely and they would ask customers for their patience at this difficult time.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023142%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=351347","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=351347"}},{"id":"351346","reference":"AQW 23141/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-24","answerBy":"2021-10-11","answered":"2021-09-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department will consider making (i) the DL1 driving licence application form; and (ii) other similar application forms available online to download.","answerText":"The two main forms in use for driving licence applications are the DL1 and DL2 forms. The DL1 is used to apply for a Group 1 (car/motorcycle/tractor) licence and to make changes to an existing driving licence. The DL2 form is for Group 2 (lorry/bus) driving licences.\n\nThe Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) uses scanning software to scan paper forms and make them available to staff for processing through electronic workflows. The software has been developed to align with the printed version of the form. A form printed from a downloadable version would alter the settings and the print margins, which would impact on the effectiveness of the scanning software. Therefore, there are no plans to make these forms available in a downloadable format.\n\nThe focus of development for Driver Licensing in recent years has been to develop and enhance online services and to encourage uptake of those services. At present the DVA offers three main driver licensing services online which account for around 70% of all transactions, these are Renew Your Driving Licence (for Group 1 licences), Replace Your Driving Licence (both Group 1 and Group 2 licences) and notify a Change of Address (both Group 1 and Group 2).\n\nThe DVA is currently considering further enhancements to its online services to include other transactions such as renewal applications for Group 2 drivers and First Provisional applications.","answerHtml":"The two main forms in use for driving licence applications are the DL1 and DL2 forms. The DL1 is used to apply for a Group 1 (car/motorcycle/tractor) licence and to make changes to an existing driving licence. The DL2 form is for Group 2 (lorry/bus) driving licences.
The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) uses scanning software to scan paper forms and make them available to staff for processing through electronic workflows. The software has been developed to align with the printed version of the form. A form printed from a downloadable version would alter the settings and the print margins, which would impact on the effectiveness of the scanning software. Therefore, there are no plans to make these forms available in a downloadable format.
The focus of development for Driver Licensing in recent years has been to develop and enhance online services and to encourage uptake of those services. At present the DVA offers three main driver licensing services online which account for around 70% of all transactions, these are Renew Your Driving Licence (for Group 1 licences), Replace Your Driving Licence (both Group 1 and Group 2 licences) and notify a Change of Address (both Group 1 and Group 2).
The DVA is currently considering further enhancements to its online services to include other transactions such as renewal applications for Group 2 drivers and First Provisional applications.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023141%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=351346","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=351346"}},{"id":"351345","reference":"AQW 23140/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-24","answerBy":"2021-10-11","answered":"2021-10-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the number of staff assigned to the telephone helpline to book vehicle tests for a private car, motorcycle or LGV (up to 3,500kg), broken down by day for (i) week commencing 30 August 2021, (ii) week commencing 6 September 2021; and (iii) week commencing 13 September 2021.","answerText":"The Contact Centre for the booking of driving and vehicle tests was hosted by DVA’s previous supplier until 17.00 on 16 September 2021, at which time it closed for 3 working days to facilitate the transition to a new service.\n\nDetails of the number of Contact Centre staff assigned to book both driving tests and vehicle tests for a private car, motorcycle or LGV (up to 3,500kg) are provided below.\n\nDate\tContact Centre Agents\n30-Aug\t0 *\n31-Aug\t15\n01-Sep\t15\n02-Sep\t15\n03-Sep\t12\n06-Sep\t16\n07-Sep\t18\n08-Sep\t17\n09-Sep\t17\n10-Sep\t15\n13-Sep\t18\n14-Sep\t16\n15-Sep\t17\n16-Sep\t16\n17- Sep\t0 **\n\n* Bank holiday, ** Service closed","answerHtml":"The Contact Centre for the booking of driving and vehicle tests was hosted by DVA’s previous supplier until 17.00 on 16 September 2021, at which time it closed for 3 working days to facilitate the transition to a new service.
Details of the number of Contact Centre staff assigned to book both driving tests and vehicle tests for a private car, motorcycle or LGV (up to 3,500kg) are provided below.
| Date | Contact Centre Agents |
| 30-Aug | 0 * |
| 31-Aug | 15 |
| 01-Sep | 15 |
| 02-Sep | 15 |
| 03-Sep | 12 |
| 06-Sep | 16 |
| 07-Sep | 18 |
| 08-Sep | 17 |
| 09-Sep | 17 |
| 10-Sep | 15 |
| 13-Sep | 18 |
| 14-Sep | 16 |
| 15-Sep | 17 |
| 16-Sep | 16 |
| 17- Sep | 0 ** |
* Bank holiday, ** Service closed
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023140%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=351345","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=351345"}},{"id":"350976","reference":"AQW 22997/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-22","answerBy":"2021-09-27","answered":"2021-09-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) to detail the recent updates on the MOT booking system; and (ii) why, as part of these updates, was a new process not put in place to prevent long waiting times in online queues.","answerText":"The recent updates to the Driver and Vehicle Agency’s (DVA) online booking system involved the replacement of the previous system which was 20 years old and used ageing technology. The new system provides a modernised booking solution for all current and future vehicle and driving test categories, and will encourage DVA customers towards online channels through a simplified system and improved booking experience. The new system will also include built-in audit features and allow better reporting of DVA information.\n\nA queuing system was put in place to prevent system crashes and has been used previously during periods of unusual surges in demand. The system was closed from 5.00pm on 16 September to facilitate the transition to the new system and this created an upsurge on demand throughout that day. The queueing service managed the demand and ensured that the new booking system did not crash, although initially queueing times were longer than normal. Queueing times have since reduced to normal levels and customers are now able to access the booking system in a timely way.","answerHtml":"The recent updates to the Driver and Vehicle Agency’s (DVA) online booking system involved the replacement of the previous system which was 20 years old and used ageing technology. The new system provides a modernised booking solution for all current and future vehicle and driving test categories, and will encourage DVA customers towards online channels through a simplified system and improved booking experience. The new system will also include built-in audit features and allow better reporting of DVA information.
A queuing system was put in place to prevent system crashes and has been used previously during periods of unusual surges in demand. The system was closed from 5.00pm on 16 September to facilitate the transition to the new system and this created an upsurge on demand throughout that day. The queueing service managed the demand and ensured that the new booking system did not crash, although initially queueing times were longer than normal. Queueing times have since reduced to normal levels and customers are now able to access the booking system in a timely way.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022997%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=350976","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=350976"}},{"id":"350975","reference":"AQW 22996/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-22","answerBy":"2021-10-07","answered":"2021-10-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the amount of spend she forecasts from the Blue Green Fund in 2021/22 concerning EV infrastructure.","answerText":"I am committed to make funding available through the Blue Green Fund to support EV Infrastructure where appropriate projects can be identified.\n\nThe match funding of £450k my Department is providing to the FASTER project is sourced from a separate INTERREG pot which is held centrally to support delivery of that programme rather than from the Blue Green Fund.","answerHtml":"I am committed to make funding available through the Blue Green Fund to support EV Infrastructure where appropriate projects can be identified.
The match funding of £450k my Department is providing to the FASTER project is sourced from a separate INTERREG pot which is held centrally to support delivery of that programme rather than from the Blue Green Fund.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022996%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=350975","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=350975"}},{"id":"350974","reference":"AQW 22995/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-22","answerBy":"2021-10-07","answered":"2021-09-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline when she intends to publish the following research presently underway for (i) Active Travel and Modal Shift; (ii) Electrification of Transport; (iii) Greening of the Public Sector Fleet; and (iv) Alternative Fuels in the Transport Sector.","answerText":"My Department commissioned four research pieces Active Travel and Modal Shift, Development of Electric Vehicles in Northern Ireland, Alternative Fuels for Vehicles and Greening the Fleet to inform the Development of future policy.\n\nThe last of the reports has only recently been received and is currently being reviewed by my Department. Once this work has been completed and I am in receipt of these reports I shall consider how the research can best be utilised for the purposes of future policy development.","answerHtml":"My Department commissioned four research pieces Active Travel and Modal Shift, Development of Electric Vehicles in Northern Ireland, Alternative Fuels for Vehicles and Greening the Fleet to inform the Development of future policy.
The last of the reports has only recently been received and is currently being reviewed by my Department. Once this work has been completed and I am in receipt of these reports I shall consider how the research can best be utilised for the purposes of future policy development.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022995%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=350974","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=350974"}},{"id":"350741","reference":"AQW 22913/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-21","answerBy":"2021-10-06","answered":"2021-11-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether those with a Unique Taxpayer Reference number and without a National Insurance number will be able to apply for the High Street Stimulus scheme.","answerText":"Any person, who met the eligibility criteria for a Spend Local Prepaid card, including those with a Unique Taxpayer Reference Number, those without a National Insurance Number or those who could not remember their National Insurance Number, were able to apply for the High Street Scheme by contacting the High Street Scheme telephone support service and by providing the required personal information to make an application.\n\nIn addition, as asylum seekers and victims of trafficking do not have a National Insurance Number, the Department, working with trusted partners, put in place a bespoke process to enable these individuals to avail of a Spend Local prepaid card.","answerHtml":"Any person, who met the eligibility criteria for a Spend Local Prepaid card, including those with a Unique Taxpayer Reference Number, those without a National Insurance Number or those who could not remember their National Insurance Number, were able to apply for the High Street Scheme by contacting the High Street Scheme telephone support service and by providing the required personal information to make an application.
In addition, as asylum seekers and victims of trafficking do not have a National Insurance Number, the Department, working with trusted partners, put in place a bespoke process to enable these individuals to avail of a Spend Local prepaid card.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022913%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=350741","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=350741"}},{"id":"350408","reference":"AQW 22745/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-17","answerBy":"2021-10-04","answered":"2021-10-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health when AQW 20636/17-22 will be answered.","answerText":"Provisional data at 31st August 2021 indicated that there were 5,686 patients waiting for inpatient or day case cataract surgery in Northern Ireland. Data validation has not been completed and, therefore, data presented are provisional.\n\nA number of services may not be provided at a patient’s local HSC Trust, and instead are provided at centres within other HSC Trusts or a Day Case Procedure Centre (DPC). Patients are reported against the HSC Trust or DPC responsible for the service that will be providing cataract surgery.\n\nTable 1: Number of patients waiting for Cataract Surgery as at 31st August 2021 by HSC Trust and weeks waiting\n\nHSC Trust\tWeeks Waiting\tTotal Waiting\n0-6\t>6-13\t>13-21\t>21-26\t>26-52\t>52\nBelfast\t93\t181\t139\t66\t127\t190\t796\nSouth Eastern\t68\t32\t25\t1\t13\t66\t205\nSouthern\t0\t1\t0\t0\t1\t5\t7\nWestern\t145\t257\t181\t97\t460\t1,205\t2,345\nDPC\t327\t416\t347\t115\t481\t647\t2,333\nTotal\t633\t887\t692\t279\t1,082\t2,113\t5,686\n\nSource: DoH Inpatient Waiting Times Dataset\n\nData are provisional","answerHtml":"Provisional data at 31st August 2021 indicated that there were 5,686 patients waiting for inpatient or day case cataract surgery in Northern Ireland. Data validation has not been completed and, therefore, data presented are provisional.
A number of services may not be provided at a patient’s local HSC Trust, and instead are provided at centres within other HSC Trusts or a Day Case Procedure Centre (DPC). Patients are reported against the HSC Trust or DPC responsible for the service that will be providing cataract surgery.
Table 1: Number of patients waiting for Cataract Surgery as at 31st August 2021 by HSC Trust and weeks waiting
| HSC Trust | Weeks Waiting | Total Waiting | |||||
| 0-6 | >6-13 | >13-21 | >21-26 | >26-52 | >52 | ||
| Belfast | 93 | 181 | 139 | 66 | 127 | 190 | 796 |
| South Eastern | 68 | 32 | 25 | 1 | 13 | 66 | 205 |
| Southern | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 7 |
| Western | 145 | 257 | 181 | 97 | 460 | 1,205 | 2,345 |
| DPC | 327 | 416 | 347 | 115 | 481 | 647 | 2,333 |
| Total | 633 | 887 | 692 | 279 | 1,082 | 2,113 | 5,686 |
Source: DoH Inpatient Waiting Times Dataset
Data are provisional
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022745%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=350408","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=350408"}},{"id":"350407","reference":"AQW 22744/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-17","answerBy":"2021-10-04","answered":"2021-09-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether there are plans to upgrade the online booking system for MOTs, specifically the online queuing system.","answerText":"There has been an update to the Driver and Vehicle Agency’s (DVA) online booking system which opened on 22 September and involved the replacement of the previous system which was 20 years old and used ageing technology. The new system provides a modernised booking solution for all current and future vehicle and driving test categories, and will encourage DVA customers towards online channels through a simplified system and improved booking experience. The new system will also include built-in audit features and allow better reporting of DVA information.\n\nA queuing system was put in place to prevent system crashes and has been used previously during periods of unusual surges in demand. The system was closed from 5.00pm on 16 September to facilitate the transition to the new system and this created an upsurge on demand throughout that day. The queueing service managed the demand and ensured that the new booking system did not crash, although initially queueing times were longer than normal. Queueing times have since reduced to normal levels and customers are now able to access the booking system in a timely way.","answerHtml":"There has been an update to the Driver and Vehicle Agency’s (DVA) online booking system which opened on 22 September and involved the replacement of the previous system which was 20 years old and used ageing technology. The new system provides a modernised booking solution for all current and future vehicle and driving test categories, and will encourage DVA customers towards online channels through a simplified system and improved booking experience. The new system will also include built-in audit features and allow better reporting of DVA information.
A queuing system was put in place to prevent system crashes and has been used previously during periods of unusual surges in demand. The system was closed from 5.00pm on 16 September to facilitate the transition to the new system and this created an upsurge on demand throughout that day. The queueing service managed the demand and ensured that the new booking system did not crash, although initially queueing times were longer than normal. Queueing times have since reduced to normal levels and customers are now able to access the booking system in a timely way.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022744%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=350407","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=350407"}},{"id":"349924","reference":"AQW 22568/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-15","answerBy":"2021-09-30","answered":"2021-09-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether officials from her Department have had conversations with the insurance industry to explore ways to bring down insurance costs for young HGV drivers.","answerText":"The Department has not had any conversations with the insurance industry regarding reducing the insurance costs incurred by young HGV drivers.\n\nInsurance is a private sector, commercial transaction and the insurers are free to set their own rates based on their assessment of risk factors. Regulation of the sector is provided by two regulatory bodies; the Prudential Regulatory Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority.\n\nThe Department has no remit in this matter.","answerHtml":"The Department has not had any conversations with the insurance industry regarding reducing the insurance costs incurred by young HGV drivers.
Insurance is a private sector, commercial transaction and the insurers are free to set their own rates based on their assessment of risk factors. Regulation of the sector is provided by two regulatory bodies; the Prudential Regulatory Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority.
The Department has no remit in this matter.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022568%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=349924","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=349924"}},{"id":"349923","reference":"AQW 22567/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-15","answerBy":"2021-09-30","answered":"2021-09-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department is able to erect street lighting on private land with the permission of the landowner, with such land asserted as a public right of way.","answerText":"Street lighting is generally only provided in those roads and footways that are adopted by my Department and which meet the criteria for the provision of lighting as defined in the Department’s current policy.\n\nIn certain exceptional circumstances, lighting may be provided in unadopted roads or footways. Such exceptional circumstances would be if there were local factors such as a significant level of night time usage or the absence of reasonable alternative lit routes. These areas would generally be owned by public organisations, such as Northern Ireland Housing Executive or local Councils; lighting would not normally be installed in areas which are in private ownership.","answerHtml":"Street lighting is generally only provided in those roads and footways that are adopted by my Department and which meet the criteria for the provision of lighting as defined in the Department’s current policy.
In certain exceptional circumstances, lighting may be provided in unadopted roads or footways. Such exceptional circumstances would be if there were local factors such as a significant level of night time usage or the absence of reasonable alternative lit routes. These areas would generally be owned by public organisations, such as Northern Ireland Housing Executive or local Councils; lighting would not normally be installed in areas which are in private ownership.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022567%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=349923","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=349923"}},{"id":"349922","reference":"AQW 22566/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-15","answerBy":"2021-09-30","answered":"2021-09-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what consideration has been given to providing further protection to trees in Areas of Townscape Character, as part of the review of the 2011 Planning Act.","answerText":"Responsibility with regards to trees and their protection, including the making of Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) and trees within Conservation Areas which are protected under planning legislation, primarily lie with local councils.\n\nCouncils have the power under section 122 of the Planning Act to make a TPO with regards to trees in its district which it believes, in the interests of amenity, it is expedient to preserve. This could include trees within a designated Area of Townscape Character.\n\nWhile my focus, through the review of the implementation of the Planning Act, is very much on how we can speed up the planning system, both development plan preparation and application processing, while improving the system for all stakeholders, the review will also provide an opportunity to consider matters raised by respondents to the call for evidence with regard to the protection of trees.","answerHtml":"Responsibility with regards to trees and their protection, including the making of Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) and trees within Conservation Areas which are protected under planning legislation, primarily lie with local councils.
Councils have the power under section 122 of the Planning Act to make a TPO with regards to trees in its district which it believes, in the interests of amenity, it is expedient to preserve. This could include trees within a designated Area of Townscape Character.
While my focus, through the review of the implementation of the Planning Act, is very much on how we can speed up the planning system, both development plan preparation and application processing, while improving the system for all stakeholders, the review will also provide an opportunity to consider matters raised by respondents to the call for evidence with regard to the protection of trees.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022566%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=349922","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=349922"}},{"id":"349921","reference":"AQW 22565/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-15","answerBy":"2021-09-30","answered":"2021-09-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure pursuant to AQW 15585/17-22, when a speed limit review will be conducted in the vicinity of Cairn Wood, Ballysallagh Road, Craigantlet.","answerText":"Due to the impact that Covid-19 restrictions have had on traffic flows, completion of traffic speed and volume assessments were delayed until such a time as traffic flows returned to more normal levels. With the return of schools in late August 2021, it is considered that it is now appropriate to carry out traffic surveys and a number of outstanding ATC (Automatic Traffic Count) surveys will be undertaken in the coming months. This will enable traffic related assessments, including this speed limit review, to be completed and I have asked officials to advise you of the outcome when this work is complete.","answerHtml":"Due to the impact that Covid-19 restrictions have had on traffic flows, completion of traffic speed and volume assessments were delayed until such a time as traffic flows returned to more normal levels. With the return of schools in late August 2021, it is considered that it is now appropriate to carry out traffic surveys and a number of outstanding ATC (Automatic Traffic Count) surveys will be undertaken in the coming months. This will enable traffic related assessments, including this speed limit review, to be completed and I have asked officials to advise you of the outcome when this work is complete.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022565%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=349921","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=349921"}},{"id":"349920","reference":"AQW 22564/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-15","answerBy":"2021-09-30","answered":"2021-09-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) how many new HGV driving test examiners have been trained in the past twelve months; (ii) to detail this year’s budget for training new HGV examiners; and (iii) whether there are plans to expand HGV testing centres beyond the current three sites of Mallusk, Craigavon and Newbuildings.","answerText":"Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) driving tests are conducted at Belfast, Craigavon and Newbuildings test centres.\n\nFollowing the easing of restrictions and risk assessments, driving examiner training commenced on 26 April 2021, prioritising the training of examiners to conduct Category B learner driver testing. However, restrictions on social distancing has limited the number of examiners that can be trained at any one time, when compared with pre-Covid arrangements.\n\nThe process to become an LGV driving examiner involves a number of stages. The DVA has identified additional examiners to complete LGV training, which in some cases will involve the acquisition of the relevant driving licences before completing the six week LGV examiner training course. However, given the DVA’s commitment to prioritise and train additional Category B (private car) driving examiners, it is likely to be January 2022 before these new LGV driving examiners are trained and operational. The DVA has set aside £18k to train new LGV driving examiners during this financial year.\n\nThe DVA is also exploring whether there are other locations where it would be possible to deliver LGV tests. However, locations are limited to those test centres where there is space for an off-road manoeuvring area and where suitable driving test routes can be developed to ensure the qualifying test standard can be delivered.\n\nNonetheless, the DVA has, and continues, to work hard to increase its capacity to help meet the high demand for driving tests for all customers, including those customers seeking a LGV driving test.\n\nStanding appointments for LGV driver training schools were reinstated on 23 April, when driver testing resumed after the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions by the Executive. This arrangement allows the LGV training industry to better plan their driver test appointments.\n\nThe DVA continues to offer LGV tests on a Saturday and at certain centres on Sundays, where it is suitable to do so without compromising the integrity of the test. However, uptake from the industry, particularly on Sundays has been lower than expected given the demand for these types of tests. Overtime is also used to rota off-shift dual role driving examiners to provide further capacity.\n\nThrough increasing its capacity in the first four full months since driving tests resumed on 23 April, the DVA has conducted 1,290 LGV driving tests, which is 65% higher than the five-year average for that period, demonstrating a clear commitment to providing increased testing capacity to support the needs of the sector.\n\nI can also advise that testing is not seen as a significant reason for LGV driver shortages here. A recent RHA survey identifies driver’s retirements, Brexit and changes to off-payroll working rules as the three main reasons for the shortages. Hauliers in the UK wide survey did not identify testing as an issue.\n\nI remain committed to minimising disruption and ensuring our plans for the restoration of services is in hand. However, all driving test services across these islands are experiencing high demand with longer than usual waiting times and we would ask customers for their continued patience.","answerHtml":"Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) driving tests are conducted at Belfast, Craigavon and Newbuildings test centres.
Following the easing of restrictions and risk assessments, driving examiner training commenced on 26 April 2021, prioritising the training of examiners to conduct Category B learner driver testing. However, restrictions on social distancing has limited the number of examiners that can be trained at any one time, when compared with pre-Covid arrangements.
The process to become an LGV driving examiner involves a number of stages. The DVA has identified additional examiners to complete LGV training, which in some cases will involve the acquisition of the relevant driving licences before completing the six week LGV examiner training course. However, given the DVA’s commitment to prioritise and train additional Category B (private car) driving examiners, it is likely to be January 2022 before these new LGV driving examiners are trained and operational. The DVA has set aside £18k to train new LGV driving examiners during this financial year.
The DVA is also exploring whether there are other locations where it would be possible to deliver LGV tests. However, locations are limited to those test centres where there is space for an off-road manoeuvring area and where suitable driving test routes can be developed to ensure the qualifying test standard can be delivered.
Nonetheless, the DVA has, and continues, to work hard to increase its capacity to help meet the high demand for driving tests for all customers, including those customers seeking a LGV driving test.
Standing appointments for LGV driver training schools were reinstated on 23 April, when driver testing resumed after the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions by the Executive. This arrangement allows the LGV training industry to better plan their driver test appointments.
The DVA continues to offer LGV tests on a Saturday and at certain centres on Sundays, where it is suitable to do so without compromising the integrity of the test. However, uptake from the industry, particularly on Sundays has been lower than expected given the demand for these types of tests. Overtime is also used to rota off-shift dual role driving examiners to provide further capacity.
Through increasing its capacity in the first four full months since driving tests resumed on 23 April, the DVA has conducted 1,290 LGV driving tests, which is 65% higher than the five-year average for that period, demonstrating a clear commitment to providing increased testing capacity to support the needs of the sector.
I can also advise that testing is not seen as a significant reason for LGV driver shortages here. A recent RHA survey identifies driver’s retirements, Brexit and changes to off-payroll working rules as the three main reasons for the shortages. Hauliers in the UK wide survey did not identify testing as an issue.
I remain committed to minimising disruption and ensuring our plans for the restoration of services is in hand. However, all driving test services across these islands are experiencing high demand with longer than usual waiting times and we would ask customers for their continued patience.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022564%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=349920","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=349920"}},{"id":"349735","reference":"AQW 22454/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-14","answerBy":"2021-09-29","answered":"2021-09-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what work her Department is doing to examine the potential benefit of smart highways for road safety on the roads network.","answerText":"My Department operates part-time hard shoulder bus lanes on both the M1 and M2 motorways which provide a significant benefit to public transport users. There is also a section of Controlled Motorway on the M1 from Junction 3 (Black’s Road) to Clifton Street on the A12 West Link where variable speed limits are applied.\n\nThese schemes can be considered as types of SMART motorway and have operated successfully for a number of years without safety concerns.\n\nMy Department is aware of the safety concerns associated with All Lane Running and Dynamic Hard Shoulder types of SMART motorways. My officials have carried out a preliminary assessment of the suitability of All Lane Running schemes on our M1 and M2 motorways and I can confirm there are no plans to progress these at this time. In the meantime my officials will continue to closely monitor the debate on SMART Motorway safety.","answerHtml":"My Department operates part-time hard shoulder bus lanes on both the M1 and M2 motorways which provide a significant benefit to public transport users. There is also a section of Controlled Motorway on the M1 from Junction 3 (Black’s Road) to Clifton Street on the A12 West Link where variable speed limits are applied.
These schemes can be considered as types of SMART motorway and have operated successfully for a number of years without safety concerns.
My Department is aware of the safety concerns associated with All Lane Running and Dynamic Hard Shoulder types of SMART motorways. My officials have carried out a preliminary assessment of the suitability of All Lane Running schemes on our M1 and M2 motorways and I can confirm there are no plans to progress these at this time. In the meantime my officials will continue to closely monitor the debate on SMART Motorway safety.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022454%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=349735","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=349735"}},{"id":"349734","reference":"AQW 22453/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-14","answerBy":"2021-09-29","answered":"2021-09-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 21630/17-22, (i) how she plans to assess the success of pop-up cycle lanes; and (ii) what metrics will be used.","answerText":"My officials are currently working on a review of the pop-up cycle lanes which is nearing completion. The review will detail the methodology used to assess the success of the pop-up cycle lanes and I expect to publish the report later in the Autumn.","answerHtml":"My officials are currently working on a review of the pop-up cycle lanes which is nearing completion. The review will detail the methodology used to assess the success of the pop-up cycle lanes and I expect to publish the report later in the Autumn.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022453%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=349734","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=349734"}},{"id":"349733","reference":"AQW 22452/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-14","answerBy":"2021-09-29","answered":"2021-09-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 6430/17-22, (i) whether her Department will update the NI Highway Code following confirmation of the changes in GB that provide greater priority for pedestrians and cyclists; and (ii) the timescales for the update.","answerText":"Following the DfT consultation exercise, my understanding is that any changes in the Highway Code for GB are yet to be laid before the Houses of Parliament for consideration.\n\nThere is insufficient time to update Northern Ireland Highway Code within this electoral mandate. However, my Department will continue to monitor progress on changes in Britain.\n\nPriority is being given to interventions to improve walking and cycling, which includes an investment of £13.5 million in departmental walking and cycling schemes and the part funding of Council greenways. These practical steps will have a positive impact on people’s ability to walk, wheel and cycle safely through a range of schemes across Northern Ireland.","answerHtml":"Following the DfT consultation exercise, my understanding is that any changes in the Highway Code for GB are yet to be laid before the Houses of Parliament for consideration.
There is insufficient time to update Northern Ireland Highway Code within this electoral mandate. However, my Department will continue to monitor progress on changes in Britain.
Priority is being given to interventions to improve walking and cycling, which includes an investment of £13.5 million in departmental walking and cycling schemes and the part funding of Council greenways. These practical steps will have a positive impact on people’s ability to walk, wheel and cycle safely through a range of schemes across Northern Ireland.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022452%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=349733","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=349733"}},{"id":"349732","reference":"AQW 22451/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-14","answerBy":"2021-09-29","answered":"2021-09-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the records held in relation to when roads in Northern Ireland are resurfaced.","answerText":"My Department uses the Road Maintenance Client System asset management system to assist in managing and maintaining the public road network, which holds up to date information on public enquiries, public liability claims and details of the routine safety inspections and repairs carried out across the road network. These records, along with road usage and information from the asset condition module, are used to help identify areas of the network that require more detailed consideration and assessment by our local engineers when developing the Department’s annual resurfacing programme.\n\nDetails of the annual resurfacing programmes are included in the Department’s Reports presented to the various District Councils at their Spring/Autumn meetings.","answerHtml":"My Department uses the Road Maintenance Client System asset management system to assist in managing and maintaining the public road network, which holds up to date information on public enquiries, public liability claims and details of the routine safety inspections and repairs carried out across the road network. These records, along with road usage and information from the asset condition module, are used to help identify areas of the network that require more detailed consideration and assessment by our local engineers when developing the Department’s annual resurfacing programme.
Details of the annual resurfacing programmes are included in the Department’s Reports presented to the various District Councils at their Spring/Autumn meetings.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022451%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=349732","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=349732"}},{"id":"349731","reference":"AQW 22450/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-14","answerBy":"2021-09-29","answered":"2021-09-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what actions her Department is taking to ensure that there are safe and attractive cycling corridors to the Belfast Transport Hub.","answerText":"In June, I launched the publication of a ‘Belfast Cycling Network’ providing a blueprint for the development and delivery of coherent, connected and safe infrastructure for everyday cycling in the city over the next ten years. I want to build a better future that delivers more for our citizens, socially and economically, delivering cleaner, greener and healthier communities. As we emerge from COVID, and all the changes that this has forced upon us, the Belfast Cycling Network sets out my ambition to make Belfast a more cycle friendly city.\n\nAs part of creating this wider cycling network, the Belfast Transport Hub project will deliver enhanced cycling infrastructure in its immediate vicinity. This includes a segregated cycleway on Glengall Street, an Active Travel Centre and 300 cycle parking stands. My Department is also working to further enhance cycling provision by providing a segregated cycleway along Durham Street and Hope Street to link in with the wider cycle network in the city.","answerHtml":"In June, I launched the publication of a ‘Belfast Cycling Network’ providing a blueprint for the development and delivery of coherent, connected and safe infrastructure for everyday cycling in the city over the next ten years. I want to build a better future that delivers more for our citizens, socially and economically, delivering cleaner, greener and healthier communities. As we emerge from COVID, and all the changes that this has forced upon us, the Belfast Cycling Network sets out my ambition to make Belfast a more cycle friendly city.
As part of creating this wider cycling network, the Belfast Transport Hub project will deliver enhanced cycling infrastructure in its immediate vicinity. This includes a segregated cycleway on Glengall Street, an Active Travel Centre and 300 cycle parking stands. My Department is also working to further enhance cycling provision by providing a segregated cycleway along Durham Street and Hope Street to link in with the wider cycle network in the city.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022450%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=349731","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=349731"}},{"id":"349567","reference":"AQW 22334/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-13","answerBy":"2021-09-17","answered":"2021-09-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to outline the arrangements in place for participants of Novovax Vaccine Trail to receive (i) a COVID-19 Travel Certificate; and (ii) eligibility for other presently approved vaccines.","answerText":"Currently vaccine certification for travel purposes relies on records drawn from the Vaccine Management System. Work is ongoing to incorporate records of participation in clinical trials into the Northern Ireland certification system to facilitate the production of certificates.\n\nTrial participants have already received documentation to confirm they are recognised as fully vaccinated in Northern Ireland.\n\nAt present it is not recommended that those who participated in clinical trials should be further vaccinated in the routine programme and should be referred back to the investigators. (Chapter 14a The Green Book – Immunisation Against Infectious Disease).\n\nIt is acknowledged that the participation of individuals in clinical trials for vaccines was critical in the Covid-19 response and those who took part benefitted our society enormously.","answerHtml":"Currently vaccine certification for travel purposes relies on records drawn from the Vaccine Management System. Work is ongoing to incorporate records of participation in clinical trials into the Northern Ireland certification system to facilitate the production of certificates.
Trial participants have already received documentation to confirm they are recognised as fully vaccinated in Northern Ireland.
At present it is not recommended that those who participated in clinical trials should be further vaccinated in the routine programme and should be referred back to the investigators. (Chapter 14a The Green Book – Immunisation Against Infectious Disease).
It is acknowledged that the participation of individuals in clinical trials for vaccines was critical in the Covid-19 response and those who took part benefitted our society enormously.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022334%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=349567","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=349567"}},{"id":"349566","reference":"AQW 22333/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-13","answerBy":"2021-09-28","answered":"2021-09-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) what powers her Department has to implement Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTN) in Northern Ireland; and (ii) how many LTNs there currently are in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"On 4th June 2021, I published ‘Making Belfast an Active City – Belfast Cycling Network 2021’ (1). The development of the Belfast Cycling Network is aimed at providing good quality routes throughout the city so that the majority of the population will have the freedom and confidence to cycle for everyday travel. Sections 6.4 – 6.7 of the document outline the role that Family Friendly or Low Traffic Neighbourhoods could have in reducing the dominance of motor vehicles throughout the city and in the creation of a liveable city for the benefit of all our citizens. There are currently no Low Traffic Neighbourhoods in Northern Ireland.\n\n(1) https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/infrastructure/belfast-cycling-network-2021final.pdf","answerHtml":"On 4th June 2021, I published ‘Making Belfast an Active City – Belfast Cycling Network 2021’ (1). The development of the Belfast Cycling Network is aimed at providing good quality routes throughout the city so that the majority of the population will have the freedom and confidence to cycle for everyday travel. Sections 6.4 – 6.7 of the document outline the role that Family Friendly or Low Traffic Neighbourhoods could have in reducing the dominance of motor vehicles throughout the city and in the creation of a liveable city for the benefit of all our citizens. There are currently no Low Traffic Neighbourhoods in Northern Ireland.
(1) https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/infrastructure/belfast-cycling-network-2021final.pdf
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022333%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=349566","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=349566"}},{"id":"349565","reference":"AQW 22332/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-13","answerBy":"2021-09-28","answered":"2021-09-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline whether any plans exist to enable motorists to include their driving licence within (i) iPhone; and (ii) Android mobile phone handsets.","answerText":"The Department currently has no existing plans in place to enable motorists to include their driving licence within their mobile handsets.\n\nOn 16 September 2021 the Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps, announced that Digital Driving Licences will be introduced in GB as part of their post-Brexit measures to make transport, “fairer, greener and more efficient”. Initially online versions of the provisional licence will be made available and the DVLA has committed to developing an app featuring the licences by 2024.\n\nMy officials will continue to engage with DfT officials on this matter to ensure that an informed decision can be made on the way forward for Northern Ireland.","answerHtml":"The Department currently has no existing plans in place to enable motorists to include their driving licence within their mobile handsets.
On 16 September 2021 the Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps, announced that Digital Driving Licences will be introduced in GB as part of their post-Brexit measures to make transport, “fairer, greener and more efficient”. Initially online versions of the provisional licence will be made available and the DVLA has committed to developing an app featuring the licences by 2024.
My officials will continue to engage with DfT officials on this matter to ensure that an informed decision can be made on the way forward for Northern Ireland.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022332%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=349565","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=349565"}},{"id":"349564","reference":"AQW 22331/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-13","answerBy":"2021-09-28","answered":"2021-09-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on her Department’s plans concerning the Inner Ring Road, Belfast.","answerText":"The Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan (BMAP) 2015 proposed development of an orbital route around the city centre known as the City Centre Ring (Inner Ring Road), to enable traffic to circulate around the city centre, thereby reducing traffic in the centre. The proposal was subsequently not taken forward for development.\n\nMy Department is currently bringing forward a suite of new Transport Plans, including the new Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan (BMTP). The development of the new BMTP will give consideration to the need for an Inner Ring Road.\n\nThe new BMTP will also consider a range of future options to meet local and regional objectives. These will include improved active travel and public transport provision as well as possible improvements to local roads.\n\nThe BMTP will be integrated with the formal Local Development Plan processes, and as such the timescales for the completion of the Draft Plan and its release for public consultation are still under review.\n\nI am determined to use these Transport Plans to better connect our population and businesses in a sustainable way, and help power our Green Recovery.","answerHtml":"The Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan (BMAP) 2015 proposed development of an orbital route around the city centre known as the City Centre Ring (Inner Ring Road), to enable traffic to circulate around the city centre, thereby reducing traffic in the centre. The proposal was subsequently not taken forward for development.
My Department is currently bringing forward a suite of new Transport Plans, including the new Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan (BMTP). The development of the new BMTP will give consideration to the need for an Inner Ring Road.
The new BMTP will also consider a range of future options to meet local and regional objectives. These will include improved active travel and public transport provision as well as possible improvements to local roads.
The BMTP will be integrated with the formal Local Development Plan processes, and as such the timescales for the completion of the Draft Plan and its release for public consultation are still under review.
I am determined to use these Transport Plans to better connect our population and businesses in a sustainable way, and help power our Green Recovery.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022331%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=349564","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=349564"}},{"id":"349563","reference":"AQW 22330/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-13","answerBy":"2021-09-28","answered":"2021-09-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in light of incidents of low-flying planes at Belfast City Airport in July 2021, for an update on her Department’s role in ensuring that planes remain at a safe height and adhere to their designated flight path.","answerText":"I can advise that responsibility for civil aviation matters (except aerodromes, i.e. airports) in Northern Ireland (NI) remains a reserved function of the Department for Transport (DfT). Civil Aviation Authority / Air Traffic Control, under DfT, have responsibility for flightpaths, while Airports, being the competent authority, are responsible for controlling noise. As such my Department has limited responsibility for flights paths taken by airlines entering GBBCA.\n\nMy Department’s main powers relating to the management of Northern Ireland’s three largest airports are set down in the Airports (NI) Order 1994. These are to direct our airports in certain matters regarding the control of airport noise; and to direct them to provide grants towards the cost of soundproofing buildings.\n\nNoise abatement measures are contained within the Airport’s own Aeronautical Information Publication which can be found at: https://www.aurora.nats.co.uk/htmlAIP/Publications/2020-01-30-AIRAC/html/eAIP/EG-AD-2.EGAC-en-GB.html#AD-2.EGAC\n\nHowever, the Planning Agreement between the Department and GBBCA does contain an obligation to review the degree of adherence to any published noise abatement procedures in operation at the Aerodrome and to implement continuous descent approaches for arriving aircraft. This information is provided to the Department on an annual basis in a performance report for the preceding calendar year. The restrictions and requirements imposed by the planning agreement are enforceable by the Department and legally binding on the Airport. I can advise that the latest report for 2020 demonstrated compliance with these aspects of the Planning Agreement.","answerHtml":"I can advise that responsibility for civil aviation matters (except aerodromes, i.e. airports) in Northern Ireland (NI) remains a reserved function of the Department for Transport (DfT). Civil Aviation Authority / Air Traffic Control, under DfT, have responsibility for flightpaths, while Airports, being the competent authority, are responsible for controlling noise. As such my Department has limited responsibility for flights paths taken by airlines entering GBBCA.
My Department’s main powers relating to the management of Northern Ireland’s three largest airports are set down in the Airports (NI) Order 1994. These are to direct our airports in certain matters regarding the control of airport noise; and to direct them to provide grants towards the cost of soundproofing buildings.
Noise abatement measures are contained within the Airport’s own Aeronautical Information Publication which can be found at: https://www.aurora.nats.co.uk/htmlAIP/Publications/2020-01-30-AIRAC/html/eAIP/EG-AD-2.EGAC-en-GB.html#AD-2.EGAC
However, the Planning Agreement between the Department and GBBCA does contain an obligation to review the degree of adherence to any published noise abatement procedures in operation at the Aerodrome and to implement continuous descent approaches for arriving aircraft. This information is provided to the Department on an annual basis in a performance report for the preceding calendar year. The restrictions and requirements imposed by the planning agreement are enforceable by the Department and legally binding on the Airport. I can advise that the latest report for 2020 demonstrated compliance with these aspects of the Planning Agreement.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022330%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=349563","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=349563"}},{"id":"349424","reference":"AQW 22237/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-10","answerBy":"2021-09-16","answered":"2021-09-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline the source of matched funding for the FASTER East Border Region INTERREG project.","answerText":"I am pleased that my Department has been able to support this EU Funded project to install EV Rapid Chargers. The project will complement and enhance the existing EV charging infrastructure.\n\nThe EU is providing 85% (€5,677,101) of the funding through the European Regional Development Fund with the remaining 15% (€1,001,841) of match funding being provided by project partners in Scotland and through my Department and the Department of Transport as Accountable Departments for the INTERREG VA Sustainable Transport Thematic Objective in Northern Ireland and Ireland.","answerHtml":"I am pleased that my Department has been able to support this EU Funded project to install EV Rapid Chargers. The project will complement and enhance the existing EV charging infrastructure.
The EU is providing 85% (€5,677,101) of the funding through the European Regional Development Fund with the remaining 15% (€1,001,841) of match funding being provided by project partners in Scotland and through my Department and the Department of Transport as Accountable Departments for the INTERREG VA Sustainable Transport Thematic Objective in Northern Ireland and Ireland.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022237%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=349424","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=349424"}},{"id":"349423","reference":"AQW 22236/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-10","answerBy":"2021-09-27","answered":"2021-09-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline whether a review of departmental policy on speed limits will be included as part of forthcoming new Road Safety Strategy.","answerText":"As you will be aware from my response to AQW 18715/17-22, work has been progressing on the development of the new Road Safety Strategy. My officials have recently completed a pre-consultation engagement exercise with key stakeholders and analysis of the information gathered is ongoing.\n\nA draft Road Safety Strategy will be subject to a formal consultation process in the autumn, following which the Strategy will be finalised, taking into account advice provided by my officials and the feedback from the consultation.","answerHtml":"As you will be aware from my response to AQW 18715/17-22, work has been progressing on the development of the new Road Safety Strategy. My officials have recently completed a pre-consultation engagement exercise with key stakeholders and analysis of the information gathered is ongoing.
A draft Road Safety Strategy will be subject to a formal consultation process in the autumn, following which the Strategy will be finalised, taking into account advice provided by my officials and the feedback from the consultation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022236%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=349423","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=349423"}},{"id":"349422","reference":"AQW 22235/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-10","answerBy":"2021-09-27","answered":"2021-09-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to outline the policies and procedures in place for her Department to facilitate the installation of electric vehicle charging points at Housing Executive owned properties.","answerText":"The Housing Executive has advised me that it is currently developing policy and procedures with regard to the installation of Electric Vehicle charging equipment in its properties. It is intended that this will be in place in October 2021.","answerHtml":"The Housing Executive has advised me that it is currently developing policy and procedures with regard to the installation of Electric Vehicle charging equipment in its properties. It is intended that this will be in place in October 2021.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022235%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=349422","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=349422"}},{"id":"349421","reference":"AQW 22234/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-10","answerBy":"2021-09-27","answered":"2021-09-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department intends to issue guidance concerning risk assessment requirements with respect to the gatherings aspect of The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021, in order to ensure a uniform approach.","answerText":"Detailed advice regarding risk assessments, including advice on when completing a risk assessment is applicable, guidance on how to complete a risk assessment, a template risk assessment and links to other supporting information, is available publically at www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-risk-assessments-gatherings-and-events-guidance.\n\nI trust this is of assistance.","answerHtml":"Detailed advice regarding risk assessments, including advice on when completing a risk assessment is applicable, guidance on how to complete a risk assessment, a template risk assessment and links to other supporting information, is available publically at www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-risk-assessments-gatherings-and-events-guidance.
I trust this is of assistance.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022234%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=349421","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=349421"}},{"id":"349420","reference":"AQW 22233/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-10","answerBy":"2021-09-27","answered":"2021-09-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether he will consider extending the provision of reimbursements of travel expenses to bank contract staff working for Health and Social Care Trusts.","answerText":"There is no provision for reimbursement of the cost of travel to and from the workplace for any HSC staff. Where a vehicle is used for business purposes, staff are able to claim for appropriate mileage.\n\nDuring the previous surge, DfI had made free public transport available to HSC staff via Translink, that provision has now ceased.","answerHtml":"There is no provision for reimbursement of the cost of travel to and from the workplace for any HSC staff. Where a vehicle is used for business purposes, staff are able to claim for appropriate mileage.
During the previous surge, DfI had made free public transport available to HSC staff via Translink, that provision has now ceased.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022233%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=349420","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=349420"}},{"id":"349266","reference":"AQW 22144/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-09","answerBy":"2021-09-14","answered":"2021-09-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on timescales for the repainting of road markings on Castle Park Road, Bangor.","answerText":"I can confirm that a works instruction has issued to the Department’s Road Marking Contractor for the refreshing of road markings on Castle Park Road in Bangor. It is expected this work will be completed by the end of October 2021.","answerHtml":"I can confirm that a works instruction has issued to the Department’s Road Marking Contractor for the refreshing of road markings on Castle Park Road in Bangor. It is expected this work will be completed by the end of October 2021.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022144%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=349266","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=349266"}},{"id":"349265","reference":"AQW 22143/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-09","answerBy":"2021-09-24","answered":"2021-09-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what metrics NI Water uses to assess whether there is sufficient capacity in the water and sewerage network for new development proposals.","answerText":"NI Water’s wastewater treatment works are each designed to treat a specific population equivalent. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency regulates these works and issues each with a discharge consent, which sets out the discharge standards to be met.\n\nNI Water closely monitors each wastewater treatment works to ensure that they meet the appropriate levels of treatment set by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency; that the required monitoring and reporting is carried out; and that they meet the specified numeric compliance levels in line with the discharge consent. In addition, the population equivalent load of each works is monitored against its design capacity, to identify available treatment capacity.\n\nNI Water uses Drainage Area Plan Models, and where those are not available, a Capacity Mapper Digital Tool, to assess a catchment’s ability to receive wastewater discharges. These models, which are calibrated and signed off by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, are constructed using current catchment and wastewater pumping station records, CCTV surveys and flow and discharge monitoring results. These digital models indicate compliance of NI Water assets with discharge standards and indicate areas of out-of-sewer flooding and manhole surcharging.\n\nEach new proposed development will have an associated population equivalent load and NI Water considers this against the current available wastewater treatment capacity of the nearby works. If wastewater treatment capacity exists at the works and the additional load will not have an adverse effect on the sewer network and receiving waters, then new connections may be permitted.\n\nWhen a wastewater treatment works has no available headroom capacity or the sewer network is operating above its design capacity, negative planning responses may be made to the relevant planning authority. However, NI Water will still provide positive planning responses in catchments where a proposal has extant planning approval, is deemed ‘like for like’ or where the development proposal results in reduced hydraulic loading.\n\nThese careful considerations help to ensure that no additional connections to the sewer network are permitted, that would result in significant risk of environmental harm and disamenity including pollution, flooding and a detrimental impact on existing properties.\n\nNI Water advises all developers to avail of its Pre-Development Enquiry (PDE) process as early as possible in the design stage to allow capacity and other water and wastewater issues to be discussed prior to the submission of a formal planning application. In many cases, the PDE will help inform developers, and shape their proposals, taking into account any existing capacity issues or other constraints.","answerHtml":"NI Water’s wastewater treatment works are each designed to treat a specific population equivalent. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency regulates these works and issues each with a discharge consent, which sets out the discharge standards to be met.
NI Water closely monitors each wastewater treatment works to ensure that they meet the appropriate levels of treatment set by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency; that the required monitoring and reporting is carried out; and that they meet the specified numeric compliance levels in line with the discharge consent. In addition, the population equivalent load of each works is monitored against its design capacity, to identify available treatment capacity.
NI Water uses Drainage Area Plan Models, and where those are not available, a Capacity Mapper Digital Tool, to assess a catchment’s ability to receive wastewater discharges. These models, which are calibrated and signed off by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, are constructed using current catchment and wastewater pumping station records, CCTV surveys and flow and discharge monitoring results. These digital models indicate compliance of NI Water assets with discharge standards and indicate areas of out-of-sewer flooding and manhole surcharging.
Each new proposed development will have an associated population equivalent load and NI Water considers this against the current available wastewater treatment capacity of the nearby works. If wastewater treatment capacity exists at the works and the additional load will not have an adverse effect on the sewer network and receiving waters, then new connections may be permitted.
When a wastewater treatment works has no available headroom capacity or the sewer network is operating above its design capacity, negative planning responses may be made to the relevant planning authority. However, NI Water will still provide positive planning responses in catchments where a proposal has extant planning approval, is deemed ‘like for like’ or where the development proposal results in reduced hydraulic loading.
These careful considerations help to ensure that no additional connections to the sewer network are permitted, that would result in significant risk of environmental harm and disamenity including pollution, flooding and a detrimental impact on existing properties.
NI Water advises all developers to avail of its Pre-Development Enquiry (PDE) process as early as possible in the design stage to allow capacity and other water and wastewater issues to be discussed prior to the submission of a formal planning application. In many cases, the PDE will help inform developers, and shape their proposals, taking into account any existing capacity issues or other constraints.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022143%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=349265","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=349265"}},{"id":"349264","reference":"AQW 22142/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-09","answerBy":"2021-09-24","answered":"2021-09-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 21174/17-22, why Kaftrio is not available to people under the age of 12; and whether there are any plans to review this decision.","answerText":"The current marketing authority (license) for Kaftrio covers patients aged 12 years and older. An application to expand Kaftrio to children aged 6 to 11 years has been sought by the manufacturer from both the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The timing of these regulatory decisions are as yet unknown and the marketing authorisations for Kaftrio has not changed.\n\nYounger children and those over 12 years who are not eligible for Kaftrio will continue to benefit from access to other cystic fibrosis drugs where clinically appropriate.","answerHtml":"The current marketing authority (license) for Kaftrio covers patients aged 12 years and older. An application to expand Kaftrio to children aged 6 to 11 years has been sought by the manufacturer from both the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The timing of these regulatory decisions are as yet unknown and the marketing authorisations for Kaftrio has not changed.
Younger children and those over 12 years who are not eligible for Kaftrio will continue to benefit from access to other cystic fibrosis drugs where clinically appropriate.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022142%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=349264","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=349264"}},{"id":"349263","reference":"AQW 22141/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-09","answerBy":"2021-09-24","answered":"2021-09-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance (i) when the last comprehensive review of exemptions and reliefs from non-domestic rates in Northen Ireland took place; (ii) what changed as a result of this review; and (iii) whether this review was comparative with the rest of the UK.","answerText":"As the member will be aware, my Department initiated a major strategic review of business rates here in the latter half of 2019. That process concluded just in advance of the return of the Executive in early 2020. One of the first decisions taken in the 2020/21 Budget was to implement an 18% cut in the non-domestic regional rate. This delivered on the predominant finding during the review, namely that the poundage multiplier here was too high.\n\nSince the Executive’s return, the rating system has been forced to pivot in response to the ongoing pandemic. The system has been recalibrated to provide support to those business sectors most affected by the pandemic, with the measures informed by evidence from the Ulster University’s Economic Policy Centre. This has resulted in the two year rates holiday provided to approximately 29,000 businesses in the 2020/21 and 2021/22 rating years.\n\nThe review undertaken during 2019 employed modern consultation techniques including the use of the Innovation Lab approach to formulate terms of reference and process. A full public consultation between 16 September 2019 and 11 November 2019, and 32 public briefings engaging with Councils, Chambers of Commerce and other business stakeholders. The process was also supplemented by three additional regional Innovation Labs in Newry, Derry and Enniskillen. It would therefore compare well against reviews in other jurisdictions.","answerHtml":"As the member will be aware, my Department initiated a major strategic review of business rates here in the latter half of 2019. That process concluded just in advance of the return of the Executive in early 2020. One of the first decisions taken in the 2020/21 Budget was to implement an 18% cut in the non-domestic regional rate. This delivered on the predominant finding during the review, namely that the poundage multiplier here was too high.
Since the Executive’s return, the rating system has been forced to pivot in response to the ongoing pandemic. The system has been recalibrated to provide support to those business sectors most affected by the pandemic, with the measures informed by evidence from the Ulster University’s Economic Policy Centre. This has resulted in the two year rates holiday provided to approximately 29,000 businesses in the 2020/21 and 2021/22 rating years.
The review undertaken during 2019 employed modern consultation techniques including the use of the Innovation Lab approach to formulate terms of reference and process. A full public consultation between 16 September 2019 and 11 November 2019, and 32 public briefings engaging with Councils, Chambers of Commerce and other business stakeholders. The process was also supplemented by three additional regional Innovation Labs in Newry, Derry and Enniskillen. It would therefore compare well against reviews in other jurisdictions.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022141%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=349263","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=349263"}},{"id":"349262","reference":"AQW 22140/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-09","answerBy":"2021-09-24","answered":"2021-09-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 12560/17-22, for an update on residents' parking schemes.","answerText":"I am pleased to be able to confirm that the review of residents’ parking schemes is now complete and I plan to make the report public in due course. This will set out the lessons learnt from the Rugby Road scheme in Belfast, and the other schemes that did not make it to implementation, and will be used to establish the policy for such schemes going forward.","answerHtml":"I am pleased to be able to confirm that the review of residents’ parking schemes is now complete and I plan to make the report public in due course. This will set out the lessons learnt from the Rugby Road scheme in Belfast, and the other schemes that did not make it to implementation, and will be used to establish the policy for such schemes going forward.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022140%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=349262","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=349262"}},{"id":"349309","reference":"AQO 2442/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-09","answerBy":"2021-09-21","answered":"2021-09-21","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to outline contingency plans for post-primary transfer in 2021/22 should disruption occur due to COVID-19.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Miss McIlveen (The Minister of Education)","text":"With your permission, Mr Speaker, I will answer questions 1 and 6 together. The post-primary transfer tests are organised and operated by two private operators, the Association for Quality Education Limited (AQE) and the Post Primary Transfer Consortium (PPTC). I have no role to play in their operation or timing. However, I have highlighted to the test providers the importance of ensuring that they comply with health protection legislation and of communicating clearly and early to parents, pupils and schools if contingency plans are being considered, should the tests not proceed or pupils are not able to take any of the tests. If the tests are cancelled, it will be a matter for individual boards of governors to decide and publish the alternative admissions criteria that they will apply for admitting pupils to their post-primary school in September 2022. My Department publishes guidance annually on the post-primary admissions process. The guidance includes recommendations on the admissions criteria that post-primary schools should and should not use and a timetable for the process. Now that Transfer 2021 has concluded, my Department will undertake a \"lessons learned\" exercise with the Education Authority (EA) and key stakeholders in advance of the issue of guidance for Transfer 2022. The exercise will examine issues such as the process for schools submitting their admissions criteria, the use of the new online admissions portal and the operation of the admissions appeals process, including, on the basis of appeal outcomes, the robustness of schools’ admissions criteria. Once that process is complete, it will inform the issue of revised guidance to schools on the process this autumn. As I have noted, the setting and application of admissions criteria remains a matter for school boards of governors."},{"speaker":"Mr Beggs","text":"I thank the Minister for her answer. Whilst the test is operated by outside bodies, is the Minister willing to facilitate testing in local primary schools? The young people would be in their protective bubbles and would have the advantage of a familiar background."},{"speaker":"Miss McIlveen","text":"I thank the Member for his question. As he will be aware, there is no bar to prevent primary schools from hosting the test. However, it is a matter for individual schools. In 2016, my Department removed the instruction that had prevented that. Recently, I met the Bring it Back to Primary campaign and teacher representatives to explore the issue. Teacher representatives were opposed in principle to it, as were the majority of the small number of school leaders who were at the meeting. While there would obviously be benefits for pupils, the proposal is not without difficulties, and they were highlighted at the meeting. They include logistical issues such as the security of papers and school premises being used on Saturday mornings, often by community groups and other organisations. There are also workload issues for staff, who, in some cases, may have to be available on up to five successive Saturdays in November and December. Any move away from the current arrangements would require the consent of all primary schools and teacher representatives. I certainly cannot compel them to agree to it. Unless the schools agree, there is a risk of creating an inequality, in that some pupils would be given the opportunity to sit the test in their school while others would not. Certainly, from an individual perspective, I would welcome such a move, but I cannot compel schools to do that."},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"I thank the Minister for her response. Does the Minister accept that the absence of common contingency criteria for post-primary admissions last year caused immense harm and distress to children? Will she commit to putting in place common contingency criteria for this year in order to avoid that distress to children, who should be the focus of everything that we do?"},{"speaker":"Miss McIlveen","text":"I do not disagree with the Member. As he will know, test providers have reviewed and modified the content of this year's tests to take into account any disruption that has taken place over the past 18 months, and the full details of that are available on their websites. The Member will also appreciate that the transfer tests will compare only the pupils who have chosen to take tests in November and December, so they will all have experienced similar issues. Again, the decision to move forward with the tests lies very much with the operators and the schools that use them as an admissions criterion. Certainly, moving forward, there will be lessons learned from last year's experience if we have to go through the same thing again. That will be communicated in correspondence and guidance to schools for their preparation."},{"speaker":"Mr Allister","text":"With regard to lessons learned from last year, does the Minister agree that it is important to resolve that there will be no rush to delay or cancel tests? As it turned out, tests probably could have been held last November. Parents want certainty. Can they have the Minister's assurance that everything possible will be done to ensure that the tests take place in November?"},{"speaker":"Miss McIlveen","text":"I thank the Member for his question. As he will know, over the past number of months, I have tried to ensure that our young people remain in school for as long as is possible. The intervention of the Public Health Agency (PHA) with regard to close contacts will aid that to ensure that P7 pupils will not be disrupted to the level that, perhaps, they were. Again, how the tests are coordinated and timetabled is very much up to the providers. Currently, AQE has set out a timetable of 20 November, 27 November and 4 December. PPTC has set out 13 November, with a supplementary assessment on 11 December. I would like to think that our P7s who have opted to take the tests will be able to do so in the timetable that has been outlined by both providers."},{"speaker":"Ms Brogan","text":"As a result of the disruption caused by COVID-19, we have found alternative ways to award qualifications to young people, including children moving from primary school to post-primary school. With disruption to individual learning likely to continue through the year, will the Minister put children first, scrap transfer tests and find a method of post-primary transfer that allows all children to reach their full potential?"},{"speaker":"Miss McIlveen","text":"I thank the Member for her question. I appreciate that there are diverse views on academic selection. Certainly, my view is that academic selection will be maintained. If there is to be any change to that, it will require agreement in the Executive and the Assembly. As the Member will be aware, a significant number of parents have chosen to enter their children in the transfer tests in order to obtain a place in a grammar school of their choice. I support the right of parents to make that decision. Equally, that is what they choose to do."},{"speaker":"Mr Stalford","text":"I declare an interest as the parent of a P7 child. While I appreciate that boards of governors set the criteria for admissions to year 8, will the Department provide more explicit guidance to boards of governors in order to provide uniformity across schools or at least to ensure that the eldest child is not discriminated against?"},{"speaker":"Miss McIlveen","text":"I thank the Member for his question. The setting of admissions criteria is by law a matter for schools' boards of governors. The Department issues advice on the transfer process, including the criteria that it is recommended that schools should use. However, while schools must by law have regard to that guidance, the setting of admissions criteria remains very much a matter for schools. Even if my Department could compel schools to use a uniform set of admissions criteria, that would be less desirable than the current position, because, essentially, in many instances, it could mean that the same children are prioritised at all schools. Schools' boards of governors are better placed to set admissions criteria that meet the needs of the communities that they serve. On ensuring that eldest children are not unfairly treated, the guidance advises schools not to use family criteria beyond a sibling currently attending the school. An example would be a parent's attendance, which is a type of criterion with the potential to disadvantage eldest children or newcomer applicants. The Department recommends that sibling connection is prioritised. Unfortunately, we had instances in Transfer 2021 of the separation of twins as the result of some schools' admission criteria. All of that will be part of the review that will be undertaken and the further advice that will be given to schools if we fall into the same circumstances as last year."},{"speaker":"Mr McCrossan","text":"Will the Minister provide an assessment of the magnitude of appeals in the allocation of places in 2021-22? Will she agree that putting in place a robust and efficient appeals process for parents, carers and guardians is important?"},{"speaker":"Miss McIlveen","text":"I thank the Member for his question about appeals. As he is aware, it was a difficult year for parents and young people, with 280 young people unplaced in June. I found that distressing, and I know that there is a very small number, about five, who are still unplaced, and that needs to be addressed. As the Member knows, additional money — £130,000 — was put into appeals. Over 120 appeals in respect of post-primary admission were upheld. I am concerned about that, and I think it is important to ensure that schools operate a robust admissions process that minimises unnecessary stress on children and families. It is also important to ensure that all schools can plan for an academic year with certainty and without having to worry about increases or drops in their intake. My Department will engage in a \"lessons learned\" exercise, as I indicated, but we will also talk to a number of schools in the coming weeks to ensure that the reason for lost appeals has been identified and that remedial action is put in place to avoid that situation in future. I absolutely agree on the need for a robust process, and I am disappointed in the outcome of this."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202442%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=349309","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2021-09-21&docID=349762#AQO%202442/17-22","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=349309"}},{"id":"349169","reference":"AQW 22060/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-08","answerBy":"2021-09-14","answered":"2021-09-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs pursuant to AQW 17250/17-22 and further to the condition of sale, for an update on the efforts his Department is making to ensure Portavoe continues as part the departmental Public Angling Estate.","answerText":"My officials have been working with Departmental Solicitors Office seeking legal advice on this matter.\n\nIn addition, officials are also continuing to engage with the new owner, who has confirmed that he wishes the site to remain private and not open or accessible to the public.\n\nFurther engagement is required in seeking a resolution. In the meantime, permit holders have been advised, via the NI Direct website, that the site will remain closed to the public for the foreseeable future.","answerHtml":"My officials have been working with Departmental Solicitors Office seeking legal advice on this matter.
In addition, officials are also continuing to engage with the new owner, who has confirmed that he wishes the site to remain private and not open or accessible to the public.
Further engagement is required in seeking a resolution. In the meantime, permit holders have been advised, via the NI Direct website, that the site will remain closed to the public for the foreseeable future.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022060%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=349169","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=349169"}},{"id":"349168","reference":"AQW 22059/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-08","answerBy":"2021-09-23","answered":"2021-09-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 19957/17-22, for an update on vehicle access and the pedestrianisation of Hill Street and Gordon Street in Belfast City Centre.","answerText":"My officials are continuing to work with the Cathedral Quarter BID and Belfast City Council to facilitate engagement on proposals for an improved environment for all who use Hill Street and Gordon Street. It continues to provide difficult to get consensus among local businesses on the way forward. I expect to be in a position to provide a further update in October 2021.","answerHtml":"My officials are continuing to work with the Cathedral Quarter BID and Belfast City Council to facilitate engagement on proposals for an improved environment for all who use Hill Street and Gordon Street. It continues to provide difficult to get consensus among local businesses on the way forward. I expect to be in a position to provide a further update in October 2021.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022059%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=349168","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=349168"}},{"id":"349167","reference":"AQW 22058/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-08","answerBy":"2021-09-23","answered":"2021-09-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for his assessment of the potential impact of climate change on Northern Ireland’s budget.","answerText":"The process for determining the upcoming multi-annual Budget has already been initiated by my Department. As part of this process, departments will be asked to identify any cost pressures that they will face over this period, including those that may arise as a result of efforts to tackle climate change. This will be used by the Executive to determine allocations across departments, based on agreed priorities and on the budget available following the outcome of the Spending Review.","answerHtml":"The process for determining the upcoming multi-annual Budget has already been initiated by my Department. As part of this process, departments will be asked to identify any cost pressures that they will face over this period, including those that may arise as a result of efforts to tackle climate change. This will be used by the Executive to determine allocations across departments, based on agreed priorities and on the budget available following the outcome of the Spending Review.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022058%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=349167","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=349167"}},{"id":"349166","reference":"AQW 22057/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-08","answerBy":"2021-09-23","answered":"2021-11-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy for his assessment of the potential impact of climate change on the local economy.","answerText":"My Department has not undertaken any specific research into the potential impact of climate change on the local economy.","answerHtml":"My Department has not undertaken any specific research into the potential impact of climate change on the local economy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022057%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=349166","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=349166"}},{"id":"349047","reference":"AQW 21979/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-07","answerBy":"2021-09-13","answered":"2021-09-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure pursuant to AQW 14438 /17-22, to outline the reasons for delay in bringing forward recommendations concerning change in the Roads (Miscellaneous Provision) Act (Northern Ireland) 2010.","answerText":"The exercise to gather views and data relating to the operation of the Roads (Miscellaneous Provision) Act (Northern Ireland) 2010, resulted in almost 800 responses to the Department’s online questionnaire, along with 14 pieces of correspondence. As indicated in the response to AQW 14438/17-22, the analysis of this significant amount of information was completed earlier this year however during the drafting of the Departmental Response a further issue related to cycle races was raised with me that required further consideration by officials. As soon as I am in a position to be able to do so, I will make these reports publically available.","answerHtml":"The exercise to gather views and data relating to the operation of the Roads (Miscellaneous Provision) Act (Northern Ireland) 2010, resulted in almost 800 responses to the Department’s online questionnaire, along with 14 pieces of correspondence. As indicated in the response to AQW 14438/17-22, the analysis of this significant amount of information was completed earlier this year however during the drafting of the Departmental Response a further issue related to cycle races was raised with me that required further consideration by officials. As soon as I am in a position to be able to do so, I will make these reports publically available.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021979%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=349047","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=349047"}},{"id":"349046","reference":"AQW 21978/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-07","answerBy":"2021-09-22","answered":"2021-09-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline what powers his Department holds with regards to regulating the movement of jet skis and boats in the vicinity of Helen’s Bay in Crawfordsburn Country Park.","answerText":"I am aware of the safety concerns regarding the use of jet-skis in the Helen’s Bay area and can confirm that my Department does not allow the launching of jet-skis from Crawfordsburn Country Park or provide access that allows for this. However, my Department has no powers to regulate the use of jet-skis for safety reasons outside Crawfordsburn Country Park or in the sea adjacent to it.\n\nHelen’s Bay is in within the proposed East Coast (Northern Ireland) Marine Special Protection Area (SPA) and therefore my Department may introduce byelaws under the Marine Act (Northern Ireland) 2013 to protect important bird species such as Great crested grebe, Red throated diver, Common, Sandwich and Artic terns, Eider duck, and Manx shearwater.\n\nIn response to the increased level of jet-ski use across Northern Ireland’s coastal waters, and the potential risk that continued unregulated use may present to marine wildlife, my Department is developing options for byelaws to regulate the use of jet-skis in marine protected areas. The need for byelaws to regulate the use of jet-skis and boats within the proposed East Coast SPA will be considered as part of this process.","answerHtml":"I am aware of the safety concerns regarding the use of jet-skis in the Helen’s Bay area and can confirm that my Department does not allow the launching of jet-skis from Crawfordsburn Country Park or provide access that allows for this. However, my Department has no powers to regulate the use of jet-skis for safety reasons outside Crawfordsburn Country Park or in the sea adjacent to it.
Helen’s Bay is in within the proposed East Coast (Northern Ireland) Marine Special Protection Area (SPA) and therefore my Department may introduce byelaws under the Marine Act (Northern Ireland) 2013 to protect important bird species such as Great crested grebe, Red throated diver, Common, Sandwich and Artic terns, Eider duck, and Manx shearwater.
In response to the increased level of jet-ski use across Northern Ireland’s coastal waters, and the potential risk that continued unregulated use may present to marine wildlife, my Department is developing options for byelaws to regulate the use of jet-skis in marine protected areas. The need for byelaws to regulate the use of jet-skis and boats within the proposed East Coast SPA will be considered as part of this process.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021978%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=349046","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=349046"}},{"id":"349045","reference":"AQW 21977/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-07","answerBy":"2021-09-22","answered":"2021-09-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail the work undertaken by her Department since January 2020 to progress a ban on Conversion Therapy on the basis of gender and sexual orientation, other than publication of the Sexual Orientation Expert Advisory Panel’s Report.","answerText":"I am committed to banning the practice of Conversion Therapy as soon as possible. However, it is important to ensure that we take all necessary steps to ensure that the ban is as robust as possible and to prevent further harm.\n\nSince becoming Minister for Communities, I have had a series of discussions with stakeholders and members of the LGBTQI+ communities who are most affected by this practice, including a meeting in July with representatives from The Rainbow Project, HERe NI and TransgenderNI, where we discussed how best to involve the sector in this work.\n\nMy officials are currently working with LGBTQI+ organisations to explore how best to take forward research into the practice and impact of conversion therapy in this region. This research, which will be commissioned in the coming weeks, will underpin and support our policy proposals.\n\nWork to inform the drafting of the legislation has commenced and an initial study of legislation to ban conversion therapy in other jurisdictions has been completed. I will continue to work closely with stakeholders and colleagues in other departments and jurisdictions in the development of legislative proposals.","answerHtml":"I am committed to banning the practice of Conversion Therapy as soon as possible. However, it is important to ensure that we take all necessary steps to ensure that the ban is as robust as possible and to prevent further harm.
Since becoming Minister for Communities, I have had a series of discussions with stakeholders and members of the LGBTQI+ communities who are most affected by this practice, including a meeting in July with representatives from The Rainbow Project, HERe NI and TransgenderNI, where we discussed how best to involve the sector in this work.
My officials are currently working with LGBTQI+ organisations to explore how best to take forward research into the practice and impact of conversion therapy in this region. This research, which will be commissioned in the coming weeks, will underpin and support our policy proposals.
Work to inform the drafting of the legislation has commenced and an initial study of legislation to ban conversion therapy in other jurisdictions has been completed. I will continue to work closely with stakeholders and colleagues in other departments and jurisdictions in the development of legislative proposals.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021977%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=349045","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=349045"}},{"id":"349044","reference":"AQW 21976/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-07","answerBy":"2021-09-22","answered":"2021-09-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the sick pay policy arrangements for those working in the Health and Social Care Trusts who are absent from work for extended periods due to Long Covid.","answerText":"As part of the emergency response to the current COVID-19 pandemic, HSC employers, in conjunction with my Department, introduced temporary workforce guidance as part of its strategy to support the response to COVID-19. To support infection control measures and to ensure the health and safety of staff and patients, a temporary enhanced provision of \"Public Service Duties Paid\" was introduced to financially support staff who required to be off work when they were symptomatic of Covid-19.\n\nAt the time of introducing this provision it was thought to be a short-term measure, as the continuing duration of the current pandemic was not anticipated. In addition, at that time, it was not known that symptoms associated with Covid-19 would affect employees longer-term. The emergence of \"Long Covid\" has seen employees affected and remaining absent from work for a period of months and, in some cases, upwards of one year.\n\nAs the duration of the pandemic has continued beyond a timescale ever anticipated, a review of this enhanced provision is currently being undertaken with a view to ensuring equity and fairness among all HSC staff.","answerHtml":"As part of the emergency response to the current COVID-19 pandemic, HSC employers, in conjunction with my Department, introduced temporary workforce guidance as part of its strategy to support the response to COVID-19. To support infection control measures and to ensure the health and safety of staff and patients, a temporary enhanced provision of "Public Service Duties Paid" was introduced to financially support staff who required to be off work when they were symptomatic of Covid-19.
At the time of introducing this provision it was thought to be a short-term measure, as the continuing duration of the current pandemic was not anticipated. In addition, at that time, it was not known that symptoms associated with Covid-19 would affect employees longer-term. The emergence of "Long Covid" has seen employees affected and remaining absent from work for a period of months and, in some cases, upwards of one year.
As the duration of the pandemic has continued beyond a timescale ever anticipated, a review of this enhanced provision is currently being undertaken with a view to ensuring equity and fairness among all HSC staff.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021976%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=349044","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=349044"}},{"id":"349043","reference":"AQW 21975/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-07","answerBy":"2021-09-22","answered":"2021-09-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail the sick pay policy arrangements for those working in the Civil Service who are absent from work for extended periods due to Long Covid.","answerText":"Long covid or post covid syndrome is a viral illness which for some people can cause symptoms (physical and psychological) which last for weeks / months after the acute illness. This absence is managed in accordance with the Civil Service sickness absence policies in the NICS Staff Handbook.","answerHtml":"Long covid or post covid syndrome is a viral illness which for some people can cause symptoms (physical and psychological) which last for weeks / months after the acute illness. This absence is managed in accordance with the Civil Service sickness absence policies in the NICS Staff Handbook.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021975%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=349043","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=349043"}},{"id":"349470","reference":"AQO 2375/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-09-06","answerBy":"2021-09-13","answered":"2021-09-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister why they did not hold regular COVID-19 press conferences during the summer recess when Northern Ireland had the highest COVID-19 infection rate in the UK.","answerText":"The Executive remains committed to raising awareness of Covid-19 and its spread and encouraging compliance with the latest public health advice in order to save lives.\n\nA wide range of communications channels and approaches are continuously in play in order to reach and connect with as many people as possible.\n\nThis includes the use of advertising campaigns; nidirect and other stakeholder websites; traditional media and social media platforms.\n\nA new multi-channelled advertising campaign ‘‘Let’s keep moving forward safely’ launched on 14th June and has been seen or heard over 58 million times, meaning the average adult will have seen or heard the campaign messaging approximately 39 times.\n\nTo date, 11.5million users have visited the COVID-19 portal on nidirect and there have been 31.2million page views.\n\nMinisters have undertaken regular media interviews, particularly after Executive meetings when changes have been made to the Covid Regulations, to ensure that the public is kept fully informed and to convey the most up-to-date advice.\n\nMinisters have also engaged actively with the Assembly, providing detailed Oral and Written Ministerial Statements to provide updates on the current situation and outline key decisions.\n\nDedicated communications for the deaf community has continued with signed statements published on Executive social media channels.","answerHtml":"The Executive remains committed to raising awareness of Covid-19 and its spread and encouraging compliance with the latest public health advice in order to save lives.
A wide range of communications channels and approaches are continuously in play in order to reach and connect with as many people as possible.
This includes the use of advertising campaigns; nidirect and other stakeholder websites; traditional media and social media platforms.
A new multi-channelled advertising campaign ‘‘Let’s keep moving forward safely’ launched on 14th June and has been seen or heard over 58 million times, meaning the average adult will have seen or heard the campaign messaging approximately 39 times.
To date, 11.5million users have visited the COVID-19 portal on nidirect and there have been 31.2million page views.
Ministers have undertaken regular media interviews, particularly after Executive meetings when changes have been made to the Covid Regulations, to ensure that the public is kept fully informed and to convey the most up-to-date advice.
Ministers have also engaged actively with the Assembly, providing detailed Oral and Written Ministerial Statements to provide updates on the current situation and outline key decisions.
Dedicated communications for the deaf community has continued with signed statements published on Executive social media channels.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202375%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=349470","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=349470"}},{"id":"347374","reference":"AQW 21853/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-07-20","answerBy":"2021-07-26","answered":"2021-07-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether any legislative changes have been introduced since June 2018 to enable NI Water to impose measures to conserve water supply.","answerText":"There have been no legislative changes made to enable NI Water to impose measures to conserve water supply beyond the existing hosepipe ban. However, a Drought Direction, as described by the Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 Article 138(1)(b), has been put in place to allow NI Water to ask for permission from the Department to prohibit or limit the use of water during periods of drought.","answerHtml":"There have been no legislative changes made to enable NI Water to impose measures to conserve water supply beyond the existing hosepipe ban. However, a Drought Direction, as described by the Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 Article 138(1)(b), has been put in place to allow NI Water to ask for permission from the Department to prohibit or limit the use of water during periods of drought.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021853%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=347374","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=347374"}},{"id":"347373","reference":"AQW 21852/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-07-20","answerBy":"2021-08-04","answered":"2021-07-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail her Department’s New Decade, New Approach commitments (i) yet to be delivered; and (ii) the timescales for delivery.","answerText":"The infrastructure commitments made in ‘New Decade, New Approach’ include –\n\nNarrow Water Bridge\n\nUlster Canal\n\nBelfast to Dublin Connectivity\n\nLow emission buses\n\nLiving with Water Programme\n\nYork Street Interchange\n\nA5\n\nA6\n\nThese will be transformational and I am committed to doing all that I can to deliver on them.\n\nThe proposal for a bridge at Narrow Water is a key priority for me. I am delighted with the Irish Government’s allocation of €3m euro from the Shared Island Fund which will allow Louth County Council to advance the project to the procurement stage, working in close partnership with my Department. An initial meeting of stakeholders took place on 23 July 2021 and further meetings are planned in September to advance the project.\n\nMy officials will also be working with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to ensure that new active travel infrastructure is in place to complement the bridge to increase connectivity and maximise the tourism potential of this cross border region whilst, protecting the natural environment in an area of historic and ecological significance.\n\nMy Department is committed to the restoration of the Ulster Canal as far as Clones. The restoration project is being delivered over three phases; Phase 1 has already been completed, phase two is currently underway, and phase three is expected to complete in 2027.\n\nIn respect of the commitment on Belfast to Dublin connectivity, in April 2021, I, along with the Transport Minister, Eamon Ryan TD, announced an All Island Strategic Rail Review that will allow us to consider our rail network across this island and how we can improve it for everyone. I am delighted that a service provider has now been appointed to carry out the Review and I look forward to regular updates from ARUP as they progress work over the next 12 months. .\n\nMy Department has been allocated funding to deliver a step change in cleaner, greener public transport as we tackle the climate crisis. I am delighted that we have been able to invest in 100 zero emission vehicles as a result of this funding. I can confirm that these buses have been ordered and will come into service in spring 2022.\n\nThe Living With Water Programme is a 12 year, £1.4 billion investment plan to provide drainage and wastewater management infrastructure in the greater Belfast area. I launched a public consultation on Living With Water in Belfast in November 2020 and I intend to publish the final Living With Water in Belfast plan in the coming weeks.\n\nMy Department is committed to investing in wastewater infrastructure which is at or nearing capacity in many places across Northern Ireland, including Belfast, limiting growth. The level of investment needed to address capacity issues and ensure an effective, 21st century water and wastewater infrastructure will be determined through an independent statutory process by the Utility Regulator. The challenge for the Executive, including in the context of its ambitions for sustainable and inclusive growth, will be how to ensure the investment deemed necessary by the Regulator is secured.\n\nIn the summer of 2020, I announced a short, sharp review of York Street Interchange to ensure the scheme is fit for purpose and fit for the future. Having considered the outcome of the review, I accepted in full its six recommendations which I published on 26 March 2021. I have asked for some further work to be carried out, particularly around place making and to maximise ambition in terms of what can be delivered for communities, connectivity and the wider living places agenda. Work is progressing well and I have asked the consultants to report in the autumn of 2021.\n\nMy officials are working towards the publication of a new Environmental Statement Addendum, in connection with the A5 Western Transport Corridor, with a view to a reconvened public inquiry next year. It is hoped that the final Report on the inquiry proceedings can then be delivered by the Planning Appeals Commission later in 2022. Subject to a positive outcome from this Report and the completion of all the necessary statutory procedures and environmental assessments, construction could start in 2023.\n\nOn the A6, a very significant milestone was reached at the end of May 2021 when I announced that the final section of the 15 km Randalstown to Castledawson scheme was fully opened. The 25.5km Dungiven to Drumahoe scheme is expected to complete in 2022 largely as planned.\n\nThe progression of Phase 2 of the A6 Derry to Dungiven Road project that extends from Drumahoe to the A2 Caw roundabout will depend on a range of factors including future budget settlements.","answerHtml":"The infrastructure commitments made in ‘New Decade, New Approach’ include –
Narrow Water Bridge
Ulster Canal
Belfast to Dublin Connectivity
Low emission buses
Living with Water Programme
York Street Interchange
A5
A6
These will be transformational and I am committed to doing all that I can to deliver on them.
The proposal for a bridge at Narrow Water is a key priority for me. I am delighted with the Irish Government’s allocation of €3m euro from the Shared Island Fund which will allow Louth County Council to advance the project to the procurement stage, working in close partnership with my Department. An initial meeting of stakeholders took place on 23 July 2021 and further meetings are planned in September to advance the project.
My officials will also be working with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to ensure that new active travel infrastructure is in place to complement the bridge to increase connectivity and maximise the tourism potential of this cross border region whilst, protecting the natural environment in an area of historic and ecological significance.
My Department is committed to the restoration of the Ulster Canal as far as Clones. The restoration project is being delivered over three phases; Phase 1 has already been completed, phase two is currently underway, and phase three is expected to complete in 2027.
In respect of the commitment on Belfast to Dublin connectivity, in April 2021, I, along with the Transport Minister, Eamon Ryan TD, announced an All Island Strategic Rail Review that will allow us to consider our rail network across this island and how we can improve it for everyone. I am delighted that a service provider has now been appointed to carry out the Review and I look forward to regular updates from ARUP as they progress work over the next 12 months. .
My Department has been allocated funding to deliver a step change in cleaner, greener public transport as we tackle the climate crisis. I am delighted that we have been able to invest in 100 zero emission vehicles as a result of this funding. I can confirm that these buses have been ordered and will come into service in spring 2022.
The Living With Water Programme is a 12 year, £1.4 billion investment plan to provide drainage and wastewater management infrastructure in the greater Belfast area. I launched a public consultation on Living With Water in Belfast in November 2020 and I intend to publish the final Living With Water in Belfast plan in the coming weeks.
My Department is committed to investing in wastewater infrastructure which is at or nearing capacity in many places across Northern Ireland, including Belfast, limiting growth. The level of investment needed to address capacity issues and ensure an effective, 21st century water and wastewater infrastructure will be determined through an independent statutory process by the Utility Regulator. The challenge for the Executive, including in the context of its ambitions for sustainable and inclusive growth, will be how to ensure the investment deemed necessary by the Regulator is secured.
In the summer of 2020, I announced a short, sharp review of York Street Interchange to ensure the scheme is fit for purpose and fit for the future. Having considered the outcome of the review, I accepted in full its six recommendations which I published on 26 March 2021. I have asked for some further work to be carried out, particularly around place making and to maximise ambition in terms of what can be delivered for communities, connectivity and the wider living places agenda. Work is progressing well and I have asked the consultants to report in the autumn of 2021.
My officials are working towards the publication of a new Environmental Statement Addendum, in connection with the A5 Western Transport Corridor, with a view to a reconvened public inquiry next year. It is hoped that the final Report on the inquiry proceedings can then be delivered by the Planning Appeals Commission later in 2022. Subject to a positive outcome from this Report and the completion of all the necessary statutory procedures and environmental assessments, construction could start in 2023.
On the A6, a very significant milestone was reached at the end of May 2021 when I announced that the final section of the 15 km Randalstown to Castledawson scheme was fully opened. The 25.5km Dungiven to Drumahoe scheme is expected to complete in 2022 largely as planned.
The progression of Phase 2 of the A6 Derry to Dungiven Road project that extends from Drumahoe to the A2 Caw roundabout will depend on a range of factors including future budget settlements.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021852%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=347373","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=347373"}},{"id":"347372","reference":"AQW 21851/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-07-20","answerBy":"2021-08-04","answered":"2021-07-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail his Department’s New Decade, New Approach commitments (i) that are yet to be delivered; and (ii) the timescales for delivery.","answerText":"My Department has 3 NDNA commitments that are yet to be delivered as follows:\n\nReview of Arms-Length Bodies\n\nTimescale for delivery. The Review of Arm’s-Length Bodies is still ongoing. The Executive has agreed its Terms of Reference and DoF is engaging with other Departments on their ALBs. Work is being taken forward in parallel on the legislation required to change the status of ALBs. Progress with this legislation will be dependent on progress within Departments on the way forward for their ALBs.\n\nThe Executive will establish a dedicated sub-committee which will consider the findings of the RHI inquiry and propose further reforms, in addition to those in this agreement, to deliver the changes necessary to rebuild public confidence. The parties agree to deliver any such reforms rapidly once the inquiry has reported.\n\nTimescale for delivery. The Subcommittee has completed its consideration of the RHI Inquiry Report and has forwarded its proposals for further reforms to the Executive. Delivery of those reforms has continued as appropriate pending the agreement of the Executive, and further work is required to complete the action plan.\n\nMake any necessary statutory provision for births, marriages and deaths to be registerable through Irish.\n\nTimescale for delivery. I have agreed that this NDNA commitment should be accomplished in 3 steps. It is intended that Step 1 will be completed within this mandate and will see the introduction of registration and certificates in Irish and bi-lingual English/Irish, alongside the current English language certificates. This will require minor amendments to various pieces of secondary legislation that can be made by the Department of Finance subject to negative resolution. Step 2 will see the introduction of certificates and forms in English, Irish and Bi-lingual English/Irish by September 2023. Step 3 will be the full registration journey in Irish by December 2024.","answerHtml":"My Department has 3 NDNA commitments that are yet to be delivered as follows:
Review of Arms-Length Bodies
Timescale for delivery. The Review of Arm’s-Length Bodies is still ongoing. The Executive has agreed its Terms of Reference and DoF is engaging with other Departments on their ALBs. Work is being taken forward in parallel on the legislation required to change the status of ALBs. Progress with this legislation will be dependent on progress within Departments on the way forward for their ALBs.
The Executive will establish a dedicated sub-committee which will consider the findings of the RHI inquiry and propose further reforms, in addition to those in this agreement, to deliver the changes necessary to rebuild public confidence. The parties agree to deliver any such reforms rapidly once the inquiry has reported.
Timescale for delivery. The Subcommittee has completed its consideration of the RHI Inquiry Report and has forwarded its proposals for further reforms to the Executive. Delivery of those reforms has continued as appropriate pending the agreement of the Executive, and further work is required to complete the action plan.
Make any necessary statutory provision for births, marriages and deaths to be registerable through Irish.
Timescale for delivery. I have agreed that this NDNA commitment should be accomplished in 3 steps. It is intended that Step 1 will be completed within this mandate and will see the introduction of registration and certificates in Irish and bi-lingual English/Irish, alongside the current English language certificates. This will require minor amendments to various pieces of secondary legislation that can be made by the Department of Finance subject to negative resolution. Step 2 will see the introduction of certificates and forms in English, Irish and Bi-lingual English/Irish by September 2023. Step 3 will be the full registration journey in Irish by December 2024.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021851%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=347372","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=347372"}},{"id":"347371","reference":"AQW 21850/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-07-20","answerBy":"2021-08-04","answered":"2021-07-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for an update on his legislative agenda for the remainder of the Assembly mandate.","answerText":"Please see attached table at Annex A that sets out the position of each item of legislation currently under consideration within my department and a brief note of that item’s current status or current official level thinking.\n\nAnnex A – DoF Legislative Programme\n\nPrimary Legislation\n\nTitle\tPurpose\tStatus\nBudget (No. 2) Bill 2021\tBudget\tCompleted Assembly passage awaiting Royal Assent\nFinancial Reporting (Departments and Public Bodies)\tNecessary to implement the Review of Financial Process.\tCleared second stage 14th June\nPublic Bodies Reform Bill\tReview of ALBs\tReview of Arm’s-Length Bodies is still ongoing.\n.\nSocial Value in Procurement\t\tThe Executive approved policy on Scoring Social Value.\nWas announced in the Assembly on 5 July 2021 and published in PPN 02/21.\nLegislation to underpin it will be developed.\nFiscal Council\tTo place the Fiscal Council on a statutory footing\tOptions regarding the approach and timing associated with the legislative timetable to put the Fiscal Council on a statutory footing in the current mandate are under consideration.\n\nStatutory Rules (subject to Affirmative / Draft Affirmative)\n\nTitle\tPurpose\tStatus\nThe Land Registry (Fees) Order\n(Northern Ireland) 2021 (DOF)\tTo update the fees to enable Land Registry to generate income sufficient to meet its operating expenses under Land Registration Act (Northern Ireland) 1970.\tWith the agreement of the Rules Committee and in line with the recommendations of the UUJ report, the Department intends to place the new Fees Order on hold pending the return of the Northern Ireland housing market to a steady state.\nSecondary Legislation under the Legal Complaints and Regulation (NI) Act 2015\tTo enable the full powers associated with the office of “Legal Services Oversight Commissioner” to come into force.\tIt is still the intention of the department to advance this in the current mandate.\n\nStatutory Rules (subject to Negative Resolution)\n\nTitle\tPurpose\tStatus\nThe Building (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021\tAmendment of Building Regulations in relation to Fire Safety and Radon Issues.\tPublic Consultation on Fire Safety and Radon issues finished in October 2020. The Department’s Building Standards Branch (BSB) has completed an analysis of the consultation responses and given evidence to the Finance Committee.\nThe outcome of ongoing reviews in other jurisdictions are awaited to inform final proposals being considered by the local Building Regulations Advisory Committee (NIBRAC).\nThe Department hopes to bring forward a Building Regulations amendment (Statutory Rule) and changes to supporting guidance in the relevant Technical Booklets within this Executive mandate.\nThe Building (Prescribed Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2022\tAmendment of the Building (Prescribed Fees) Regulations 1997 to uplift the fees set by Schedules 1 & 2\tMinister has approved proposal, consultation documents are being finalised and it is anticipated to go to public consultation by end of Summer 2021.\nThe Department hopes to bring forward a Statutory Rule by April 2022\n\nWestminster Bills requiring LCMs\n\nTitle\tPurpose\tStatus\nPublic Service Pensions Bill\tTo remove unlawful age discrimination identified in NI public service pension schemes as a consequence of the ‘McCloud ruling’\tLCM proposal considered and agreed by Executive on 3 June 2021.\nBill introduced at Westminster on 19 July 2021 https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3032\nLCM to be laid in September 2021 following introduction of Bill.","answerHtml":"Please see attached table at Annex A that sets out the position of each item of legislation currently under consideration within my department and a brief note of that item’s current status or current official level thinking.
Annex A – DoF Legislative Programme
Primary Legislation
| Title | Purpose | Status |
| Budget (No. 2) Bill 2021 | Budget | Completed Assembly passage awaiting Royal Assent |
| Financial Reporting (Departments and Public Bodies) | Necessary to implement the Review of Financial Process. | Cleared second stage 14th June |
| Public Bodies Reform Bill | Review of ALBs | Review of Arm’s-Length Bodies is still ongoing. . |
| Social Value in Procurement | The Executive approved policy on Scoring Social Value. Was announced in the Assembly on 5 July 2021 and published in PPN 02/21. Legislation to underpin it will be developed. | |
| Fiscal Council | To place the Fiscal Council on a statutory footing | Options regarding the approach and timing associated with the legislative timetable to put the Fiscal Council on a statutory footing in the current mandate are under consideration. |
Statutory Rules (subject to Affirmative / Draft Affirmative)
| Title | Purpose | Status |
| The Land Registry (Fees) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021 (DOF) | To update the fees to enable Land Registry to generate income sufficient to meet its operating expenses under Land Registration Act (Northern Ireland) 1970. | With the agreement of the Rules Committee and in line with the recommendations of the UUJ report, the Department intends to place the new Fees Order on hold pending the return of the Northern Ireland housing market to a steady state. |
| Secondary Legislation under the Legal Complaints and Regulation (NI) Act 2015 | To enable the full powers associated with the office of “Legal Services Oversight Commissioner” to come into force. | It is still the intention of the department to advance this in the current mandate. |
Statutory Rules (subject to Negative Resolution)
| Title | Purpose | Status |
| The Building (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 | Amendment of Building Regulations in relation to Fire Safety and Radon Issues. | Public Consultation on Fire Safety and Radon issues finished in October 2020. The Department’s Building Standards Branch (BSB) has completed an analysis of the consultation responses and given evidence to the Finance Committee. The outcome of ongoing reviews in other jurisdictions are awaited to inform final proposals being considered by the local Building Regulations Advisory Committee (NIBRAC). The Department hopes to bring forward a Building Regulations amendment (Statutory Rule) and changes to supporting guidance in the relevant Technical Booklets within this Executive mandate. |
| The Building (Prescribed Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 | Amendment of the Building (Prescribed Fees) Regulations 1997 to uplift the fees set by Schedules 1 & 2 | Minister has approved proposal, consultation documents are being finalised and it is anticipated to go to public consultation by end of Summer 2021. The Department hopes to bring forward a Statutory Rule by April 2022 |
Westminster Bills requiring LCMs
| Title | Purpose | Status |
| Public Service Pensions Bill | To remove unlawful age discrimination identified in NI public service pension schemes as a consequence of the ‘McCloud ruling’ | LCM proposal considered and agreed by Executive on 3 June 2021. Bill introduced at Westminster on 19 July 2021 https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3032 LCM to be laid in September 2021 following introduction of Bill. |
I have outlined below the legislative agenda I wish to progress for the remainder of the current Assembly mandate:
Executive Bills
My Department currently has no Executive Bills in the Assembly, and no proposals to introduce Executive Bills during this mandate.
Westminster Bills requiring a Legislative Consent Motion (LCM)
My Department currently has no Westminster Bills requiring an LCM in the Assembly at present, and no proposals to introduce any during this mandate.
Statutory Rules Subject to approval in draft or Affirmative Resolution by the Assembly
My Department is proposing The Grants to Water and Sewerage Undertakers Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 to be put forward to the Executive in autumn 2021. This aims to facilitate the subsidy payment to NI Water, in lieu of domestic water charging, to be extended beyond 31st March 2022. It is hoped this will come into operation on 1st April 2022.
Given the short remaining period of this mandate, I also intend to initiate consultations and calls for evidence on issues that can then be progressed via new legislation in the next mandate.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021849%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=347370","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=347370"}},{"id":"347013","reference":"AQW 21799/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-07-09","answerBy":"2021-07-28","answered":"2021-07-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail (i) the reasons for the delay in responding to Written Assembly Questions; and (ii) what action is being taken to improve response times.","answerText":"While we constantly strive to ensure that responses are provided in a timely fashion, we regret that this is not always possible on all occasions. We would highlight the unique nature of our responsibilities, which requires joint consideration and agreement on an appropriate response, and which adds an additional element that has a significant bearing upon the timescales required.\n\nOur department, in common with the others, has also experienced disruption as a result of Covid-19 which has impacted upon the timelines of responses to questions because of the need to divert and dedicate staffing resources in response to this emergency.\n\nMoving forward we are confident that recent improvements to response times for Written Assembly Questions to our office will continue as pressures relating to the Covid response abate, permitting additional staffing resources to be directed to this important area of work.","answerHtml":"While we constantly strive to ensure that responses are provided in a timely fashion, we regret that this is not always possible on all occasions. We would highlight the unique nature of our responsibilities, which requires joint consideration and agreement on an appropriate response, and which adds an additional element that has a significant bearing upon the timescales required.
Our department, in common with the others, has also experienced disruption as a result of Covid-19 which has impacted upon the timelines of responses to questions because of the need to divert and dedicate staffing resources in response to this emergency.
Moving forward we are confident that recent improvements to response times for Written Assembly Questions to our office will continue as pressures relating to the Covid response abate, permitting additional staffing resources to be directed to this important area of work.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021799%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=347013","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=347013"}},{"id":"346910","reference":"AQW 21720/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-07-08","answerBy":"2021-07-27","answered":"2021-07-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for his assessment of the impact of Brexit on construction costs in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"Increased costs in construction here are primarily resulting from inflationary pressures brought about by global Covid-19 restrictions; international infrastructure investment; and increased home improvements, which are collectively leading to shortages and delays in the delivery of certain construction materials and products.\n\nMy Department is working with contractors and their supply chains to ensure that any increased costs and timely delivery of materials are managed in contracts so that essential public services continue to be delivered.\n\nIt has not been possible to attribute increased cost as a result of the EU Exit in isolation to the impact of the pandemic.","answerHtml":"Increased costs in construction here are primarily resulting from inflationary pressures brought about by global Covid-19 restrictions; international infrastructure investment; and increased home improvements, which are collectively leading to shortages and delays in the delivery of certain construction materials and products.
My Department is working with contractors and their supply chains to ensure that any increased costs and timely delivery of materials are managed in contracts so that essential public services continue to be delivered.
It has not been possible to attribute increased cost as a result of the EU Exit in isolation to the impact of the pandemic.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021720%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=346910","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=346910"}},{"id":"346909","reference":"AQW 21719/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-07-08","answerBy":"2021-07-27","answered":"2021-08-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether he will consider using the flu jab list to ensure everyone with asthma or another lung condition is prioritised for future COVID-19 booster vaccinations.","answerText":"As the member may already be aware vaccination policy in Northern Ireland is based on the recommendations and advice provided by the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) which advised the 4 UK Health Ministers.\n\nJCVI has issued interim advice on the Covid-19 booster programme, which can be found at the following link:-\n\nhttps://www.gov.uk/government/news/jcvi-issues-interim-advice-on-covid-19-booster-vaccination\n\nThis advice is interim. Further advice is expected in the near future which will clarify the extent of alignment JCVI recommends between the Covid Booster vaccination and the flu vaccination list.","answerHtml":"As the member may already be aware vaccination policy in Northern Ireland is based on the recommendations and advice provided by the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) which advised the 4 UK Health Ministers.
JCVI has issued interim advice on the Covid-19 booster programme, which can be found at the following link:-
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/jcvi-issues-interim-advice-on-covid-19-booster-vaccination
This advice is interim. Further advice is expected in the near future which will clarify the extent of alignment JCVI recommends between the Covid Booster vaccination and the flu vaccination list.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021719%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=346909","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=346909"}},{"id":"346908","reference":"AQW 21718/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-07-08","answerBy":"2021-07-27","answered":"2021-08-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether he plans to introduce a Test and Release scheme for COVID-19 cases.","answerText":"The test to release scheme is a voluntary UK Government initiative in England whereby those who arrive from an amber list country can choose to pay for a private COVID-19 test on day 5, and end their period of 10 day self-isolation early if the test is negative.\n\nThere are no plans at present to introduce such a scheme in Northern Ireland as the evidence supports a full 10 day isolation period. The recent introduction of travel restrictions relaxations for those who have been fully vaccinated in the UK, EU or USA removes the requirement to self-isolate on arrival from amber list countries, which will undoubtedly assist travellers to NI.","answerHtml":"The test to release scheme is a voluntary UK Government initiative in England whereby those who arrive from an amber list country can choose to pay for a private COVID-19 test on day 5, and end their period of 10 day self-isolation early if the test is negative.
There are no plans at present to introduce such a scheme in Northern Ireland as the evidence supports a full 10 day isolation period. The recent introduction of travel restrictions relaxations for those who have been fully vaccinated in the UK, EU or USA removes the requirement to self-isolate on arrival from amber list countries, which will undoubtedly assist travellers to NI.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021718%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=346908","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=346908"}},{"id":"346907","reference":"AQW 21717/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-07-08","answerBy":"2021-07-27","answered":"2021-07-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure when will she publish a delivery plan for the Belfast bicycle strategy.","answerText":"I intend to publish a Delivery Plan for ‘Making Belfast an Active City – Belfast Cycling Network 2021’ later in the Autumn.","answerHtml":"I intend to publish a Delivery Plan for ‘Making Belfast an Active City – Belfast Cycling Network 2021’ later in the Autumn.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021717%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=346907","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=346907"}},{"id":"346702","reference":"AQW 21633/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-07-07","answerBy":"2021-07-26","answered":"2021-07-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities what responsibilities the Northern Ireland Housing Executive has regarding bonfires on its land, in order to protect people and properties in the area.","answerText":"The Housing Executive does not authorise the building of bonfires on its land and where they are built, it works collaboratively with all interested parties to remove or reduce the possible risk of damage.","answerHtml":"The Housing Executive does not authorise the building of bonfires on its land and where they are built, it works collaboratively with all interested parties to remove or reduce the possible risk of damage.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021633%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=346702","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=346702"}},{"id":"346701","reference":"AQW 21632/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-07-07","answerBy":"2021-07-26","answered":"2021-07-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance how a shortage in raw materials is impacting the delivery of major capital projects and procurement.","answerText":"Covid pandemic restrictions, increased investment in infrastructure internationally and widespread increases in home improvements, are leading to shortages, delivery delays and escalating costs for certain construction materials and products. These market conditions are beginning to impact on the delivery of major projects.\n\nTo ensure that construction projects, which are vital to the delivery of public services and wider economic recovery, are not unduly impacted, my Department has consulted with construction industry representatives on the development of proposals aimed at managing the impact of delays and sharing the risk of material price volatility. These proposals will require Executive consideration.","answerHtml":"Covid pandemic restrictions, increased investment in infrastructure internationally and widespread increases in home improvements, are leading to shortages, delivery delays and escalating costs for certain construction materials and products. These market conditions are beginning to impact on the delivery of major projects.
To ensure that construction projects, which are vital to the delivery of public services and wider economic recovery, are not unduly impacted, my Department has consulted with construction industry representatives on the development of proposals aimed at managing the impact of delays and sharing the risk of material price volatility. These proposals will require Executive consideration.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021632%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=346701","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=346701"}},{"id":"346700","reference":"AQW 21631/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-07-07","answerBy":"2021-07-26","answered":"2021-07-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for her assessment of the success of the establishment of the Walking and Cycling Champion.","answerText":"Last year, I created the position of a ‘Walking and Cycling Champion’ to place walking, wheeling and cycling at the heart of the work of my Department and to encourage more active travel. My Director of Transport Policy assumed the role of Champion to embed culture change within my Department. This culture change work is critical to delivering the step change in active travel I believe is required.\n\nI recently published ‘Planning for the Future of Transport – Time for Change’ which outlines the Department’s priorities for the future of transport. This document was produced by the Walking and Cycling Champion’s Transport Policy team and sets out how my Department must work in a different way in order to assist in putting the right schemes in the right places. It includes a modal hierarchy that should be adopted. The hierarchy requires the prioritising of sustainable transport by firstly providing for walking and wheeling and secondly by providing for cycling. Other modes are ranked based on their sustainability as follows; public transport, taxis and shared transport and goods vehicles, and private cars and motorcycles.\n\n‘Planning for the Future of Transport – Time for Change’ will be used in the development of the forthcoming Local Transport Plans (LTP) which must be prepared in an integrated and iterative manner with the local Councils’ Local Development Plans. This will ensure that walking and cycling are embedded in the heart of future transport and land-use planning decisions.\n\nThe Walking and Cycling Champion recommended the consideration of inter-urban cycling links within the forthcoming Regional Strategy Transport Network Transport Plan (RSTNTP) and as a result the greenway network will be assessed for inclusion in the plan.\n\nThe Champion has made progress in moving forward a programme of measures to reallocate road space, creating more opportunities for walking, wheeling and cycling drive a green recovery and improve public health. She played a key role in the development of ‘Making Belfast an Active City – Belfast Cycling Network 2021’, a blueprint which captures my ambition to develop the cycling infrastructure in Belfast, not just for the next year, but for the next 10 years and more.\n\nThis year I have committed £11 million of my £20 million Blue / Green Infrastructure Fund specifically to walking and cycling schemes delivered by my Department. A further £2.5 million of this fund has been allocated to greenway projects. This £13.5 million is the highest allocation for active travel in any year.\n\nI make no pretence that my Department has delivered as much progress on active travel as I would have wanted in my time as Minister, but I believe that creating a Walking and Cycling Champion as a focal point in the Department has been a key component in what has been achieved and embedding this focus and culture change across the department will prove to be key to accelerating progress in the year ahead.","answerHtml":"Last year, I created the position of a ‘Walking and Cycling Champion’ to place walking, wheeling and cycling at the heart of the work of my Department and to encourage more active travel. My Director of Transport Policy assumed the role of Champion to embed culture change within my Department. This culture change work is critical to delivering the step change in active travel I believe is required.
I recently published ‘Planning for the Future of Transport – Time for Change’ which outlines the Department’s priorities for the future of transport. This document was produced by the Walking and Cycling Champion’s Transport Policy team and sets out how my Department must work in a different way in order to assist in putting the right schemes in the right places. It includes a modal hierarchy that should be adopted. The hierarchy requires the prioritising of sustainable transport by firstly providing for walking and wheeling and secondly by providing for cycling. Other modes are ranked based on their sustainability as follows; public transport, taxis and shared transport and goods vehicles, and private cars and motorcycles.
‘Planning for the Future of Transport – Time for Change’ will be used in the development of the forthcoming Local Transport Plans (LTP) which must be prepared in an integrated and iterative manner with the local Councils’ Local Development Plans. This will ensure that walking and cycling are embedded in the heart of future transport and land-use planning decisions.
The Walking and Cycling Champion recommended the consideration of inter-urban cycling links within the forthcoming Regional Strategy Transport Network Transport Plan (RSTNTP) and as a result the greenway network will be assessed for inclusion in the plan.
The Champion has made progress in moving forward a programme of measures to reallocate road space, creating more opportunities for walking, wheeling and cycling drive a green recovery and improve public health. She played a key role in the development of ‘Making Belfast an Active City – Belfast Cycling Network 2021’, a blueprint which captures my ambition to develop the cycling infrastructure in Belfast, not just for the next year, but for the next 10 years and more.
This year I have committed £11 million of my £20 million Blue / Green Infrastructure Fund specifically to walking and cycling schemes delivered by my Department. A further £2.5 million of this fund has been allocated to greenway projects. This £13.5 million is the highest allocation for active travel in any year.
I make no pretence that my Department has delivered as much progress on active travel as I would have wanted in my time as Minister, but I believe that creating a Walking and Cycling Champion as a focal point in the Department has been a key component in what has been achieved and embedding this focus and culture change across the department will prove to be key to accelerating progress in the year ahead.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021631%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=346700","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=346700"}},{"id":"346699","reference":"AQW 21630/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-07-07","answerBy":"2021-07-26","answered":"2021-07-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department is using counters to track usage of pop-up cycle lanes.","answerText":"The design of the pilot pop-up cycle lanes, installed during the first lockdown in 2020, did not include at that point the installation of cycle counters. A review is currently being carried out on a number of these pop-up cycle lanes. The outcome of this will determine the effectiveness of the lanes, lessons learnt and how additional cycling infrastructure can be rolled out in the future, including how we track usage.","answerHtml":"The design of the pilot pop-up cycle lanes, installed during the first lockdown in 2020, did not include at that point the installation of cycle counters. A review is currently being carried out on a number of these pop-up cycle lanes. The outcome of this will determine the effectiveness of the lanes, lessons learnt and how additional cycling infrastructure can be rolled out in the future, including how we track usage.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021630%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=346699","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=346699"}},{"id":"346698","reference":"AQW 21629/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-07-07","answerBy":"2021-07-26","answered":"2021-07-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what planning policies are in place to presume against applications that will increase traffic onto protected routes (i) directly; and (ii) indirectly.","answerText":"Policy in relation to transportation and land-use including protected routes is contained in the Strategic Planning Policy Statement for Northern Ireland (the SPPS). Regional policy is to restrict the number of new accesses and control the level of use of existing accesses onto such roads (subject to some exceptions such as in the case of motorways and high standard dual carriageways, where an exception may be considered for motorway service areas, where there is demonstrable need).\n\nThis is a long established policy approach designed to maximise the efficient movement of goods and people over long distances and also maintain road safety. Where a development proposal is likely to increase traffic onto a protected route directly (for example through an access onto the protected route) or indirectly, the relevant planning authority will consider this policy in consultation with my Department as appropriate, and all other material planning considerations, before taking a decision.","answerHtml":"Policy in relation to transportation and land-use including protected routes is contained in the Strategic Planning Policy Statement for Northern Ireland (the SPPS). Regional policy is to restrict the number of new accesses and control the level of use of existing accesses onto such roads (subject to some exceptions such as in the case of motorways and high standard dual carriageways, where an exception may be considered for motorway service areas, where there is demonstrable need).
This is a long established policy approach designed to maximise the efficient movement of goods and people over long distances and also maintain road safety. Where a development proposal is likely to increase traffic onto a protected route directly (for example through an access onto the protected route) or indirectly, the relevant planning authority will consider this policy in consultation with my Department as appropriate, and all other material planning considerations, before taking a decision.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021629%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=346698","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=346698"}},{"id":"346137","reference":"AQW 21379/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-07-02","answerBy":"2021-07-21","answered":"2022-02-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy given the Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme and the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme have now ended, to detail the support that will be provided to businesses that remain impeded from operating by continued health protection regulations.","answerText":"I apologise for the delay in responding to your query and as you will appreciate the current circumstances are different from those pertaining when you lodged this question.\n\nAlongside the UK Government Support Schemes, my Department has provided over £600 million of vital financial support through 54 different interventions aimed at preventing job losses and business closures, and boosting economic recovery reaching in excess of 46,000 businesses.\n\nGiven the recent removal of restrictions there are currently no plans for any further support schemes.","answerHtml":"I apologise for the delay in responding to your query and as you will appreciate the current circumstances are different from those pertaining when you lodged this question.
Alongside the UK Government Support Schemes, my Department has provided over £600 million of vital financial support through 54 different interventions aimed at preventing job losses and business closures, and boosting economic recovery reaching in excess of 46,000 businesses.
Given the recent removal of restrictions there are currently no plans for any further support schemes.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021379%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=346137","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=346137"}},{"id":"346136","reference":"AQW 21378/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-07-02","answerBy":"2021-07-21","answered":"2021-07-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure pursuant to AQW 15684/17-22, when works to Pattons Lane, Holywood will commence.","answerText":"As outlined in my answer to AQW 15684/17-22, the Environmental Improvement scheme planned for Patton’s Lane in Holywood is being delivered in partnership with the Department for Communities. It is intended that the overall scheme will incorporate upgrades to Pattons Lane, Grays Lane as well as resurfacing of the carriageway and footway along High Street, Holywood. My Department is continuing to develop the design and subject to its completion the intention is to deliver the improvement work within the current 2021-22 financial year.","answerHtml":"As outlined in my answer to AQW 15684/17-22, the Environmental Improvement scheme planned for Patton’s Lane in Holywood is being delivered in partnership with the Department for Communities. It is intended that the overall scheme will incorporate upgrades to Pattons Lane, Grays Lane as well as resurfacing of the carriageway and footway along High Street, Holywood. My Department is continuing to develop the design and subject to its completion the intention is to deliver the improvement work within the current 2021-22 financial year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021378%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=346136","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=346136"}},{"id":"346135","reference":"AQW 21377/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-07-02","answerBy":"2021-07-21","answered":"2021-07-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether Groomsport Road, Bangor, adjacent to The Banks housing development, is due to be resurfaced in 2021/22.","answerText":"The Department’s opening budget allocation for road maintenance for the 2021-22 financial year has been finalised and the resurfacing programme for the Ards and North Down Borough Council area is currently being completed. Upon completion, details of schemes will be included in my Department’s Roads spring report that will be presented to Council prior to general release to the public.","answerHtml":"The Department’s opening budget allocation for road maintenance for the 2021-22 financial year has been finalised and the resurfacing programme for the Ards and North Down Borough Council area is currently being completed. Upon completion, details of schemes will be included in my Department’s Roads spring report that will be presented to Council prior to general release to the public.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021377%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=346135","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=346135"}},{"id":"345689","reference":"AQW 21175/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-29","answerBy":"2021-07-16","answered":"2021-07-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to deatil the steps her Department is taking to encourage museums and galleries to provide virtual tours to better provide for people with accessibility challenges.","answerText":"My Department continues to support the work of National Museums NI and the NI Museums Council in identifying ways of improving accessibility for all to museum collections.\n\nMy Officials regularly meet with the museums sector to discuss, amongst other matters, collaboration opportunities and accessibility issues to ensure that both Department and the sector continue to focus on the importance of providing access to all and attracting a diverse range of audiences.","answerHtml":"My Department continues to support the work of National Museums NI and the NI Museums Council in identifying ways of improving accessibility for all to museum collections.
My Officials regularly meet with the museums sector to discuss, amongst other matters, collaboration opportunities and accessibility issues to ensure that both Department and the sector continue to focus on the importance of providing access to all and attracting a diverse range of audiences.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021175%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=345689","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=345689"}},{"id":"345688","reference":"AQW 21174/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-29","answerBy":"2021-07-16","answered":"2021-07-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health what steps are being taken to make Kaftrio available in Northern Ireland for the treatment of cystic fibrosis.","answerText":"Kaftrio is currently available in Northern Ireland for the treatment of cystic fibrosis. On 30 July 2020 I announced an agreement with Vertex Pharmaceuticals that would make Kaftrio available in Northern Ireland for clinically suitable patients, this gives access to Kaftrio to people with Cystic Fibrosis aged 12 and over.","answerHtml":"Kaftrio is currently available in Northern Ireland for the treatment of cystic fibrosis. On 30 July 2020 I announced an agreement with Vertex Pharmaceuticals that would make Kaftrio available in Northern Ireland for clinically suitable patients, this gives access to Kaftrio to people with Cystic Fibrosis aged 12 and over.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021174%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=345688","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=345688"}},{"id":"345687","reference":"AQW 21173/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-29","answerBy":"2021-07-16","answered":"2021-08-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to list the dental practices in North Down that accept NHS patients.","answerText":"Information is not held on dental practices that are currently accepting NHS patients. However information is available on the number of dental practices contracted to carry out health service dental work. There were 19 such General Dental practices in the North Down Assembly Area at the 30th June 2021. The full list is included in Table 1. This information has been sourced from the latest Official Statistics publication, ‘FPS General Dental Services Statistics: To QE June 2021’, published on the 22nd July 2021.\n\nTable 1: General Dental practices in the North Down Assembly Area at the 30th June 2021\n\nDental Practice\tAddress\nAbbey Street Dental Care\t32 ABBEY STREET, BANGOR, BT20 4JA\nHigh Street Dental Practice\t116 HIGH STREET, HOLYWOOD, BT18 9HW\nHamilton Road Dental\t42 HAMILTON ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 4LE\nClandeboye Dental Clinic\t109G CLANDEBOYE ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 3JW\nHarbour Dental Practice\t13 THE PARADE, DONAGHADEE, BT21 0AE\nClear Dental\t4 HAMILTON ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 4LE\nMcDonough and Garrett Dental Care\t107 HAMILTON ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 4LN\nHolywood Dental Care\t128 HIGH STREET, HOLYWOOD, BT18 9HW\nFarmer Dental\t16 HAMILTON ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 4LE\nBangor Orthodontics\t2 BINGHAM LANE, BANGOR, BT20 5DR\nShore Road Dental and Implant Clinic\t32 SHORE ROAD, HOLYWOOD, BT18 9HX\nBUPA Dental Care Bangor\tBANGOR SPRINGHILL, 4A KILLEEN AVENUE, BT19 1NB\nSmart Dental Care\t55/57 HIGH STREET, DONAGHADEE, BT21 0AQ\nBallyholme Dental Practice\t22A GROOMSPORT ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 5LN\nHazeldene Dental Practice\t64 DONAGHADEE RD, BANGOR, BT20 4QX\nCastlebawn Dental Practice\t32-34 Victoria Road, Bangor, BT20 5EX\nMercer Dental Care\t97 BRUNSWICK ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 3DW\nHelen's Bay Dental Practice\t1A STATION ROAD, HELENS BAY, BT19 1TN\nBrunswick Dental Practice\t38 BRUNSWICK ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 3DU","answerHtml":"Information is not held on dental practices that are currently accepting NHS patients. However information is available on the number of dental practices contracted to carry out health service dental work. There were 19 such General Dental practices in the North Down Assembly Area at the 30th June 2021. The full list is included in Table 1. This information has been sourced from the latest Official Statistics publication, ‘FPS General Dental Services Statistics: To QE June 2021’, published on the 22nd July 2021.
Table 1: General Dental practices in the North Down Assembly Area at the 30th June 2021
| Dental Practice | Address |
| Abbey Street Dental Care | 32 ABBEY STREET, BANGOR, BT20 4JA |
| High Street Dental Practice | 116 HIGH STREET, HOLYWOOD, BT18 9HW |
| Hamilton Road Dental | 42 HAMILTON ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 4LE |
| Clandeboye Dental Clinic | 109G CLANDEBOYE ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 3JW |
| Harbour Dental Practice | 13 THE PARADE, DONAGHADEE, BT21 0AE |
| Clear Dental | 4 HAMILTON ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 4LE |
| McDonough and Garrett Dental Care | 107 HAMILTON ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 4LN |
| Holywood Dental Care | 128 HIGH STREET, HOLYWOOD, BT18 9HW |
| Farmer Dental | 16 HAMILTON ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 4LE |
| Bangor Orthodontics | 2 BINGHAM LANE, BANGOR, BT20 5DR |
| Shore Road Dental and Implant Clinic | 32 SHORE ROAD, HOLYWOOD, BT18 9HX |
| BUPA Dental Care Bangor | BANGOR SPRINGHILL, 4A KILLEEN AVENUE, BT19 1NB |
| Smart Dental Care | 55/57 HIGH STREET, DONAGHADEE, BT21 0AQ |
| Ballyholme Dental Practice | 22A GROOMSPORT ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 5LN |
| Hazeldene Dental Practice | 64 DONAGHADEE RD, BANGOR, BT20 4QX |
| Castlebawn Dental Practice | 32-34 Victoria Road, Bangor, BT20 5EX |
| Mercer Dental Care | 97 BRUNSWICK ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 3DW |
| Helen's Bay Dental Practice | 1A STATION ROAD, HELENS BAY, BT19 1TN |
| Brunswick Dental Practice | 38 BRUNSWICK ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 3DU |
The contract for the Assembly Commission’s broadband service to constituency offices was awarded to Atlas Communications Ltd on 21 September 2016 and runs until 20 September 2021.
Under the contract, internet speeds are available up to a maximum of 40Mbps download and 2Mbps upload, both of which are fixed for the duration of the contract period. However, the performance of the broadband service in respect of each individual constituency office is heavily influenced by a number of factors including proximity of the premises in relation to local telecommunications infrastructure and the size and physical layout of the office.
The IS Office is currently analysing and reviewing the overall provision of internet services to constituency offices and will make proposals to the Assembly Commission.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021021%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=345414","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=345414"}},{"id":"345413","reference":"AQW 21020/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-25","answerBy":"2021-07-14","answered":"2021-07-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether the £215m of capital funding allocated to NI Water in 2021/22 is sufficient to fully fund PC21 for this financial year.","answerText":"The Utility Regulator’s PC21 Final Determination outlines an investment requirement of some £2 billion capital funding for water and sewerage services over the six financial years from 2021/22 to 2026/27. This represents an increase of 102% compared to PC15.\n\nThe capital investment required each year is contained within the Price Control 21 Final Determination, as follows;\n\nPC 21 Capital DEL\t2021/22\t2022/23\t2023/24\t2024/25\t2025/26\t2026/27\tTotal\n£m\t£m\t£m\t£m\t£m\t£m\t£m\n178.6\t251.2\t327.3\t438.2\t449.4\t405.7\t2050.4\n\nMy department has committed £215.6m Capital DEL for 2021/22. This represents full funding as determined by the Utility Regulator for 2021-22. I have also provided additional capital budget allocation to NI Water this year, to accelerate the delivery of PC21 projects, and to begin to address the issues of historic underinvestment in our water and sewerage service.","answerHtml":"The Utility Regulator’s PC21 Final Determination outlines an investment requirement of some £2 billion capital funding for water and sewerage services over the six financial years from 2021/22 to 2026/27. This represents an increase of 102% compared to PC15.
The capital investment required each year is contained within the Price Control 21 Final Determination, as follows;
| PC 21 Capital DEL | 2021/22 | 2022/23 | 2023/24 | 2024/25 | 2025/26 | 2026/27 | Total |
| £m | £m | £m | £m | £m | £m | £m | |
| 178.6 | 251.2 | 327.3 | 438.2 | 449.4 | 405.7 | 2050.4 |
My department has committed £215.6m Capital DEL for 2021/22. This represents full funding as determined by the Utility Regulator for 2021-22. I have also provided additional capital budget allocation to NI Water this year, to accelerate the delivery of PC21 projects, and to begin to address the issues of historic underinvestment in our water and sewerage service.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021020%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=345413","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=345413"}},{"id":"345412","reference":"AQW 21019/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-25","answerBy":"2021-07-14","answered":"2021-07-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure pursuant to AQW 19813/17-22, for a breakdown of the expenditure included in (i) the £35.8m for Other Capital Projects; and (ii) the £42.7m for Bridges and Other.","answerText":"The table below provides the detail requested.\n\nDescription\tAmount £m\nTrust Port Loans\t13.8\nBlue/Green Capital Fund\t20.0\nWaterways Ireland\t2.0\nTotal Other Capital Projects\t35.8\nStreet Lighting\t41\nBridges & Operational Plant\t14.3\nTotal Bridges and Other\t55.3\nLess Overplanning\t(12.6)\nTotal\t42.7\n\nThe breakdown provided in the table includes overplanning in capital works above my allocated budget to allow for slippage; which will inevitably occur in a budget of this size. This approach is considered to be prudent financial management and will help ensure that I maximise capital expenditure within my Department this financial year.","answerHtml":"The table below provides the detail requested.
| Description | Amount £m |
| Trust Port Loans | 13.8 |
| Blue/Green Capital Fund | 20.0 |
| Waterways Ireland | 2.0 |
| Total Other Capital Projects | 35.8 |
| Street Lighting | 41 |
| Bridges & Operational Plant | 14.3 |
| Total Bridges and Other | 55.3 |
| Less Overplanning | (12.6) |
| Total | 42.7 |
The breakdown provided in the table includes overplanning in capital works above my allocated budget to allow for slippage; which will inevitably occur in a budget of this size. This approach is considered to be prudent financial management and will help ensure that I maximise capital expenditure within my Department this financial year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021019%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=345412","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=345412"}},{"id":"345411","reference":"AQW 21018/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-25","answerBy":"2021-07-14","answered":"2021-07-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline action being taken by her Department to address the shortage of HGV drivers.","answerText":"The Department for Infrastructure and the Department for Transport in GB are aware of the haulier shortage. Many of the reported problems in recruitment reported by the trade representatives are commercial in nature and will require improvements in pay and working conditions. Brexit is a factor in the haulier shortage with many EU drivers reportedly no longer working in the UK. My officials have raised this matter with the Department for the Economy to see if there is any availability of Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) apprenticeships in the North.\n\nThe Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) has taken a range of measures to maximise the availability of LGV driving test slots. In addition to normal weekday slots they also now offer LGV driving tests on a Saturday and on Sundays where it is suitable to do so without compromising the integrity of the test. Overtime is also being used to rota off-shift dual role driving examiners to provide further capacity. Through increasing its capacity in May, the DVA conducted 307 LGV driving tests, which is around 20% higher than the five year average for that month.\n\nDVA is also engaging with various LGV driver training schools in relation to test appointments. Test Centre Managers frequently liaise directly with the training schools to meet specific requirements and help address demands. Standing appointments for LGV driver training schools which were previously suspended due to Covid 19 restrictions have now been reinstated. This allows more flexibility for the industry to avail of LGV driver test appointments.\n\nThe DVA is also exploring a number of options to increase LGV examiner resources to address current demands and meet industry needs, including identifying further examiners with the relevant licence entitlements to be trained to conduct LGV Tests.","answerHtml":"The Department for Infrastructure and the Department for Transport in GB are aware of the haulier shortage. Many of the reported problems in recruitment reported by the trade representatives are commercial in nature and will require improvements in pay and working conditions. Brexit is a factor in the haulier shortage with many EU drivers reportedly no longer working in the UK. My officials have raised this matter with the Department for the Economy to see if there is any availability of Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) apprenticeships in the North.
The Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) has taken a range of measures to maximise the availability of LGV driving test slots. In addition to normal weekday slots they also now offer LGV driving tests on a Saturday and on Sundays where it is suitable to do so without compromising the integrity of the test. Overtime is also being used to rota off-shift dual role driving examiners to provide further capacity. Through increasing its capacity in May, the DVA conducted 307 LGV driving tests, which is around 20% higher than the five year average for that month.
DVA is also engaging with various LGV driver training schools in relation to test appointments. Test Centre Managers frequently liaise directly with the training schools to meet specific requirements and help address demands. Standing appointments for LGV driver training schools which were previously suspended due to Covid 19 restrictions have now been reinstated. This allows more flexibility for the industry to avail of LGV driver test appointments.
The DVA is also exploring a number of options to increase LGV examiner resources to address current demands and meet industry needs, including identifying further examiners with the relevant licence entitlements to be trained to conduct LGV Tests.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021018%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=345411","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=345411"}},{"id":"345410","reference":"AQW 21017/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-25","answerBy":"2021-07-14","answered":"2021-07-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to outline action being taken by his Department to address the shortage of HGV Drivers.","answerText":"My Department has a wide range of provision available to meet the current and future skills needs of employers, including programmes such as apprenticeships, traineeships, Skills Focus and Assured Skills. Financial support is also available through Invest NI to meet companies’ skills requirements where they fulfil the necessary criteria.\n\nHowever, skills in demand that require mandatory training are not delivered by my Department but the Department for Communities, (DfC) can offer tailored support to employers who have a specific recruitment need. A recruitment platform, Jobcentre Online www.jobcentreonline.com, is available to promote vacancies, free of charge, with further promotion through the Jobs and Benefits office (JBO) network, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Where there is a specific recruitment need a tailored recruitment event can be set up with support in sifting applications and assistance with the interviewing process.\n\nDfC also provides the Adviser Discretion Fund (ADF), a scheme that may provide up to £1500 (including VAT) to eligible persons (within a 12-month period), for the purchase of goods or services in order to remove a barrier to employment.\n\nADF may also be used to support those who are required to complete a short training course in order to progress into work. DfC Work Coaches determine when it is appropriate to offer such assistance to a customer. Therefore, in principle, many of the licensing, technical and medical elements required to attain an HGV qualification could be supported through ADF, subject to the eligibility criteria being met.","answerHtml":"My Department has a wide range of provision available to meet the current and future skills needs of employers, including programmes such as apprenticeships, traineeships, Skills Focus and Assured Skills. Financial support is also available through Invest NI to meet companies’ skills requirements where they fulfil the necessary criteria.
However, skills in demand that require mandatory training are not delivered by my Department but the Department for Communities, (DfC) can offer tailored support to employers who have a specific recruitment need. A recruitment platform, Jobcentre Online www.jobcentreonline.com, is available to promote vacancies, free of charge, with further promotion through the Jobs and Benefits office (JBO) network, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Where there is a specific recruitment need a tailored recruitment event can be set up with support in sifting applications and assistance with the interviewing process.
DfC also provides the Adviser Discretion Fund (ADF), a scheme that may provide up to £1500 (including VAT) to eligible persons (within a 12-month period), for the purchase of goods or services in order to remove a barrier to employment.
ADF may also be used to support those who are required to complete a short training course in order to progress into work. DfC Work Coaches determine when it is appropriate to offer such assistance to a customer. Therefore, in principle, many of the licensing, technical and medical elements required to attain an HGV qualification could be supported through ADF, subject to the eligibility criteria being met.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021017%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=345410","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=345410"}},{"id":"345132","reference":"AQW 20845/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-23","answerBy":"2021-07-08","answered":"2021-07-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs how his Department is addressing the burning of tyres at bonfire sites this year.","answerText":"NIEA focuses its resources on preventing the unauthorised disposal of used tyres, be that to bonfires or as illegally dumped waste. In doing so, NIEA officers carry out visits to tyre retail premises, inspecting waste storage and duty of care documentation to ensure that waste tyres are properly secured and are being disposed of at appropriately licensed facilities. While COVID restrictions constrained this activity during 2020, to date this year NIEA has completed 84 tyre retailer inspections.\n\nIn the 12 months prior to the end of June 2021, NIEA officials also participated in 26 Council-led Interagency Bonfire Meetings involving 5 councils (Causeway Coast and Glens, Derry & Strabane , Lisburn & Castlereagh, Mid & East Antrim, Newry Mourne and Down). These intra-agency meetings aim to resolve issues associated with traditional bonfires by council and statutory stakeholders working in a mutually supportive partnership. As part of this approach my Department has where it is safe to do so and with appropriate support from our partners assisted in the removal of waste tyres from bonfires sites or nearby locations. Since April 2020 the NIEA has secured the safe removal and collection of 29.36 tonnes of waste tyres, at a cost of £11,447 to my Department.","answerHtml":"NIEA focuses its resources on preventing the unauthorised disposal of used tyres, be that to bonfires or as illegally dumped waste. In doing so, NIEA officers carry out visits to tyre retail premises, inspecting waste storage and duty of care documentation to ensure that waste tyres are properly secured and are being disposed of at appropriately licensed facilities. While COVID restrictions constrained this activity during 2020, to date this year NIEA has completed 84 tyre retailer inspections.
In the 12 months prior to the end of June 2021, NIEA officials also participated in 26 Council-led Interagency Bonfire Meetings involving 5 councils (Causeway Coast and Glens, Derry & Strabane , Lisburn & Castlereagh, Mid & East Antrim, Newry Mourne and Down). These intra-agency meetings aim to resolve issues associated with traditional bonfires by council and statutory stakeholders working in a mutually supportive partnership. As part of this approach my Department has where it is safe to do so and with appropriate support from our partners assisted in the removal of waste tyres from bonfires sites or nearby locations. Since April 2020 the NIEA has secured the safe removal and collection of 29.36 tonnes of waste tyres, at a cost of £11,447 to my Department.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020845%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=345132","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=345132"}},{"id":"345131","reference":"AQW 20844/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-23","answerBy":"2021-07-08","answered":"2021-07-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail the outcome of each enforcement action concerning (i) the dumping of tyres without a waste management licence; and (ii) the burning of tyres, in each of the last five financial years.","answerText":"NIEA records the outcomes of its enforcement actions by calendar, rather than financial, year. From January 2017 to date, the Agency has overseen the following outcomes to cases involving the unlicensed deposit of end of life tyres:\n\nYear\tOutcome\n2017\tClosed no further action by PPS (summons not served)\n2017\tA £225 fine\n2019\tA Fixed Penalty Notice (£1000) paid by offender\n2020\tAn FPN (£300) paid by offender\n2020\tAn FPN (£300) paid by offender\n\nOver the same period, enforcement action outcomes in relation to the burning of tyres have resulted in one fine of £1,000 in November 2018. One further case involving the burning of tyres is currently being processed through the court system.\n\nIn addition, during the same period, officers issued 18 statutory notices under Article 27 of the Waste and Contaminated Land (NI) Order 1997 requiring the removal and lawful disposal of waste tyres by either the land owner or those responsible for the deposit. As these notices were complied with no further formal enforcement action was deemed necessary.","answerHtml":"NIEA records the outcomes of its enforcement actions by calendar, rather than financial, year. From January 2017 to date, the Agency has overseen the following outcomes to cases involving the unlicensed deposit of end of life tyres:
| Year | Outcome |
| 2017 | Closed no further action by PPS (summons not served) |
| 2017 | A £225 fine |
| 2019 | A Fixed Penalty Notice (£1000) paid by offender |
| 2020 | An FPN (£300) paid by offender |
| 2020 | An FPN (£300) paid by offender |
Over the same period, enforcement action outcomes in relation to the burning of tyres have resulted in one fine of £1,000 in November 2018. One further case involving the burning of tyres is currently being processed through the court system.
In addition, during the same period, officers issued 18 statutory notices under Article 27 of the Waste and Contaminated Land (NI) Order 1997 requiring the removal and lawful disposal of waste tyres by either the land owner or those responsible for the deposit. As these notices were complied with no further formal enforcement action was deemed necessary.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020844%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=345131","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=345131"}},{"id":"345130","reference":"AQW 20843/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-23","answerBy":"2021-07-08","answered":"2021-07-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline the responsibilities and enforcement powers of (i) his Department; and (ii) local councils in relation to the dumping of tyres without a waste management licence.","answerText":"Within the waste management legislation under which my Department operates, waste tyres are classified as controlled waste. Like any other type of controlled waste, waste tyres must be transported, stored, treated or disposed of in compliance with such legislation and it is an offence to dispose of controlled waste without or in accordance with a waste management permit.\n\nWhere such offences occur and the offender is identified, my Department will pursue enforcement under Article 4 and Article 5 of the Waste and Contaminated Land (NI) Order 1997 (the 1997 Order) . Any enforcement will be consistent with the NIEA Enforcement Policy, which can include the issue of fixed penalty fines to a maximum of £400 per offence or, depending of the severity of the offending, criminal prosecution through the courts.\n\nOn summary conviction, the offender is liable to a fine of up to £50,000, and on conviction on indictment, liable to an unlimited fine and six months imprisonment.\n\nAll waste facilities accepting waste tyres, including for their reuse or recycling, must hold a relevant waste authorisation. My Department carries out regular monitoring inspections of those authorised sites and provides awareness and educational advice to assist those retailers with compliance to relevant Duty of Care legislation and codes of practice regarding waste management.\n\nThe Clean Neighbourhoods & Environment Act (NI) 2011 enables District Councils (DCs) to issue ‘on the spot’ fixed penalty notices of up to £80 or court fines of up to £2,500 for littering. DAERA is currently reviewing the fixed penalty notices available to Councils to penalise offenders.\n\nUnder Article 28 of the 1997 Order, DCs can require those responsible for illegal disposal of waste in contraction of Article 4 to remove the waste. In the event of their failure to do so, or if the offender cannot be identified, DCs themselves may take remedial action, and where possible seek cost recovery through the courts. Article 28 does not currently extend to the Department.\n\nMy Department and DCs work collaboratively in dealing with illegal waste disposal, including the disposal of waste tyres, through the Flytipping Protocol in appropriate circumstances. Under the Protocol, NIEA is responsible for the investigation of large-scale waste criminality and the removal of hazardous wastes (e.g. asbestos) and other fly-tipped waste over 20m³ in volume; DCs take responsibility for other deposits under 20m3. To date 7 of the 11 DC’s have committed to the Fly tipping Protocol","answerHtml":"Within the waste management legislation under which my Department operates, waste tyres are classified as controlled waste. Like any other type of controlled waste, waste tyres must be transported, stored, treated or disposed of in compliance with such legislation and it is an offence to dispose of controlled waste without or in accordance with a waste management permit.
Where such offences occur and the offender is identified, my Department will pursue enforcement under Article 4 and Article 5 of the Waste and Contaminated Land (NI) Order 1997 (the 1997 Order) . Any enforcement will be consistent with the NIEA Enforcement Policy, which can include the issue of fixed penalty fines to a maximum of £400 per offence or, depending of the severity of the offending, criminal prosecution through the courts.
On summary conviction, the offender is liable to a fine of up to £50,000, and on conviction on indictment, liable to an unlimited fine and six months imprisonment.
All waste facilities accepting waste tyres, including for their reuse or recycling, must hold a relevant waste authorisation. My Department carries out regular monitoring inspections of those authorised sites and provides awareness and educational advice to assist those retailers with compliance to relevant Duty of Care legislation and codes of practice regarding waste management.
The Clean Neighbourhoods & Environment Act (NI) 2011 enables District Councils (DCs) to issue ‘on the spot’ fixed penalty notices of up to £80 or court fines of up to £2,500 for littering. DAERA is currently reviewing the fixed penalty notices available to Councils to penalise offenders.
Under Article 28 of the 1997 Order, DCs can require those responsible for illegal disposal of waste in contraction of Article 4 to remove the waste. In the event of their failure to do so, or if the offender cannot be identified, DCs themselves may take remedial action, and where possible seek cost recovery through the courts. Article 28 does not currently extend to the Department.
My Department and DCs work collaboratively in dealing with illegal waste disposal, including the disposal of waste tyres, through the Flytipping Protocol in appropriate circumstances. Under the Protocol, NIEA is responsible for the investigation of large-scale waste criminality and the removal of hazardous wastes (e.g. asbestos) and other fly-tipped waste over 20m³ in volume; DCs take responsibility for other deposits under 20m3. To date 7 of the 11 DC’s have committed to the Fly tipping Protocol
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020843%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=345130","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=345130"}},{"id":"345129","reference":"AQW 20842/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-23","answerBy":"2021-07-08","answered":"2021-07-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline the responsibilities and enforcement powers of (i) his Department; and (ii) local councils in relation to the burning of tyres.","answerText":"Both the NIEA and Local Councils have enforcement powers to deal with the burning of waste, including waste tyres.\n\nMy Departments powers in relation to the burning primarily fall under Article 4 of the Waste and Contaminated Land (NI) Order 1997, where it is an offence to treat, keep or dispose of controlled waste in a manner likely to cause pollution of the environment or harm to human health.\n\nWhere there is sufficient evidence, my Department will take enforcement action in line with its Enforcement Policy. This may include the issuing of fixed penalty notices up to a value of £400 per offence or criminal prosecution through the courts.\n\nOn summary conviction for Article 4 offences, the offender is liable to a fine of up to £50,000, and/or two years’ imprisonment. On conviction on indictment, the offender is liable to an unlimited fine and/or five years imprisonment.\n\nGiven the obvious difficulties in identifying those responsible for the burning of tyres at bonfire sites, my Department focuses its resources on preventing the unauthorised disposal of used tyres, be that to bonfires or as illegally dumped waste. In doing so, NIEA officers carry out visits to tyre retail premises, inspecting waste storage and duty of care documentation to ensure that waste tyres are properly secured and are being disposed of at appropriately licensed facilities. While COVID restrictions constrained this activity during 2020, to date this year NIEA has completed 84 tyre retailer inspections.\n\nA District Council (DC), under Article 28 of the 1997 Order, may direct those responsible for the deposit of illegal waste, including tyres, to remove such wastes in order to prevent pollution of land, water or air or harm to human health. In the event of non-compliance, or if those responsible cannot be identified, a DC may remove the waste from the land or take other steps to eliminate or reduce the consequences of the deposit as the case may require.\n\nIf a person on whom a requirement has been imposed under Article 28 fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with the requirement he shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale. A DC may also seek cost recovery.\n\nBoth my Department and DCs work collaboratively within multi-agency partnerships in tackling the range of issues associated with bonfires including the burning of tyres. As part of this partnership working NIEA will, when it is safe to do so, and with support of its partners, remove waste tyres from bonfires or associated sites to prevent their burning. Since April 2020, NIEA has secured the safe removal and collection of approximately 29 tonnes of waste tyres, at a cost of £11,447.","answerHtml":"Both the NIEA and Local Councils have enforcement powers to deal with the burning of waste, including waste tyres.
My Departments powers in relation to the burning primarily fall under Article 4 of the Waste and Contaminated Land (NI) Order 1997, where it is an offence to treat, keep or dispose of controlled waste in a manner likely to cause pollution of the environment or harm to human health.
Where there is sufficient evidence, my Department will take enforcement action in line with its Enforcement Policy. This may include the issuing of fixed penalty notices up to a value of £400 per offence or criminal prosecution through the courts.
On summary conviction for Article 4 offences, the offender is liable to a fine of up to £50,000, and/or two years’ imprisonment. On conviction on indictment, the offender is liable to an unlimited fine and/or five years imprisonment.
Given the obvious difficulties in identifying those responsible for the burning of tyres at bonfire sites, my Department focuses its resources on preventing the unauthorised disposal of used tyres, be that to bonfires or as illegally dumped waste. In doing so, NIEA officers carry out visits to tyre retail premises, inspecting waste storage and duty of care documentation to ensure that waste tyres are properly secured and are being disposed of at appropriately licensed facilities. While COVID restrictions constrained this activity during 2020, to date this year NIEA has completed 84 tyre retailer inspections.
A District Council (DC), under Article 28 of the 1997 Order, may direct those responsible for the deposit of illegal waste, including tyres, to remove such wastes in order to prevent pollution of land, water or air or harm to human health. In the event of non-compliance, or if those responsible cannot be identified, a DC may remove the waste from the land or take other steps to eliminate or reduce the consequences of the deposit as the case may require.
If a person on whom a requirement has been imposed under Article 28 fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with the requirement he shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale. A DC may also seek cost recovery.
Both my Department and DCs work collaboratively within multi-agency partnerships in tackling the range of issues associated with bonfires including the burning of tyres. As part of this partnership working NIEA will, when it is safe to do so, and with support of its partners, remove waste tyres from bonfires or associated sites to prevent their burning. Since April 2020, NIEA has secured the safe removal and collection of approximately 29 tonnes of waste tyres, at a cost of £11,447.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020842%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=345129","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=345129"}},{"id":"345128","reference":"AQW 20841/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-23","answerBy":"2021-07-08","answered":"2021-07-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail the timescales for the introduction of a dilapidation bill.","answerText":"Over the past few years my Department has engaged with stakeholders through blight summits, a discussion document, bi-lateral meetings and a formal public consultation in March 2016. The overwhelming majority of the respondents to the consultation expressed a preference for the development of a wide-ranging Dilapidation Bill that would consolidate and amend much of the existing Victorian legislation, and supplement it with new provisions in respect of low level dilapidation and dangerous buildings already available to local authorities in the rest of the UK. The other key proposal was to enhance significantly the cost recovery provisions available to councils, making the option of them carrying out the relevant works themselves much more viable.\n\nThe intention of the proposed Bill is to provide all district councils with a modern, fit-for-purpose Northern Ireland-wide enforcement regime to deal with the negative impact of dilapidated / dangerous buildings and neglected sites.\n\nIt had been my intention to introduce the Bill to the Assembly in 2021 so that it completed its passage before the end of the current Assembly mandate but due to other priority work areas taking precedence, in particular work to develop Northern Ireland’s first Environment Strategy, it has not been possible to finalise the substantial economic appraisal which must be completed before the Bill can be introduced.\n\nIt is my hope that the Bill can be introduced early in the next Assembly mandate.","answerHtml":"Over the past few years my Department has engaged with stakeholders through blight summits, a discussion document, bi-lateral meetings and a formal public consultation in March 2016. The overwhelming majority of the respondents to the consultation expressed a preference for the development of a wide-ranging Dilapidation Bill that would consolidate and amend much of the existing Victorian legislation, and supplement it with new provisions in respect of low level dilapidation and dangerous buildings already available to local authorities in the rest of the UK. The other key proposal was to enhance significantly the cost recovery provisions available to councils, making the option of them carrying out the relevant works themselves much more viable.
The intention of the proposed Bill is to provide all district councils with a modern, fit-for-purpose Northern Ireland-wide enforcement regime to deal with the negative impact of dilapidated / dangerous buildings and neglected sites.
It had been my intention to introduce the Bill to the Assembly in 2021 so that it completed its passage before the end of the current Assembly mandate but due to other priority work areas taking precedence, in particular work to develop Northern Ireland’s first Environment Strategy, it has not been possible to finalise the substantial economic appraisal which must be completed before the Bill can be introduced.
It is my hope that the Bill can be introduced early in the next Assembly mandate.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020841%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=345128","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=345128"}},{"id":"344946","reference":"AQW 20760/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-22","answerBy":"2021-07-07","answered":"2021-06-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance when his Department will bring proposals to the Executive regarding greater transparency around the delivery of major capital projects, as per his Memorandum of Reply to the Public Accounts Committee Report on Major Capital Projects.","answerText":"The Procurement Board is currently developing detailed proposals to improve the collection, analysis and reporting on the performance of major capital projects. This reporting will be linked to the Executive’s next Investment Strategy.\n\nThe proposals will be discussed by the Procurement Board at its meeting in September. Following this I will bring forward recommendations for approval by the Executive.","answerHtml":"The Procurement Board is currently developing detailed proposals to improve the collection, analysis and reporting on the performance of major capital projects. This reporting will be linked to the Executive’s next Investment Strategy.
The proposals will be discussed by the Procurement Board at its meeting in September. Following this I will bring forward recommendations for approval by the Executive.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020760%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=344946","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=344946"}},{"id":"343423","reference":"AQW 20637/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-18","answerBy":"2021-07-05","answered":"2021-06-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure following completion of street lighting scheme, whether Roseville Avenue and Roseville Park, Bangor will be included in the upcoming full-width footway replacement scheme this financial year.","answerText":"I can confirm that upon completion of work to upgrade the street lighting on Roseville Avenue and Roseville Park in Bangor, my Department has plans to take forward a scheme that will provide a full-width replacement of the footways. It is our intention to have all of the work completed this financial year.","answerHtml":"I can confirm that upon completion of work to upgrade the street lighting on Roseville Avenue and Roseville Park in Bangor, my Department has plans to take forward a scheme that will provide a full-width replacement of the footways. It is our intention to have all of the work completed this financial year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020637%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=343423","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=343423"}},{"id":"343422","reference":"AQW 20636/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-18","answerBy":"2021-07-05","answered":"2021-10-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the current number of patients on the waiting list for cataract surgery.","answerText":"Provisional data at 31st August 2021 indicated that there were 5,686 patients waiting for inpatient or day case cataract surgery in Northern Ireland. Data validation has not been completed and, therefore, data presented are provisional.\n\nA number of services may not be provided at a patient’s local HSC Trust, and instead are provided at centres within other HSC Trusts or a Day Case Procedure Centre (DPC). Patients are reported against the HSC Trust or DPC responsible for the service that will be providing cataract surgery.\n\nTable 1: Number of patients waiting for Cataract Surgery as at 31st August 2021 by HSC Trust and weeks waiting\n\nHSC Trust\tWeeks Waiting\tTotal Waiting\n0-6\t>6-13\t>13-21\t>21-26\t>26-52\t>52\nBelfast\t93\t181\t139\t66\t127\t190\t796\nSouth Eastern\t68\t32\t25\t1\t13\t66\t205\nSouthern\t0\t1\t0\t0\t1\t5\t7\nWestern\t145\t257\t181\t97\t460\t1,205\t2,345\nDPC\t327\t416\t347\t115\t481\t647\t2,333\nTotal\t633\t887\t692\t279\t1,082\t2,113\t5,686\n\nSource: DoH Inpatient Waiting Times Dataset\n\nData are provisional","answerHtml":"Provisional data at 31st August 2021 indicated that there were 5,686 patients waiting for inpatient or day case cataract surgery in Northern Ireland. Data validation has not been completed and, therefore, data presented are provisional.
A number of services may not be provided at a patient’s local HSC Trust, and instead are provided at centres within other HSC Trusts or a Day Case Procedure Centre (DPC). Patients are reported against the HSC Trust or DPC responsible for the service that will be providing cataract surgery.
Table 1: Number of patients waiting for Cataract Surgery as at 31st August 2021 by HSC Trust and weeks waiting
| HSC Trust | Weeks Waiting | Total Waiting | |||||
| 0-6 | >6-13 | >13-21 | >21-26 | >26-52 | >52 | ||
| Belfast | 93 | 181 | 139 | 66 | 127 | 190 | 796 |
| South Eastern | 68 | 32 | 25 | 1 | 13 | 66 | 205 |
| Southern | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 7 |
| Western | 145 | 257 | 181 | 97 | 460 | 1,205 | 2,345 |
| DPC | 327 | 416 | 347 | 115 | 481 | 647 | 2,333 |
| Total | 633 | 887 | 692 | 279 | 1,082 | 2,113 | 5,686 |
Source: DoH Inpatient Waiting Times Dataset
Data are provisional
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020636%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=343422","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=343422"}},{"id":"342175","reference":"AQW 20559/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-17","answerBy":"2021-06-24","answered":"2021-06-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on timescales concerning the review of the implementation of the Planning Act (NI) 2011.","answerText":"As you are aware my Department issued a Call for Evidence to targeted stakeholders which closed on 16 April 2021. This attracted 55 responses from a diverse range of stakeholders including, all 11 local councils, professional bodies, electricity/renewables and business sectors, environmental NGOs, community and housing interests, academia and several political parties. My officials are currently assessing these responses, some of which are long, complex and detailed. As careful consideration will need to be given to the issues which have emerged from the Call for Evidence, this will obviously take time.\n\nI will then give careful consideration to the responses to determine whether any suggested amendment, retention or repeal of associated provisions would assist in better achieving the objectives of the 2011 Planning Act. In addition, it will be necessary to determine whether changes (if implemented) would require amendment to primary and/or subordinate legislation, or could be effected through guidance or other means.\n\nI anticipate that the associated review report will be published later this year.","answerHtml":"As you are aware my Department issued a Call for Evidence to targeted stakeholders which closed on 16 April 2021. This attracted 55 responses from a diverse range of stakeholders including, all 11 local councils, professional bodies, electricity/renewables and business sectors, environmental NGOs, community and housing interests, academia and several political parties. My officials are currently assessing these responses, some of which are long, complex and detailed. As careful consideration will need to be given to the issues which have emerged from the Call for Evidence, this will obviously take time.
I will then give careful consideration to the responses to determine whether any suggested amendment, retention or repeal of associated provisions would assist in better achieving the objectives of the 2011 Planning Act. In addition, it will be necessary to determine whether changes (if implemented) would require amendment to primary and/or subordinate legislation, or could be effected through guidance or other means.
I anticipate that the associated review report will be published later this year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020559%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=342175","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=342175"}},{"id":"342174","reference":"AQW 20558/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-17","answerBy":"2021-07-02","answered":"2021-06-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether he will (i) extend the moratorium on commercial evictions until March 2022; and (ii) bring forward legislation for a binding arbitration process concerning arrears accrued during the moratorium on eviction put in place as part of COVID-19 pandemic.","answerText":"I refer the Member to my Answer to AQW 20446/17-22.","answerHtml":"I refer the Member to my Answer to AQW 20446/17-22.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020558%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=342174","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=342174"}},{"id":"342173","reference":"AQW 20557/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-17","answerBy":"2021-07-02","answered":"2021-06-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the number of improvement notices issued to statutory undertakers relevant to The Street Works (Northern Ireland) Order 1995, broken down by statutory undertaker, in each of the last five financial years.","answerText":"My Department monitors statutory undertaker company performance by carrying out sample inspections of reinstatements and signing lighting and guarding of works as set out in the Northern Ireland Road Authority and Utilities Committee (NIRAUC) Code of Practice for Inspections.\n\nImprovement notices can be issued for any defects identified during sample inspections and this imposes a requirement on the undertaker to submit an improvement plan.\n\nFollowing discussions with my officials on a number of issues, an improvement plan was submitted to the Department by BT (Openreach) in 2020/2021 however this was not prompted by the issuing of an improvement notice.\n\nI can also confirm that an improvement notice was issued to Virgin Media in 2019/2020 and that no improvement notices were issued in the three years prior to 2019/2020.","answerHtml":"My Department monitors statutory undertaker company performance by carrying out sample inspections of reinstatements and signing lighting and guarding of works as set out in the Northern Ireland Road Authority and Utilities Committee (NIRAUC) Code of Practice for Inspections.
Improvement notices can be issued for any defects identified during sample inspections and this imposes a requirement on the undertaker to submit an improvement plan.
Following discussions with my officials on a number of issues, an improvement plan was submitted to the Department by BT (Openreach) in 2020/2021 however this was not prompted by the issuing of an improvement notice.
I can also confirm that an improvement notice was issued to Virgin Media in 2019/2020 and that no improvement notices were issued in the three years prior to 2019/2020.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020557%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=342173","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=342173"}},{"id":"342172","reference":"AQW 20556/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-17","answerBy":"2021-07-02","answered":"2021-07-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in light of the significant lack of taxi drivers available to service demand as COVID-19 restrictions ease. whether she plans to review the entry procedures for taxi drivers, including the taxi driver theory test.","answerText":"As you are aware, the Taxis (Northern Ireland) Act 2008 (the Act) provides the legislative framework for current taxi policy in Northern Ireland. The Act, having been approved by the Assembly, became law in April 2008 replacing previous taxi legislation including elements of the Transport Act 1967 and a number of Belfast City Council Bye Laws.\n\nIt is the cornerstone of current taxi regulation in Northern Ireland and was introduced with the purpose of giving passengers reassurance. Therefore, any relaxation or simplification to the current entry requirements would require further policy and legislative consideration.\n\nOver the past year, there has been limited opportunity for first time applicants to apply for their taxi driver test due to Covid restrictions on driver testing. In addition, some existing taxi drivers, whose taxi licence expired during this period, may have decided not to incur the cost of renewing their taxi driver’s licence until the Covid restrictions were lifted.\n\nVehicle testing resumed for priority vehicle groups, including first time taxis, on 20 July 2020. From 10 March 2021, the DVA also resumed testing for taxis that qualified for the regulatory easements I introduced, which allowed for the automatic renewal of taxi vehicle licences, free of charge and without a prior test for a period of 12 months. The DVA has also resumed practical driving tests and theory tests for all categories, including taxi drivers, on 23 April 2021.\n\nMy officials have already met with industry representatives to discuss these matters and will continue to do so.","answerHtml":"As you are aware, the Taxis (Northern Ireland) Act 2008 (the Act) provides the legislative framework for current taxi policy in Northern Ireland. The Act, having been approved by the Assembly, became law in April 2008 replacing previous taxi legislation including elements of the Transport Act 1967 and a number of Belfast City Council Bye Laws.
It is the cornerstone of current taxi regulation in Northern Ireland and was introduced with the purpose of giving passengers reassurance. Therefore, any relaxation or simplification to the current entry requirements would require further policy and legislative consideration.
Over the past year, there has been limited opportunity for first time applicants to apply for their taxi driver test due to Covid restrictions on driver testing. In addition, some existing taxi drivers, whose taxi licence expired during this period, may have decided not to incur the cost of renewing their taxi driver’s licence until the Covid restrictions were lifted.
Vehicle testing resumed for priority vehicle groups, including first time taxis, on 20 July 2020. From 10 March 2021, the DVA also resumed testing for taxis that qualified for the regulatory easements I introduced, which allowed for the automatic renewal of taxi vehicle licences, free of charge and without a prior test for a period of 12 months. The DVA has also resumed practical driving tests and theory tests for all categories, including taxi drivers, on 23 April 2021.
My officials have already met with industry representatives to discuss these matters and will continue to do so.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020556%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=342172","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=342172"}},{"id":"342058","reference":"AQW 20506/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-16","answerBy":"2021-06-21","answered":"2021-06-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline the additional (i) actions; and (ii) resources that have been deployed to assist with the management of large crowds visiting Crawfordsburn Country Park during recent months.","answerText":"Crawfordsburn Country Park is an exceptionally busy site which attracts large numbers of visitors especially in periods of good weather. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has seen the site become even more popular as a destination. During the recent May bank holiday weekend more than 4000 cars visited the site through the main park entrance and an estimated 20,000 people visited the site, including an estimated 10,000 through the Helens Bay entrance, between Saturday and Monday of the holiday weekend.\n\nIn terms of the additional actions and resources deployed, I can confirm that;\n\nA range of signage has been enhanced across the site in relation to: the prohibition of alcohol consumption, the lighting of fires, dog foul disposal, smashing of glass bottles, damage to trees and park property, the holding of organised/commercial events, and traffic management.\n\nTwo additional All Terrain Vehicles have been provided to the site to further support site servicing.\n\nAdditional staff are being substantively employed increasing the number of permanent park rangers from 3 to 5. There will also be additional engagement of 3 seasonal rangers over the summer period. (7 staff are currently in place)\n\nFurthermore more additional staff within NIEA have been and continue to assist through voluntary overtime to support the site over weekend periods, often working late into the evening.\n\nAn extended staff presence has and is being provided on site, which has been coupled to a dedicated senior management presence on site over weekend/busy periods. Over the recent weekend of 12/13 June a staff presence, including senior management, was maintained, working on site 16 hours of the day on the Saturday and 15 hours on the Sunday from the early morning to late at night. Over the bank holiday weekend of 29th May, staff worked on site including senior management, from the early hours, again to late at night, providing an onsite working presence for 13 hours on the Saturday, 18 hours on the Sunday and 16 hours on the bank holiday Monday.\n\nStaff have also volunteered (and will no doubt continue to do so despite this not being part of their duties) to clean the beach toilets on several occasions in order for them to remain open in the evenings when the site has been particularly busy. (Budget cover has been confirmed and approval has been provided for contracted cleaners to carry out further cleaning of the public toilet facilities at both Helen’s Bay and the Beach toilets on site so that they may be kept open safely in the evenings in keeping with the park opening hours, unfortunately the contracted cleaners have not been able to deliver this service yet as they do not have sufficient staff in place, but they are currently recruiting for this purpose).\n\nStaff continue to monitor the site for anti-social behaviour and maintain strong communications with the PSNI and continue to work closely with PSNI and indeed other emergency services as and when incidents occur on site.\n\nNIEA site staff and management have worked and continue to work tirelessly to manage the park, to maintain safe public access, to manage traffic and to keep on top of servicing the site. I am sure that the staff concerned would welcome recognition and appreciation from local elected representatives, local residents and users of the site for the considerable additional work and efforts put in by their team to service the park. The task of maintaining this and other sites is significant and users can greatly assist by acting responsibly and adhering to signage regarding disposal of litter and dog fouling and other behaviours. Such responsible behaviour would help maintain these sites in a good and safe condition for all to enjoy.","answerHtml":"Crawfordsburn Country Park is an exceptionally busy site which attracts large numbers of visitors especially in periods of good weather. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has seen the site become even more popular as a destination. During the recent May bank holiday weekend more than 4000 cars visited the site through the main park entrance and an estimated 20,000 people visited the site, including an estimated 10,000 through the Helens Bay entrance, between Saturday and Monday of the holiday weekend.
In terms of the additional actions and resources deployed, I can confirm that;
A range of signage has been enhanced across the site in relation to: the prohibition of alcohol consumption, the lighting of fires, dog foul disposal, smashing of glass bottles, damage to trees and park property, the holding of organised/commercial events, and traffic management.
Two additional All Terrain Vehicles have been provided to the site to further support site servicing.
Additional staff are being substantively employed increasing the number of permanent park rangers from 3 to 5. There will also be additional engagement of 3 seasonal rangers over the summer period. (7 staff are currently in place)
Furthermore more additional staff within NIEA have been and continue to assist through voluntary overtime to support the site over weekend periods, often working late into the evening.
An extended staff presence has and is being provided on site, which has been coupled to a dedicated senior management presence on site over weekend/busy periods. Over the recent weekend of 12/13 June a staff presence, including senior management, was maintained, working on site 16 hours of the day on the Saturday and 15 hours on the Sunday from the early morning to late at night. Over the bank holiday weekend of 29th May, staff worked on site including senior management, from the early hours, again to late at night, providing an onsite working presence for 13 hours on the Saturday, 18 hours on the Sunday and 16 hours on the bank holiday Monday.
Staff have also volunteered (and will no doubt continue to do so despite this not being part of their duties) to clean the beach toilets on several occasions in order for them to remain open in the evenings when the site has been particularly busy. (Budget cover has been confirmed and approval has been provided for contracted cleaners to carry out further cleaning of the public toilet facilities at both Helen’s Bay and the Beach toilets on site so that they may be kept open safely in the evenings in keeping with the park opening hours, unfortunately the contracted cleaners have not been able to deliver this service yet as they do not have sufficient staff in place, but they are currently recruiting for this purpose).
Staff continue to monitor the site for anti-social behaviour and maintain strong communications with the PSNI and continue to work closely with PSNI and indeed other emergency services as and when incidents occur on site.
NIEA site staff and management have worked and continue to work tirelessly to manage the park, to maintain safe public access, to manage traffic and to keep on top of servicing the site. I am sure that the staff concerned would welcome recognition and appreciation from local elected representatives, local residents and users of the site for the considerable additional work and efforts put in by their team to service the park. The task of maintaining this and other sites is significant and users can greatly assist by acting responsibly and adhering to signage regarding disposal of litter and dog fouling and other behaviours. Such responsible behaviour would help maintain these sites in a good and safe condition for all to enjoy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020506%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=342058","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=342058"}},{"id":"342057","reference":"AQW 20505/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-16","answerBy":"2021-07-01","answered":"2021-06-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether consideration is being given to providing an Arabic translation of the Highway Code for Northern Ireland.","answerText":"In addition to the English language, The Highway Code is currently available in Irish, Polish, Lithuanian, Russian, Portuguese and Mandarin on NI Direct.\n\nWhilst there are no plans to translate the Highway Code for Northern Ireland into Arabic at this time, the Google Translate service is now available. This allows users to translate NI Direct content to a different language (including Arabic) using the Google Translate web service: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/translation-help\n\nPlease note that NI Direct has no control over the languages offered and cannot guarantee the quality and accuracy of translations produced by third party tools and services.","answerHtml":"In addition to the English language, The Highway Code is currently available in Irish, Polish, Lithuanian, Russian, Portuguese and Mandarin on NI Direct.
Whilst there are no plans to translate the Highway Code for Northern Ireland into Arabic at this time, the Google Translate service is now available. This allows users to translate NI Direct content to a different language (including Arabic) using the Google Translate web service: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/translation-help
Please note that NI Direct has no control over the languages offered and cannot guarantee the quality and accuracy of translations produced by third party tools and services.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020505%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=342057","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=342057"}},{"id":"342056","reference":"AQW 20504/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-16","answerBy":"2021-07-01","answered":"2021-06-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure in light of recent issues inhibiting provision of such facilities to assist with the COVID-19 recovery, whether she plans to review departmental policy concerning the provision of parklets.","answerText":"I am keen for my Department to assist with COVID-19 recovery, wherever possible. My Department is using its powers under The Street Works (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 to issue licences for the installation of parklets and similar structures to help with social distancing and economic recovery.\n\nMy officials have continued to work with applicants to resolve issues with applications. In order to make requirements clearer for applicants, my Department is currently updating its guidance in relation to street works licences for parklets and will re-issue it to Councils and BIDs once completed.","answerHtml":"I am keen for my Department to assist with COVID-19 recovery, wherever possible. My Department is using its powers under The Street Works (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 to issue licences for the installation of parklets and similar structures to help with social distancing and economic recovery.
My officials have continued to work with applicants to resolve issues with applications. In order to make requirements clearer for applicants, my Department is currently updating its guidance in relation to street works licences for parklets and will re-issue it to Councils and BIDs once completed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020504%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=342056","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=342056"}},{"id":"342055","reference":"AQW 20503/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-16","answerBy":"2021-07-01","answered":"2021-06-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the driving theory test accessibility for Arabic speakers.","answerText":"The Driver and Vehicle Agency offers an Arabic voiceover for the car and motorcycle theory tests. If this is not suitable, or if the customer is taking one of the other test categories, then they can avail of an interpreter.\n\nThe customer must book their test via the theory test Customer Service Centre (CSC) to ensure the correct facilities are in place for the delivery of an interpreter assisted test. The CSC will provide the candidate with the contact details of the Northern Ireland Civil Service approved supplier, currently FLEX Language Services. The candidate is responsible for making the necessary arrangements, and covering the cost with FLEX, for an interpreter to attend on the scheduled date and time.","answerHtml":"The Driver and Vehicle Agency offers an Arabic voiceover for the car and motorcycle theory tests. If this is not suitable, or if the customer is taking one of the other test categories, then they can avail of an interpreter.
The customer must book their test via the theory test Customer Service Centre (CSC) to ensure the correct facilities are in place for the delivery of an interpreter assisted test. The CSC will provide the candidate with the contact details of the Northern Ireland Civil Service approved supplier, currently FLEX Language Services. The candidate is responsible for making the necessary arrangements, and covering the cost with FLEX, for an interpreter to attend on the scheduled date and time.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020503%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=342055","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=342055"}},{"id":"342054","reference":"AQW 20502/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-16","answerBy":"2021-07-01","answered":"2021-06-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she plans to review (i) policy; and (ii) process concerning applications for a street works licence in light of efforts to assist with the COVID-19 recovery.","answerText":"I am keen for my Department to assist with COVID-19 recovery, whereever possible. My Department is using its powers under The Street Works (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 to issue licences for the installation of parklets and similar structures to help with social distancing and economic recovery.\n\nMy officials have continued to work with applicants to resolve issues with applications. In order to make requirements clearer for applicants, my Department is currently updating its guidance in relation to street works licences for parklets and will re-issue it to Councils and BIDs once completed.","answerHtml":"I am keen for my Department to assist with COVID-19 recovery, whereever possible. My Department is using its powers under The Street Works (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 to issue licences for the installation of parklets and similar structures to help with social distancing and economic recovery.
My officials have continued to work with applicants to resolve issues with applications. In order to make requirements clearer for applicants, my Department is currently updating its guidance in relation to street works licences for parklets and will re-issue it to Councils and BIDs once completed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020502%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=342054","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=342054"}},{"id":"341888","reference":"AQW 20449/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-15","answerBy":"2021-06-18","answered":"2021-07-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether any plans exist to alter the maximum number of people permitted at outdoor gatherings as part of the relaxations due to take effect from 21 June 2021, subject to ratification on 17 June 2021, from 500 people to a number determined as per the Risk Assessment.","answerText":"Apologies for the length of time it has taken to respond to your query. We are experiencing an unprecedented volume of correspondence and responses are unavoidably delayed as a result.\n\nI am pleased to inform you that effective from 2 July 2021 there is no maximum cap on the number permitted to attend an outdoor gathering, other than those at private dwellings. The maximum number of people permitted to attend an outdoor gathering is to be decided based on a risk assessment for that venue, ensuring measures are in place to mitigate the risk of transmission of Covid-19. This is the case for all outdoor gatherings of over 30 persons. Outdoor gatherings at private dwellings are limited to 15 from 5 households.\n\nGoing forward, to allow a period of stabilisation to fully assess the impact of recent relaxations, the Executive will review all further relaxations agreed in principal or otherwise and realign possible dates to implement these, subject to ratification.\n\nI hope this is of assistance to you.","answerHtml":"Apologies for the length of time it has taken to respond to your query. We are experiencing an unprecedented volume of correspondence and responses are unavoidably delayed as a result.
I am pleased to inform you that effective from 2 July 2021 there is no maximum cap on the number permitted to attend an outdoor gathering, other than those at private dwellings. The maximum number of people permitted to attend an outdoor gathering is to be decided based on a risk assessment for that venue, ensuring measures are in place to mitigate the risk of transmission of Covid-19. This is the case for all outdoor gatherings of over 30 persons. Outdoor gatherings at private dwellings are limited to 15 from 5 households.
Going forward, to allow a period of stabilisation to fully assess the impact of recent relaxations, the Executive will review all further relaxations agreed in principal or otherwise and realign possible dates to implement these, subject to ratification.
I hope this is of assistance to you.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020449%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=341888","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=341888"}},{"id":"341887","reference":"AQW 20448/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-15","answerBy":"2021-06-30","answered":"2021-06-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what legislative powers are in place to enable staff to manage anti-social behaviour issues arising in (i) forest parks; and (ii) country parks, as part of his departmental remit.","answerText":"The Forestry Act (Northern Ireland) 2010 is the legislative basis on which the powers of the Forestry Land Byelaws (Northern Ireland) 2013 are formed. The Byelaws can be used in response to anti-social behaviour in forest parks.\n\nIn respect of NIEA Country Parks there are no legislative powers in place which enable staff to specifically manage anti-social behaviour, responsibility for the enforcement of matters associated with anti-social behaviour rest with Council Authorities and the PSNI.\n\nSite staff actively monitor country parks for anti-social behaviour and liaise with the relevant authorities including the PSNI as necessary when concerns are identified.\n\nCountry Park staff continue to actively manage anti-social behaviour in partnership with the relevant authorities and work hard when incidents occur, particularly around large crowds and gatherings, in order to ensure that all litter is removed as soon as possible and the affected area is checked and is considered to be safe for continued public enjoyment.","answerHtml":"The Forestry Act (Northern Ireland) 2010 is the legislative basis on which the powers of the Forestry Land Byelaws (Northern Ireland) 2013 are formed. The Byelaws can be used in response to anti-social behaviour in forest parks.
In respect of NIEA Country Parks there are no legislative powers in place which enable staff to specifically manage anti-social behaviour, responsibility for the enforcement of matters associated with anti-social behaviour rest with Council Authorities and the PSNI.
Site staff actively monitor country parks for anti-social behaviour and liaise with the relevant authorities including the PSNI as necessary when concerns are identified.
Country Park staff continue to actively manage anti-social behaviour in partnership with the relevant authorities and work hard when incidents occur, particularly around large crowds and gatherings, in order to ensure that all litter is removed as soon as possible and the affected area is checked and is considered to be safe for continued public enjoyment.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020448%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=341887","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=341887"}},{"id":"341886","reference":"AQW 20447/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-15","answerBy":"2021-06-30","answered":"2021-06-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department will (i) conduct a speed limit review on Seahill Road outside Glencraig Primary School; and (ii) consider the school for inclusion in the 20 mph speed limit zone scheme.","answerText":"(i) Speed limits on a road are assessed in accordance with the Department’s guidelines which can be viewed through the following link:\n\nhttps://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/setting-local-speed-limits-northern-ireland-rsppg-e051\n\nThe speed limit in urban areas, such as in the vicinity of Glencraig Primary School on Seahill Road, is generally 30 mph and I am advised this is considered appropriate for this location in particular given the enhanced measures already in place including school signs and road markings, red textured surfaces and zig zag markings at the school frontage.\n\n(ii) I remain committed to promoting and improving road safety including working actively with partners to reduce death and serious injuries on our roads particularly near schools. My Department is currently completing works at 103 schools across Northern Ireland as part of the first tranche of my part-time 20mph speed limits at schools programme. These measures will increase driver awareness and achieve reductions in vehicle speeds outside and near these schools ensuring that parents, children and staff will be safer as they go to and from the schools on a daily basis.\n\nIt is my intention to roll out this programme further and other schools across all council areas, including Glencraig Primary School, will be considered for inclusion in a further tranche of part time 20mph speed limits at schools being taken forward this financial year.","answerHtml":"(i) Speed limits on a road are assessed in accordance with the Department’s guidelines which can be viewed through the following link:
https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/setting-local-speed-limits-northern-ireland-rsppg-e051
The speed limit in urban areas, such as in the vicinity of Glencraig Primary School on Seahill Road, is generally 30 mph and I am advised this is considered appropriate for this location in particular given the enhanced measures already in place including school signs and road markings, red textured surfaces and zig zag markings at the school frontage.
(ii) I remain committed to promoting and improving road safety including working actively with partners to reduce death and serious injuries on our roads particularly near schools. My Department is currently completing works at 103 schools across Northern Ireland as part of the first tranche of my part-time 20mph speed limits at schools programme. These measures will increase driver awareness and achieve reductions in vehicle speeds outside and near these schools ensuring that parents, children and staff will be safer as they go to and from the schools on a daily basis.
It is my intention to roll out this programme further and other schools across all council areas, including Glencraig Primary School, will be considered for inclusion in a further tranche of part time 20mph speed limits at schools being taken forward this financial year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020447%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=341886","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=341886"}},{"id":"341885","reference":"AQW 20446/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-15","answerBy":"2021-06-30","answered":"2021-06-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for his assessment on the viability of recent proposal from Landsec and British Land for a six months’ timeframe to agree a plan for business rent arrears to be paid back before a requirement to enter into a binding arbitration, such arrears having being accrued during the moratorium on eviction put in place as part of COVID-19 pandemic.","answerText":"As the member will be aware, the British Government announced on 16 June 2021 its intent to significantly extend statutory measures that protect commercial tenants in England from eviction to 25 March 2022, as well as announcing major plans for primary legislation for England at Westminster, coming into operation during 2022.\n\nI have extended the moratorium on evictions for commercial tenancies here until the end of September 2021; this three months period ahead gives us the opportunity to engage with the local business sector in relation to next steps.","answerHtml":"As the member will be aware, the British Government announced on 16 June 2021 its intent to significantly extend statutory measures that protect commercial tenants in England from eviction to 25 March 2022, as well as announcing major plans for primary legislation for England at Westminster, coming into operation during 2022.
I have extended the moratorium on evictions for commercial tenancies here until the end of September 2021; this three months period ahead gives us the opportunity to engage with the local business sector in relation to next steps.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020446%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=341885","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=341885"}},{"id":"341335","reference":"AQW 20251/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-10","answerBy":"2021-06-25","answered":"2021-06-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline the timescale for the construction of the (i) Park and Ride; and ii) related railway halt at Knockmore, Lisburn.","answerText":"I am ambitious for our rail network, and am keen to do all that I can to explore how we can progress rail improvements within the limited budgetary envelope that I have available to me. I recognise the potential which additional halts on our railway network could provide to areas such as Knockmore/Lisburn West.\n\nGiven the limited amount of funding available to improve and expand our network, I am keen that we take a strategic view to future investment to ensure we maximise the impact of any future projects taken forward. In that regard, the All Island Strategic Rail Review, which Minister Ryan and I announced in April, will allow us to consider our network across this island to view how we can improve it for everyone. The Review will examine the potential for rail connections across the island including how our existing connections could be improved and where new rail links would be best placed. This work will also include consideration of additional rail halts such as one at Knockmore.\n\nI want to ensure that any proposals for changes to the rail network include operational and financial viability and have a very clear focus on the part that rail can play in growing our all-island economy, while improving the ability of people to connect, access opportunities and address longstanding regional imbalances. The purpose of this review will be to allow data to drive how to improve and expand our rail connections. To that end, both Departments have made no assumptions on the outputs of the review and, at this time, cannot pre-empt what the review will recommend.\n\nMy Department is also currently preparing the Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan (RSTNTP), this plan will set out the priorities for future development of the main road and rail networks up to 2035. The RSTNTP will primarily consider capital investment for road and rail networks, but will also consider resource costs for improved bus and rail services. It is anticipated this plan will be published for public consultation later this year providing the opportunity for representations to be made for projects such as the ones you have outlined and I would encourage all feedback through this process to help inform the RSTNTP.","answerHtml":"I am ambitious for our rail network, and am keen to do all that I can to explore how we can progress rail improvements within the limited budgetary envelope that I have available to me. I recognise the potential which additional halts on our railway network could provide to areas such as Knockmore/Lisburn West.
Given the limited amount of funding available to improve and expand our network, I am keen that we take a strategic view to future investment to ensure we maximise the impact of any future projects taken forward. In that regard, the All Island Strategic Rail Review, which Minister Ryan and I announced in April, will allow us to consider our network across this island to view how we can improve it for everyone. The Review will examine the potential for rail connections across the island including how our existing connections could be improved and where new rail links would be best placed. This work will also include consideration of additional rail halts such as one at Knockmore.
I want to ensure that any proposals for changes to the rail network include operational and financial viability and have a very clear focus on the part that rail can play in growing our all-island economy, while improving the ability of people to connect, access opportunities and address longstanding regional imbalances. The purpose of this review will be to allow data to drive how to improve and expand our rail connections. To that end, both Departments have made no assumptions on the outputs of the review and, at this time, cannot pre-empt what the review will recommend.
My Department is also currently preparing the Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan (RSTNTP), this plan will set out the priorities for future development of the main road and rail networks up to 2035. The RSTNTP will primarily consider capital investment for road and rail networks, but will also consider resource costs for improved bus and rail services. It is anticipated this plan will be published for public consultation later this year providing the opportunity for representations to be made for projects such as the ones you have outlined and I would encourage all feedback through this process to help inform the RSTNTP.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020251%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=341335","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=341335"}},{"id":"341334","reference":"AQW 20250/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-10","answerBy":"2021-06-25","answered":"2021-06-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in light of both increased housing development in vicinity of the line and her Department's goals to address climate change by striving towards Net Zero, whether she plans to commission a feasibility study into reopening the Knockmore railway line between Lisburn and Antrim.","answerText":"Since coming into office, I have been clear that it is my priority to address regional imbalance, tackle the climate crisis and better connect communities across Ireland. I am committed to improving transport connectivity for the benefit of our economy and communities across the North. Our rail network, whilst relatively small, does present a unique opportunity to improve the sustainability of the Department’s transport operations and so help address climate change.\n\nIn partnership with my counterpart in the Irish Department for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD, we announced in April a joint All-Island Strategic Rail Review to look into improving rail connectivity between major cities, and extending accessibility. This is an ambitious piece of work that will help inform our decision making and investment in our rail network for years to come, and will explore the opportunities to better connect communities not just in the north-west but much further afield and will open up opportunities for our island economy.\n\nThe process is at an early stage, with a procurement exercise being undertaken to appoint a service provider to deliver the review, but I will continue to explore how we will advance and build on the ambitions set out in the New Decade New Approach through the North South Ministerial Council.\n\nMy Department is also currently developing proposals for a new Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan (RSTNTP) which will set out the priorities for future development of the main road and rail networks up to 2035. The RSTNTP will primarily consider capital investment for road and rail networks and will also consider resource costs for improved bus and rail services.\n\nIt is anticipated this plan will be published for consultation later this year and I would welcome all representations from the public, including those in respect of reopening Lisburn to Antrim railway line via Knockmore, through this process.","answerHtml":"Since coming into office, I have been clear that it is my priority to address regional imbalance, tackle the climate crisis and better connect communities across Ireland. I am committed to improving transport connectivity for the benefit of our economy and communities across the North. Our rail network, whilst relatively small, does present a unique opportunity to improve the sustainability of the Department’s transport operations and so help address climate change.
In partnership with my counterpart in the Irish Department for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD, we announced in April a joint All-Island Strategic Rail Review to look into improving rail connectivity between major cities, and extending accessibility. This is an ambitious piece of work that will help inform our decision making and investment in our rail network for years to come, and will explore the opportunities to better connect communities not just in the north-west but much further afield and will open up opportunities for our island economy.
The process is at an early stage, with a procurement exercise being undertaken to appoint a service provider to deliver the review, but I will continue to explore how we will advance and build on the ambitions set out in the New Decade New Approach through the North South Ministerial Council.
My Department is also currently developing proposals for a new Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan (RSTNTP) which will set out the priorities for future development of the main road and rail networks up to 2035. The RSTNTP will primarily consider capital investment for road and rail networks and will also consider resource costs for improved bus and rail services.
It is anticipated this plan will be published for consultation later this year and I would welcome all representations from the public, including those in respect of reopening Lisburn to Antrim railway line via Knockmore, through this process.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020250%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=341334","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=341334"}},{"id":"340546","reference":"AQW 19957/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-04","answerBy":"2021-06-09","answered":"2021-06-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether there are plans to rescind the pedestrianisation of Hill Street and Gordon Street in Belfast city centre.","answerText":"As part of measures to aid social distancing during the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, Hill Street and Gordon Street were temporarily closed to motor traffic on 17 May 2020.\n\nMy officials have been working with the local business community and the Cathedral Quarter BID since then, to amend changes to the road layout to ensure appropriate access is permitted.\n\nI met with stakeholders on 16 March 2021 to take on board any concerns and my officials are currently working on a proposal to consult with residents and business owners in the area to reach an agreed way forward.","answerHtml":"As part of measures to aid social distancing during the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, Hill Street and Gordon Street were temporarily closed to motor traffic on 17 May 2020.
My officials have been working with the local business community and the Cathedral Quarter BID since then, to amend changes to the road layout to ensure appropriate access is permitted.
I met with stakeholders on 16 March 2021 to take on board any concerns and my officials are currently working on a proposal to consult with residents and business owners in the area to reach an agreed way forward.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019957%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=340546","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=340546"}},{"id":"340545","reference":"AQW 19956/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-04","answerBy":"2021-06-21","answered":"2021-06-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail how much of the 180km of cycle routes within the Belfast Cycling Network are planned to be (i) full kerb segregation; (ii) light kerb segregation; (iii) road markings only; (iv) shared pedestrian footway; and (v) off-road.","answerText":"‘Making Belfast an Active City – Belfast Cycling Network 2021’ which I published on 4th June 2021 sets out my ambition to develop high quality safe space for cycling and routes that will significantly increase the number of people cycling. The document includes the 22 good design principles (set out in LTN 1/20) that should guide the design of the 180 km of cycle routes set out in the network.\n\nThe precise details of the infrastructure to be developed will be provided as each individual scheme is designed so it is not possible to provide the detail requested at this stage. However, I can assure the member that the emphasis will be on safe space for cycling including on-road infrastructure, physically separated from motor traffic (such as Middlepath Street) and traffic-free routes (such as the Comber Greenway).","answerHtml":"‘Making Belfast an Active City – Belfast Cycling Network 2021’ which I published on 4th June 2021 sets out my ambition to develop high quality safe space for cycling and routes that will significantly increase the number of people cycling. The document includes the 22 good design principles (set out in LTN 1/20) that should guide the design of the 180 km of cycle routes set out in the network.
The precise details of the infrastructure to be developed will be provided as each individual scheme is designed so it is not possible to provide the detail requested at this stage. However, I can assure the member that the emphasis will be on safe space for cycling including on-road infrastructure, physically separated from motor traffic (such as Middlepath Street) and traffic-free routes (such as the Comber Greenway).
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019956%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=340545","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=340545"}},{"id":"340303","reference":"AQW 19893/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-03","answerBy":"2021-06-18","answered":"2021-06-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health what the timescale is for the provision of proof of vaccination for the purposes of essential travel outside the Common Travel Area for people vaccinated and resident in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"A NI specific, multi-channel solution to enable verification of Covid vaccination and test result status incorporating an app is under development. Initially a paper based system using the agreed UK format will be launched but an app, similar to the NHS app, will follow shortly after that.\n\nThere are a number of components that make up the overall solution which will require rigorous testing against data protection and information security standards. Therefore it is not possible to provide definitive dates for its release at this time but I can confirm that officials are aiming for early summer.","answerHtml":"A NI specific, multi-channel solution to enable verification of Covid vaccination and test result status incorporating an app is under development. Initially a paper based system using the agreed UK format will be launched but an app, similar to the NHS app, will follow shortly after that.
There are a number of components that make up the overall solution which will require rigorous testing against data protection and information security standards. Therefore it is not possible to provide definitive dates for its release at this time but I can confirm that officials are aiming for early summer.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019893%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=340303","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=340303"}},{"id":"340302","reference":"AQW 19892/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-03","answerBy":"2021-06-18","answered":"2021-06-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail which of the 100 20mph speed limit zones outside of schools announced on 7 September 2020 are now operational.","answerText":"I was delighted to have been able to commit funding from the 2020/2021 capital budget toward the introduction of part-time 20 mph speed limits at 103 schools. These measures increase driver awareness and achieve reductions in vehicle speeds outside and near these schools ensuring that parents, children and staff will be safer as they go to and from the schools on a daily basis.\n\nThe construction work has been completed and the signs commissioned at the 49 schools listed below with the remainder of the sites programmed for completion by mid-summer 2021:\n\nWestern Division\n\nFlorencecourt Primary School\n\nGillygooley Primary School\n\nSt Mary's Primary School Mullymesker\n\nSt Patricks Primary School Omagh\n\nChrist the King Primary School\n\nOmagh High\n\nOmagh Primary School\n\nOrritor Primary School\n\nCrossroads Primary School\n\nAmpertain Primary School\n\nSt Bridgids Primary School\n\nSt Treas Primary School\n\nSt Eoughan's Primary School\n\nSouthern Division\n\nBanbridge Academy\n\nEdenderry Primary School\n\nSt Mary's Primary School, Dunsford\n\nAbbey Primary School\n\nLoughries Primary School\n\nSt Patricks PS Ballygalget\n\nKillyleagh Integrated Primary School\n\nSt Joseph's Primary School, Crossgar\n\nSt Mary's Primary School, Aughlisnafin\n\nSt Patrick's Primary School, Legamaddy\n\nEastern Division\n\nOur Lady of Lourdes Primary School\n\nBen Madigan Preparatory School\n\nBallysillan Primary School\n\nDominican College\n\nNorthern Division\n\nEdmund Rice College\n\nThe Diamond Primary School\n\nSt. Paul's Primary School Ahoghill\n\nUpper Ballyboley Primary School\n\nIslandmagee Primary School, Senior Campus\n\nMillquarter Primary School\n\nCarrick Grammar\n\nCarrick Academy\n\nMoneynick Primary School\n\nBallymena Academy\n\nDuneane Primary School\n\nMoorfields Primary School\n\nGroggan Primary School\n\nCarnalridge Primary School\n\nEden Primary School\n\nDrumrane Primary School\n\nBallytober Primary School\n\nBushvalley Primary School\n\nSt Canice Primary School\n\nSt Matthew’s Primary School\n\nSt Patrick's & St Joseph's Primary School\n\nGarryduff Primary School","answerHtml":"I was delighted to have been able to commit funding from the 2020/2021 capital budget toward the introduction of part-time 20 mph speed limits at 103 schools. These measures increase driver awareness and achieve reductions in vehicle speeds outside and near these schools ensuring that parents, children and staff will be safer as they go to and from the schools on a daily basis.
The construction work has been completed and the signs commissioned at the 49 schools listed below with the remainder of the sites programmed for completion by mid-summer 2021:
Western Division
Florencecourt Primary School
Gillygooley Primary School
St Mary's Primary School Mullymesker
St Patricks Primary School Omagh
Christ the King Primary School
Omagh High
Omagh Primary School
Orritor Primary School
Crossroads Primary School
Ampertain Primary School
St Bridgids Primary School
St Treas Primary School
St Eoughan's Primary School
Southern Division
Banbridge Academy
Edenderry Primary School
St Mary's Primary School, Dunsford
Abbey Primary School
Loughries Primary School
St Patricks PS Ballygalget
Killyleagh Integrated Primary School
St Joseph's Primary School, Crossgar
St Mary's Primary School, Aughlisnafin
St Patrick's Primary School, Legamaddy
Eastern Division
Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School
Ben Madigan Preparatory School
Ballysillan Primary School
Dominican College
Northern Division
Edmund Rice College
The Diamond Primary School
St. Paul's Primary School Ahoghill
Upper Ballyboley Primary School
Islandmagee Primary School, Senior Campus
Millquarter Primary School
Carrick Grammar
Carrick Academy
Moneynick Primary School
Ballymena Academy
Duneane Primary School
Moorfields Primary School
Groggan Primary School
Carnalridge Primary School
Eden Primary School
Drumrane Primary School
Ballytober Primary School
Bushvalley Primary School
St Canice Primary School
St Matthew’s Primary School
St Patrick's & St Joseph's Primary School
Garryduff Primary School
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019892%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=340302","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=340302"}},{"id":"340387","reference":"AQO 2227/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-03","answerBy":"2021-06-15","answered":"2021-06-15","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Northern Ireland Assembly Commission","departmentId":"2","minister":"Assembly Commission","question":"To ask the Assembly Commission to outline the support and induction arrangements in place for new MLAs.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"Before answering that question, I thank Keith for his contribution to the Commission over the last year or so. Despite a small number of disagreements, we have always worked together on the Commission in a courteous and professional manner. I thank the Member for his question. As MLAs, we all know that the first few weeks of Assembly life can be daunting for newly elected Members. The Assembly Commission therefore understands the importance of providing those Members with an appropriate induction programme. Indeed, the Assembly Commission implemented an induction programme for new MLAs at the outset of the new mandate in 2016. In advance of the next Assembly election, the Assembly Commission's Clerking and Member Support Office will expand the previous induction programme. The Member induction and development framework will include a programme of activities that will be available to all Members from the start of the next mandate. The induction aspect of the programme will expand on work that was carried out at the beginning of previous mandates and will include Members being provided with an induction handbook, containing key information and contacts, so that all new MLAs can access all the services that they require within Parliament Buildings to enable them to settle in as quickly as possible. That is only one aspect of the wider welcome and orientation programme that Assembly Commission officials are developing to assist newly elected and returning MLAs with practical arrangements during the first few days and weeks following their election. The Assembly Commission recognises that induction requirements are multifaceted, and, to that end, Commission officials will continue to provide support to new Members around the role and responsibilities of an MLA. That includes sessions with the Business Office on Assembly procedures and Standing Orders, sessions with the Bill Office on the legislative process and sessions with Committee Clerks on the role of Statutory and Standing Committees. There will be a continued focus on continuing professional development (CPD) to support all MLAs in their roles as legislators and public representatives."},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"I thank Mr O'Dowd for his response. I am one of a number of co-opted MLAs, and it would be useful, going forward, to focus on legislation. One of the key findings of the RHI inquiry was about the ability of MLAs to scrutinise legislation properly. As part of this programme, will the Commission consider speaking to some of the MLAs who have come into the Assembly since the last election and take on board any lessons learned about improving the briefing of MLAs and their ability to scrutinise legislation and all its different stages?"},{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"The Member makes an important comment. The Assembly Commission Clerk is here taking notes, and I am sure that she will be more than happy to engage with you on your experiences to see how we fit that into any induction programme."},{"speaker":"Ms Ennis","text":"What consideration has the Commission given to the introduction of more family-friendly measures in the Assembly for Members and staff, including childcare provision?"},{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"Those matters, particularly childminding and family-friendly working times and environment, are under consideration. The COVID pandemic put a number of those measures on hold, but the Commission has looked at that area and will want to make progress in order to ensure that our procedures and practices allow for the full involvement of all in the Assembly and its structures."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202227%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=340387","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2021-06-15&docID=341074#AQO%202227/17-22","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=340387"}},{"id":"340363","reference":"AQO 2203/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-03","answerBy":"2021-06-14","answered":"2021-06-14","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to outline his plans for the full resumption of dentistry services.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Swann","text":"I thank the Member for his question. Enhanced infection prevention and control measures have reduced patient throughput by approximately 60%. As soon as those measures can be safely eased, they will be, and the Chief Dental Officer continues to liaise with colleagues across the United Kingdom on that critical issue. To ensure that the limited treatment capacity is targeted appropriately, the guidance issued to all dentists recommends that patients are prioritised on the basis of need and that any patient who requires emergency or urgent care is given the highest priority. A financial support scheme was established in April 2020 to support dental practices. The scheme provides an additional payment to eligible practitioners each month based on their average earnings in 2019-20. To date, the Department has been able to invest £57 million in relation to those issues since the pandemic started. Furthermore, in February 2021, I established a £1·5 million revenue grant fund to help practices to invest in measures such as improved ventilation systems. That fund is helping to build capacity throughout the sector and is addressing some of the patient throughput issues that have been unavoidable in recent times. Our short-term objective is to support the increase in activity levels through continued financial support that incentivises the treatment of priority health service patients in a manner that is safe for patients and staff. Looking forward, the Department, as part of its wider approach of rebuilding services, is engaging with the British Dental Association on the continuation of the financial support scheme and support for PPE for the remainder of this financial year. Whilst we need to deal with those immediate issues, we also need to consider how dental services can be provided in a sustainable way going forward. To that end, I have asked officials to establish a general dental services rebuilding stakeholder group, which will formalise engagement between the Department, the HSCB and the British Dental Association so that momentum around those issues continues."},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"I offer my full support to the Minister after the disgraceful comments last week. Like many other people, since the pandemic arrived, I have not had a dental check-up for well over a year. As I understand it, one of the things that is inhibiting the full return to dentistry services is the aerosol-generating procedures and the regulations around those. Will the Minister give us more details about when he intends to review those procedures and the associated regulations in order to allow us, hopefully, to move towards the full resumption of dentistry services?"},{"speaker":"Mr Swann","text":"I thank the Member for his question. The guidance that we use was agreed with the chief dental officers across the United Kingdom, so there is a UK-wide approach to those recommendations; it is not one that has been taken solely by my Department. Further to that, as I said in my initial answer, that is why I established a £1·5 million revenue grant fund to help practices to invest in measures such as improved ventilation systems so that we can rebuild capacity throughout the sector."},{"speaker":"Mr Robinson","text":"I heard the Minister's answer to the previous question, but will he give an undertaking that, equally, GP practices should fully reopen so that patients and constituents can access GP surgeries and services?"},{"speaker":"Mr Swann","text":"I thank the Member for his question. I am aware that the Royal College of General Practitioners and the British Medical Association's general practitioners committee commented on that matter recently."},{"speaker":"","text":"I support and applaud the work that they have done through the pandemic. It has been a challenge, not only with an increase in referrals and attendances but as they get back to having as many face-to-face appointments as they can. I am aware that some GP practices across the country are not providing as full a service as they might do. I share the frustration at that, as do members of the Royal College of GPs and the British Medical Association committee of GPs, which are fully committed to re-servicing and to seeing as many of their patients as they safely can."},{"speaker":"Ms Ní Chuilín","text":"I thank Andrew for tabling the question. The Minister will be aware that the number of children, particularly in areas of deprivation, who have had teeth extracted as a result of poor diet and nutrition has always been an issue. As part of the deliberations about recovery, will he bring forward an up-to-date oral health strategy, particularly for children and young people and for disabled people? I, too, put on record my support for the Minister and, indeed, his family."},{"speaker":"Mr Swann","text":"I thank the Member for her comments. She will be aware that our current Northern Ireland oral health strategy was published in 2007. Despite its age, the main oral health problems described in the document and acknowledged by the Member remain the same and are largely still valid today. The young people's oral health options group has been delayed until later this year, although some preparatory work has commenced. The older adults' health options group has been established and is chaired by the acting Chief Dental Officer. The oral health strategy for older adults is expected to be published this year. The intention is that the groups establish the oral health needs of children and older adults in Northern Ireland and review the evidence base in order to determine which preventative interventions are likely to be most effective and also provide value for money."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202203%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=340363","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2021-06-14&docID=341073#AQO%202203/17-22","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=340363"}},{"id":"340113","reference":"AQW 19813/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-02","answerBy":"2021-06-08","answered":"2021-06-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for a breakdown of the capital and resource expenditure in the budget commitments announced on 02 June 2021.","answerText":"A breakdown of the capital and resource expenditure in the budget announcement on 2 June 2021 is provided below.\n\nCapital\n\nArea\tDescription\tAmount £m\nFlagship\tA5\t6.2\nFlagship\tA6\t45.6\nFlagship\tBelfast Transport Hub\t26.0\nTranslink\tBus\t32.7\nTranslink\tRail purchase & infrastructure\t127.3\nTranslink\tOther\t10.8\nNI Water\tPC 21 Capital Requirement\t215.0\nRoads\tStructural Maintenance\t120.0\nRoads\tStrategic Road Improvements\t20.7\nRoads\tLocal Transport Safety Measures\t18.8\nRoads\tBridges & Other\t42.7\nRivers\tRivers Capital Works\t20.9\nOther\tOther capital projects\t35.8\nTotal\t\t722.5\n\nResource\n\nAmount £m\nNI Water\t117.0\nTranslink\t77.0\nRoads and Rivers\t187.0\nOther\t48.9\nTotal\t429.9","answerHtml":"A breakdown of the capital and resource expenditure in the budget announcement on 2 June 2021 is provided below.
Capital
| Area | Description | Amount £m |
| Flagship | A5 | 6.2 |
| Flagship | A6 | 45.6 |
| Flagship | Belfast Transport Hub | 26.0 |
| Translink | Bus | 32.7 |
| Translink | Rail purchase & infrastructure | 127.3 |
| Translink | Other | 10.8 |
| NI Water | PC 21 Capital Requirement | 215.0 |
| Roads | Structural Maintenance | 120.0 |
| Roads | Strategic Road Improvements | 20.7 |
| Roads | Local Transport Safety Measures | 18.8 |
| Roads | Bridges & Other | 42.7 |
| Rivers | Rivers Capital Works | 20.9 |
| Other | Other capital projects | 35.8 |
| Total | 722.5 |
Resource
| Amount £m | |
| NI Water | 117.0 |
| Translink | 77.0 |
| Roads and Rivers | 187.0 |
| Other | 48.9 |
| Total | 429.9 |
The table below provides a breakdown of the £520m inescapable and pre-committed spending commitments for 2021-22, in line with the categorisation used for budget information gathering purposes. Over 71% of the capital budget allocation for my Department falls into these categories. There may be further contractually committed spend within the remainder of the budget at this stage, however this cannot be quantified.
| Area | Area | Amount £m |
| Flagships | Flagships (A5, A6 and Belfast Transport Hub) | 77.8 |
| NI Water | NI Water Capital | 202.5 |
| Roads | Structural Maintenance | 75 |
| Roads | Strategic Road Improvements | 5.7 |
| Roads | Lighting Columns | 14 |
| Roads | IT & Equipment | 5.7 |
| Roads & Translink | Park & Ride | 4.6 |
| Translink | Bus Capital | 30.7 |
| Translink | Rail Capital | 90.9 |
| Translink | Ticketing | 10.0 |
| Departmental | Planning Portal, DVA | 2.6 |
| TOTAL | 520 |
I can advise that it is currently illegal to use e-scooters on public roads and public spaces for rental or private use here and in GB.
The Department for Transport, in conjunction with local authorities, are running pilot e-scooter rental schemes in GB within designated areas. These schemes began in July last year and are still ongoing. The aim of the schemes, which do not extend to Northern Ireland, is to help assess the safety of e-scooters and their impact on public spaces. I have asked my officials to monitor these schemes, and once an analysis is available, to provide me with a report. I will then be in a position to give consideration to the future legal position of e-scooters here.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019811%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=340111","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=340111"}},{"id":"339961","reference":"AQW 19756/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-01","answerBy":"2021-06-16","answered":"2021-06-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, given that the most recent proposals were consulted on prior to 2016 and therefore do not reflect the latest technology, whether her officials will bring forward further proposals for updating permitted development rights for mobile connectivity.","answerText":"As you are aware, I brought forward legislation in December 2020 revising permitted development rights for telecommunications development by electronic communications code operators. These amendments took account of recent changes in technology, industry feedback and the position in the other jurisdictions. As a result, the amendments went further than the 2016 consultation proposals. These amendments have been welcomed by the mobile industry and will assist the industry in rolling out mobile networks in Northern Ireland.\n\nWhile my Department has no current plans for updating permitted development rights for telecommunications development, this is an area that my officials will keep under consideration as well as actively engaging with officials from DfE on the Mobile Action Plan Working Group.","answerHtml":"As you are aware, I brought forward legislation in December 2020 revising permitted development rights for telecommunications development by electronic communications code operators. These amendments took account of recent changes in technology, industry feedback and the position in the other jurisdictions. As a result, the amendments went further than the 2016 consultation proposals. These amendments have been welcomed by the mobile industry and will assist the industry in rolling out mobile networks in Northern Ireland.
While my Department has no current plans for updating permitted development rights for telecommunications development, this is an area that my officials will keep under consideration as well as actively engaging with officials from DfE on the Mobile Action Plan Working Group.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019756%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=339961","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=339961"}},{"id":"339960","reference":"AQW 19755/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-01","answerBy":"2021-06-16","answered":"2021-06-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure when Development Control Advice Note 14 will be updated.","answerText":"While supplementary planning guidance DCAN 14: Siting and Design of Radio Telecommunication Equipment was published in April 2008, prior to the introduction of the contemporary two-tier planning system, the Department has clarified that it is regional in focus and is retained for use in the current planning system.\n\nI recently brought forward new legislation (December 2020) revising permitted development rights for telecommunications development by electronic communications code operators and officials advise that the planning system can currently continue to facilitate appropriate telecommunications development. There are therefore no immediate plans to update DCAN 14, however the Department will keep the current legislative, policy and guidance framework for telecommunications under review.","answerHtml":"While supplementary planning guidance DCAN 14: Siting and Design of Radio Telecommunication Equipment was published in April 2008, prior to the introduction of the contemporary two-tier planning system, the Department has clarified that it is regional in focus and is retained for use in the current planning system.
I recently brought forward new legislation (December 2020) revising permitted development rights for telecommunications development by electronic communications code operators and officials advise that the planning system can currently continue to facilitate appropriate telecommunications development. There are therefore no immediate plans to update DCAN 14, however the Department will keep the current legislative, policy and guidance framework for telecommunications under review.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019755%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=339960","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=339960"}},{"id":"339959","reference":"AQW 19754/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-06-01","answerBy":"2021-06-16","answered":"2021-06-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on the work of the cross-sector group set up to develop a Mobile Action Plan for Northern Ireland.","answerText":"As you are aware, my officials are leading on the creation of a Mobile Action Plan (MAP) for Northern Ireland. The MAP is being developed by a cross government working group, which includes representatives from the relevant NI Departments (DAERA, DoF, DfC, DE, DfI), The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), Ofcom and also from local government, with representatives from NILGA and occasionally, from a number of local councils..\n\nTo date, this working group has met four times and is due to meet again on 8 June 2021. So far the work of the group has focussed on evidence gathering and knowledge building around the main issues that impact on the roll-out of mobile technologies.\n\nThe next phase will be to analyse these issues and identify solutions that aim to remove these barriers which will, amongst other things, allow us to maximise the benefits of the SRN for citizens, businesses and visitors across Northern Ireland.\n\nThe target date to develop the MAP for Northern Ireland is December 2021.","answerHtml":"As you are aware, my officials are leading on the creation of a Mobile Action Plan (MAP) for Northern Ireland. The MAP is being developed by a cross government working group, which includes representatives from the relevant NI Departments (DAERA, DoF, DfC, DE, DfI), The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), Ofcom and also from local government, with representatives from NILGA and occasionally, from a number of local councils..
To date, this working group has met four times and is due to meet again on 8 June 2021. So far the work of the group has focussed on evidence gathering and knowledge building around the main issues that impact on the roll-out of mobile technologies.
The next phase will be to analyse these issues and identify solutions that aim to remove these barriers which will, amongst other things, allow us to maximise the benefits of the SRN for citizens, businesses and visitors across Northern Ireland.
The target date to develop the MAP for Northern Ireland is December 2021.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019754%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=339959","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=339959"}},{"id":"339831","reference":"AQW 19698/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-28","answerBy":"2021-06-15","answered":"2021-06-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure pursuant to AQW 17973/17-22 and considering that planning applications need to be put in place soon to contribute to Northern Ireland’s 2030 energy target, whether she will (i) consider bringing forward timelines for her review; and (ii) engage early with industry.","answerText":"(i) To date, the planning system has made a positive contribution in helping to achieve and exceed Northern Ireland’s renewable electricity target for 2020 and this will continue under the current policy while the new policy is developed. This is a complex policy area which needs to take account of emerging technologies, multiple stakeholders and inter-relationships including the Department for the Economy (DfE) led Energy Strategy. I therefore, want to ensure that the new policy is developed in a robust and careful manner, taking appropriate time to understand and address the complexities and with sufficient stakeholder engagement in line with established policy making best practice. Taking this into account, my aim is to issue a public consultation draft revised policy by March 2022.\n\n(ii) Since taking office I have engaged with a broad range of stakeholders on planning matters, including in relation to renewable and low carbon energy. A vital part of best practice for policy development includes engagement with key stakeholders. Officials are preparing a submission on the detailed scope and timeframe for this review and my Department intends to engage formally with a wide range of stakeholders, including the renewable energy industry, environmental interests, other central government Departments, local government and community interests prior to public consultation on any new draft policy.","answerHtml":"(i) To date, the planning system has made a positive contribution in helping to achieve and exceed Northern Ireland’s renewable electricity target for 2020 and this will continue under the current policy while the new policy is developed. This is a complex policy area which needs to take account of emerging technologies, multiple stakeholders and inter-relationships including the Department for the Economy (DfE) led Energy Strategy. I therefore, want to ensure that the new policy is developed in a robust and careful manner, taking appropriate time to understand and address the complexities and with sufficient stakeholder engagement in line with established policy making best practice. Taking this into account, my aim is to issue a public consultation draft revised policy by March 2022.
(ii) Since taking office I have engaged with a broad range of stakeholders on planning matters, including in relation to renewable and low carbon energy. A vital part of best practice for policy development includes engagement with key stakeholders. Officials are preparing a submission on the detailed scope and timeframe for this review and my Department intends to engage formally with a wide range of stakeholders, including the renewable energy industry, environmental interests, other central government Departments, local government and community interests prior to public consultation on any new draft policy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019698%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=339831","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=339831"}},{"id":"339830","reference":"AQW 19697/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-28","answerBy":"2021-06-15","answered":"2021-06-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for her assessement of the impact that her review of renewable energy planning will have on live renewable energy planning applications (i) during the review; and (ii) when any new policy is published.","answerText":"(i) My Department’s Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS) provides a robust policy framework against which to assess all types of planning applications, including proposals for renewable energy development.\n\nDuring the review of this important subject area, planning authorities will continue to determine planning applications for renewable energy development proposals taking into account: the Local Development Plan; the SPPS, Planning Policy Statement 18: ‘Renewable Energy’ and its associated Best Practice Guidance; local circumstances and characteristics; the advice of statutory consultees, and all other material considerations.\n\n(ii) Any new published policy, by way of an amendment to the SPPS, will be a material planning consideration which must be taken into account by planning authorities in plan making and decision taking.\n\nUltimately, the interpretation, relevance and weight to be attached to planning policy and all other material considerations will be a matter of planning judgement for the planning authority.","answerHtml":"(i) My Department’s Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS) provides a robust policy framework against which to assess all types of planning applications, including proposals for renewable energy development.
During the review of this important subject area, planning authorities will continue to determine planning applications for renewable energy development proposals taking into account: the Local Development Plan; the SPPS, Planning Policy Statement 18: ‘Renewable Energy’ and its associated Best Practice Guidance; local circumstances and characteristics; the advice of statutory consultees, and all other material considerations.
(ii) Any new published policy, by way of an amendment to the SPPS, will be a material planning consideration which must be taken into account by planning authorities in plan making and decision taking.
Ultimately, the interpretation, relevance and weight to be attached to planning policy and all other material considerations will be a matter of planning judgement for the planning authority.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019697%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=339830","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=339830"}},{"id":"339829","reference":"AQW 19696/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-28","answerBy":"2021-06-15","answered":"2022-03-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether he has any plans to enable collection of COVID-19 self-testing kits from community pharmacies.","answerText":"The Pharmacy Collect service in Northern Ireland launched on 1 September 2021. A total of 514 Pharmacies across the region are currently registered with this service.","answerHtml":"The Pharmacy Collect service in Northern Ireland launched on 1 September 2021. A total of 514 Pharmacies across the region are currently registered with this service.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019696%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=339829","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=339829"}},{"id":"339828","reference":"AQW 19695/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-28","answerBy":"2021-06-15","answered":"2021-06-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will bring forward legislative or policy proposals to allow pedestrian zebra crossings to be painted in the colours of the rainbow flag.","answerText":"My Department is content that certain pedestrian crossings can be painted in the colours of the rainbow, indeed I welcomed the recent announcement in Derry. While this is not permitted on zebra crossings, as their layout is prescribed in legislation, there are an abundance of other locations and therefore no new legislative or policy proposals are required.","answerHtml":"My Department is content that certain pedestrian crossings can be painted in the colours of the rainbow, indeed I welcomed the recent announcement in Derry. While this is not permitted on zebra crossings, as their layout is prescribed in legislation, there are an abundance of other locations and therefore no new legislative or policy proposals are required.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019695%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=339828","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=339828"}},{"id":"339827","reference":"AQW 19694/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-28","answerBy":"2021-06-15","answered":"2021-06-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the total spending from the Blue/Green fund, broken down by project, for 2020/21.","answerText":"The provisional outturn of spending from my Blue Green Infrastructure Fund during the 2020-21 financial year is broken down as follows:\n\n£5m on the COVID-19 Revitalisation Programme across all councils.\n\n£2.4m for greenway projects across three council areas consisting of Forth Meadow, Lagan Gateway, Strabane North, Strathfoyle, North West Greenways and Banbridge Riverside Walk.\n\n£3.7m by my Department on a range of interventions including foot and cycle ways, pop up cycle lanes, crossings and other cycle/foot infrastructure, and social distancing measures.\n\n£1.3m for a pilot of electric minibuses for community transport.\n\n£150,000 for flood prevention schemes at Forth River and at Belfast Castle\n\n£100,000 grant for Belfast City Council for Belfast Bikes\n\n£54,000 for the procurement of electric vehicles to replace end of life petrol/diesel vehicles within my Department’s fleet\n\n£53,000 for planting and greening schemes.\n\nI would like to have delivered full spend against this budget, and my officials have canvassed widely for projects, but spending often requires complex preliminary work to be sufficiently advanced in what is an innovative area. I am also keen to support Council Greenway proposals, but it is important that Councils work with stakeholders to develop their proposals to the point that they are ready to be built. The outturn is substantial and this, together with my commitment to a £20m budget for this year, will continue to build momentum for this kind of investment. I recently announced £2.5 million funding for Greenways this financial year and I am keen to make more allocations to schemes that are in a position to start construction this year.","answerHtml":"The provisional outturn of spending from my Blue Green Infrastructure Fund during the 2020-21 financial year is broken down as follows:
£5m on the COVID-19 Revitalisation Programme across all councils.
£2.4m for greenway projects across three council areas consisting of Forth Meadow, Lagan Gateway, Strabane North, Strathfoyle, North West Greenways and Banbridge Riverside Walk.
£3.7m by my Department on a range of interventions including foot and cycle ways, pop up cycle lanes, crossings and other cycle/foot infrastructure, and social distancing measures.
£1.3m for a pilot of electric minibuses for community transport.
£150,000 for flood prevention schemes at Forth River and at Belfast Castle
£100,000 grant for Belfast City Council for Belfast Bikes
£54,000 for the procurement of electric vehicles to replace end of life petrol/diesel vehicles within my Department’s fleet
£53,000 for planting and greening schemes.
I would like to have delivered full spend against this budget, and my officials have canvassed widely for projects, but spending often requires complex preliminary work to be sufficiently advanced in what is an innovative area. I am also keen to support Council Greenway proposals, but it is important that Councils work with stakeholders to develop their proposals to the point that they are ready to be built. The outturn is substantial and this, together with my commitment to a £20m budget for this year, will continue to build momentum for this kind of investment. I recently announced £2.5 million funding for Greenways this financial year and I am keen to make more allocations to schemes that are in a position to start construction this year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019694%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=339827","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=339827"}},{"id":"339660","reference":"AQW 19625/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-27","answerBy":"2021-06-02","answered":"2021-06-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure when will she finalise her Departmental budget for 2021/22.","answerText":"Budget decisions have been challenging this year due to the pressures that my Department faces, particularly in resource. I have finalised my capital and resource allocations and made an announcement today.","answerHtml":"Budget decisions have been challenging this year due to the pressures that my Department faces, particularly in resource. I have finalised my capital and resource allocations and made an announcement today.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019625%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=339660","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=339660"}},{"id":"339659","reference":"AQW 19624/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-27","answerBy":"2021-06-14","answered":"2021-06-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in light of the Minister for Communities not introducing legislation to allow local councils to continue to meet remotely, for her assessment of the impact on their ability to take planning decisions in a timely manner.","answerText":"Legislative responsibility to allow local government committees including planning committees to operate remotely lies with the Department for Communities (DfC). My officials have been liaising with DfC and have been advised that the Minister for Communities is intending to bring forward legislation to extend the provisions which provide councils with the flexibility to meet remotely.\n\nThe Local Government (Meetings and Performance) Bill will be introduced into the Assembly shortly and it is proposed that the Bill should proceed via accelerated passage to complete its Assembly stages before summer recess, coming into operation the day following Royal Assent. This will ensure that the gap in legislative cover for councils to hold remote meetings will be as short as possible. The Department for Communities has also advised that funding, allocated to councils to assist with issues arising due to COVID, may be used if necessary to make arrangements for councils to meet in person until the legislation comes into force. They have also confirmed that it is their understanding that all councils have put contingency arrangements in place to allow council business to continue during the interim.\n\nIn the majority of cases planning decisions are delegated to planning officers within the various councils. It is hoped, for those applications which are decided by planning committees, that the contingency arrangements put in place by councils will reduce any potential negative impact on timeliness. I have asked my officials to keep me apprised of any issues in this regard.","answerHtml":"Legislative responsibility to allow local government committees including planning committees to operate remotely lies with the Department for Communities (DfC). My officials have been liaising with DfC and have been advised that the Minister for Communities is intending to bring forward legislation to extend the provisions which provide councils with the flexibility to meet remotely.
The Local Government (Meetings and Performance) Bill will be introduced into the Assembly shortly and it is proposed that the Bill should proceed via accelerated passage to complete its Assembly stages before summer recess, coming into operation the day following Royal Assent. This will ensure that the gap in legislative cover for councils to hold remote meetings will be as short as possible. The Department for Communities has also advised that funding, allocated to councils to assist with issues arising due to COVID, may be used if necessary to make arrangements for councils to meet in person until the legislation comes into force. They have also confirmed that it is their understanding that all councils have put contingency arrangements in place to allow council business to continue during the interim.
In the majority of cases planning decisions are delegated to planning officers within the various councils. It is hoped, for those applications which are decided by planning committees, that the contingency arrangements put in place by councils will reduce any potential negative impact on timeliness. I have asked my officials to keep me apprised of any issues in this regard.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019624%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=339659","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=339659"}},{"id":"339658","reference":"AQW 19623/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-27","answerBy":"2021-06-14","answered":"2021-06-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of bridges over Clandeboye Way and Bridge Road in Helen's Bay that accommodate the railway line.","answerText":"I can confirm that my Department maintains the structure on Bridge Road near the railway line. I can also confirm that Translink maintains the bridge that supports the railway line adjacent to the station at Helen’s Bay near Clandeboye Avenue.","answerHtml":"I can confirm that my Department maintains the structure on Bridge Road near the railway line. I can also confirm that Translink maintains the bridge that supports the railway line adjacent to the station at Helen’s Bay near Clandeboye Avenue.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019623%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=339658","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=339658"}},{"id":"339657","reference":"AQW 19622/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-27","answerBy":"2021-06-14","answered":"2021-06-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether consideration is being given to extended additional support for families of babies born during lockdown, in order to aid integration into child care facilities and early years development.","answerText":"All 29 Family Support Hubs continue to be open for referrals during the pandemic. Parents can make a self-referral by contacting the appropriate coordinator in their area. A full list of Hubs and coordinator contact details is available at http://www.cypsp.hscni.net/family-support-hubs/.\n\nAlso, Health Visitors have continued to provide a service to new mothers during lockdown. The website https://www.ni-maternity.com may also be helpful, as it has a dedicated section providing advice, support and information to new parents. SureStart services have also now resumed in full and parents may be able to avail of support through the programme. Information on individual SureStart projects, including contact details, is available at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/contacts/sure-start-partnerships.\n\nFinally, advice, support and guidance are available through Parentline NI either at parentline@ci-ni.org.uk or on 0808 8020 400. Alternatively, the website www.familysupportni.gov.uk enables parents to search a comprehensive register of family support services in their local area.","answerHtml":"All 29 Family Support Hubs continue to be open for referrals during the pandemic. Parents can make a self-referral by contacting the appropriate coordinator in their area. A full list of Hubs and coordinator contact details is available at http://www.cypsp.hscni.net/family-support-hubs/.
Also, Health Visitors have continued to provide a service to new mothers during lockdown. The website https://www.ni-maternity.com may also be helpful, as it has a dedicated section providing advice, support and information to new parents. SureStart services have also now resumed in full and parents may be able to avail of support through the programme. Information on individual SureStart projects, including contact details, is available at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/contacts/sure-start-partnerships.
Finally, advice, support and guidance are available through Parentline NI either at parentline@ci-ni.org.uk or on 0808 8020 400. Alternatively, the website www.familysupportni.gov.uk enables parents to search a comprehensive register of family support services in their local area.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019622%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=339657","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=339657"}},{"id":"339656","reference":"AQW 19621/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-27","answerBy":"2021-06-14","answered":"2021-06-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance what steps his Department takes to encourage reuse rather than new build for any relevant government contracts.","answerText":"The Reform of Property Management team strategically manages the Benchmarked Office Estate (BMO) and seeks to utilise current buildings before looking at alternative new leased or new build accommodation. My Department also has responsibility for managing the Civil Service Office Estate, which forms part of the BMO and for all accommodation projects proportionate business cases are undertaken which consider a range of options. Retrofitting and reuse is normally considered as an option with the preferred option selected on value for money and affordability considerations.","answerHtml":"The Reform of Property Management team strategically manages the Benchmarked Office Estate (BMO) and seeks to utilise current buildings before looking at alternative new leased or new build accommodation. My Department also has responsibility for managing the Civil Service Office Estate, which forms part of the BMO and for all accommodation projects proportionate business cases are undertaken which consider a range of options. Retrofitting and reuse is normally considered as an option with the preferred option selected on value for money and affordability considerations.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019621%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=339656","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=339656"}},{"id":"339700","reference":"AQO 2179/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-27","answerBy":"2021-06-08","answered":"2021-06-08","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for his assessment of the cost of division on public finances.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Murphy","text":"A report by Deloitte, in 2007, estimated the cost of division at £1·5 billion. In 2016, the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre estimated the cost of division at a lower figure, between £403 million and £833 million. The report outlined the significant complexity in the cost of delivering services in the North, costs that cannot be solely attributed to the context of a divided society. For example, delivering services in such a small region means that we do not benefit from economies of scale. The report also found that while, on average, the cost of public service provision tends to be higher than in Britain, across most areas, the costs here typically fall within the range of costs identified in other regions. The one exception to that is the cost of policing."},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"I thank the Minister for his response. As the Minister is aware, during the multitude of Budget debates, it is often mentioned that we need to provide much more finance to deal with our waiting list crisis and for other services, and that we need to consider revenue raising. Does the Minister not agree that none of those arguments will carry any weight or credibility until we are prepared to look at our own finances and tackle the cost of division in Northern Ireland?"},{"speaker":"Mr Murphy","text":"As I have said, it is not a straightforward issue. There is a complexity in determining what can actually be attributed to the cost of division. Of course, one of the ways that we can deal with that is to deal with the division itself: to try to reduce the divisions in society and the policing costs that are associated with it, which are significantly higher here than in other areas, and encourage the reconciliation process that is necessary. We have an ambition to try to reduce that, but it is an ambition for society not just for the public purse, albeit it has that knock-on effect on the public purse. Obviously, we strive to do that as best we can. The Executive Office leads on some of these reconciliation measures. We have been challenged, this year, in providing the level of support that it wanted to go into those programmes and projects. Nonetheless, it is incumbent on all of us to try to heal the divisions in society, promote reconciliation and, thereby, reduce the costs of sustaining division."},{"speaker":"Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr McGlone)","text":"That ends the period for listed questions. We now move to 15 minutes of topical questions."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202179%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=339700","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2021-06-08&docID=339984#AQO%202179/17-22","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=339700"}},{"id":"339478","reference":"AQW 19553/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-26","answerBy":"2021-06-11","answered":"2021-06-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether the encouragement of the reuse of existing buildings is being considered as part of the statutory review of the implementation of the Planning Act (NI) 2011.","answerText":"I am keen to encourage the reuse of existing buildings as opposed to new buildings wherever possible. Indeed, furthering sustainable development is at the heart of my Department’s Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS) and the planning system.\n\nThe SPPS makes provision for the re-use and adaptation (or ‘retrofitting’) of existing buildings and specifies that the planning system should help to mitigate and adapt to climate change by, among other things, “promoting sustainable patterns of development, including the sustainable re-use of historic buildings where appropriate”.\n\nIt also makes specific provision for the conversion and re-use of existing buildings in the countryside for residential and a variety of other non-residential uses; and, for certain farm diversification schemes where proposals involve the re-use or adaption of existing buildings.\n\nIn addition, regional policy supports the re-use of existing buildings in a number of scenarios, including listed buildings, where redevelopment would “secure the ongoing viability and upkeep of the building”, and through The Planning (Use Classes) Order (NI) 2015 which prescribes the circumstances where a change of use is not regarded as involving development, where the former use and new use are both within the same class specified in the Order.\n\nCouncils throughout Northern Ireland are currently bringing forward their new Local Development Plans which will include locally tailored planning policies on a range of topics, including for the reuse of existing buildings. In doing so they must take account of regional policy in the SPPS.\n\nAlthough the reuse and retrofitting of existing buildings as opposed to new builds, falls outside the scope of the current review of the implementation of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, I can assure you it is an important part of my commitment to ensure sustainable development remains central to planning policy going forward.","answerHtml":"I am keen to encourage the reuse of existing buildings as opposed to new buildings wherever possible. Indeed, furthering sustainable development is at the heart of my Department’s Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS) and the planning system.
The SPPS makes provision for the re-use and adaptation (or ‘retrofitting’) of existing buildings and specifies that the planning system should help to mitigate and adapt to climate change by, among other things, “promoting sustainable patterns of development, including the sustainable re-use of historic buildings where appropriate”.
It also makes specific provision for the conversion and re-use of existing buildings in the countryside for residential and a variety of other non-residential uses; and, for certain farm diversification schemes where proposals involve the re-use or adaption of existing buildings.
In addition, regional policy supports the re-use of existing buildings in a number of scenarios, including listed buildings, where redevelopment would “secure the ongoing viability and upkeep of the building”, and through The Planning (Use Classes) Order (NI) 2015 which prescribes the circumstances where a change of use is not regarded as involving development, where the former use and new use are both within the same class specified in the Order.
Councils throughout Northern Ireland are currently bringing forward their new Local Development Plans which will include locally tailored planning policies on a range of topics, including for the reuse of existing buildings. In doing so they must take account of regional policy in the SPPS.
Although the reuse and retrofitting of existing buildings as opposed to new builds, falls outside the scope of the current review of the implementation of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, I can assure you it is an important part of my commitment to ensure sustainable development remains central to planning policy going forward.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019553%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=339478","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=339478"}},{"id":"339216","reference":"AQW 19483/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-25","answerBy":"2021-06-01","answered":"2021-06-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the (i) items and (ii) amount of capital funding in her Department’s 2021/22 budget dedicated to (a) flagship commitments; and b) statutory requirements.","answerText":"The table below provides the items and amounts required for Flagship commitments in 2021-22.\n\nProgramme/Project/Requirement\t2021-22 £'000\nA5 Phase 1a, Phase 1b Vesting Order Costs Only, Remaining Phases\t6,200\nA6 Drumahoe - Dungiven\t39,500\nA6 Randalstown - Castledawson\t5,800\nA6 Drumahoe to Caw Dual Carriageway\t270\nBelfast Transport Hub\t26,045\n77,815\n\nStatutory requirements underpin the majority of the services my Department provides either directly or indirectly. It is therefore not possible to itemise amounts of capital dedicated to statutory requirements in isolation.\n\n£520m (72%) of my capital budget is either Flagship, contractually committed or precommitted leaving just £202.5m (28%) to address my Ministerial priorities. Apart from Executive allocations specifically for NIW, this has been compounded by a real terms cut in resource funding.","answerHtml":"The table below provides the items and amounts required for Flagship commitments in 2021-22.
| Programme/Project/Requirement | 2021-22 £'000 |
| A5 Phase 1a, Phase 1b Vesting Order Costs Only, Remaining Phases | 6,200 |
| A6 Drumahoe - Dungiven | 39,500 |
| A6 Randalstown - Castledawson | 5,800 |
| A6 Drumahoe to Caw Dual Carriageway | 270 |
| Belfast Transport Hub | 26,045 |
| 77,815 |
Statutory requirements underpin the majority of the services my Department provides either directly or indirectly. It is therefore not possible to itemise amounts of capital dedicated to statutory requirements in isolation.
£520m (72%) of my capital budget is either Flagship, contractually committed or precommitted leaving just £202.5m (28%) to address my Ministerial priorities. Apart from Executive allocations specifically for NIW, this has been compounded by a real terms cut in resource funding.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019483%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=339216","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=339216"}},{"id":"339215","reference":"AQW 19482/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-25","answerBy":"2021-06-10","answered":"2021-06-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether the business case for the North West Transport Hub contained commitments in terms of (i) cross-border; and (ii) local bus routes stopping at the Hub; and how these are being fulfilled.","answerText":"I can confirm that, following a successful application to the EU’s INTERREG VA Programme, administered by the Special European Union Programmes Board (SEUPB), for the North West Transport Hub the following public transport targets were agreed:\n\nEnhance local services to 594 return trips per week. Local service FY15 extends across the border to Muff in Co. Donegal\n\nEnhance cross border services from current level of 102 trips per week to 165 return trips per week\n\nProvide increased number of shuttle services between the bus and rail stations in Derry to match the hourly rail service into Waterside Station. (increase from current 69 return journeys per week to 117 per week)\n\nCOVID-19 has significantly impacted on people’s ability to travel both locally and cross border. In light of the changes to travel, SEUPB has commissioned a series of public surveys that will allow an opportunity to monitor baseline usage and provide context where the targets may differ from those initially intended, prior to COVID-19 lockdowns. My Department continues to work with SEUPB on this to ensure that the targets remain appropriate and ambitious for the circumstances that we face. It is planned that the results of the survey will be published by later this year.","answerHtml":"I can confirm that, following a successful application to the EU’s INTERREG VA Programme, administered by the Special European Union Programmes Board (SEUPB), for the North West Transport Hub the following public transport targets were agreed:
Enhance local services to 594 return trips per week. Local service FY15 extends across the border to Muff in Co. Donegal
Enhance cross border services from current level of 102 trips per week to 165 return trips per week
Provide increased number of shuttle services between the bus and rail stations in Derry to match the hourly rail service into Waterside Station. (increase from current 69 return journeys per week to 117 per week)
COVID-19 has significantly impacted on people’s ability to travel both locally and cross border. In light of the changes to travel, SEUPB has commissioned a series of public surveys that will allow an opportunity to monitor baseline usage and provide context where the targets may differ from those initially intended, prior to COVID-19 lockdowns. My Department continues to work with SEUPB on this to ensure that the targets remain appropriate and ambitious for the circumstances that we face. It is planned that the results of the survey will be published by later this year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019482%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=339215","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=339215"}},{"id":"339214","reference":"AQW 19481/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-25","answerBy":"2021-06-10","answered":"2021-06-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities which statutory body has primary responsibility for safeguarding the former Tynan and Caledon Railway Station B1 Listed Building in Tynan Reference HB15/11/020.","answerText":"Principal responsibility for maintaining a building rests with the owner of the building; this building is in private ownership.\n\nDistrict Councils have powers under the Planning Act (NI) 2011 to require works to a listed building where it appears to the Council that such works are urgently necessary for the preservation of the building.\n\nMy Department operates the Historic Environment Fund which includes a repair stream for listing buildings. Applications are open until 21 June 2021.","answerHtml":"Principal responsibility for maintaining a building rests with the owner of the building; this building is in private ownership.
District Councils have powers under the Planning Act (NI) 2011 to require works to a listed building where it appears to the Council that such works are urgently necessary for the preservation of the building.
My Department operates the Historic Environment Fund which includes a repair stream for listing buildings. Applications are open until 21 June 2021.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019481%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=339214","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=339214"}},{"id":"339213","reference":"AQW 19480/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-25","answerBy":"2021-06-10","answered":"2021-06-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities for her assessment of the current state of former Tynan and Caledon Railway Station B1 Listed Building in Tynan Reference HB15/11/020.","answerText":"This listed building is in a poor condition and is on the Heritage at Risk Register. It is the owner’s responsibility to maintain their property; however my officials can offer advice and guidance to all listed building owners for any proposed work including repairs.","answerHtml":"This listed building is in a poor condition and is on the Heritage at Risk Register. It is the owner’s responsibility to maintain their property; however my officials can offer advice and guidance to all listed building owners for any proposed work including repairs.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019480%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=339213","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=339213"}},{"id":"339029","reference":"AQW 19374/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-24","answerBy":"2021-05-28","answered":"2021-05-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure pursuant to AQW 16249/17-22, when will she confirm a works programme for North Down for 2021/22.","answerText":"Allocations to Divisions are being finalised. Once this is complete, the Department will develop a works programme for the 2021-22 financial year for the Ards and North Down Council area.","answerHtml":"Allocations to Divisions are being finalised. Once this is complete, the Department will develop a works programme for the 2021-22 financial year for the Ards and North Down Council area.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019374%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=339029","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=339029"}},{"id":"339028","reference":"AQW 19373/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-24","answerBy":"2021-06-09","answered":"2021-05-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the compilation of the feasibility study for Phase 3 Derry-Londonderry to Coleraine rail line upgrade.","answerText":"Work on the feasibility study is ongoing with a number of topographical and pilot studies underway and the report is still on schedule to be completed by November 2021. A full business case will then be prepared and submitted to me in spring 2022. This will ensure that all future spend is fully informed by a robust business case and that there is high-level assurance on costs and on risk and benefit realisation.","answerHtml":"Work on the feasibility study is ongoing with a number of topographical and pilot studies underway and the report is still on schedule to be completed by November 2021. A full business case will then be prepared and submitted to me in spring 2022. This will ensure that all future spend is fully informed by a robust business case and that there is high-level assurance on costs and on risk and benefit realisation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019373%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=339028","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=339028"}},{"id":"339027","reference":"AQW 19372/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-24","answerBy":"2021-06-09","answered":"2021-06-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the scope of the feasibility study concerning provision of additional rail halts on the line from Derry-Londonderry to Coleraine.","answerText":"I am ambitious for our rail network, and am keen to do all that I can to explore how we can progress rail improvements within the limited budgetary envelope that I have available. I believe that rail has huge untapped potential to deliver multiple benefits across our island and I am committed to addressing regional imbalance by improving connectivity to the North West area. In line with this, I have commissioned a feasibility study to get Phase 3 of the Coleraine to Derry project back on track. I have also commissioned additional studies to explore the possibility of a half hourly service from Derry to Belfast as well as providing additional halts at Ballykelly, Strathfoyle and City of Derry Airport/Eglinton.\n\nIn terms of their scope, the feasibility studies are considering the future demand and benefit for those future halts located between Bellarena and Derry. They will also consider the additional halts within the context of their impact on the overall network timetable.","answerHtml":"I am ambitious for our rail network, and am keen to do all that I can to explore how we can progress rail improvements within the limited budgetary envelope that I have available. I believe that rail has huge untapped potential to deliver multiple benefits across our island and I am committed to addressing regional imbalance by improving connectivity to the North West area. In line with this, I have commissioned a feasibility study to get Phase 3 of the Coleraine to Derry project back on track. I have also commissioned additional studies to explore the possibility of a half hourly service from Derry to Belfast as well as providing additional halts at Ballykelly, Strathfoyle and City of Derry Airport/Eglinton.
In terms of their scope, the feasibility studies are considering the future demand and benefit for those future halts located between Bellarena and Derry. They will also consider the additional halts within the context of their impact on the overall network timetable.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019372%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=339027","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=339027"}},{"id":"339026","reference":"AQW 19371/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-24","answerBy":"2021-06-09","answered":"2021-06-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for her assessment of the impact that approval of Planning Application Reference LA/2014/0592/F may have upon any restoration of rail services from Derry-Londonderry to Strabane.","answerText":"Planning application A/2014/0592/F has been through the full rigours of local decision-making including a decision to refuse by Derry City and Strabane District Council and a subsequent appeal before the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC), an independent appellant body and whose decision is final. The opportunity to bring all material planning matters before the PAC was open to all parties including the Council and the local community. The Department, as regional planning authority, had no prior knowledge of or role in this local planning process, however I understand that the matter of future rail connections was not raised by any party to the appeal.\n\nIn respect of the impact of this decision on any future restoration of rail services between Derry and Strabane, it is likely that the new development may present an obstruction if a rail line was to follow that route. However, I can confirm that the All Island Strategic Rail Review which I announced last month, along with Transport Minister Eamon Ryan TD, will examine the potential for rail connections across the island including the North-West. This will include how our existing connections could be improved and where new rail links would be best placed. The Review will consider the high level viability of any new connections. The service provider will have to consider the viability of any proposed rail track which will include a consideration of any current structures or planning approvals in place and will give consideration as to other routes that the proposed line may take.","answerHtml":"Planning application A/2014/0592/F has been through the full rigours of local decision-making including a decision to refuse by Derry City and Strabane District Council and a subsequent appeal before the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC), an independent appellant body and whose decision is final. The opportunity to bring all material planning matters before the PAC was open to all parties including the Council and the local community. The Department, as regional planning authority, had no prior knowledge of or role in this local planning process, however I understand that the matter of future rail connections was not raised by any party to the appeal.
In respect of the impact of this decision on any future restoration of rail services between Derry and Strabane, it is likely that the new development may present an obstruction if a rail line was to follow that route. However, I can confirm that the All Island Strategic Rail Review which I announced last month, along with Transport Minister Eamon Ryan TD, will examine the potential for rail connections across the island including the North-West. This will include how our existing connections could be improved and where new rail links would be best placed. The Review will consider the high level viability of any new connections. The service provider will have to consider the viability of any proposed rail track which will include a consideration of any current structures or planning approvals in place and will give consideration as to other routes that the proposed line may take.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019371%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=339026","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=339026"}},{"id":"339025","reference":"AQW 19370/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-24","answerBy":"2021-06-09","answered":"2021-06-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether Northern Ireland will benefit directly from Ofgem’s announcement to invest £300m in low carbon projects including EV charge points across the UK.","answerText":"Northern Ireland will not benefit directly from Ofgem’s recently announced £300m investment in low carbon projects, including EV charge points, as Ofgem is not the Northern Ireland regulator. I have, however, recently written to British Ministers to seek clarity on what funding will be provided to support the North in delivering greener, cleaner transport.\n\nI am committed to supporting the transition to electric vehicles as part of wider transport decarbonisation work and to working in partnership with Executive colleagues and others across our islands to help deliver a change in the way we travel that also helps us to tackle the climate crisis.","answerHtml":"Northern Ireland will not benefit directly from Ofgem’s recently announced £300m investment in low carbon projects, including EV charge points, as Ofgem is not the Northern Ireland regulator. I have, however, recently written to British Ministers to seek clarity on what funding will be provided to support the North in delivering greener, cleaner transport.
I am committed to supporting the transition to electric vehicles as part of wider transport decarbonisation work and to working in partnership with Executive colleagues and others across our islands to help deliver a change in the way we travel that also helps us to tackle the climate crisis.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019370%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=339025","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=339025"}},{"id":"338878","reference":"AQW 19304/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-21","answerBy":"2021-06-08","answered":"2021-06-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for her assessment of whether Translink and the DVA will retain sufficient reserves following the £20m allocation she received from the Minister for Finance, announced on 20 May 2021.","answerText":"The £20m allocation to address lost income due to Covid goes some way to support provision of these services as we continue on the Pathway to Recovery from COVID-19, but significantly more is needed. A further £42.8m is required to address the impact of Covid on my Department.\n\nCurrent estimates are that without additional funding, Translink cash reserves will reach critical levels towards the end of this financial year and DVA may need to use its reserves to meet the shortfall in income.","answerHtml":"The £20m allocation to address lost income due to Covid goes some way to support provision of these services as we continue on the Pathway to Recovery from COVID-19, but significantly more is needed. A further £42.8m is required to address the impact of Covid on my Department.
Current estimates are that without additional funding, Translink cash reserves will reach critical levels towards the end of this financial year and DVA may need to use its reserves to meet the shortfall in income.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019304%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=338878","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=338878"}},{"id":"338877","reference":"AQW 19303/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-21","answerBy":"2021-06-08","answered":"2021-06-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance, following the allocations announced on 20 May 2021, how long is his Department projecting that the existing COVID-19 business support schemes are sufficiently funded.","answerText":"The Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS) provided financial assistance to businesses required by the restrictions imposed under the Health Protection regulations to close or severely curtail their normal services. Since the restrictions on business have now largely been removed, payments from the LRSS have ceased with effect from 23 May. My Department has access to sufficient funding to meet the commitments under the scheme up to that date.\n\nThe Department for the Economy is responsible for the COVID Restriction Business Support Scheme (CRBSS) and the Large Tourism and Hospitality Business Support Scheme (LTHBSS) and is best placed to clarify the current position in respect of the funding for these schemes. It is my understanding that similar to the LRSS scheme, payments under the DfE schemes have largely ceased with effect from 23 May.","answerHtml":"The Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS) provided financial assistance to businesses required by the restrictions imposed under the Health Protection regulations to close or severely curtail their normal services. Since the restrictions on business have now largely been removed, payments from the LRSS have ceased with effect from 23 May. My Department has access to sufficient funding to meet the commitments under the scheme up to that date.
The Department for the Economy is responsible for the COVID Restriction Business Support Scheme (CRBSS) and the Large Tourism and Hospitality Business Support Scheme (LTHBSS) and is best placed to clarify the current position in respect of the funding for these schemes. It is my understanding that similar to the LRSS scheme, payments under the DfE schemes have largely ceased with effect from 23 May.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019303%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=338877","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=338877"}},{"id":"338876","reference":"AQW 19302/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-21","answerBy":"2021-06-08","answered":"2021-05-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance why eligibility for the Manufacturing (Industrial Derating) Support Grant was changed to exclude those who had received the Retail, Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Grant subsequent to the opening of scheme applications on 10 May 2021.","answerText":"The criteria for the Manufacturing (Industrial Derating) Support Grant have not changed. The scheme was agreed by the Executive to provide assistance for industrial businesses in premises with a total Net Annual Value between £15001 and £51000 which were unable to access grant funding during 2020. I made this explicit in my statement to the Assembly on 15 March.\n\nWhen the guidance for the Manufacturing (Industrial Derating) Support Grant was being written, it was not anticipated that a business operating from premises that benefit from industrial de-rating would have qualified for the £25,000 Retail Hospitality Tourism and Leisure Grant last year, given the nature of the businesses that were supported by that scheme. It was only when the list of payees for the grant was being prepared that my Department became aware of the overlap between the two schemes and the guidance was then updated accordingly. This was a case where it became necessary for the department to clarify the rules of the scheme in the light of the experience of implementing the scheme. However, the eligibility criteria or principles of the scheme did not change, which are to support a class of business that had been excluded from the previous support schemes.","answerHtml":"The criteria for the Manufacturing (Industrial Derating) Support Grant have not changed. The scheme was agreed by the Executive to provide assistance for industrial businesses in premises with a total Net Annual Value between £15001 and £51000 which were unable to access grant funding during 2020. I made this explicit in my statement to the Assembly on 15 March.
When the guidance for the Manufacturing (Industrial Derating) Support Grant was being written, it was not anticipated that a business operating from premises that benefit from industrial de-rating would have qualified for the £25,000 Retail Hospitality Tourism and Leisure Grant last year, given the nature of the businesses that were supported by that scheme. It was only when the list of payees for the grant was being prepared that my Department became aware of the overlap between the two schemes and the guidance was then updated accordingly. This was a case where it became necessary for the department to clarify the rules of the scheme in the light of the experience of implementing the scheme. However, the eligibility criteria or principles of the scheme did not change, which are to support a class of business that had been excluded from the previous support schemes.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019302%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=338876","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=338876"}},{"id":"338641","reference":"AQW 19198/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-20","answerBy":"2021-06-07","answered":"2021-06-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on progress to confirm the route for the Belfast Rapid Transit (Glider) Phase 2.","answerText":"The Belfast Rapid Transit 2 (BRT2) project is one of three infrastructure projects being taken forward by my Department within the Belfast Region City Deal. An interim Outline Business Case was provided to City Deal partners in August 2020 to enable partners to determine which projects will go through to the final Deal.\n\nIn the interim, development work on the BRT2 project has been continuing and an options assessment report to identify the most viable route options has been prepared. A public and stakeholder consultation on these route options is planned to establish a preferred route for which an Outline Business Case can be completed.","answerHtml":"The Belfast Rapid Transit 2 (BRT2) project is one of three infrastructure projects being taken forward by my Department within the Belfast Region City Deal. An interim Outline Business Case was provided to City Deal partners in August 2020 to enable partners to determine which projects will go through to the final Deal.
In the interim, development work on the BRT2 project has been continuing and an options assessment report to identify the most viable route options has been prepared. A public and stakeholder consultation on these route options is planned to establish a preferred route for which an Outline Business Case can be completed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019198%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=338641","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=338641"}},{"id":"338523","reference":"AQW 19145/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-19","answerBy":"2021-06-04","answered":"2021-05-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education what action his Department has taken to progress the Independent Review of Integrated Education Recommendations 1 and 4.","answerText":"As both recommendations impact on the way an integrated school is defined, I have ensured that both recommendation 1 and recommendation 4 of the Independent Review of Integrated Education will be considered as part of the work of the forthcoming Independent Review of Education.","answerHtml":"As both recommendations impact on the way an integrated school is defined, I have ensured that both recommendation 1 and recommendation 4 of the Independent Review of Integrated Education will be considered as part of the work of the forthcoming Independent Review of Education.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019145%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=338523","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=338523"}},{"id":"338522","reference":"AQW 19144/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-19","answerBy":"2021-06-04","answered":"2021-05-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline her Department’s policy in terms of the Don’t Mow, Let it Grow rewilding initiative within the Ards and North Down Borough Council area.","answerText":"My Department manages vegetation across our network in a number of ways with the primary aim of maintaining road safety while also protecting wildlife and taking care in maintaining their habitats. In this regard my current grass cutting policy seeks to achieve a balance between road safety, the control of noxious weeds and environmental protection.\n\nIn recent years my Department has been engaging in a ‘Don’t Mow Let It Grow’ (DMLIG) pilot project in conjunction with Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, Northern Ireland Environment Agency and others. Through this work, my Department has increased its understanding of the importance of road verges for biodiversity and will now be engaging with other councils, including Ards and North Down Borough Council, to consider how the lessons learned from DMLIG might be integrated into other transport corridors.\n\nAs partner and supporter of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan (AIPP), my Department recognises that road verges are an important habitat for many species of insects and animals. Having devised the specific AIPP Action, to promote pollinator-friendly management of the strategic road network in NI, my Department is committed to reviewing its environmental policies to promote pollinator-friendly practices and to encourage their inclusion on road schemes, where practicable.","answerHtml":"My Department manages vegetation across our network in a number of ways with the primary aim of maintaining road safety while also protecting wildlife and taking care in maintaining their habitats. In this regard my current grass cutting policy seeks to achieve a balance between road safety, the control of noxious weeds and environmental protection.
In recent years my Department has been engaging in a ‘Don’t Mow Let It Grow’ (DMLIG) pilot project in conjunction with Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, Northern Ireland Environment Agency and others. Through this work, my Department has increased its understanding of the importance of road verges for biodiversity and will now be engaging with other councils, including Ards and North Down Borough Council, to consider how the lessons learned from DMLIG might be integrated into other transport corridors.
As partner and supporter of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan (AIPP), my Department recognises that road verges are an important habitat for many species of insects and animals. Having devised the specific AIPP Action, to promote pollinator-friendly management of the strategic road network in NI, my Department is committed to reviewing its environmental policies to promote pollinator-friendly practices and to encourage their inclusion on road schemes, where practicable.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019144%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=338522","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=338522"}},{"id":"338312","reference":"AQW 19076/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-18","answerBy":"2021-06-03","answered":"2021-05-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether the new Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan will include measures to promote the decarbonisation of transport in NI.","answerText":"I am committed to tackling the climate emergency and doing all that we can, as quickly as we can, to reduce our emissions. In that regard, I have recently invested £50m in 100 zero emission double deck vehicles for our bus network. These buses will be delivered by spring 2022 and will be made up of 20 hydrogen and 80 battery electric vehicles. This is in addition to the three zero emission hydrogen buses that recently went into service within the Belfast Metro network.\n\nIn addition, Translink has a strategic vision to see fully zero emission bus services in Belfast and Derry by 2030, and the whole public transport network to be net zero emission by 2040. They are undertaking an in-depth feasibility study to investigate options for decarbonising the public transport network including the rail network. These studies will consider options for electrification, hydrogen or indeed a combination of both.\n\nMy officials are currently developing a new suite of transport plans, and the Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan (RSTNTP) is the first in line for completion. It will set out future investment for our strategic transport networks, by road, rail and bus, as well as active travel.\n\nOfficials are continuing to make progress and I intend to publish the draft RSTNTP for public consultation in late 2021, with a view to issuing the finalised Plan in spring 2022. The public consultation on the RSTNTP will provide an opportunity for representations to be made on future investment in cleaner transport.","answerHtml":"I am committed to tackling the climate emergency and doing all that we can, as quickly as we can, to reduce our emissions. In that regard, I have recently invested £50m in 100 zero emission double deck vehicles for our bus network. These buses will be delivered by spring 2022 and will be made up of 20 hydrogen and 80 battery electric vehicles. This is in addition to the three zero emission hydrogen buses that recently went into service within the Belfast Metro network.
In addition, Translink has a strategic vision to see fully zero emission bus services in Belfast and Derry by 2030, and the whole public transport network to be net zero emission by 2040. They are undertaking an in-depth feasibility study to investigate options for decarbonising the public transport network including the rail network. These studies will consider options for electrification, hydrogen or indeed a combination of both.
My officials are currently developing a new suite of transport plans, and the Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan (RSTNTP) is the first in line for completion. It will set out future investment for our strategic transport networks, by road, rail and bus, as well as active travel.
Officials are continuing to make progress and I intend to publish the draft RSTNTP for public consultation in late 2021, with a view to issuing the finalised Plan in spring 2022. The public consultation on the RSTNTP will provide an opportunity for representations to be made on future investment in cleaner transport.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019076%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=338312","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=338312"}},{"id":"338311","reference":"AQW 19075/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-18","answerBy":"2021-06-03","answered":"2021-05-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) for her Department’s assessment of the impact of the Taxi Accessibility Regulations (NI) 2015 on the availability of wheelchair accessible vehicles in Northern Ireland; and (ii) what her Department is doing to increase the availability of wheelchair accessible vehicles.","answerText":"The number of wheelchair accessible vehicles (WATs) licensed as Class B taxis, ultimately depends on drivers and operators purchasing and using them, but as policy maker and regulator, clearly the actions my Department takes can have an impact on the market.\n\nSince May 2016 the Department has been monitoring the number of WATs throughout Northern Ireland and routinely publishes quarterly statistical reports, with the latest figures for the quarter ending 31 December 2021 confirming there were a total of 506 taxi vehicles licensed in Class B which is a slight drop from 534 in 2013 which predates the Taxi Accessibility Regulations (NI) 2015.\n\nTo make it easier for taxi drivers and operators to get WATs, the DVA has reviewed the process and guidance available to prospective buyers of WATs, and for those companies that supply and modify the vehicles.\n\nIn addition, to ensure that operators remain fully compliant with laws around disabilities, officials have previously met with the Consumer Council, the Inclusive Mobility and Transport Committee (IMTAC) and the Equality Commission. The discussions were positive and have led to direct contact between the Commission and the three largest taxi operators in NI.\n\nMy officials continue to monitor the number of WATs on a quarterly basis and will continue to engage with stakeholders to keep appraised of developments.","answerHtml":"The number of wheelchair accessible vehicles (WATs) licensed as Class B taxis, ultimately depends on drivers and operators purchasing and using them, but as policy maker and regulator, clearly the actions my Department takes can have an impact on the market.
Since May 2016 the Department has been monitoring the number of WATs throughout Northern Ireland and routinely publishes quarterly statistical reports, with the latest figures for the quarter ending 31 December 2021 confirming there were a total of 506 taxi vehicles licensed in Class B which is a slight drop from 534 in 2013 which predates the Taxi Accessibility Regulations (NI) 2015.
To make it easier for taxi drivers and operators to get WATs, the DVA has reviewed the process and guidance available to prospective buyers of WATs, and for those companies that supply and modify the vehicles.
In addition, to ensure that operators remain fully compliant with laws around disabilities, officials have previously met with the Consumer Council, the Inclusive Mobility and Transport Committee (IMTAC) and the Equality Commission. The discussions were positive and have led to direct contact between the Commission and the three largest taxi operators in NI.
My officials continue to monitor the number of WATs on a quarterly basis and will continue to engage with stakeholders to keep appraised of developments.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019075%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=338311","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=338311"}},{"id":"338310","reference":"AQW 19074/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-18","answerBy":"2021-06-03","answered":"2021-06-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether there is an Investment Delivery Plan for active travel to sit alongside the Investment Delivery Plan for roads.","answerText":"The Investment Delivery Plan for Roads (IDP) was published in March 2008, to outline the utilisation of road infrastructure funding as envisaged in the 2008 – 18 Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland (ISNI).\n\nFuture strategic road improvements will be identified through the new Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan (RSTNTP), as part of a new suite of Transport Plans being developed by my Department.\n\nThe RSTNTP will not only consider the strategic road network, but will also cover public transport and the proposed greenway network as part of the wider integrated transport network.\n\nI am also bringing forward transport plans including the Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan and the North West Transport Plan. All of these Transport Plans will include proposals for active travel projects, and will be developed in conjunction with local councils and their Local Development Plan process.\n\nI intend to publish the draft RSTNTP for public consultation in late 2021 with a view to issuing the finalised Plan in spring 2022. The public consultation on the RSTNTP will provide an opportunity for representations to be made on the strategic networks.","answerHtml":"The Investment Delivery Plan for Roads (IDP) was published in March 2008, to outline the utilisation of road infrastructure funding as envisaged in the 2008 – 18 Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland (ISNI).
Future strategic road improvements will be identified through the new Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan (RSTNTP), as part of a new suite of Transport Plans being developed by my Department.
The RSTNTP will not only consider the strategic road network, but will also cover public transport and the proposed greenway network as part of the wider integrated transport network.
I am also bringing forward transport plans including the Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan and the North West Transport Plan. All of these Transport Plans will include proposals for active travel projects, and will be developed in conjunction with local councils and their Local Development Plan process.
I intend to publish the draft RSTNTP for public consultation in late 2021 with a view to issuing the finalised Plan in spring 2022. The public consultation on the RSTNTP will provide an opportunity for representations to be made on the strategic networks.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019074%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=338310","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=338310"}},{"id":"338111","reference":"AQW 18998/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-17","answerBy":"2021-06-02","answered":"2021-06-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Northern Ireland Assembly Commission","departmentId":"2","minister":"Assembly Commission","question":"To ask the Assembly Commission to outline any work planned to improve wi-fi access in Parliament Buildings.","answerText":"The current Wi-Fi network was installed in Parliament Buildings in 2013 and originally consisted of 84 wireless access points located throughout the building. An additional 16 access points were purchased and installed in 2015 in order to improve the overall Wi-Fi signal coverage for building users.\n\nThe current Wi-Fi network shares the Assembly’s main internet connection which was upgraded from 80 to 500 Megabits in 2017. The speed of this connection is monitored on a daily basis and is currently operating well within the capacity of the connection.\n\nFollowing the resumption of normal Assembly business in 2020 and the greater demand for video conferencing by Members and staff as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Assembly Commission is aware that Wi-Fi connectivity and signal quality has been an issue for some Members.\n\nIn response, the Assembly Commission’s IS Office purchased and deployed web cams for use by MLAs and party support staff. These were installed on desktop PCs in Parliament Buildings and as they use the Assembly Commission’s wired network, they provide a much more reliable service.\n\nIn addition, the IS Office has also recently issued written advice to Members on how best to manage Wi-Fi connections on mobile devices.\n\nAs the current system is approaching end of life, the Assembly Commission intends to undertake a review of the system and to commence a project to replace the Wi-Fi network infrastructure before the end of the current Assembly mandate.\n\nShould Members experience any difficulty with Wi-Fi access or performance in Parliament Buildings they should contact the IS Office Service Desk. IS Office will continue to monitor the current Wi-Fi service in Parliament Buildings and will respond appropriately to any specific issues as they arise.","answerHtml":"The current Wi-Fi network was installed in Parliament Buildings in 2013 and originally consisted of 84 wireless access points located throughout the building. An additional 16 access points were purchased and installed in 2015 in order to improve the overall Wi-Fi signal coverage for building users.
The current Wi-Fi network shares the Assembly’s main internet connection which was upgraded from 80 to 500 Megabits in 2017. The speed of this connection is monitored on a daily basis and is currently operating well within the capacity of the connection.
Following the resumption of normal Assembly business in 2020 and the greater demand for video conferencing by Members and staff as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Assembly Commission is aware that Wi-Fi connectivity and signal quality has been an issue for some Members.
In response, the Assembly Commission’s IS Office purchased and deployed web cams for use by MLAs and party support staff. These were installed on desktop PCs in Parliament Buildings and as they use the Assembly Commission’s wired network, they provide a much more reliable service.
In addition, the IS Office has also recently issued written advice to Members on how best to manage Wi-Fi connections on mobile devices.
As the current system is approaching end of life, the Assembly Commission intends to undertake a review of the system and to commence a project to replace the Wi-Fi network infrastructure before the end of the current Assembly mandate.
Should Members experience any difficulty with Wi-Fi access or performance in Parliament Buildings they should contact the IS Office Service Desk. IS Office will continue to monitor the current Wi-Fi service in Parliament Buildings and will respond appropriately to any specific issues as they arise.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018998%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=338111","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=338111"}},{"id":"338110","reference":"AQW 18997/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-17","answerBy":"2021-06-02","answered":"2021-06-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether Sports Club eligibility for the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme is still under review; and when a decision will be made.","answerText":"The Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS) was set up to provide financial support to businesses required by the Health Protection regulations to close or severely curtail the services they could offer. As member organisations that are not established for the purposes of generating a profit, sports clubs are not businesses and, therefore, they are not eligible for funding from the LRSS. I am not minded to change that policy. I have, however, provided funding of £5 million this year to the Department for Communities to help sport clubs deal with the impact of the pandemic.","answerHtml":"The Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS) was set up to provide financial support to businesses required by the Health Protection regulations to close or severely curtail the services they could offer. As member organisations that are not established for the purposes of generating a profit, sports clubs are not businesses and, therefore, they are not eligible for funding from the LRSS. I am not minded to change that policy. I have, however, provided funding of £5 million this year to the Department for Communities to help sport clubs deal with the impact of the pandemic.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018997%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=338110","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=338110"}},{"id":"337977","reference":"AQW 18932/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-14","answerBy":"2021-06-01","answered":"2021-05-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure how her Department will ensure that walkers and cyclists on the Clandeboye Way, as part of the Ulster Way network, can safely cross the A2 Bangor to Belfast Road.","answerText":"Clandeboye Way is a stretch of the Ulster Way that is remote from the road and does not form part of the adopted network. Due to its rough terrain it would not be considered accessible for all users and an alternative option for walkers and cyclists exists alongside the A2 at this location which stretches between Bangor and Ballyrobert. Given the limited usage of this crossing point, my Department has no plans at this time to implement a formal crossing point.","answerHtml":"Clandeboye Way is a stretch of the Ulster Way that is remote from the road and does not form part of the adopted network. Due to its rough terrain it would not be considered accessible for all users and an alternative option for walkers and cyclists exists alongside the A2 at this location which stretches between Bangor and Ballyrobert. Given the limited usage of this crossing point, my Department has no plans at this time to implement a formal crossing point.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018932%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=337977","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=337977"}},{"id":"337735","reference":"AQW 18863/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-13","answerBy":"2021-05-28","answered":"2021-05-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure why a combined footway and cycleway is proposed as part of the A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass as opposed to segregated cycle paths.","answerText":"I recently announced my decision to proceed with the Enniskillen Southern Bypass scheme and make the statutory Orders. I have made clear my commitment to making road improvements to tackle regional imbalance, improving the economy, job prospects and prosperity, connecting communities and improving road safety. To complement the bypass, provision for active travel has been incorporated into the scheme with 3.4km of new footway/cycleway to be constructed as part of the scheme.\n\nThe scheme design assessed the need for a footway/cycleway along the Bypass and identified a shared facility as a suitable provision. As part of my decision to proceed with the scheme, my Department will be looking at further opportunities to maximise the footway/cycleway provision including separation from the carriageway within the vesting line of the Bypass.\n\nIn parallel with this work my Department will also be exploring further opportunities to improve the town centre to create a sustainable, liveable place where people have the space to stay, meet, shop and safely walk, wheel and cycle. This will include opportunities for active and sustainable travel in the town.","answerHtml":"I recently announced my decision to proceed with the Enniskillen Southern Bypass scheme and make the statutory Orders. I have made clear my commitment to making road improvements to tackle regional imbalance, improving the economy, job prospects and prosperity, connecting communities and improving road safety. To complement the bypass, provision for active travel has been incorporated into the scheme with 3.4km of new footway/cycleway to be constructed as part of the scheme.
The scheme design assessed the need for a footway/cycleway along the Bypass and identified a shared facility as a suitable provision. As part of my decision to proceed with the scheme, my Department will be looking at further opportunities to maximise the footway/cycleway provision including separation from the carriageway within the vesting line of the Bypass.
In parallel with this work my Department will also be exploring further opportunities to improve the town centre to create a sustainable, liveable place where people have the space to stay, meet, shop and safely walk, wheel and cycle. This will include opportunities for active and sustainable travel in the town.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018863%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=337735","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=337735"}},{"id":"337734","reference":"AQW 18862/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-13","answerBy":"2021-05-28","answered":"2021-05-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the total amount of money spent from the Blue/Green Fund in 2021/22, broken down per project.","answerText":"I am currently finalising my budget allocations, however, I have made it clear that I intend to invest in a Blue/Green Infrastructure fund for this year. My Department is currently finalising a full delivery programme.\n\nYou have asked what has been spent to date within 21/22 and I can confirm that my Department has, so far, made binding Blue Green Fund grant and contractual commitments amounting to £1.9 million for the following projects in 2021/22:\n\nForth Meadow Community Greenway\t£450,000\nLagan Gateway Greenway\t£550,000\nStrabane North Greenway\t£470,000\nStrathfoyle Greenway\t£150,000\nStrangford Ferry emissions reduction\t£300,000\nTOTAL\t£1,920,000","answerHtml":"I am currently finalising my budget allocations, however, I have made it clear that I intend to invest in a Blue/Green Infrastructure fund for this year. My Department is currently finalising a full delivery programme.
You have asked what has been spent to date within 21/22 and I can confirm that my Department has, so far, made binding Blue Green Fund grant and contractual commitments amounting to £1.9 million for the following projects in 2021/22:
| Forth Meadow Community Greenway | £450,000 |
| Lagan Gateway Greenway | £550,000 |
| Strabane North Greenway | £470,000 |
| Strathfoyle Greenway | £150,000 |
| Strangford Ferry emissions reduction | £300,000 |
| TOTAL | £1,920,000 |
I refer the member to my answer to AQW 16572/17-22.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018861%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=337733","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=337733"}},{"id":"337358","reference":"AQW 18718/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-11","answerBy":"2021-05-26","answered":"2021-05-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance how many Economic Appraisals his Department has reviewed in each of the past five financial years broken down by (i) Departments; (ii) arms-length bodies; and (iii) other public bodies.","answerText":"Economic appraisals (also referred to as business cases) are submitted by departments to DoF’s Supply Division by way of seeking DoF approval for expenditure decision which are outside the department’s delegated authority. Economic appraisals for expenditure decisions below departments’ delegated limits are not submitted to DoF.\n\nIrrespective of whether the case originates from an Arms Length Body or the core department; it is submitted to DoF by the department, as the Departmental Accounting Officer must be satisfied with the case before it is submitted to DoF.\n\nThe breakdown of the number of economic appraisals which DoF have been submitted to DoF to be reviewed in each of the past five years is set out in the table below, based on the information provided by departments at the time they were submitted:\n\nDepartment\t2016-17\t2017-18\t2018-19\t2019-20\t2020-21\nDAERA\nDept.\t11\t7\t2\t5\t5\nArms Length Bodies\t3\t2\t11\t7\t8\nCommunities\nDept.\t20\t12\t20\t13\t22\nArms Length Bodies\t11\t12\t22\t11\t13\nEconomy\nDept.\t14\t11\t6\t8\t12\nArms Length Bodies\t15\t8\t14\t9\t9\nEducation\nDept.\t13\t11\t12\t12\t35\nArms Length Bodies\t18\t7\t10\t9\t10\nFinance\nDept.\t15\t19\t14\t12\t21\nArms Length Bodies\t10\t3\t6\t6\t7\nHealth\nDept.\t2\t2\t2\t14\t5\nArms Length Bodies\t31\t21\t19\t13\t21\nInfrastructure\nDept.\t23\t5\t11\t9\t13\nArms Length Bodies\t12\t20\t17\t33\t32\nJustice\nDoJ – Dept.\t8\t1\t0\t2\t1\nArms Length Bodies\t13\t22\t25\t18\t12\nTEO\nDept.\t10\t11\t13\t13\t13\nArms Length Bodies\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\nOther Bodies\nFSA\t1\t0\t0\t0\t0\nNIAUR\t2\t0\t0\t0\t0\nPPS\t0\t0\t1\t0\t0","answerHtml":"Economic appraisals (also referred to as business cases) are submitted by departments to DoF’s Supply Division by way of seeking DoF approval for expenditure decision which are outside the department’s delegated authority. Economic appraisals for expenditure decisions below departments’ delegated limits are not submitted to DoF.
Irrespective of whether the case originates from an Arms Length Body or the core department; it is submitted to DoF by the department, as the Departmental Accounting Officer must be satisfied with the case before it is submitted to DoF.
The breakdown of the number of economic appraisals which DoF have been submitted to DoF to be reviewed in each of the past five years is set out in the table below, based on the information provided by departments at the time they were submitted:
| Department | 2016-17 | 2017-18 | 2018-19 | 2019-20 | 2020-21 |
| DAERA | |||||
| Dept. | 11 | 7 | 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Arms Length Bodies | 3 | 2 | 11 | 7 | 8 |
| Communities | |||||
| Dept. | 20 | 12 | 20 | 13 | 22 |
| Arms Length Bodies | 11 | 12 | 22 | 11 | 13 |
| Economy | |||||
| Dept. | 14 | 11 | 6 | 8 | 12 |
| Arms Length Bodies | 15 | 8 | 14 | 9 | 9 |
| Education | |||||
| Dept. | 13 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 35 |
| Arms Length Bodies | 18 | 7 | 10 | 9 | 10 |
| Finance | |||||
| Dept. | 15 | 19 | 14 | 12 | 21 |
| Arms Length Bodies | 10 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 7 |
| Health | |||||
| Dept. | 2 | 2 | 2 | 14 | 5 |
| Arms Length Bodies | 31 | 21 | 19 | 13 | 21 |
| Infrastructure | |||||
| Dept. | 23 | 5 | 11 | 9 | 13 |
| Arms Length Bodies | 12 | 20 | 17 | 33 | 32 |
| Justice | |||||
| DoJ – Dept. | 8 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Arms Length Bodies | 13 | 22 | 25 | 18 | 12 |
| TEO | |||||
| Dept. | 10 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Arms Length Bodies | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other Bodies | |||||
| FSA | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| NIAUR | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| PPS | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
All business cases submitted for approval come from the relevant department, including those where the proposal originates from an arms-length body.
The Department of Finance has a target turnaround time of 20 working days for responding to submissions of business cases. This can be either to seek further clarification around issues raised in reviewing the business case or with an approval decision.
During 2020/21; 90% of responses were provided to departments within this timescale, with an average turnaround time of just over 10 working days.
The time taken for an expenditure proposal to be approved can depend on the quality of information contained within the business case, as well as the timeliness of departments in responding to any queries raised.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018717%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=337357","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=337357"}},{"id":"337356","reference":"AQW 18716/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-11","answerBy":"2021-05-26","answered":"2021-05-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) how many car parking spaces her Department owns for use by staff; (ii) how many of those are available to staff for free; (Iii) whether her Department has plans to reduce the number of staff car parking spaces; and (iv) how many spaces have provision for electric vehicle charging.","answerText":"My Department (including the DVA) owns 1,283 car parking spaces for use by staff. Of these parking spaces 37% are shared with customers.\n\nThere is no charge to staff or customers for use of these car parking spaces.\n\nAt present, there are no plans to reduce the number of staff car parking spaces owned by the Department.\n\nThere are two spaces owned by the Department with provision for electric vehicle charging.","answerHtml":"My Department (including the DVA) owns 1,283 car parking spaces for use by staff. Of these parking spaces 37% are shared with customers.
There is no charge to staff or customers for use of these car parking spaces.
At present, there are no plans to reduce the number of staff car parking spaces owned by the Department.
There are two spaces owned by the Department with provision for electric vehicle charging.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018716%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=337356","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=337356"}},{"id":"337355","reference":"AQW 18715/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-11","answerBy":"2021-05-26","answered":"2021-05-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the development of a new Road Safety Strategy.","answerText":"Work on the Road Safety Strategy had been impacted by the Covid-19 crisis and the prioritisation of resources to the work on the Financial Assistance Schemes, however officials continue to work on it at pace.\n\nIn developing the new Road Safety Strategy, officials will engage with key stakeholders in advance of a formal consultation. The draft Road Safety Strategy will be issued as soon as possible but I can assure you that road safety is integral to the work of the Department and it continues each and every day with initiatives such as the 20 mph scheme at schools; the road safety grant scheme; the introduction of tougher penalties for mobile phone use while driving; and enforcement actions by the DVA, in collaboration with the PSNI. There are also regular meetings with the Chief Constable on road safety.","answerHtml":"Work on the Road Safety Strategy had been impacted by the Covid-19 crisis and the prioritisation of resources to the work on the Financial Assistance Schemes, however officials continue to work on it at pace.
In developing the new Road Safety Strategy, officials will engage with key stakeholders in advance of a formal consultation. The draft Road Safety Strategy will be issued as soon as possible but I can assure you that road safety is integral to the work of the Department and it continues each and every day with initiatives such as the 20 mph scheme at schools; the road safety grant scheme; the introduction of tougher penalties for mobile phone use while driving; and enforcement actions by the DVA, in collaboration with the PSNI. There are also regular meetings with the Chief Constable on road safety.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018715%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=337355","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=337355"}},{"id":"337136","reference":"AQW 18645/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-10","answerBy":"2021-05-13","answered":"2021-05-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure how her Department is responding to problems being experienced with the online booking systems for driving tests since it was fully reopened on 10 May.","answerText":"The Driver and Vehicle Agency’s (DVA) driving test booking system opened to all customers at 10am, Monday 10 May. As anticipated, there was significant demand for bookings and while there were some technical issues, which resulted in the queue being paused for a short period of time, these were quickly resolved. The online booking service remains open and I am pleased that thousands of customers have successfully booked an appointment. The queue management system will remain in place to manage the demand and keep the system working.\n\nI remain committed to minimising disruption and ensuring the DVA’s plan for the restoration of services is in hand, however, all driving test services across these islands are experiencing high demand and I would ask customers for their continued patience.","answerHtml":"The Driver and Vehicle Agency’s (DVA) driving test booking system opened to all customers at 10am, Monday 10 May. As anticipated, there was significant demand for bookings and while there were some technical issues, which resulted in the queue being paused for a short period of time, these were quickly resolved. The online booking service remains open and I am pleased that thousands of customers have successfully booked an appointment. The queue management system will remain in place to manage the demand and keep the system working.
I remain committed to minimising disruption and ensuring the DVA’s plan for the restoration of services is in hand, however, all driving test services across these islands are experiencing high demand and I would ask customers for their continued patience.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018645%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=337136","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=337136"}},{"id":"336630","reference":"AQW 18451/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-05","answerBy":"2021-05-20","answered":"2021-05-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether she will bring forward proposals to allow councils to restructure their outstanding loans without penalty to aid financial circumstances as a result of the pandemic.","answerText":"Councils may apply to the Department of Finance (DoF) for loans from the Consolidated Fund or take out commercial loans with private sector providers. Loans from the Consolidated Fund are agreed by DoF, including the term of the loan and the interest rates that will apply.\n\nMy officials continue to liaise with councils through ALGFO (Association of Local Government Finance Officers) and SOLACE (Society of Local Authority Chief Executives) and DoF to ascertain if there are options to restructure loans that could be utilised.","answerHtml":"Councils may apply to the Department of Finance (DoF) for loans from the Consolidated Fund or take out commercial loans with private sector providers. Loans from the Consolidated Fund are agreed by DoF, including the term of the loan and the interest rates that will apply.
My officials continue to liaise with councils through ALGFO (Association of Local Government Finance Officers) and SOLACE (Society of Local Authority Chief Executives) and DoF to ascertain if there are options to restructure loans that could be utilised.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018451%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=336630","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=336630"}},{"id":"336629","reference":"AQW 18450/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-05","answerBy":"2021-05-20","answered":"2021-05-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether she will bring forward proposals to allow council’s to utilise capital borrowing powers and capitalisation schemes to assist with Voluntary Severance Schemes.","answerText":"Section 19(5) of the Local Government Finance Act (NI) 2011 allows my Department to issue capitalisation directions to councils. This permits, in very limited circumstances, specified items of expenditure normally classified as revenue to be treated as capital expenditure.\n\nTreasury currently has an overall capitalisation limit for here of £3.4m. My officials have prepared a business case seeking to give councils more flexibility by increasing their capitalisation threshold from the current £3.4m in order to deliver efficiencies. As a result of the business case prepared by my officials, DoF is currently preparing to approach Treasury with a proposal to increase the capitalisation threshold on my Department’s behalf.","answerHtml":"Section 19(5) of the Local Government Finance Act (NI) 2011 allows my Department to issue capitalisation directions to councils. This permits, in very limited circumstances, specified items of expenditure normally classified as revenue to be treated as capital expenditure.
Treasury currently has an overall capitalisation limit for here of £3.4m. My officials have prepared a business case seeking to give councils more flexibility by increasing their capitalisation threshold from the current £3.4m in order to deliver efficiencies. As a result of the business case prepared by my officials, DoF is currently preparing to approach Treasury with a proposal to increase the capitalisation threshold on my Department’s behalf.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018450%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=336629","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=336629"}},{"id":"336397","reference":"AQW 18349/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-05-04","answerBy":"2021-05-19","answered":"2021-05-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether close-contact service businesses are included in the 100 per cent rates holiday for 2021/22.","answerText":"Rate relief in the 2021-22 rating year, will be provided on a very similar basis to that in 2020-21. Although the term close-contact service is not used in the legislation, retail and retail services such as barbers, hair salons, nail or beauty services, tattoo parlours and piercing parlours will benefit from the relief.\n\nDetails of all the businesses eligible for rate relief are listed in Schedule 2 of the legislation - The Rates (Coronavirus) (Emergency Relief) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021.","answerHtml":"Rate relief in the 2021-22 rating year, will be provided on a very similar basis to that in 2020-21. Although the term close-contact service is not used in the legislation, retail and retail services such as barbers, hair salons, nail or beauty services, tattoo parlours and piercing parlours will benefit from the relief.
Details of all the businesses eligible for rate relief are listed in Schedule 2 of the legislation - The Rates (Coronavirus) (Emergency Relief) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018349%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=336397","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=336397"}},{"id":"335853","reference":"AQW 18202/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-29","answerBy":"2021-05-17","answered":"2021-05-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Justice","departmentId":"134","minister":"Minister of Justice","question":"To ask the Minister of Justice to outline (i) the powers the police have relating to drinking in public places; and (ii) whether consideration has been given to reviewing the effectiveness of these powers.","answerText":"Police powers to curb on street drinking are manifested in a number of different pieces of legislation. The Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 1972 gives district councils the power to make bye-laws prohibiting consumption of intoxicating liquor in public places. Once an area is designated, it is an offence to consume alcohol in that area. This legislation provides police and council officers the power to take the name and address of offenders for consideration of prosecution, although it is the Council who proceed with that prosecution and there is no power to remove alcohol from individuals. The Department for Communities (DfC) has responsibility for this legislation.\n\nPart 5, Articles 68 – 72, of the Criminal Justice (NI) Order 2008, brought forward on behalf of the then Department of Social Development, now DfC, aimed to address the lack of power to remove alcohol in the existing bye-law system. These provisions were intended to allow for the seizure of open containers which contain, or had at any time contained, intoxicating liquor in designated areas. Subsequent legal advice has confirmed these provisions do not contain any power to seize alcohol and consequently Articles 68 - 72 of the Order have not yet been commenced.\n\nIn the meantime, the Department of Justice has provided police with additional powers, via the Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, to issue fixed penalty notices for a number of public order offences related to public drinking including being drunk in a public place, indecent behaviour, disorderly behaviour and behaviour likely to cause a breach of the peace.\n\nWith regards to young people, police have powers under the Confiscation of Alcohol (Young Persons) Act 1997, allowing them to request the surrender of alcohol from under 18’s and for the disposal of alcohol surrendered. Again there is no power to seize alcohol although failure to comply with this request is an offence which may lead to arrest.\n\nA review of the effectiveness of on street drinking legislation, including Part 5 of the Criminal Justice (NI) Order 2008 and Council byelaws, is included in the current ASB Legislation Review on which my Department leads a multi-agency Delivery Group. My officials are engaging with the PSNI and DfC, as the Department with overarching responsibility for alcohol legislation, with a view to ensuring relevant legislation is appropriate to address this issue.","answerHtml":"Police powers to curb on street drinking are manifested in a number of different pieces of legislation. The Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 1972 gives district councils the power to make bye-laws prohibiting consumption of intoxicating liquor in public places. Once an area is designated, it is an offence to consume alcohol in that area. This legislation provides police and council officers the power to take the name and address of offenders for consideration of prosecution, although it is the Council who proceed with that prosecution and there is no power to remove alcohol from individuals. The Department for Communities (DfC) has responsibility for this legislation.
Part 5, Articles 68 – 72, of the Criminal Justice (NI) Order 2008, brought forward on behalf of the then Department of Social Development, now DfC, aimed to address the lack of power to remove alcohol in the existing bye-law system. These provisions were intended to allow for the seizure of open containers which contain, or had at any time contained, intoxicating liquor in designated areas. Subsequent legal advice has confirmed these provisions do not contain any power to seize alcohol and consequently Articles 68 - 72 of the Order have not yet been commenced.
In the meantime, the Department of Justice has provided police with additional powers, via the Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, to issue fixed penalty notices for a number of public order offences related to public drinking including being drunk in a public place, indecent behaviour, disorderly behaviour and behaviour likely to cause a breach of the peace.
With regards to young people, police have powers under the Confiscation of Alcohol (Young Persons) Act 1997, allowing them to request the surrender of alcohol from under 18’s and for the disposal of alcohol surrendered. Again there is no power to seize alcohol although failure to comply with this request is an offence which may lead to arrest.
A review of the effectiveness of on street drinking legislation, including Part 5 of the Criminal Justice (NI) Order 2008 and Council byelaws, is included in the current ASB Legislation Review on which my Department leads a multi-agency Delivery Group. My officials are engaging with the PSNI and DfC, as the Department with overarching responsibility for alcohol legislation, with a view to ensuring relevant legislation is appropriate to address this issue.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018202%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=335853","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=335853"}},{"id":"335330","reference":"AQW 18065/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-27","answerBy":"2021-04-30","answered":"2021-04-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure why parking attendants cannot be deployed to enforce parking restrictions in Helen’s Bay (i) before 9am; (ii) after 5pm; and (iii) on Sundays.","answerText":"In the North Down enforcement area, the normal working hours of Traffic Attendants is Monday to Saturday, 8:00 am – 6.30pm. Actual enforcement hours are less that this due to the time needed for vehicle checks and travel to and from sites. Enforcement outside of these times is possible but as it comes with an additional charge to the Department, it is used only when absolutely necessary.","answerHtml":"In the North Down enforcement area, the normal working hours of Traffic Attendants is Monday to Saturday, 8:00 am – 6.30pm. Actual enforcement hours are less that this due to the time needed for vehicle checks and travel to and from sites. Enforcement outside of these times is possible but as it comes with an additional charge to the Department, it is used only when absolutely necessary.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018065%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=335330","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=335330"}},{"id":"335329","reference":"AQW 18064/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-27","answerBy":"2021-05-13","answered":"2021-05-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline by-laws made to date under the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (Northern Ireland) Order 1985.","answerText":"The following byelaw was made under the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (Northern Ireland) Order 1985:\n\nStrangford Lough Regulation of Anchoring, Mooring and Diving Byelaws 2012. Further information can be found at https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/doe/marine-legislation-strangford-anchoring-mooring-diving-bye-laws-2012.pdf","answerHtml":"The following byelaw was made under the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (Northern Ireland) Order 1985:
Strangford Lough Regulation of Anchoring, Mooring and Diving Byelaws 2012. Further information can be found at https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/doe/marine-legislation-strangford-anchoring-mooring-diving-bye-laws-2012.pdf
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018064%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=335329","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=335329"}},{"id":"335066","reference":"AQW 17976/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-26","answerBy":"2021-04-29","answered":"2021-07-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, in relation to trees being ripped down and used to light fires nearby, to outline actions his Department is taking to stop the destruction of woodland in the vicinity of Helen’s Bay beach.","answerText":"My Officials have been made aware of a relatively small number of branches that have been affected in the local area, however staff are not aware of any particular incidence of actual trees being ripped down or actual areas of woodland being destroyed in order to fuel fires on Helen’s Bay beach.\n\nThe fires on Helen’s Bay beach are pre-dominantly being fuelled by members of the public bringing kiln dried logs and kindling to the site, this has been verified by the extensive evidence and packaging which has been removed from the beach areas by site staff on a regular basis.\n\nWhere NIEA staff become aware of individuals destroying woodland this would be reported to the PSNI for appropriate action as potential criminal damage, and should any members of the public observe any such activity, I would hope that they would also report this to the PSNI accordingly.\n\nNIEA staff will continue to monitor the area for any such activity.","answerHtml":"My Officials have been made aware of a relatively small number of branches that have been affected in the local area, however staff are not aware of any particular incidence of actual trees being ripped down or actual areas of woodland being destroyed in order to fuel fires on Helen’s Bay beach.
The fires on Helen’s Bay beach are pre-dominantly being fuelled by members of the public bringing kiln dried logs and kindling to the site, this has been verified by the extensive evidence and packaging which has been removed from the beach areas by site staff on a regular basis.
Where NIEA staff become aware of individuals destroying woodland this would be reported to the PSNI for appropriate action as potential criminal damage, and should any members of the public observe any such activity, I would hope that they would also report this to the PSNI accordingly.
NIEA staff will continue to monitor the area for any such activity.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017976%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=335066","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=335066"}},{"id":"335065","reference":"AQW 17975/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-26","answerBy":"2021-05-12","answered":"2021-05-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs following the recent incident on Millisle beach, whether sufficient staffing resources and procedures are in place within his Department to deal with diesel spills.","answerText":"Diesel and other fuel oil spills can and do occur at any time and from a wide range of locations ranging from domestic properties, garage forecourts, road traffic accidents to spills from large commercial properties and from vessels at sea. In 2020, NIEA staff responded to 149 confirmed water pollution incidents involving the spillage of a variety of oil types. The level of Departmental intervention and response depends upon the volume of oil spilled, the type of product involved, the location and the potential environmental impact.\n\nAll oil spills are investigated under the Water (NI) Order 1999 and staff are trained and conduct exercises on the deployment of pollution counter-measures and to manage incidents until fully resolved. Formal external training, by professionally accredited providers, has also been provided for a number of key staff to full Maritime and Coastguard Agency Oil Spill Response Executive Commander Level for large marine spills.\n\nStaffing is a finite resource and the ability to respond to any incident outside of normal working hours is reduced and this may in some cases impact upon the speed of response depending upon commitments to other incidents ongoing at the same time.\n\nThe Northern Ireland Coastal Contingency plan sets out a tiered approach which identifies the appropriate response capability in terms of expertise and resources for coastal incidents of different magnitudes and complexity. Whilst the Department has the capability to deal with the vast majority of oil spills reported, it is not resourced in terms of staff and equipment to ‘clean up’ particularly large or complex spills. In this regard NIEA will investigate and manage the incident but where necessary, specialist accredited contractors may need to be engaged.\n\nThe costs associated with large spills can be substantial and where the source of the oil is known to investigatory staff, the individual or organisation believed to be responsible would be asked to engage a ‘clean up’ contractor in line with the polluter pay’ principle. In all cases the first response of NIEA is to prevent the worsening of the situation and the Department will engage an appropriate contractor and bear the costs if a polluter is not found.","answerHtml":"Diesel and other fuel oil spills can and do occur at any time and from a wide range of locations ranging from domestic properties, garage forecourts, road traffic accidents to spills from large commercial properties and from vessels at sea. In 2020, NIEA staff responded to 149 confirmed water pollution incidents involving the spillage of a variety of oil types. The level of Departmental intervention and response depends upon the volume of oil spilled, the type of product involved, the location and the potential environmental impact.
All oil spills are investigated under the Water (NI) Order 1999 and staff are trained and conduct exercises on the deployment of pollution counter-measures and to manage incidents until fully resolved. Formal external training, by professionally accredited providers, has also been provided for a number of key staff to full Maritime and Coastguard Agency Oil Spill Response Executive Commander Level for large marine spills.
Staffing is a finite resource and the ability to respond to any incident outside of normal working hours is reduced and this may in some cases impact upon the speed of response depending upon commitments to other incidents ongoing at the same time.
The Northern Ireland Coastal Contingency plan sets out a tiered approach which identifies the appropriate response capability in terms of expertise and resources for coastal incidents of different magnitudes and complexity. Whilst the Department has the capability to deal with the vast majority of oil spills reported, it is not resourced in terms of staff and equipment to ‘clean up’ particularly large or complex spills. In this regard NIEA will investigate and manage the incident but where necessary, specialist accredited contractors may need to be engaged.
The costs associated with large spills can be substantial and where the source of the oil is known to investigatory staff, the individual or organisation believed to be responsible would be asked to engage a ‘clean up’ contractor in line with the polluter pay’ principle. In all cases the first response of NIEA is to prevent the worsening of the situation and the Department will engage an appropriate contractor and bear the costs if a polluter is not found.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017975%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=335065","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=335065"}},{"id":"335064","reference":"AQW 17974/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-26","answerBy":"2021-05-12","answered":"2021-05-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure why the item M1 All Lanes (Managed Motorway) appears in her Department’s capital budget for 2021.","answerText":"The Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland (ISNI) Investment Delivery Plan (IDP) for Roads to 2018 sets out a series of roads projects at various stages of development that could be taken forward. Currently bids, in the desirable category, are made on this basis. The proposed new Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan (RSTNTP) will set new investment priorities for strategic roads for the next 15 years and I hope to be in a position to publish this for consultation later this year.\n\nThe Managed Motorway proposal emanated from the M1/A1 Sprucefield Bypass project where early development work indicated that options could be enhanced through the provision of additional capacity on the M1 between Sprucefield and Belfast. Whilst a linked project further work is required to identify an appropriate solution which may include the consideration of managed motorways. I am still considering my capital priorities for 2021/22, and will be reviewing the progression of managed motorways in this financial year.","answerHtml":"The Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland (ISNI) Investment Delivery Plan (IDP) for Roads to 2018 sets out a series of roads projects at various stages of development that could be taken forward. Currently bids, in the desirable category, are made on this basis. The proposed new Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan (RSTNTP) will set new investment priorities for strategic roads for the next 15 years and I hope to be in a position to publish this for consultation later this year.
The Managed Motorway proposal emanated from the M1/A1 Sprucefield Bypass project where early development work indicated that options could be enhanced through the provision of additional capacity on the M1 between Sprucefield and Belfast. Whilst a linked project further work is required to identify an appropriate solution which may include the consideration of managed motorways. I am still considering my capital priorities for 2021/22, and will be reviewing the progression of managed motorways in this financial year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017974%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=335064","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=335064"}},{"id":"335063","reference":"AQW 17973/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-26","answerBy":"2021-05-12","answered":"2021-05-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline (i) the indicative timelines; and (ii) the format for the review into Renewable Energy Planning.","answerText":"My decision to review regional planning policy for renewable and low carbon energy was announced on 21 April 2021. In progressing this review, I am mindful of how this issue interfaces with the emerging DfE led Energy Strategy and that the draft policy options for that Strategy have been recently issued for consultation. Substantive work on this review of renewable energy planning policy will be progressed as soon as possible in parallel with the draft Energy Strategy.\n\nThe planning policy review will be taken forward in accordance with established policy making best practice. The first step in this process will be engaging with the Infrastructure Committee early next month. A detailed policy development process will be required taking account of the emerging Energy Strategy, the previous planning policy call for evidence, the independent consultant’s report that my Department commissioned and wider research. As part of this there will be a period of engagement with a wide range of key stakeholders in the Autumn, including the Infrastructure Committee. I aim to publish a draft renewable and low carbon energy planning policy for public consultation by March 2022.\n\nI also expect that any new policy arising from the review will be referred to the Executive, prior to publication in final form.","answerHtml":"My decision to review regional planning policy for renewable and low carbon energy was announced on 21 April 2021. In progressing this review, I am mindful of how this issue interfaces with the emerging DfE led Energy Strategy and that the draft policy options for that Strategy have been recently issued for consultation. Substantive work on this review of renewable energy planning policy will be progressed as soon as possible in parallel with the draft Energy Strategy.
The planning policy review will be taken forward in accordance with established policy making best practice. The first step in this process will be engaging with the Infrastructure Committee early next month. A detailed policy development process will be required taking account of the emerging Energy Strategy, the previous planning policy call for evidence, the independent consultant’s report that my Department commissioned and wider research. As part of this there will be a period of engagement with a wide range of key stakeholders in the Autumn, including the Infrastructure Committee. I aim to publish a draft renewable and low carbon energy planning policy for public consultation by March 2022.
I also expect that any new policy arising from the review will be referred to the Executive, prior to publication in final form.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017973%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=335063","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=335063"}},{"id":"334903","reference":"AQW 17898/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-23","answerBy":"2021-04-28","answered":"2021-07-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline actions his Department is taking to address the lighting of fires on the beach at Helen’s Bay.","answerText":"My officials are aware of the ongoing issue of fires on Helen’s Bay beach which is part of Crawfordsburn Country Park. My officials understand that there is presently no specific legislation in place which allows for beach fires to be enforce-ably prohibited. However when park staff are in attendance during the opening hours of the park they engage with the public to advise them that fires are not permitted within the park and they are asked to put them out. Nevertheless very often these fires are being lit in the night time outside of the opening hours of the park when staff are not in attendance. Staff arranged for enhanced signage stating that fires are not permitted in the park, but this will likely have little effect, as with the abundance of signage indicating the prohibition on public alcohol consumption.\n\nMore often than not the lighting of these fires goes hand in hand with the public consumption of alcohol and anti-social littering which are also prohibited. The responsibility for the enforcement of these matters rests with the council and PSNI. Where specific incidents of concern arise, site staff continue to report matters to the PSNI and relevant authorities.\n\nThere are quite obviously specific issues with the meaningful enforcement of this kind of anti-social behaviour in public spaces across the council area, from public alcohol consumption, to littering to the increase in overnight camping and beach fires. This is a much wider issue that just Helen’s Bay Beach. I would encourage you to engage with the council and PSNI to prioritise this issue and take the matter forward.","answerHtml":"My officials are aware of the ongoing issue of fires on Helen’s Bay beach which is part of Crawfordsburn Country Park. My officials understand that there is presently no specific legislation in place which allows for beach fires to be enforce-ably prohibited. However when park staff are in attendance during the opening hours of the park they engage with the public to advise them that fires are not permitted within the park and they are asked to put them out. Nevertheless very often these fires are being lit in the night time outside of the opening hours of the park when staff are not in attendance. Staff arranged for enhanced signage stating that fires are not permitted in the park, but this will likely have little effect, as with the abundance of signage indicating the prohibition on public alcohol consumption.
More often than not the lighting of these fires goes hand in hand with the public consumption of alcohol and anti-social littering which are also prohibited. The responsibility for the enforcement of these matters rests with the council and PSNI. Where specific incidents of concern arise, site staff continue to report matters to the PSNI and relevant authorities.
There are quite obviously specific issues with the meaningful enforcement of this kind of anti-social behaviour in public spaces across the council area, from public alcohol consumption, to littering to the increase in overnight camping and beach fires. This is a much wider issue that just Helen’s Bay Beach. I would encourage you to engage with the council and PSNI to prioritise this issue and take the matter forward.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017898%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=334903","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=334903"}},{"id":"334753","reference":"AQW 17818/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-22","answerBy":"2021-04-28","answered":"2021-04-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance, pursuant to AQW 17047/17-22, how Land and Property Services calculated valuations for plots of land at Portavoe Reservoir.","answerText":"The valuations for the plots of land reflect the physical nature of the site itself and obligations transferring with ownership, and were assessed by comparison to open market sales of similar property types that were former NI Water properties.","answerHtml":"The valuations for the plots of land reflect the physical nature of the site itself and obligations transferring with ownership, and were assessed by comparison to open market sales of similar property types that were former NI Water properties.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017818%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=334753","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=334753"}},{"id":"334752","reference":"AQW 17817/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-22","answerBy":"2021-05-10","answered":"2021-04-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail NI Waters funding requirements for the first year of PC21; and whether her Department will be able to meet those requirements.","answerText":"The Utility Regulator’s Final Determination is intended to be published on the 13 May 2021, and this will outline the level of funding NI Water requires for the first year of PC21. I will be best placed to confirm my Department’s ability to meet the funding requirement once we have an agreed final determination.","answerHtml":"The Utility Regulator’s Final Determination is intended to be published on the 13 May 2021, and this will outline the level of funding NI Water requires for the first year of PC21. I will be best placed to confirm my Department’s ability to meet the funding requirement once we have an agreed final determination.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017817%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=334752","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=334752"}},{"id":"334751","reference":"AQW 17816/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-22","answerBy":"2021-05-10","answered":"2021-04-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline her plans for the deployment of Traffic Attendants and reduction in the use of Coronavirus Job Retention Furlough in line with the easement of COVID-19 restrictions and the associated increase in vehicle movements.","answerText":"In response to increasing traffic levels, some more Traffic Attendants (TAs) will be brought back from furlough by the service provider, NSL, in the coming weeks. This is in line with my decision to scale back parking enforcement with TAs deployed on a priority basis to locations where they can contribute most to road safety and traffic progression. My Department is currently considering when parking enforcement will be returned to pre-lockdown levels.","answerHtml":"In response to increasing traffic levels, some more Traffic Attendants (TAs) will be brought back from furlough by the service provider, NSL, in the coming weeks. This is in line with my decision to scale back parking enforcement with TAs deployed on a priority basis to locations where they can contribute most to road safety and traffic progression. My Department is currently considering when parking enforcement will be returned to pre-lockdown levels.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017816%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=334751","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=334751"}},{"id":"334652","reference":"AQW 17756/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-21","answerBy":"2021-05-07","answered":"2021-04-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the establishment of a Citizens' Assembly.","answerText":"We remain committed to the convening of at least one Citizen’s Assembly each year on an issue to be recommended by the Compact Civic Advisory Panel. Preparatory work has begun on the re-establishment of the Panel through public appointment but Covid-19 has unavoidably impacted both on this work due to the necessary diversion of staffing resources and also taking into account the panel’s potential ability to function most effectively due to the current social constraints in which we have been operating.","answerHtml":"We remain committed to the convening of at least one Citizen’s Assembly each year on an issue to be recommended by the Compact Civic Advisory Panel. Preparatory work has begun on the re-establishment of the Panel through public appointment but Covid-19 has unavoidably impacted both on this work due to the necessary diversion of staffing resources and also taking into account the panel’s potential ability to function most effectively due to the current social constraints in which we have been operating.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017756%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=334652","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=334652"}},{"id":"334651","reference":"AQW 17755/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-21","answerBy":"2021-05-07","answered":"2021-05-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for an update on the implementation of NI Law Commission 2013 Apartments Report Recommendations.","answerText":"During the previous mandate, my Department considered the Law Commission’s report and undertook preliminary work in the context of developing legislation around shared property managers, including registration of such companies and codes of conduct.\n\nThere is insufficient time left in the course of this mandate to develop and finalise a Bill and take it through the various stages in the Assembly, further work is planned that will permit an incoming Executive to consider this issue next year.","answerHtml":"During the previous mandate, my Department considered the Law Commission’s report and undertook preliminary work in the context of developing legislation around shared property managers, including registration of such companies and codes of conduct.
There is insufficient time left in the course of this mandate to develop and finalise a Bill and take it through the various stages in the Assembly, further work is planned that will permit an incoming Executive to consider this issue next year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017755%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=334651","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=334651"}},{"id":"334345","reference":"AQW 17586/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-19","answerBy":"2021-05-05","answered":"2021-04-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure pursuant to AQW 17047/17-22, what was the date of the Land and Property Services valuation used for the sale of Portavoe Reservoir.","answerText":"NI Water has advised that the date of the Land and Property Services valuation was 21 March 2019.","answerHtml":"NI Water has advised that the date of the Land and Property Services valuation was 21 March 2019.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017586%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=334345","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=334345"}},{"id":"334344","reference":"AQW 17585/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-19","answerBy":"2021-05-05","answered":"2021-05-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on the funding to replace that received from the EU for the Rural Development Programme.","answerText":"At this stage there are no new funding updates. The 2019 Conservative Manifesto Commitment is to guarantee the current annual budget to farmers in every year of the next Parliament.\n\nI have written to the Defra Secretary of State emphasising the importance of maintaining these payments to farmers, land managers and for the rural economy in Northern Ireland. EU replacement funding issues are also discussed at the regular UK Inter-Ministerial Group for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs meetings which I attend.\n\nAlongside the Budget announcement on 3 March, UKG has launched funds for three areas - Community Renewal Fund, Levelling Up Fund and Community Ownership Fund, which you may find of interest.","answerHtml":"At this stage there are no new funding updates. The 2019 Conservative Manifesto Commitment is to guarantee the current annual budget to farmers in every year of the next Parliament.
I have written to the Defra Secretary of State emphasising the importance of maintaining these payments to farmers, land managers and for the rural economy in Northern Ireland. EU replacement funding issues are also discussed at the regular UK Inter-Ministerial Group for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs meetings which I attend.
Alongside the Budget announcement on 3 March, UKG has launched funds for three areas - Community Renewal Fund, Levelling Up Fund and Community Ownership Fund, which you may find of interest.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017585%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=334344","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=334344"}},{"id":"334343","reference":"AQW 17584/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-19","answerBy":"2021-05-05","answered":"2021-04-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department has researched the potential costs and benefits of extending the Northern Ireland Concessionary Fares Scheme to (i) children aged 16 to 18; and (ii) young people aged 18 to 22.","answerText":"I recognise that our children and young people use public transport to access education, training, employment and to maintain social connections. Children aged 5-16 enjoy half fare travel on public transport services in Northern Ireland under the Northern Ireland Concessionary Fares Scheme. Other discounted tickets are available for our young people. The Translink y-link card is a smart card for all 16-23 years olds using Translink services within Northern Ireland. This card offers 1/3 off Translink bus and rail travel in Northern Ireland and up to 50% off the Enterprise tickets for up to 8 years. Also available is the 24+ Student Railcard is available for those in full time education over the age of 24 to receive up to 1/3 off rail fares.\n\nNo recent research has been undertaken here on the potential costs or benefits of extending concessionary travel to those aged 16-18 or 18-22, however my officials are examining the social value and impact of the Scheme on all those who receive a travel concession.\n\nI have been very clear that, in its present format the Concessionary Fares Scheme is underfunded. I very much recognise the multiple benefits delivered by the Concessionary Fares Scheme and would like to do more in this area and I continue to engage with Minister Murphy on the long term funding of the Scheme.","answerHtml":"I recognise that our children and young people use public transport to access education, training, employment and to maintain social connections. Children aged 5-16 enjoy half fare travel on public transport services in Northern Ireland under the Northern Ireland Concessionary Fares Scheme. Other discounted tickets are available for our young people. The Translink y-link card is a smart card for all 16-23 years olds using Translink services within Northern Ireland. This card offers 1/3 off Translink bus and rail travel in Northern Ireland and up to 50% off the Enterprise tickets for up to 8 years. Also available is the 24+ Student Railcard is available for those in full time education over the age of 24 to receive up to 1/3 off rail fares.
No recent research has been undertaken here on the potential costs or benefits of extending concessionary travel to those aged 16-18 or 18-22, however my officials are examining the social value and impact of the Scheme on all those who receive a travel concession.
I have been very clear that, in its present format the Concessionary Fares Scheme is underfunded. I very much recognise the multiple benefits delivered by the Concessionary Fares Scheme and would like to do more in this area and I continue to engage with Minister Murphy on the long term funding of the Scheme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017584%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=334343","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=334343"}},{"id":"334342","reference":"AQW 17583/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-19","answerBy":"2021-05-05","answered":"2021-04-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure pursuant to AQW 16971/17-22, what metrics her Department's Roads Divisions use to ensure that funds are distributed equitably across local council areas.","answerText":"In my reply to your previous question (AQW 16971/17-22), I advised that structural maintenance allocations to the four DfI Roads Divisions are made on the basis of need, using a range of weighted indicators tailored to each maintenance activity. Divisions broadly use these indictors when apportioning across council areas to ensure, as far as possible, an equitable distribution of funds.\n\nThe table below sets out examples of the two main structural maintenance activities and the associated range of indicators and metrics currently used across the DfI Roads Divisions to distribute funding to local Council areas:\n\nCategory\tIndicator\tMetrics\tSource\nResurfacing\tTraffic\tWhere traffic counts are not available, population density is used as a proxy\tN.I. Census\nLength of H, M & L traffic roads\tRoad Maintenance Client System*\nCondition\tNumber of carriageway surface defects\tRoad Maintenance Client System\nPercentage length of road at or below an intervention / investigatory level\tRoad Condition Surveys e.g. SCANNER/SCRIM and deflectograph\nNumber of Public Liability claims\tDfI Claims Unit / Road Maintenance Client System\nCarriageway Length\tLength of All roads\tRoad Maintenance Client System\nLength of A&B class roads\nCarriageway Area\tArea of All roads\tRoad Maintenance Client System\nArea of Urban Roads\nArea of A&B class roads\nSurface Dressing\tCondition\tNumber of carriageway surface defects\tRoad Maintenance Client System\nCarriageway Length\tRural road length\tRoad Maintenance Client System\nCarriageway Area\tArea of bitmac rural roads\tRoad Maintenance Client System\n3 year Average spend\t3 year Average spend on surface dressing\tDfI Accounting System\n\n*The Road Maintenance Client System is the Department’s asset management system used to manage the maintenance of the public road network throughout the whole of Northern Ireland.\n\nThe exact combination of indicators and metrics used within each Division will be tailored to reflect individual needs and circumstances in the Division at that time with decisions and budgets influenced by specific allocations for functions such as Trunk Road resurfacing schemes and structural stability, including coastal defence repairs. Given the need to consider these functions separately, no Section Office or local Council area will receive a fixed percentage of the available allocation each year.","answerHtml":"In my reply to your previous question (AQW 16971/17-22), I advised that structural maintenance allocations to the four DfI Roads Divisions are made on the basis of need, using a range of weighted indicators tailored to each maintenance activity. Divisions broadly use these indictors when apportioning across council areas to ensure, as far as possible, an equitable distribution of funds.
The table below sets out examples of the two main structural maintenance activities and the associated range of indicators and metrics currently used across the DfI Roads Divisions to distribute funding to local Council areas:
| Category | Indicator | Metrics | Source |
| Resurfacing | Traffic | Where traffic counts are not available, population density is used as a proxy | N.I. Census |
| Length of H, M & L traffic roads | Road Maintenance Client System* | ||
| Condition | Number of carriageway surface defects | Road Maintenance Client System | |
| Percentage length of road at or below an intervention / investigatory level | Road Condition Surveys e.g. SCANNER/SCRIM and deflectograph | ||
| Number of Public Liability claims | DfI Claims Unit / Road Maintenance Client System | ||
| Carriageway Length | Length of All roads | Road Maintenance Client System | |
| Length of A&B class roads | |||
| Carriageway Area | Area of All roads | Road Maintenance Client System | |
| Area of Urban Roads | |||
| Area of A&B class roads | |||
| Surface Dressing | Condition | Number of carriageway surface defects | Road Maintenance Client System |
| Carriageway Length | Rural road length | Road Maintenance Client System | |
| Carriageway Area | Area of bitmac rural roads | Road Maintenance Client System | |
| 3 year Average spend | 3 year Average spend on surface dressing | DfI Accounting System |
*The Road Maintenance Client System is the Department’s asset management system used to manage the maintenance of the public road network throughout the whole of Northern Ireland.
The exact combination of indicators and metrics used within each Division will be tailored to reflect individual needs and circumstances in the Division at that time with decisions and budgets influenced by specific allocations for functions such as Trunk Road resurfacing schemes and structural stability, including coastal defence repairs. Given the need to consider these functions separately, no Section Office or local Council area will receive a fixed percentage of the available allocation each year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017583%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=334342","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=334342"}},{"id":"334221","reference":"AQW 17521/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-16","answerBy":"2021-05-04","answered":"2021-04-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for his assessment of the sufficiency of the BS 8414 test in providing a robust mechanism to ensure the fire safety of buildings.","answerText":"My Department consulted on the amendment of local Building Regulations in relation to Fire Safety and radon matters. In relation to buildings other than ‘relevant buildings’, it is proposed to include in the technical guidance to Part E ‘Fire safety’ of the Building Regulations, the alternative option to use large scale testing carried out to BS8414 and meeting BRE135 performance requirements, to demonstrate compliance with external fire spread requirements in building regulations.\n\nThis option is included in the Building Regulations technical guidance of England and Wales. Scotland recently removed reference to BS8414/BR135 as alternative guidance, as an interim measure until the outcome of deliberations by the Ministerial Working Group on Building and Fire Safety reports later this year. The south of Ireland does not reference the alternative approach of BS8414/BR135 as a route to compliance in its Technical Guidance Document B.\n\nOfficials have analysed the consultation responses and a summary is available on the Department’s website. In relation to the introduction of BS8414/BR135 as an alternative route to compliance in the technical guidance for non-relevant buildings, the majority of responses (78%) were in support of the proposal with only 2 respondents (5%) not in support (17% expressed ‘No view’).\n\nThe Department is currently consulting with the local Building Regulations Advisory Committee (NIBRAC) and its Technical-subcommittee for Part E ‘Fire safety’ of the Building Regulations and will bring forward final proposals, for my consideration, in the near future. My Officials are also maintaining contact with counterparts in Britain and the south of Ireland so NIBRAC can monitor and consider any potential changes in approach to large scale testing to BS8414 there, resulting from Phase 2 of the Grenfell inquiry.","answerHtml":"My Department consulted on the amendment of local Building Regulations in relation to Fire Safety and radon matters. In relation to buildings other than ‘relevant buildings’, it is proposed to include in the technical guidance to Part E ‘Fire safety’ of the Building Regulations, the alternative option to use large scale testing carried out to BS8414 and meeting BRE135 performance requirements, to demonstrate compliance with external fire spread requirements in building regulations.
This option is included in the Building Regulations technical guidance of England and Wales. Scotland recently removed reference to BS8414/BR135 as alternative guidance, as an interim measure until the outcome of deliberations by the Ministerial Working Group on Building and Fire Safety reports later this year. The south of Ireland does not reference the alternative approach of BS8414/BR135 as a route to compliance in its Technical Guidance Document B.
Officials have analysed the consultation responses and a summary is available on the Department’s website. In relation to the introduction of BS8414/BR135 as an alternative route to compliance in the technical guidance for non-relevant buildings, the majority of responses (78%) were in support of the proposal with only 2 respondents (5%) not in support (17% expressed ‘No view’).
The Department is currently consulting with the local Building Regulations Advisory Committee (NIBRAC) and its Technical-subcommittee for Part E ‘Fire safety’ of the Building Regulations and will bring forward final proposals, for my consideration, in the near future. My Officials are also maintaining contact with counterparts in Britain and the south of Ireland so NIBRAC can monitor and consider any potential changes in approach to large scale testing to BS8414 there, resulting from Phase 2 of the Grenfell inquiry.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017521%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=334221","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=334221"}},{"id":"334220","reference":"AQW 17520/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-16","answerBy":"2021-05-04","answered":"2021-04-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance what work his Department is doing to ensure that all existing buildings over 11 metres in height are fire safe.","answerText":"My Department has policy and legislative responsibility for Building Regulations which apply only when a building is newly erected, altered, extended or provided with a service or fitting, or when there is a material change of use of a building.\n\nMy Department consulted on proposals to introduce an effective ban on the use of combustible materials forming the external walls on certain higher risk ‘relevant buildings’ with a storey over 18m in height, so that only non-combustible materials can be used. The consultation asked consultees for views on the threshold height for the ban, including at 11m. Officials have analysed the consultation responses and a summary is available on the Department’s website.\n\nThe Department is currently consulting with the local Building Regulations Advisory Committee (NIBRAC) and its Technical-subcommittee for Part E ‘Fire safety’ of the Building Regulations and will bring forward final proposals, for my consideration, in the near future.\n\nAny effective ban implemented by my Department through building regulations along with planned future proposals to address other building fire safety matters, such as provision of Automatic Fire Suppressions Systems such as sprinklers, provision of fire safety information and more, would apply to existing buildings only in the circumstances outlined above.\n\nThe Executive has agreed that citizens here are afforded the same level of fire safety in all buildings, as in other devolved administrations. The Head of the Civil Service will chair a Cross-Departmental Group to allocate policy responsibility for a range of enhanced measures to improve fire safety in buildings.\n\nIt will be a matter for this group to decide the appropriate action and funding to remove unsafe cladding in existing buildings here.\n\nThe predominant Fire Safety legislation governing the ways in which employers and people in control of premises manage fire safety in the vast majority of existing non-domestic buildings is the Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and accompanying Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010. Responsibility for this legislation lies with the Department of Health and it is enforced by the Fire and Rescue Service.","answerHtml":"My Department has policy and legislative responsibility for Building Regulations which apply only when a building is newly erected, altered, extended or provided with a service or fitting, or when there is a material change of use of a building.
My Department consulted on proposals to introduce an effective ban on the use of combustible materials forming the external walls on certain higher risk ‘relevant buildings’ with a storey over 18m in height, so that only non-combustible materials can be used. The consultation asked consultees for views on the threshold height for the ban, including at 11m. Officials have analysed the consultation responses and a summary is available on the Department’s website.
The Department is currently consulting with the local Building Regulations Advisory Committee (NIBRAC) and its Technical-subcommittee for Part E ‘Fire safety’ of the Building Regulations and will bring forward final proposals, for my consideration, in the near future.
Any effective ban implemented by my Department through building regulations along with planned future proposals to address other building fire safety matters, such as provision of Automatic Fire Suppressions Systems such as sprinklers, provision of fire safety information and more, would apply to existing buildings only in the circumstances outlined above.
The Executive has agreed that citizens here are afforded the same level of fire safety in all buildings, as in other devolved administrations. The Head of the Civil Service will chair a Cross-Departmental Group to allocate policy responsibility for a range of enhanced measures to improve fire safety in buildings.
It will be a matter for this group to decide the appropriate action and funding to remove unsafe cladding in existing buildings here.
The predominant Fire Safety legislation governing the ways in which employers and people in control of premises manage fire safety in the vast majority of existing non-domestic buildings is the Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and accompanying Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010. Responsibility for this legislation lies with the Department of Health and it is enforced by the Fire and Rescue Service.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017520%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=334220","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=334220"}},{"id":"334219","reference":"AQW 17519/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-16","answerBy":"2021-05-04","answered":"2021-04-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether his Department has considered requiring all buildings over 11 metres in height to use non-combustible materials, as opposed to the current proposals of 18 metres.","answerText":"My Department consulted on proposals to introduce an effective ban on the use of combustible materials forming the external walls on certain higher risk ‘relevant buildings’ with a storey over 18m in height, so that only non-combustible materials can be used. The consultation did ask consultees for views on the threshold height for the ban, including, specifically, at a height of 11m.\n\nOfficials in the Department’s Building Standards Branch have analysed the consultation responses and a summary of responses is available on the Department’s website.\n\nConsultation indicated a mixed response on the height threshold for application of the ban. The Department acknowledges that height thresholds on this matter could be viewed as arbitrary in nature and the comments from some consultees suggested 11m as an upper threshold limit for effective external firefighting techniques. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has commissioned research on this issue and it has also been subject to consultation in the review of the ban in England in 2020.\n\nThe Department is currently consulting with the local Building Regulations Advisory Committee (NIBRAC) and its Technical-subcommittee for Part E ‘Fire safety’ of the Building Regulations and will bring forward final proposals, for my consideration, in the near future.","answerHtml":"My Department consulted on proposals to introduce an effective ban on the use of combustible materials forming the external walls on certain higher risk ‘relevant buildings’ with a storey over 18m in height, so that only non-combustible materials can be used. The consultation did ask consultees for views on the threshold height for the ban, including, specifically, at a height of 11m.
Officials in the Department’s Building Standards Branch have analysed the consultation responses and a summary of responses is available on the Department’s website.
Consultation indicated a mixed response on the height threshold for application of the ban. The Department acknowledges that height thresholds on this matter could be viewed as arbitrary in nature and the comments from some consultees suggested 11m as an upper threshold limit for effective external firefighting techniques. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has commissioned research on this issue and it has also been subject to consultation in the review of the ban in England in 2020.
The Department is currently consulting with the local Building Regulations Advisory Committee (NIBRAC) and its Technical-subcommittee for Part E ‘Fire safety’ of the Building Regulations and will bring forward final proposals, for my consideration, in the near future.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017519%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=334219","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=334219"}},{"id":"334218","reference":"AQW 17518/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-16","answerBy":"2021-05-04","answered":"2021-05-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail how much has been spent on the York Street Interchange Project, in each of the last ten years.","answerText":"The following table provides a breakdown of the annual spend to date on the York Street Interchange in each of the last ten years.\n\nFinancial Year\t£k\n2011/12\t602\n2012/13\t877\n2013/14\t850\n2014/15\t1,523\n2015/16\t3,250\n2016-17\t1,073\n2017-18\t4,936\n2018-19\t2,380\n2019-20\t1,639\n2020-21\t2,344\nTotal\t19,474","answerHtml":"The following table provides a breakdown of the annual spend to date on the York Street Interchange in each of the last ten years.
| Financial Year | £k |
| 2011/12 | 602 |
| 2012/13 | 877 |
| 2013/14 | 850 |
| 2014/15 | 1,523 |
| 2015/16 | 3,250 |
| 2016-17 | 1,073 |
| 2017-18 | 4,936 |
| 2018-19 | 2,380 |
| 2019-20 | 1,639 |
| 2020-21 | 2,344 |
| Total | 19,474 |
Water and sewerage services fall within the remit of my Department and I will respond to those elements of your question. Electricity services fall within the remit of the Department for the Economy and you may wish to direct this question to the Minister for Economy.
A customer who applies to NI Water for a water main and/or sewer network requisition may be entitled to a reasonable cost allowance to assist with the cost of this. A requisition is a request for an extension of the public water main (or sewer network) to service a new property/properties, an existing property/properties or a new development. The allowance for an existing property, built before 1 January 2000, is £12,000 towards the cost of a water main requisition. The allowance for properties built after 1 January 2000 is £1,600 towards the cost of a water main requisition. The higher reasonable cost allowance is provided under the Department’s Targeting Social Needs objective to assist isolated, and older, rural dwellings, primarily because of their distance from the road and nearest water main. These allowances are available to extend the water main in cases where there is no main within 20 metres of a property. The equivalent figures for the sewer reasonable cost allowance are £2,500 for new properties constructed after 1st January 2000 and £4,000 for existing properties constructed pre 1st January 2000. Both water and sewerage reasonable cost allowances are only available to domestic customers for domestic purposes. Further information on the reasonable cost allowance and connection costs can be found in NI Water’s Scheme of Charges 2020/21, which is approved by the Utility Regulator (Microsoft Word - NI Water 2021-22 Scheme of Charges Final v2).
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017517%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=334217","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=334217"}},{"id":"334042","reference":"AQW 17436/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-15","answerBy":"2021-04-30","answered":"2021-04-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the work undertaken to arrange a concessionary agreement with infrastructure providers for Electric Vehicle Chargepoints.","answerText":"The British Government has made £20 million in grant funding available to local authorities in GB-NI for 2021/22 to provide charge points for residents without off-street parking. My Department has been engaging with the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) and with the Energy Saving Trust (EST), who administer the On-street Residential Charge Point Scheme (ORCS) to ensure the scheme can be accessed by councils in the North. Concession agreements may form part of the arrangements between local councils and charge point operators. The EST held a workshop last year with local councils here to provide information about the ORCS scheme and has indicated its intention to hold further events to support councils in Northern Ireland interested in applying to the scheme. My Department will also work with councils who wish to apply.\n\nIn addition, my Department has been supporting the development of a separate potential EV charging infrastructure pilot project. The role of my Department in any future arrangements is currently being considered.\n\nI remain committed to working in partnership with Executive colleagues and others across our islands to help deliver a change in the way we travel that also helps us to tackle the climate crisis.","answerHtml":"The British Government has made £20 million in grant funding available to local authorities in GB-NI for 2021/22 to provide charge points for residents without off-street parking. My Department has been engaging with the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) and with the Energy Saving Trust (EST), who administer the On-street Residential Charge Point Scheme (ORCS) to ensure the scheme can be accessed by councils in the North. Concession agreements may form part of the arrangements between local councils and charge point operators. The EST held a workshop last year with local councils here to provide information about the ORCS scheme and has indicated its intention to hold further events to support councils in Northern Ireland interested in applying to the scheme. My Department will also work with councils who wish to apply.
In addition, my Department has been supporting the development of a separate potential EV charging infrastructure pilot project. The role of my Department in any future arrangements is currently being considered.
I remain committed to working in partnership with Executive colleagues and others across our islands to help deliver a change in the way we travel that also helps us to tackle the climate crisis.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017436%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=334042","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=334042"}},{"id":"334041","reference":"AQW 17435/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-15","answerBy":"2021-04-30","answered":"2021-04-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the meetings she has held in the last 12 months with (i) chargepoint operators; and (ii) other providers of Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure.","answerText":"The electric vehicle public charge point network is owned by the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) and is operated on a commercial basis. I have recently met with ESB representatives to discuss EV charging infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Whilst the market is open to other commercial operators who would wish to provide charging infrastructure, to date, ESB is the only public network provider in the North. I have not been approached for meetings by any other charge point operator or other providers of EV charging infrastructure in the last 12 months.\n\nI remain committed to working in partnership with Executive colleagues and others across our islands to help deliver a change in the way we travel that also helps us to tackle the climate crisis.","answerHtml":"The electric vehicle public charge point network is owned by the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) and is operated on a commercial basis. I have recently met with ESB representatives to discuss EV charging infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Whilst the market is open to other commercial operators who would wish to provide charging infrastructure, to date, ESB is the only public network provider in the North. I have not been approached for meetings by any other charge point operator or other providers of EV charging infrastructure in the last 12 months.
I remain committed to working in partnership with Executive colleagues and others across our islands to help deliver a change in the way we travel that also helps us to tackle the climate crisis.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017435%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=334041","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=334041"}},{"id":"334040","reference":"AQW 17434/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-15","answerBy":"2021-04-30","answered":"2021-04-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what role her Department would have in the roll-out of an e-bike scheme in a council area, similar to the scheme recently launched in Dublin.","answerText":"Under the Active Travel Demonstration Projects competition in 2013, my Department provided capital funding to Belfast City Council for the Belfast Bikes bikeshare scheme. The Council undertook responsibility for the development, implementation, operation and maintenance of the scheme. My Department also provided capital funding for the recent upgrade of the Belfast Bikes. I would expect that my Department could continue to have a capital funding role.\n\nIf a Council wishes to develop an e-bike scheme for their area, my Department would be willing to consider funding subject to affordability, a satisfactory business case and DoF approval to pay a capital grant.","answerHtml":"Under the Active Travel Demonstration Projects competition in 2013, my Department provided capital funding to Belfast City Council for the Belfast Bikes bikeshare scheme. The Council undertook responsibility for the development, implementation, operation and maintenance of the scheme. My Department also provided capital funding for the recent upgrade of the Belfast Bikes. I would expect that my Department could continue to have a capital funding role.
If a Council wishes to develop an e-bike scheme for their area, my Department would be willing to consider funding subject to affordability, a satisfactory business case and DoF approval to pay a capital grant.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017434%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=334040","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=334040"}},{"id":"334039","reference":"AQW 17433/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-15","answerBy":"2021-04-30","answered":"2021-04-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) the cycle routes delivered under road improvement and resurfacing schemes by Roads Southern Division in each of the last five years; and (ii) a summary of the number of schemes and length broken down by facility type as defined in departmental guidance \"Measures to regulate traffic RSPPG E063\" (a) totally separate facility; (b) cycle lane on the carriageway; and (c) share walking/cycling facility.","answerText":"Details of the cycling facilities that have been constructed by my Department within Southern Division in the previous 5 years, by facility type, are provided in the following table:\n\nYear\tScheme Name\tType of cycling facility provided\tLength (KM)\n2016/17\tN/A\tN/A\n2017/18\tMonaghan Road, Armagh\tNew toucan crossing\t-\n2018/19\tMoy Road, Scotch Street, Portadown\tNew toucan crossing\t-\nCarbane Way\tNew toucan crossing\t-\nShepherds Way\tNew toucan crossing\t-\nCarnbane Way / Shepherds Way\tShared walking/cycling provision\t1.69\n2019/20\tA2 Belfast Road, Bangor (At Ballygilbert)\tShared walking/cycling provision\t0.50\n2020/21\tNewtownards Traffic Study\tShared walking/cycling provision\tOngoing\nNursery Road, Armagh\tShared walking/cycling provision\t0.340\nTotal length (KM)\t2.53\n\nDetails of these schemes are readily available in the reports presented to Council each year which are available at:\n\nhttps://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/type/corporatereports","answerHtml":"Details of the cycling facilities that have been constructed by my Department within Southern Division in the previous 5 years, by facility type, are provided in the following table:
| Year | Scheme Name | Type of cycling facility provided | Length (KM) |
| 2016/17 | N/A | N/A | |
| 2017/18 | Monaghan Road, Armagh | New toucan crossing | - |
| 2018/19 | Moy Road, Scotch Street, Portadown | New toucan crossing | - |
| Carbane Way | New toucan crossing | - | |
| Shepherds Way | New toucan crossing | - | |
| Carnbane Way / Shepherds Way | Shared walking/cycling provision | 1.69 | |
| 2019/20 | A2 Belfast Road, Bangor (At Ballygilbert) | Shared walking/cycling provision | 0.50 |
| 2020/21 | Newtownards Traffic Study | Shared walking/cycling provision | Ongoing |
| Nursery Road, Armagh | Shared walking/cycling provision | 0.340 | |
| Total length (KM) | 2.53 |
Details of these schemes are readily available in the reports presented to Council each year which are available at:
https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/type/corporatereports
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017433%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=334039","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=334039"}},{"id":"334038","reference":"AQW 17432/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-15","answerBy":"2021-04-30","answered":"2021-04-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) the cycle routes delivered under road improvement and resurfacing schemes by Roads Eastern Division in each of the last five years; and (ii) a summary of the number of schemes and length broken down by facility type as defined in departmental guidance \"Measures to regulate traffic RSPPG E063\" (a) totally separate facility; (b) cycle lane on the carriageway; and (c) share walking/cycling facility.","answerText":"Details of the cycling facilities that have been constructed by my Department within Roads Eastern Division in the previous 5 years, by facility type, are provided in the following table:\n\nYear\tScheme Name\tType of cycling facility provided\tLength (KM)\n2020-21\tBlaris Greenway Phase 3\tGreenway\t1.4km\nDublin Road\tPop Up\t0.63km\nGrosvenor Road\tPop Up\t0.55km\nCrumlin Road\tPop Up\t1.0km\nDonegall Road\tPop Up\t0.80km\nA55 Knock Road / Glen Rd\tCrossing\t-\n2019-20\tBroadway\tShared\t0.12km\nBlaris Greenway Phase 1 / 2\tGreenway\t1.4km\n2018-19\tMiddlepath Street\tTwo-way\t0.37km\nMiddlepath Street\tShared\t0.15km\nMiddlepath Street\tTwo-way\t0.29km\nComber Greenway (Comber Rd /Old Dundonald Greenway included)\tGreenway\t2.4km\nLaurelhill Road\tShared\t1.2km\n2017-18\tCastledillon\tShared\t0.05km\nComber Greenway\tGreenway\t4.8km\n2016-17\tCollege Sq North\tTwo-way\t0.19km\nCollege Sq North\tShared\t0.06km\nDurham St\tTwo-way & Shared\t0.15km\nDurham St\tShared\t0.07km\nCollege Ave to Castle Street\tContraflow\t0.13km\nTotal length (KM)\t15.76km","answerHtml":"Details of the cycling facilities that have been constructed by my Department within Roads Eastern Division in the previous 5 years, by facility type, are provided in the following table:
| Year | Scheme Name | Type of cycling facility provided | Length (KM) |
| 2020-21 | Blaris Greenway Phase 3 | Greenway | 1.4km |
| Dublin Road | Pop Up | 0.63km | |
| Grosvenor Road | Pop Up | 0.55km | |
| Crumlin Road | Pop Up | 1.0km | |
| Donegall Road | Pop Up | 0.80km | |
| A55 Knock Road / Glen Rd | Crossing | - | |
| 2019-20 | Broadway | Shared | 0.12km |
| Blaris Greenway Phase 1 / 2 | Greenway | 1.4km | |
| 2018-19 | Middlepath Street | Two-way | 0.37km |
| Middlepath Street | Shared | 0.15km | |
| Middlepath Street | Two-way | 0.29km | |
| Comber Greenway (Comber Rd /Old Dundonald Greenway included) | Greenway | 2.4km | |
| Laurelhill Road | Shared | 1.2km | |
| 2017-18 | Castledillon | Shared | 0.05km |
| Comber Greenway | Greenway | 4.8km | |
| 2016-17 | College Sq North | Two-way | 0.19km |
| College Sq North | Shared | 0.06km | |
| Durham St | Two-way & Shared | 0.15km | |
| Durham St | Shared | 0.07km | |
| College Ave to Castle Street | Contraflow | 0.13km | |
| Total length (KM) | 15.76km |
The Department has a wide range of provision available to meet the current and future skills needs of employers. This includes the successful Assured Skills academies, Skills Focus and InnovateUS, delivered through the Further Education colleges. Financial support is also available through Invest NI to meet companies’ skills requirements where they meet the necessary criteria.
Neither my Department, nor Invest NI, currently have any plans to cover the cost of mandatory training, such as HGV licensing.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017351%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=333826","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=333826"}},{"id":"333825","reference":"AQW 17350/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-14","answerBy":"2021-04-29","answered":"2021-05-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs whether (i) his Department; or (ii) the Forest Service have ownership of any trees within the Portavoe Reservoir site.","answerText":"My Department own trees on the land at the Portavoe Reservoir site, which was sold by NI Water in 2020. Forest Service has managed these trees under a management agreement with NI Water (formerly DOE) since 1978.\n\nFollowing the sale of the land by NI Water to private landowners, the ownership and management of the trees continues as per the agreement with the former landowner NI Water, which is covenanted in the Contracts for Sale relating to the land transfer.","answerHtml":"My Department own trees on the land at the Portavoe Reservoir site, which was sold by NI Water in 2020. Forest Service has managed these trees under a management agreement with NI Water (formerly DOE) since 1978.
Following the sale of the land by NI Water to private landowners, the ownership and management of the trees continues as per the agreement with the former landowner NI Water, which is covenanted in the Contracts for Sale relating to the land transfer.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017350%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=333825","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=333825"}},{"id":"333824","reference":"AQW 17349/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-14","answerBy":"2021-04-29","answered":"2021-04-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance, pursuant to AQW 14294/17-22, for an update on the Civil Service pay award.","answerText":"I recently made a two-year pay offer for civil servants to recognised Trades Unions which are consulting with their members. The offer, which was agreed by the Executive, represents a 4.8% increase over two years on the civil service pay bill at a cost of £44 million and is in contrast to the position in England where the majority of civil servants are facing a pay freeze in 2021. The offer acknowledges the hard work of civil servants while taking account of the current financial pressures being faced.\n\nStaff due to receive an increase under the terms of any pay award for 2020 will receive any arrears backdated to 1 August 2020.","answerHtml":"I recently made a two-year pay offer for civil servants to recognised Trades Unions which are consulting with their members. The offer, which was agreed by the Executive, represents a 4.8% increase over two years on the civil service pay bill at a cost of £44 million and is in contrast to the position in England where the majority of civil servants are facing a pay freeze in 2021. The offer acknowledges the hard work of civil servants while taking account of the current financial pressures being faced.
Staff due to receive an increase under the terms of any pay award for 2020 will receive any arrears backdated to 1 August 2020.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017349%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=333824","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=333824"}},{"id":"333823","reference":"AQW 17348/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-14","answerBy":"2021-04-29","answered":"2021-04-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance when the top-up grants for businesses that previously received the £25,000 and £10,000 support grants will be paid.","answerText":"These further business support top-up grant payments will be automatically issued to businesses that received the £10,000 Small Business Support Grant in 2020 or the £25,000 Retail, Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure Grant and have not been paid under the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme or Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme: Part B, subject to scheme eligibility in line with the associated Regulations.\n\nIt is anticipated that these automatic payments will begin to issue by the end of May 2021. Ratepayers entitled to receive this grant will be informed by letter or email that a payment will be issued.","answerHtml":"These further business support top-up grant payments will be automatically issued to businesses that received the £10,000 Small Business Support Grant in 2020 or the £25,000 Retail, Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure Grant and have not been paid under the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme or Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme: Part B, subject to scheme eligibility in line with the associated Regulations.
It is anticipated that these automatic payments will begin to issue by the end of May 2021. Ratepayers entitled to receive this grant will be informed by letter or email that a payment will be issued.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017348%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=333823","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=333823"}},{"id":"333822","reference":"AQW 17347/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-14","answerBy":"2021-04-29","answered":"2021-04-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure pursuant to AQW 14438/17-22, what is the envisaged timescale for completion of the detailed analysis of the information submitted.","answerText":"I am advised that the detailed analysis of the information submitted on the operation of the Roads (Miscellaneous Provision) Act (Northern Ireland) 2010 is complete, and the Department’s response is currently being finalised for my consideration.","answerHtml":"I am advised that the detailed analysis of the information submitted on the operation of the Roads (Miscellaneous Provision) Act (Northern Ireland) 2010 is complete, and the Department’s response is currently being finalised for my consideration.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017347%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=333822","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=333822"}},{"id":"333570","reference":"AQW 17250/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-13","answerBy":"2021-04-19","answered":"2021-04-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail how the condition of the sale by Northern Ireland Water of Portavoe Reservoir is being enforced concerning the terms of agreement that Portavoe continues as part of his Department's Public Angling Estate.","answerText":"Portavoe Reservoir was sold by NI Water into private ownership in June 2020.\n\nThe new owner of Portavoe Reservoir has confirmed that he wishes the site to remain private and not open or accessible to the public.\n\nMy Department retains the fishing rights to this water until 2024. My officials are currently seeking legal advice regarding access rights for permit holders to fish at the site. Until this has been clarified permit holders have been advised, via the NI Direct website, that the site will remain closed to the public for the foreseeable future.","answerHtml":"Portavoe Reservoir was sold by NI Water into private ownership in June 2020.
The new owner of Portavoe Reservoir has confirmed that he wishes the site to remain private and not open or accessible to the public.
My Department retains the fishing rights to this water until 2024. My officials are currently seeking legal advice regarding access rights for permit holders to fish at the site. Until this has been clarified permit holders have been advised, via the NI Direct website, that the site will remain closed to the public for the foreseeable future.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017250%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=333570","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=333570"}},{"id":"333569","reference":"AQW 17249/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-13","answerBy":"2021-04-28","answered":"2021-04-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline her Department's policy concerning re-wilding of roadside verges in the Ards and North Down Borough Council area through planting of wildflowers.","answerText":"My Department does not have a specific policy on planting wildflowers on roadside verges. However, there is a policy driver through The Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (the WANE Act) which places a statutory duty on public bodies to conserve biodiversity.\n\nDAERA recognises the biodiversity importance of roadside verges in providing a refuge for wildlife, and particularly the value of wild flowers in providing a food-source for pollinating insects.\n\nMy officials support the All Ireland Pollinator Plan (AIPP) to promote the conservation of pollinating insects, and as part of this, engage with council Local Biodiversity Officers to promote community based actions such as ‘Don’t Mow, Let it Grow’ initiatives to improve habitat for pollinators. Road verge management is an important component, and Northern Ireland Environment Agency provides general guidance and specific comments to local authorities and Roads Service when requested.\n\nWhile planting wild-flowers will provide an additional food-source for pollinating insects, it is important that any mowing is timed to allow plants opportunity to flower. Flower seeds should be of native species, and preferably locally sourced.","answerHtml":"My Department does not have a specific policy on planting wildflowers on roadside verges. However, there is a policy driver through The Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (the WANE Act) which places a statutory duty on public bodies to conserve biodiversity.
DAERA recognises the biodiversity importance of roadside verges in providing a refuge for wildlife, and particularly the value of wild flowers in providing a food-source for pollinating insects.
My officials support the All Ireland Pollinator Plan (AIPP) to promote the conservation of pollinating insects, and as part of this, engage with council Local Biodiversity Officers to promote community based actions such as ‘Don’t Mow, Let it Grow’ initiatives to improve habitat for pollinators. Road verge management is an important component, and Northern Ireland Environment Agency provides general guidance and specific comments to local authorities and Roads Service when requested.
While planting wild-flowers will provide an additional food-source for pollinating insects, it is important that any mowing is timed to allow plants opportunity to flower. Flower seeds should be of native species, and preferably locally sourced.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017249%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=333569","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=333569"}},{"id":"333568","reference":"AQW 17248/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-13","answerBy":"2021-04-28","answered":"2021-04-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline (i) the conditions of the sale of Portavoe Reservoir; and (ii) whether these have each been fulfilled.","answerText":"NI Water has advised the transfer deed in relation to Portavoe Reservoir to Portavo Estates Limited includes covenants by the Transferee which include:-\n\nA Forestry Agreement dated 22 September 1978;\n\nA Fisheries Agreement dated 18 December 2014; and\n\nThe Reservoirs Act (Northern Ireland) 2015.\n\nAs the Reservoirs Act (NI) is not yet fully commenced, the Transferee, at present, has no statutory obligations to fulfil. In relation to the Fisheries Agreement and Forestry Agreement the Minister of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has advised:-\n\n‘The terms of the Fisheries Agreement, that formed a part of the sale of Portavoe Reservoir by Northern Ireland Water, included the condition that DAERA Inland Fisheries would retain the fishing rights to that water until December 2024. However, the majority new owner of Portavoe Reservoir has confirmed that he wishes the site to remain private and not open or accessible to the public. DAERA officials have sought legal advice regarding the conditions in the agreement and transfer documents. Until this has been clarified permit holders have been advised, via the NI Direct website, that the site will remain closed to the public for the foreseeable future.\n\nThe woodland comprises an area of 18.96 hectares of mixed woodland surrounding Portavoe reservoir. DAERA Forest Service has managed the woodland at Portavoe under the terms of a management agreement with NI Water (formerly DOE) since 1978. The agreement under which Forest Service managed the trees is covenanted in the Contracts for Sale relating to the land transfer to the new landowners. Forest Service is liaising with the Departmental Solicitor’s Office regarding any implications for its tree management responsibilities following change of ownership. In the meantime, Forest Service is engaging with a representative of Portavo Estates Ltd, including meeting onsite to discuss tree management issues. Arrangements have been agreed for any necessary tree management issues currently requiring attention.’","answerHtml":"NI Water has advised the transfer deed in relation to Portavoe Reservoir to Portavo Estates Limited includes covenants by the Transferee which include:-
A Forestry Agreement dated 22 September 1978;
A Fisheries Agreement dated 18 December 2014; and
The Reservoirs Act (Northern Ireland) 2015.
As the Reservoirs Act (NI) is not yet fully commenced, the Transferee, at present, has no statutory obligations to fulfil. In relation to the Fisheries Agreement and Forestry Agreement the Minister of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has advised:-
‘The terms of the Fisheries Agreement, that formed a part of the sale of Portavoe Reservoir by Northern Ireland Water, included the condition that DAERA Inland Fisheries would retain the fishing rights to that water until December 2024. However, the majority new owner of Portavoe Reservoir has confirmed that he wishes the site to remain private and not open or accessible to the public. DAERA officials have sought legal advice regarding the conditions in the agreement and transfer documents. Until this has been clarified permit holders have been advised, via the NI Direct website, that the site will remain closed to the public for the foreseeable future.
The woodland comprises an area of 18.96 hectares of mixed woodland surrounding Portavoe reservoir. DAERA Forest Service has managed the woodland at Portavoe under the terms of a management agreement with NI Water (formerly DOE) since 1978. The agreement under which Forest Service managed the trees is covenanted in the Contracts for Sale relating to the land transfer to the new landowners. Forest Service is liaising with the Departmental Solicitor’s Office regarding any implications for its tree management responsibilities following change of ownership. In the meantime, Forest Service is engaging with a representative of Portavo Estates Ltd, including meeting onsite to discuss tree management issues. Arrangements have been agreed for any necessary tree management issues currently requiring attention.’
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017248%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=333568","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=333568"}},{"id":"333567","reference":"AQW 17247/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-13","answerBy":"2021-04-28","answered":"2021-04-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance how (i) 480 businesses were required to repay grants received under the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme; and (ii) some of those businesses were then advised that they did not have to repay their grants.","answerText":"(i) Land & Property Services was tasked with administering the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS) at pace. Payments under LRSS are linked to the restrictions imposed by the Health Protection Regulations. These Regulations have changed many times making the Scheme complex to administer. The changes have resulted in 30 different payment amounts being payable to businesses for the period up to 14 April 2021. In the circumstances that the scheme was established and administered, it was accepted that there was a risk that payments may be made in error.\n\nTherefore, Land & Property Services has been regularly reviewing all approved applications to ensure the scheme is being administered in line with the associated regulations and to identify instances where incorrect payments may have been made, including payments made outside of the scope of the regulations. This kind of ‘post event assurance checking’ is encouraged by the Northern Ireland Audit Office in Covid funding schemes and it was always intended that we would do this.\n\nThe review of payments has identified the following reasons for overpayment:\n\nBusiness Type not eligible\n\nBusiness Type eligible for a limited period during restrictions only, but paid for a longer period\n\nBusiness not occupying a commercial premises\n\nBusiness not open and trading when restrictions began\n\nBusiness ceased trading during period of restrictions\n\nAccommodation business not Tourism NI approved\n\nFor context, the amount involved in these cases is £4.26 million, which is less than 1.6% of all payments made under the scheme to date.\n\n(ii) The review was conducted using information held by Land & Property Services or freely available online. Businesses have the opportunity to appeal the decision regarding their eligibility and provide further evidence to support their appeal. If further information is supplied, the case will be reconsidered. On appeal, it may be determined that no overpayment has been made and the applicant will be advised of this.\n\nI have written to the Finance Committee and the Permanent Secretary has written to the Public Accounts Committee and the Comptroller and Auditor General to advise them of this process.","answerHtml":"(i) Land & Property Services was tasked with administering the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS) at pace. Payments under LRSS are linked to the restrictions imposed by the Health Protection Regulations. These Regulations have changed many times making the Scheme complex to administer. The changes have resulted in 30 different payment amounts being payable to businesses for the period up to 14 April 2021. In the circumstances that the scheme was established and administered, it was accepted that there was a risk that payments may be made in error.
Therefore, Land & Property Services has been regularly reviewing all approved applications to ensure the scheme is being administered in line with the associated regulations and to identify instances where incorrect payments may have been made, including payments made outside of the scope of the regulations. This kind of ‘post event assurance checking’ is encouraged by the Northern Ireland Audit Office in Covid funding schemes and it was always intended that we would do this.
The review of payments has identified the following reasons for overpayment:
Business Type not eligible
Business Type eligible for a limited period during restrictions only, but paid for a longer period
Business not occupying a commercial premises
Business not open and trading when restrictions began
Business ceased trading during period of restrictions
Accommodation business not Tourism NI approved
For context, the amount involved in these cases is £4.26 million, which is less than 1.6% of all payments made under the scheme to date.
(ii) The review was conducted using information held by Land & Property Services or freely available online. Businesses have the opportunity to appeal the decision regarding their eligibility and provide further evidence to support their appeal. If further information is supplied, the case will be reconsidered. On appeal, it may be determined that no overpayment has been made and the applicant will be advised of this.
I have written to the Finance Committee and the Permanent Secretary has written to the Public Accounts Committee and the Comptroller and Auditor General to advise them of this process.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017247%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=333567","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=333567"}},{"id":"333566","reference":"AQW 17246/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-13","answerBy":"2021-04-28","answered":"2021-04-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether small businesses, recently independently rated by Land and Property Services with a Net Annual Value under £15,000 and previously excluded from £10,000 Small Business Support Grants, could be deemed eligible for upcoming £5,000 top-up payment grants.","answerText":"Businesses which have taken up occupation of an eligible property after the qualifying date for the initial £10,000 Small Business Support Grant will be eligible for Top Up Grant, providing they meet qualifying criteria that was in place for the £10,000 Small Business Support Grant and all other qualifying criteria for the Top Up grant are met including:\n\nOn the 8th Valuation List with a Net Annual Value (NAV) not more than £15,000.\n\nIn occupation and trading on the 1 March 2021.\n\nIn receipt of Small Business Rate Relief or rated as Industrial.\n\nHave not availed of support through any other Executive Covid-19 Support Scheme including Localised Restrictions Support Scheme and Coronavirus Restrictions Business Support Scheme.\n\nLand & Property Services will issue Top Up Grants automatically to qualifying businesses which did receive the initial £10,000 Small Business Support Grants.\n\nPayment of the grant to businesses that have not previously received the £10,000 Small Business Support Grants will not be automatic in such cases and it may be necessary for the business to make an application. The nibusinessinfo website will be updated when details on how to apply are finalised.","answerHtml":"Businesses which have taken up occupation of an eligible property after the qualifying date for the initial £10,000 Small Business Support Grant will be eligible for Top Up Grant, providing they meet qualifying criteria that was in place for the £10,000 Small Business Support Grant and all other qualifying criteria for the Top Up grant are met including:
On the 8th Valuation List with a Net Annual Value (NAV) not more than £15,000.
In occupation and trading on the 1 March 2021.
In receipt of Small Business Rate Relief or rated as Industrial.
Have not availed of support through any other Executive Covid-19 Support Scheme including Localised Restrictions Support Scheme and Coronavirus Restrictions Business Support Scheme.
Land & Property Services will issue Top Up Grants automatically to qualifying businesses which did receive the initial £10,000 Small Business Support Grants.
Payment of the grant to businesses that have not previously received the £10,000 Small Business Support Grants will not be automatic in such cases and it may be necessary for the business to make an application. The nibusinessinfo website will be updated when details on how to apply are finalised.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017246%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=333566","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=333566"}},{"id":"333316","reference":"AQW 17143/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-12","answerBy":"2021-04-16","answered":"2021-04-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail the work being undertaken by his Department to protect the natural environment and wildlife at Portavoe Reservoir.","answerText":"My Department does not have ongoing site-specific involvement in relation to protection of wildlife at Portavoe, although NIEA officers visited the site last autumn, and gave general advice to land managers about maintaining biodiversity on site.","answerHtml":"My Department does not have ongoing site-specific involvement in relation to protection of wildlife at Portavoe, although NIEA officers visited the site last autumn, and gave general advice to land managers about maintaining biodiversity on site.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017143%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=333316","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=333316"}},{"id":"333122","reference":"AQW 17048/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-08","answerBy":"2021-04-14","answered":"2021-04-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance how many Localised Restrictions Support Scheme applicants were notified regarding Eligibility Reassessments during the week commencing 29 March 2021.","answerText":"The financial support under the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS) is linked to the restrictions placed on businesses by the Health Protection Regulations. These restrictions have changed several times since October 2020, making the LRSS increasingly complex to administer. Land & Property Services (LPS) has been regularly reviewing all approved applications to ensure the scheme is being administered in line with the associated regulations and to identify instances where incorrect payments have been made, including payments made outside of the scope of the regulations.\n\nLPS wrote to 480 businesses during the week commencing the 29 March 2021 regarding an overpayment or incorrect payment in respect of their LRSS application. The amount involved in these cases is £4.26 million, which is less than 1.6% of all payments made under the scheme to date. Businesses have the opportunity to appeal the Department’s decision and provide further evidence to support their eligibility for the LRSS payments. This is expected to result in payments continuing to some of these businesses thereby reducing the overall amount of overpayments. Similarly if a business is eligible for one of the new Covid-19 support grants I announced on 15 March 2021, this can be offset against any overpayments. LPS will enter into a payment arrangement with any business which needs additional time to make any repayments.","answerHtml":"The financial support under the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS) is linked to the restrictions placed on businesses by the Health Protection Regulations. These restrictions have changed several times since October 2020, making the LRSS increasingly complex to administer. Land & Property Services (LPS) has been regularly reviewing all approved applications to ensure the scheme is being administered in line with the associated regulations and to identify instances where incorrect payments have been made, including payments made outside of the scope of the regulations.
LPS wrote to 480 businesses during the week commencing the 29 March 2021 regarding an overpayment or incorrect payment in respect of their LRSS application. The amount involved in these cases is £4.26 million, which is less than 1.6% of all payments made under the scheme to date. Businesses have the opportunity to appeal the Department’s decision and provide further evidence to support their eligibility for the LRSS payments. This is expected to result in payments continuing to some of these businesses thereby reducing the overall amount of overpayments. Similarly if a business is eligible for one of the new Covid-19 support grants I announced on 15 March 2021, this can be offset against any overpayments. LPS will enter into a payment arrangement with any business which needs additional time to make any repayments.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017048%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=333122","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=333122"}},{"id":"333121","reference":"AQW 17047/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-08","answerBy":"2021-04-23","answered":"2021-04-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) whether plots of land at Portavoe Reservoir were sold by NI Water as per valuations given by Land and Property Services; (ii) whether they were sold at variance between sale prices and valuations; and (iii) to detail the difference between sale prices and valuations for each plot.","answerText":"NI Water has advised\n\nall the plots of land were sold as per the valuations given by Land and Property Services;\n\nthere was no variance between the sale prices and the valuations; and\n\nthere was no difference between the sale price and valuation for each plot.","answerHtml":"NI Water has advised
all the plots of land were sold as per the valuations given by Land and Property Services;
there was no variance between the sale prices and the valuations; and
there was no difference between the sale price and valuation for each plot.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017047%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=333121","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=333121"}},{"id":"333120","reference":"AQW 17046/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-08","answerBy":"2021-04-23","answered":"2021-05-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health what action is being taken to enforce the COVID-19 Public Health restrictions concerning close contact services, specifically hairdressing and barbering.","answerText":"I appreciate the thought, time and expense that business owners have given to putting additional safety measures in place, however businesses must also continue to take necessary precautions as restrictions ease to remain COVID secure and protect employees and customers.\n\nIn consultation with industry, guidance has been produced on how to work safely in different types of workplace. Guidance for close contact services is available at:\n\nhttps://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/publications/keeping-workers-and-clients-safe-during-covid-19-close-contact-services\n\nThe Health and Safety Executive is the lead body responsible for the promotion and enforcement of health and safety at work standards in Northern Ireland, though it shares this responsibility with the 11 local councils. Relevant Departments, organisations and local government will continue to provide advice and support.","answerHtml":"I appreciate the thought, time and expense that business owners have given to putting additional safety measures in place, however businesses must also continue to take necessary precautions as restrictions ease to remain COVID secure and protect employees and customers.
In consultation with industry, guidance has been produced on how to work safely in different types of workplace. Guidance for close contact services is available at:
https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/publications/keeping-workers-and-clients-safe-during-covid-19-close-contact-services
The Health and Safety Executive is the lead body responsible for the promotion and enforcement of health and safety at work standards in Northern Ireland, though it shares this responsibility with the 11 local councils. Relevant Departments, organisations and local government will continue to provide advice and support.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017046%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=333120","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=333120"}},{"id":"333119","reference":"AQW 17045/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-08","answerBy":"2021-04-23","answered":"2021-04-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline how recycled aggregates are included in construction works undertaken by her Department.","answerText":"The general approach within the construction industry is to recycle material when possible, rather than sending it to land fill. For example, 40 thousand cubic metres of existing bituminous surfaces were recycled, along with 2 million cubic metres of excavated material, was reused as fill on the A6 Dungiven to Drumahoe Dualling scheme. The use of recycled aggregates is permitted on highway projects provided that they meet the physical and chemical properties set out in Specification for Highway Works in the Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works. These requirements are included to ensure that the materials selected for use:\n\nCan effectively perform their intended function, within the structure of the road;\n\nWill not pose an environmental hazard; and\n\nWill not present a significant health and safety risk.\n\nReuse and recycling of material is also promoted within our internal DfI Roads Environmental Manual.","answerHtml":"The general approach within the construction industry is to recycle material when possible, rather than sending it to land fill. For example, 40 thousand cubic metres of existing bituminous surfaces were recycled, along with 2 million cubic metres of excavated material, was reused as fill on the A6 Dungiven to Drumahoe Dualling scheme. The use of recycled aggregates is permitted on highway projects provided that they meet the physical and chemical properties set out in Specification for Highway Works in the Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works. These requirements are included to ensure that the materials selected for use:
Can effectively perform their intended function, within the structure of the road;
Will not pose an environmental hazard; and
Will not present a significant health and safety risk.
Reuse and recycling of material is also promoted within our internal DfI Roads Environmental Manual.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017045%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=333119","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=333119"}},{"id":"333118","reference":"AQW 17044/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-04-08","answerBy":"2021-04-23","answered":"2021-04-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure when her Department plans to update the Railway Investment Prioritisation Strategy.","answerText":"I have stated previously that I am ambitious for our rail network, and am keen to do all that I can to explore how we can progress rail improvements within the limited budgetary envelope that we have available to us. I want to ensure that any proposals for changes to the rail network include operational and financial viability and have a very clear focus on the part that rail can play in growing our all-island economy, while improving the ability of people to connect with and access opportunities and addressing longstanding regional imbalances.\n\nThe Railway Investment Prioritisation Strategy was published in 2014 by the then Minister for Regional Development, Danny Kennedy MLA. It sought to identify ways to develop our rail network where there was the greatest potential for further passenger growth in preparation for a time when funding might become available. The Strategy set out a new vision for expanded rail access across the North and it is one I am keen to build on, even if a lack of funding still remains a major stumbling block in achieving our shared objectives.\n\nMy Department is currently bringing forward our Transport Plan for the Regional Strategic Transport Network (RSTNTP) and this will build on the principles set out in the Railway Investment Prioritisation Strategy. I am keen to examine how best to optimise the existing rail network through increased frequency of services and reduced journey times, whilst also looking at the practicalities of expanding the network. The Draft RSTNTP is scheduled for full public consultation in late 2021, and I am determined to use these Transport Plans to help power our Green Recovery.\n\nThe Strategic Rail Review which I launched earlier this month, will consider how the rail network on the island of Ireland can improve sustainable connectivity between major cities, enhance regional accessibility including to the North West and support balanced regional development. In addition, the Review will consider the feasibility of high-higher speeds on the network and whether there is a potential to increase use of the network for freight. The Strategy will set out a new vision for expanded rail access across the North and it is one I am keen to build on.","answerHtml":"I have stated previously that I am ambitious for our rail network, and am keen to do all that I can to explore how we can progress rail improvements within the limited budgetary envelope that we have available to us. I want to ensure that any proposals for changes to the rail network include operational and financial viability and have a very clear focus on the part that rail can play in growing our all-island economy, while improving the ability of people to connect with and access opportunities and addressing longstanding regional imbalances.
The Railway Investment Prioritisation Strategy was published in 2014 by the then Minister for Regional Development, Danny Kennedy MLA. It sought to identify ways to develop our rail network where there was the greatest potential for further passenger growth in preparation for a time when funding might become available. The Strategy set out a new vision for expanded rail access across the North and it is one I am keen to build on, even if a lack of funding still remains a major stumbling block in achieving our shared objectives.
My Department is currently bringing forward our Transport Plan for the Regional Strategic Transport Network (RSTNTP) and this will build on the principles set out in the Railway Investment Prioritisation Strategy. I am keen to examine how best to optimise the existing rail network through increased frequency of services and reduced journey times, whilst also looking at the practicalities of expanding the network. The Draft RSTNTP is scheduled for full public consultation in late 2021, and I am determined to use these Transport Plans to help power our Green Recovery.
The Strategic Rail Review which I launched earlier this month, will consider how the rail network on the island of Ireland can improve sustainable connectivity between major cities, enhance regional accessibility including to the North West and support balanced regional development. In addition, the Review will consider the feasibility of high-higher speeds on the network and whether there is a potential to increase use of the network for freight. The Strategy will set out a new vision for expanded rail access across the North and it is one I am keen to build on.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017044%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=333118","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=333118"}},{"id":"332678","reference":"AQW 16973/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-26","answerBy":"2021-04-14","answered":"2021-04-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether he will publish the details of his Department's most recent review of the non-domestic rating system.","answerText":"The review which commenced in May 2019 needs to be considered in the context of a completely different set of circumstances faced by our economy and business community, and also in the light of some £518 million of additional business rates support provided by the Executive in 2020-21 and now in 2021-22.\n\nSignificant progress has been made against issues raised in the public consultation. The overall high level of business rates was a major concern and in response I reduced the Regional Rate by 18% for 2020-21 and as you are aware have frozen the Regional Rate for 2021-22. As I advised you recently, I have also made two changes that had been sought to assist District Councils in relation to District Rates. I also plan to again extend the Small Business Rate Relief scheme and the Rural ATM scheme.","answerHtml":"The review which commenced in May 2019 needs to be considered in the context of a completely different set of circumstances faced by our economy and business community, and also in the light of some £518 million of additional business rates support provided by the Executive in 2020-21 and now in 2021-22.
Significant progress has been made against issues raised in the public consultation. The overall high level of business rates was a major concern and in response I reduced the Regional Rate by 18% for 2020-21 and as you are aware have frozen the Regional Rate for 2021-22. As I advised you recently, I have also made two changes that had been sought to assist District Councils in relation to District Rates. I also plan to again extend the Small Business Rate Relief scheme and the Rural ATM scheme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016973%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=332678","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=332678"}},{"id":"332677","reference":"AQW 16972/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-26","answerBy":"2021-04-14","answered":"2021-04-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will publish the Project Assurance Review Report into the York Street Interchange.","answerText":"For a Project Assurance Review to be effective and of value, exchanges between interviewees and the panel need to be open, frank and confidential in nature. As such, in line with the guidance attached to DAO (DoF) 02/20 (Section 8)\n\nhttps://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/dfp/DAOdof0220att.pdf, I do not plan to publish this report.\n\nI have, however, published the six recommendations of the review which can be found at https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/news/mallon-announces-outcome-review-york-street-interchange-scheme and I have asked for further work to be carried out on the recommendations, the outcome of which is to be reported to me in the autumn of 2021.","answerHtml":"For a Project Assurance Review to be effective and of value, exchanges between interviewees and the panel need to be open, frank and confidential in nature. As such, in line with the guidance attached to DAO (DoF) 02/20 (Section 8)
https://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/dfp/DAOdof0220att.pdf, I do not plan to publish this report.
I have, however, published the six recommendations of the review which can be found at https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/news/mallon-announces-outcome-review-york-street-interchange-scheme and I have asked for further work to be carried out on the recommendations, the outcome of which is to be reported to me in the autumn of 2021.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016972%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=332677","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=332677"}},{"id":"332676","reference":"AQW 16971/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-26","answerBy":"2021-04-14","answered":"2021-04-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will publish the criteria for the allocation of funding to local councils concerning capital structural maintenance.","answerText":"In distributing the resources available for capital structural maintenance, allocations to the four DfI Roads Divisions are made on the basis of need, using a range of weighted indicators tailored to each maintenance activity. Divisions also use a range of indicators when apportioning across District Council areas to ensure, as far as possible, an equitable distribution of funds based on need.\n\nThe table below sets out the main activities comprising capital structural maintenance and the associated indicators and weightings currently used to distribute capital structural maintenance allocations to the four DfI Roads Divisions.\n\nCategory\tIndicator\tWeighting\nResurfacing\tTraffic\t30%\nCondition\t30%\nCarriageway Area\t40%\nFootway Resurfacing\tTraffic (using population)\t30%\nCondition\t30%\nFootway Area\t30%\n3 year Average spend\t10%\nStructural Drainage\tRoad Length\t50%\n3 year Average spend\t50%\nSurface Dressing\tTraffic\t30%\nCondition\t5%\nRural Road Length\t35%\n3 year Average spend\t30%","answerHtml":"In distributing the resources available for capital structural maintenance, allocations to the four DfI Roads Divisions are made on the basis of need, using a range of weighted indicators tailored to each maintenance activity. Divisions also use a range of indicators when apportioning across District Council areas to ensure, as far as possible, an equitable distribution of funds based on need.
The table below sets out the main activities comprising capital structural maintenance and the associated indicators and weightings currently used to distribute capital structural maintenance allocations to the four DfI Roads Divisions.
| Category | Indicator | Weighting |
| Resurfacing | Traffic | 30% |
| Condition | 30% | |
| Carriageway Area | 40% | |
| Footway Resurfacing | Traffic (using population) | 30% |
| Condition | 30% | |
| Footway Area | 30% | |
| 3 year Average spend | 10% | |
| Structural Drainage | Road Length | 50% |
| 3 year Average spend | 50% | |
| Surface Dressing | Traffic | 30% |
| Condition | 5% | |
| Rural Road Length | 35% | |
| 3 year Average spend | 30% |
In distributing the resources available for capital structural maintenance, allocations to the four DfI Roads Divisions are made on the basis of need, using a range of weighted indicators tailored to each maintenance activity. Divisions also use a range of indicators when apportioning across District Council areas to ensure, as far as possible, an equitable distribution of funds based on need.
While the broad indicators remain the same year on year, information included in the allocation process is updated each year to reflect changes to the network and surface condition.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016970%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=332675","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=332675"}},{"id":"332674","reference":"AQW 16969/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-26","answerBy":"2021-04-14","answered":"2021-04-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the establishment of an Infrastructure Commission.","answerText":"I established a Ministerial Advisory Panel on Infrastructure in August 2020 to consider how an Infrastructure Commission for Northern Ireland might support more effectively the long term planning and development of relevant infrastructure here. The Panel undertook a short, sharp exercise and presented a report on their findings to me in the autumn. I have shared the report with Executive colleagues, the Infrastructure Committee and the Speaker. I have also published the report on my Department’s website.\n\nSince then, I have been engaging with Executive colleagues to consider how we might establish an Infrastructure Commission to support the long-term planning and delivery of infrastructure particularly in the context of our recovery from Covid.","answerHtml":"I established a Ministerial Advisory Panel on Infrastructure in August 2020 to consider how an Infrastructure Commission for Northern Ireland might support more effectively the long term planning and development of relevant infrastructure here. The Panel undertook a short, sharp exercise and presented a report on their findings to me in the autumn. I have shared the report with Executive colleagues, the Infrastructure Committee and the Speaker. I have also published the report on my Department’s website.
Since then, I have been engaging with Executive colleagues to consider how we might establish an Infrastructure Commission to support the long-term planning and delivery of infrastructure particularly in the context of our recovery from Covid.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016969%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=332674","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=332674"}},{"id":"332519","reference":"AQW 16892/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-25","answerBy":"2021-03-30","answered":"2021-03-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail plans for the deployment of traffic attendants over forthcoming Easter public holidays at popular visitor destinations such as Helen’s Bay.","answerText":"Due to the reduced traffic volumes using our roads, I took the decision to scale back the parking enforcement service during this difficult time. However, parking restrictions remain in place, and a small team of Traffic Attendants continue to be deployed on a priority basis to locations where they can contribute most to road safety and traffic progression. The Department has ensured there is flexibility in its approach and, if required, the number of Traffic Attendants can be increased. As a result, the level of parking enforcement in the Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn areas increased from 15 March 2021, and this approach will continue during the Easter period.","answerHtml":"Due to the reduced traffic volumes using our roads, I took the decision to scale back the parking enforcement service during this difficult time. However, parking restrictions remain in place, and a small team of Traffic Attendants continue to be deployed on a priority basis to locations where they can contribute most to road safety and traffic progression. The Department has ensured there is flexibility in its approach and, if required, the number of Traffic Attendants can be increased. As a result, the level of parking enforcement in the Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn areas increased from 15 March 2021, and this approach will continue during the Easter period.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016892%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=332519","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=332519"}},{"id":"332518","reference":"AQW 16891/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-25","answerBy":"2021-04-13","answered":"2021-04-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 16250/17-22, to detail when each road was added to the list.","answerText":"I can confirm that the list of projects which I supplied under AQW 16250/17-22 contains details of resurfacing schemes identified as a result of requests from the public or elected representatives, and by my officials, for example, during cyclical maintenance inspections\n\nInformation on when each road was identified and added to the list has not been recorded therefore the information requested is not available.","answerHtml":"I can confirm that the list of projects which I supplied under AQW 16250/17-22 contains details of resurfacing schemes identified as a result of requests from the public or elected representatives, and by my officials, for example, during cyclical maintenance inspections
Information on when each road was identified and added to the list has not been recorded therefore the information requested is not available.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016891%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=332518","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=332518"}},{"id":"332517","reference":"AQW 16890/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-25","answerBy":"2021-04-13","answered":"2021-04-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 9815/17-22, (i) whether a speed limit review has been conducted in the vicinity of The Cotton, Newtownards Road, Donaghadee; and (ii) when will this be carried out.","answerText":"As part of the speed limit assessment process there is a need to establish traffic volumes and speeds but as you will appreciate, these factors are currently being impacted by Covid restrictions and consequently are unlikely to be representative of those under more normal circumstances. It is therefore considered that initiating a review at this time would not be appropriate.\n\nI can confirm my officials are committed to carrying out a speed limit review along this stretch of road however, to ensure the findings are accurate, it is important they do so at an appropriate time when restrictions will have eased. Once the review is completed I have asked my officials to advise you of the outcome.","answerHtml":"As part of the speed limit assessment process there is a need to establish traffic volumes and speeds but as you will appreciate, these factors are currently being impacted by Covid restrictions and consequently are unlikely to be representative of those under more normal circumstances. It is therefore considered that initiating a review at this time would not be appropriate.
I can confirm my officials are committed to carrying out a speed limit review along this stretch of road however, to ensure the findings are accurate, it is important they do so at an appropriate time when restrictions will have eased. Once the review is completed I have asked my officials to advise you of the outcome.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016890%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=332517","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=332517"}},{"id":"332516","reference":"AQW 16889/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-25","answerBy":"2021-04-13","answered":"2021-05-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance, pursuant to AQW 16399/17-22, to detail the cost to date for each of the approved schemes.","answerText":"A list of the cost to date for each of the approved COVID-19 Schemes is attached at Annex A. Some of the schemes listed are closed but others remain open and costs continue to accrue. Therefore, the costs listed are provisional and subject to verification as part of the departments’ 2020-21 accounts preparation.\n\nI am reissuing the response as the DfE costs on the Covid Disruption Payment for HE students has now been provided.\n\nAnnex A\n\nList of COVID-19 Schemes approved to date under Ministerial Direction for 2019-20 and 2020-21.\n\nDepartment\tSubject\tCost to date\tNote\nThe Executive Office\tSupport for Travel Agents\t£0\t1\nDepartment for Infrastructure\tCity of Derry Airport\t£0.817m\nDepartment of Finance\tCovid Temporary time limited financial support for Belfast International Airport and Belfast City Airport\t£3.76m\nDepartment of Finance\tExtension of the financial support Agreed for Derry City and Strabane District to all areas (Localised Restrictions Support Scheme)\t£305.46m\nDepartment of Finance\t£50,000 grant for large businesses unable to access grant funding during the first lockdown\t£0\t2\nDepartment of Finance\t£25,000 payment to manufacturing businesses unable to access grant funding during the first lockdown\t£20.7m\nDepartment of Finance\tTop-up payments of £5,000 and £10,000 for businesses which received grants during the first lockdown but are not eligible for one of the current Executive support schemes\t£0\t3\nDepartment for the Economy\tCovid-19 £10k Business Support Grant Scheme\t£243m\nDepartment for the Economy\tCovid-19 £25k Business Support Scheme for Retail, hospitality, Tourism and Leisure\t£74m\nDepartment for the Economy\tCovid Microbusiness Hardship Scheme\t£23m\nDepartment for the Economy\tCovid Restrictions Business Support Scheme including extensions and Evidence Threshold\t£67.4m\nDepartment for the Economy\tWet Pubs Business Support Scheme\t£3.9m\nDepartment for the Economy\tNewly Self-employed Scheme\t£8.6m\nDepartment for the Economy\tLimited Company Director Scheme\t£3.7m\nDepartment for the Economy\tBed & Breakfast, Guest House and Guest Accommodation Providers Support Scheme\t£2.01m\nDepartment for the Economy\tLarge Tourism and Hospitality Scheme\t£35.7m\nDepartment for the Economy\tCovid Disruption Payment for HE students\t£22.2m\nDepartment of Health\t£500 Bonus Scheme for health and social care staff\t£78.9m\nDepartment of Health\tSpecial Recognition Payment to healthcare students\t£8.8m\nDepartment of Health\tAdditional Financial Support to DoH core grant-funded organisations in 2020/21\t£0.9m\nDepartment of Health\tAir Ambulance NI\t£1m\nDepartment of Health\tGrant Scheme to Support Carers\t£4.4m\nDepartment of Health\tGrant Scheme to Support Cancer Services\t£10.7m\nDepartment of Health\tGrant Scheme to Support Mental Health Services\t£10.7m\nDepartment of Health\tPayment of £1.3m to Hospices\t£1.3m\nDepartment of Health\tOne-Off Award to HSC Charitable Trust Funds\t£15m\nDepartment of Education\tFree School Meals in Special Schools – direct payments for all entitled pupils in addition to provision for those in school during period of partial closures and low attendance (25 Jan to 12 Feb 2021)\t£0.140m\nDepartment for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs\tScheme to compensate Lough Neagh fishermen who have been adversely affected by COVID-19\t£0\t4\nDepartment for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs\tCOVID-19 Disruption payment of £60 to CAFRE students to address digital poverty\t£0\t5\nDepartment for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs\tCOVID-19 support scheme for wool producers\t£0\t6\nDepartment for Communities\t£500 Recognition payment for Supporting People and Homelessness Sector Workers\t£0\t7\n\nNotes:-\n\nThe Travel Agents Financial Assistance was open for applications from 19th – 26th March 2021. 186 applications are currently being processed. Final costs will be known once all applications have been processed.\n\nApplications opened on the 21 April 21 for the £50,000 Large NAV Business Grant. No payments have been made to date, and it is anticipated payments will be issued from the end of May 2021.\n\nNo payments have been made to date for the Business Support Grant Top-Up Scheme. It is anticipated automatic payments will begin to issue from the end of May 2021.\n\nNo payments will be made until applications are assessed and Letters of Offer are issued to successful applicants. The intention is to have all payments made by 31 July 2021.\n\nThe scheme will open in summer 2021. No payments will be made until then.\n\nPayments will be made over the next two months.\n\nTo date Department for Communities has not made any payments in connection with a £500 recognition payment to Supporting People and homelessness staff.","answerHtml":"A list of the cost to date for each of the approved COVID-19 Schemes is attached at Annex A. Some of the schemes listed are closed but others remain open and costs continue to accrue. Therefore, the costs listed are provisional and subject to verification as part of the departments’ 2020-21 accounts preparation.
I am reissuing the response as the DfE costs on the Covid Disruption Payment for HE students has now been provided.
Annex A
List of COVID-19 Schemes approved to date under Ministerial Direction for 2019-20 and 2020-21.
| Department | Subject | Cost to date | Note |
| The Executive Office | Support for Travel Agents | £0 | 1 |
| Department for Infrastructure | City of Derry Airport | £0.817m | |
| Department of Finance | Covid Temporary time limited financial support for Belfast International Airport and Belfast City Airport | £3.76m | |
| Department of Finance | Extension of the financial support Agreed for Derry City and Strabane District to all areas (Localised Restrictions Support Scheme) | £305.46m | |
| Department of Finance | £50,000 grant for large businesses unable to access grant funding during the first lockdown | £0 | 2 |
| Department of Finance | £25,000 payment to manufacturing businesses unable to access grant funding during the first lockdown | £20.7m | |
| Department of Finance | Top-up payments of £5,000 and £10,000 for businesses which received grants during the first lockdown but are not eligible for one of the current Executive support schemes | £0 | 3 |
| Department for the Economy | Covid-19 £10k Business Support Grant Scheme | £243m | |
| Department for the Economy | Covid-19 £25k Business Support Scheme for Retail, hospitality, Tourism and Leisure | £74m | |
| Department for the Economy | Covid Microbusiness Hardship Scheme | £23m | |
| Department for the Economy | Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme including extensions and Evidence Threshold | £67.4m | |
| Department for the Economy | Wet Pubs Business Support Scheme | £3.9m | |
| Department for the Economy | Newly Self-employed Scheme | £8.6m | |
| Department for the Economy | Limited Company Director Scheme | £3.7m | |
| Department for the Economy | Bed & Breakfast, Guest House and Guest Accommodation Providers Support Scheme | £2.01m | |
| Department for the Economy | Large Tourism and Hospitality Scheme | £35.7m | |
| Department for the Economy | Covid Disruption Payment for HE students | £22.2m | |
| Department of Health | £500 Bonus Scheme for health and social care staff | £78.9m | |
| Department of Health | Special Recognition Payment to healthcare students | £8.8m | |
| Department of Health | Additional Financial Support to DoH core grant-funded organisations in 2020/21 | £0.9m | |
| Department of Health | Air Ambulance NI | £1m | |
| Department of Health | Grant Scheme to Support Carers | £4.4m | |
| Department of Health | Grant Scheme to Support Cancer Services | £10.7m | |
| Department of Health | Grant Scheme to Support Mental Health Services | £10.7m | |
| Department of Health | Payment of £1.3m to Hospices | £1.3m | |
| Department of Health | One-Off Award to HSC Charitable Trust Funds | £15m | |
| Department of Education | Free School Meals in Special Schools – direct payments for all entitled pupils in addition to provision for those in school during period of partial closures and low attendance (25 Jan to 12 Feb 2021) | £0.140m | |
| Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs | Scheme to compensate Lough Neagh fishermen who have been adversely affected by COVID-19 | £0 | 4 |
| Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs | COVID-19 Disruption payment of £60 to CAFRE students to address digital poverty | £0 | 5 |
| Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs | COVID-19 support scheme for wool producers | £0 | 6 |
| Department for Communities | £500 Recognition payment for Supporting People and Homelessness Sector Workers | £0 | 7 |
Notes:-
The Travel Agents Financial Assistance was open for applications from 19th – 26th March 2021. 186 applications are currently being processed. Final costs will be known once all applications have been processed.
Applications opened on the 21 April 21 for the £50,000 Large NAV Business Grant. No payments have been made to date, and it is anticipated payments will be issued from the end of May 2021.
No payments have been made to date for the Business Support Grant Top-Up Scheme. It is anticipated automatic payments will begin to issue from the end of May 2021.
No payments will be made until applications are assessed and Letters of Offer are issued to successful applicants. The intention is to have all payments made by 31 July 2021.
The scheme will open in summer 2021. No payments will be made until then.
Payments will be made over the next two months.
To date Department for Communities has not made any payments in connection with a £500 recognition payment to Supporting People and homelessness staff.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016889%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=332516","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=332516"}},{"id":"332393","reference":"AQW 16827/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-24","answerBy":"2021-04-12","answered":"2021-04-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will use a Legislative Consent Motion to adopt the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"On 24 March 2021 a Statutory Instrument was made by the British Secretary of State for Transport to commence certain parts of the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 (the Act) including elements of Part 2 of the Act in respect of the charging of electric vehicles which applies in Northern Ireland. This commencement order is cited as the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 (Commencement No. 1) Regulations 2021. A Legislative Consent Motion will not be needed as Part 2 of the Act already extends to Northern Ireland.\n\nMy officials will continue to liaise with the Department for Transport regarding the future development of any future regulations to be made under Part 2 of the Act in relation to the installation and operation of electric vehicle and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.","answerHtml":"On 24 March 2021 a Statutory Instrument was made by the British Secretary of State for Transport to commence certain parts of the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 (the Act) including elements of Part 2 of the Act in respect of the charging of electric vehicles which applies in Northern Ireland. This commencement order is cited as the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 (Commencement No. 1) Regulations 2021. A Legislative Consent Motion will not be needed as Part 2 of the Act already extends to Northern Ireland.
My officials will continue to liaise with the Department for Transport regarding the future development of any future regulations to be made under Part 2 of the Act in relation to the installation and operation of electric vehicle and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016827%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=332393","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=332393"}},{"id":"332234","reference":"AQW 16760/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-23","answerBy":"2021-04-09","answered":"2021-04-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for an update on the progress of the major refurbishment works being undertaken at St Patrick’s Primary School, Holywood.","answerText":"There are currently no major refurbishment works being undertaken at St Patrick's Primary School in Holywood. The School was not submitted by its managing authority, the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS), for consideration under either of the most recent Major Capital Works or the School Enhancement Programme (SEP2) calls.\n\nA minor works scheme for additional accommodation was completed in 2018 and included a Resource room, SEN room and refurbishment of an existing classroom. A fire risk scheme applied for under the 2017 joint call for minor works, is currently being considered. Five other applications received under that call have not been prioritised to progress at this time.","answerHtml":"There are currently no major refurbishment works being undertaken at St Patrick's Primary School in Holywood. The School was not submitted by its managing authority, the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS), for consideration under either of the most recent Major Capital Works or the School Enhancement Programme (SEP2) calls.
A minor works scheme for additional accommodation was completed in 2018 and included a Resource room, SEN room and refurbishment of an existing classroom. A fire risk scheme applied for under the 2017 joint call for minor works, is currently being considered. Five other applications received under that call have not been prioritised to progress at this time.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016760%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=332234","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=332234"}},{"id":"332107","reference":"AQW 16703/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-22","answerBy":"2021-04-08","answered":"2021-04-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to outline the reasons for the differential in terms of percentage of COVID-19 Vaccine first doses administered in England as compared to Northern Ireland.","answerText":"The member will be aware that temporary variation in vaccination numbers is to be expected although overall the uptake by the public remains very good.\n\nTo date 860,313 first doses vaccines have been administered to an eligible population of approximately 1.4 millon.","answerHtml":"The member will be aware that temporary variation in vaccination numbers is to be expected although overall the uptake by the public remains very good.
To date 860,313 first doses vaccines have been administered to an eligible population of approximately 1.4 millon.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016703%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=332107","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=332107"}},{"id":"331885","reference":"AQW 16637/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-19","answerBy":"2021-04-07","answered":"2021-03-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether he intends to consider extending the Non Domestic Rates Relief in 2021-22 to those in the non-essential retail supply chain who have experienced a severe downturn in trade as a result of the COVID-19 Public Health Restrictions.","answerText":"The business rate relief measures which I announced on 11 March 2021 are informed by updated expert research from the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre. This research recognised that whereas most sectors of the economy have been impacted by the ongoing crisis, some have been impacted more significantly than others. This work assisted the Executive in its decision on the scale and targeting of rate relief for the coming year, recognising the need to prioritise this support to where the need is greatest, given the resources available.\n\nThat analysis did not identify general wholesale distributors supplying non-essential or non-food retail customers as in the group of greatest need. It did, however, identify the food service supply chain of wholesalers and distributors who purchase from the agri-food manufacturers and sell to the hospitality sector is a high priority sector. Although this relatively small sub-sector merited targeted support, identifying and appropriately supporting these properties through the rating system presents practical challenges; they could be considered for support by the Department for the Economy.","answerHtml":"The business rate relief measures which I announced on 11 March 2021 are informed by updated expert research from the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre. This research recognised that whereas most sectors of the economy have been impacted by the ongoing crisis, some have been impacted more significantly than others. This work assisted the Executive in its decision on the scale and targeting of rate relief for the coming year, recognising the need to prioritise this support to where the need is greatest, given the resources available.
That analysis did not identify general wholesale distributors supplying non-essential or non-food retail customers as in the group of greatest need. It did, however, identify the food service supply chain of wholesalers and distributors who purchase from the agri-food manufacturers and sell to the hospitality sector is a high priority sector. Although this relatively small sub-sector merited targeted support, identifying and appropriately supporting these properties through the rating system presents practical challenges; they could be considered for support by the Department for the Economy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016637%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=331885","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=331885"}},{"id":"331884","reference":"AQW 16636/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-19","answerBy":"2021-04-07","answered":"2021-03-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure how much (i) resource; and (ii) capital budget she will allocate to active travel in 2021/22.","answerText":"A Final Budget has not yet been agreed for 2021-22 and therefore it has not been possible to take any decisions on budget allocations.\n\nIt is, however, my intention to continue to make progress on active travel and blue / green initiatives. Given the importance of active travel and the multiple health and environmental benefits it brings, I am aware of the need for significant investment in this area and will ensure schemes that promote active travel will be prioritised within my available budget.","answerHtml":"A Final Budget has not yet been agreed for 2021-22 and therefore it has not been possible to take any decisions on budget allocations.
It is, however, my intention to continue to make progress on active travel and blue / green initiatives. Given the importance of active travel and the multiple health and environmental benefits it brings, I am aware of the need for significant investment in this area and will ensure schemes that promote active travel will be prioritised within my available budget.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016636%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=331884","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=331884"}},{"id":"331883","reference":"AQW 16635/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-19","answerBy":"2021-04-07","answered":"2021-03-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure pursuant to AQW 10567/17-22, for an update on funding for the Active and Sustainable Travel Centre in Derry.","answerText":"As I previously advised the Member in AQW 10567/17-22, my Department submitted an application for funding of the Active and Sustainable Travel Centre (ASTC) from the INTERREG VA Programme to the Special European Union Programmes (SEUPB).\n\nSEUPB advises that this is still under consideration and it will not be in a positon to respond to the request until later this year.","answerHtml":"As I previously advised the Member in AQW 10567/17-22, my Department submitted an application for funding of the Active and Sustainable Travel Centre (ASTC) from the INTERREG VA Programme to the Special European Union Programmes (SEUPB).
SEUPB advises that this is still under consideration and it will not be in a positon to respond to the request until later this year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016635%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=331883","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=331883"}},{"id":"331742","reference":"AQW 16574/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-18","answerBy":"2021-03-23","answered":"2021-05-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether outdoor socially distanced classes with a personal trainer will be permitted from 12 April 2021.","answerText":"Under current regulations up to 15 people (including coaches) can participate in structured outdoor sports training, through clubs or individuals affiliated to recognised sports Governing Bodies or representative organisations for sport or physical activity.\n\nInformation on the current COVID-19 Regulations and what they mean can be found on nidirect at: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-regulations-guidance-what-restrictions-mean-you","answerHtml":"Under current regulations up to 15 people (including coaches) can participate in structured outdoor sports training, through clubs or individuals affiliated to recognised sports Governing Bodies or representative organisations for sport or physical activity.
Information on the current COVID-19 Regulations and what they mean can be found on nidirect at: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-regulations-guidance-what-restrictions-mean-you
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016574%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=331742","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=331742"}},{"id":"331741","reference":"AQW 16573/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-18","answerBy":"2021-04-02","answered":"2021-04-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to outline (i) why further education lecturers in Northern Ireland are paid less than in other UK regions; and (ii) what actions she intends to take to address this issue, including the awarding of enhanced pay and conditions.","answerText":"As you will be aware, salary levels in most professions, including further education (FE), vary across regions of the UK to take account of a range of factors, including local circumstances.\n\nLecturers’ pay and conditions within the six FE Colleges in Northern Ireland are a matter for the FE colleges themselves as the employers and are the subject of negotiations which have been taking place between Trade Union Side and the College Employers’ Forum. My Department has not been involved in the negotiations. However, if and when an agreement is reached between both\n\nparties through these negotiations, any resulting Business Case will be submitted to the Department for appraisal before coming to myself for approval.\n\nHowever, I do recognise that the industrial action initiated by the University and College Union will have raised concerns for learners, parents and indeed for staff themselves. I value the important contribution which lecturers in our FE colleges make to building our economy and improving the skills and life outcomes for learners, including many of the most vulnerable in our society and I would encourage both employers and unions to continue to engage to seek a resolution to limit any impact on learners.\n\nIn the meantime, it is important that the negotiations are afforded the space needed to reach agreement and it would be inappropriate for me to make any further comment at this time.","answerHtml":"As you will be aware, salary levels in most professions, including further education (FE), vary across regions of the UK to take account of a range of factors, including local circumstances.
Lecturers’ pay and conditions within the six FE Colleges in Northern Ireland are a matter for the FE colleges themselves as the employers and are the subject of negotiations which have been taking place between Trade Union Side and the College Employers’ Forum. My Department has not been involved in the negotiations. However, if and when an agreement is reached between both
parties through these negotiations, any resulting Business Case will be submitted to the Department for appraisal before coming to myself for approval.
However, I do recognise that the industrial action initiated by the University and College Union will have raised concerns for learners, parents and indeed for staff themselves. I value the important contribution which lecturers in our FE colleges make to building our economy and improving the skills and life outcomes for learners, including many of the most vulnerable in our society and I would encourage both employers and unions to continue to engage to seek a resolution to limit any impact on learners.
In the meantime, it is important that the negotiations are afforded the space needed to reach agreement and it would be inappropriate for me to make any further comment at this time.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016573%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=331741","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=331741"}},{"id":"331740","reference":"AQW 16572/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-18","answerBy":"2021-04-02","answered":"2021-03-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for an update on the implementation of the Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Report recommendations.","answerText":"Members of the Executive Subcommittee on Reform following the RHI Inquiry have agreed a draft report setting out the response to the Inquiry and the actions that are required to fulfil the remaining recommendations of the Inquiry report. This report was forwarded to the Executive on 26 March.","answerHtml":"Members of the Executive Subcommittee on Reform following the RHI Inquiry have agreed a draft report setting out the response to the Inquiry and the actions that are required to fulfil the remaining recommendations of the Inquiry report. This report was forwarded to the Executive on 26 March.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016572%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=331740","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=331740"}},{"id":"331739","reference":"AQW 16571/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-18","answerBy":"2021-04-02","answered":"2021-03-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to outline his plans for the future of his Department’s office estate.","answerText":"My Department is responsible for the Reform of Property Management (RPM) Programme which was established to deliver the NI Executive’s Asset Management Strategy objectives. These objectives are to: (1) reduce the net costs of service delivery through the efficient use of public assets; and, (2) promote effective asset management processes that unlock value.\n\nThe Department’s plans for the office estate are outlined as follows:\n\n1) continue to rationalise the central government office estate;\n\n2) continue to modernise the central government estate;\n\n3) to promote and implement new ways of working that reduce reliance on the central government office estate and build resilience to deliver public services in the future.","answerHtml":"My Department is responsible for the Reform of Property Management (RPM) Programme which was established to deliver the NI Executive’s Asset Management Strategy objectives. These objectives are to: (1) reduce the net costs of service delivery through the efficient use of public assets; and, (2) promote effective asset management processes that unlock value.
The Department’s plans for the office estate are outlined as follows:
1) continue to rationalise the central government office estate;
2) continue to modernise the central government estate;
3) to promote and implement new ways of working that reduce reliance on the central government office estate and build resilience to deliver public services in the future.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016571%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=331739","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=331739"}},{"id":"331738","reference":"AQW 16570/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-18","answerBy":"2021-04-02","answered":"2021-03-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail all the office estate that his Department (i) owns; and (ii) leases.","answerText":"The Department of Finance’s Properties Division (PD) provides accommodation to all NICS departments, and some of their ALBs, based on their stated requirements. The office accommodation can be in owned or leased properties.\n\nThe office estate that my Department (i) owns; and (ii) leases is detailed in the tables below.\n\nOwned DoF Office Estate as at March 2021\n\nOwned Office Estate\tAddress\n1\tDungannon JBO\t36 Thomas Street, Dungannon\n2\tOmagh JBO\t19 Mountjoy Road, Omagh\n3\tStrabane JBO\t18 Urney Road, Strabane\n4\tEnniskillen JBO\t14 Queen Elizabeth Rd, Enniskillen\n5\tCookstown SSO\t38 - 40 Fairhill Rd, Cookstown (Vacant)\n6\tCastle Barracks\tCastle Barracks, Enniskillen\n7\tOmagh County Hall\tDrumragh Ave, Omagh\n8\tElmview\t20 Derry Road, Strabane\n9\tDeverney\t32 Deverney Road, Omagh\n10\tInishkeen House\t21 Lough Yoan, Killyhelvin, Enniskillen\n11\tMarlborough House\t2 Central Way, Craigavon\n12\tArmagh JBO\t10 Alexander Street, Armagh\n13\tBallynahinch SSO\t8 Crossgar Rd, Ballynahinch\n14\tBanbridge JBO\t18 Castlewellan Rd, Banbridge\n15\tDownpatrick SSO\t9 - 11 Mount Crescent Downpatrick\n16\tKilkeel JBO\t58 Newry Street, Kilkeel\n17\tNewcastle SSO\t2 Beverley Gardens, Valentia Place, Newcastle\n18\tNewry JBO\t40 Bridge Street, Newry\n19\tPortadown JBO\t84 -140 Jervis Street, Portadown\n20\tLurgan JBO\tAlexander Crescent, Lurgan\n21\tRathkeltair House\tMarket St, Downpatrick\n22\tGlenree House\tUnit 2, Springhill Road, Newry\n23\tDundonald House\tDundonald House, Stormont Estate\n24\tAnnexe D Dundonald House\tAnnexe D, Dundonald House, Stormont\n25\tStormont Castle\tStormont Castle, Stormont Estate\n26\tCastle Buildings\tCastle Buildings, Stormont Estate\n27\tLadas Drive\t83 Ladas Drive, Belfast\n28\tHolywood Road JBO\t106 -108 Holywood Road ,Belfast\n29\tShankill JBO\tShankill Rd J &BO 15-29 Snugville Street, Belfast\n30\tKnockbreda JBO\t210 Upper Knockbreda Road, Belfast\n31\tNewtownabbey JBO\t39 - 41 Church Road, Newtownabbey\n32\tRathgael House\tBalloo Road, Bangor\n33\tFermanagh House\t20A Ormeau Avenue, Belfast\n34\tFalls Road JBO\t19 Falls Road, Belfast\n35\tNetherleigh\tMassey Avenue, Belfast\n36\tNewtownards SSO\t8 East Street, Newtownards\n37\tCareers Resource Centre\t56 - 58 Ann Street, Belfast\n38\tClarence Court\t10 - 18 Adelaide Street, Belfast\n39\tCollege Street\t34 College Street, Belfast\n40\tCarrickfergus JBO\t1 Davys Street, Carrickfergus\n41\tLarne JBO\t45 Pound Street, Larne\n42\tCourier HQ\tCourier Headquarters, Stormont Estate\n43\tQueens Court\tUpper Queen Street, Belfast\n44\tVictoria Hall\tVictoria Hall, 12 May Street, Belfast\n45\tFalls Road SAU\t43 - 47 Falls Road, Belfast\n46\tCraigantlet Buildings\tStoney Road, Stormont, Belfast\n47\tCastle Cottages\tStormont Estate Superintendent Office, Belfast\n48\tAnnexe B Dundonald House\tAnnexe B Dundonald House, Stormont Estate, Belfast\n49\tDVA Corporation Street\t148 - 158 Corporation St, Belfast\n50\tMassey House\tMassey House, Stormont Estate, Belfast\n51\tAdelaide House\t39 -49 Adelaide St, Belfast\n52\tHillview Buildings\tStormont Estate, Belfast\n53\tCauseway Exchange\t1 – 7 Bedford Street Belfast\n54\tClare House\t303 Airport Road West, Belfast\n55\tJames House\tGasworks Commercial Park, Belfast\n56\tColby House\t9 Stranmillis Court, Belfast\n57\tStormont House\tStormont Estate, Belfast\n58\tKnockview Buildings\tStormont Estate, Belfast\n59\tAndersonstown JBO\t580a Falls Road, Belfast\n60\tBallymena JBO\t2 Parkway, Ballymena\n61\tThe Stables\tThe Stables, Stormont Estate, Belfast\n62\tWalled garden\tUnit 2 Walled Garden, Stormont Estate, Belfast\n63\tSeatem House\tSeatem House, 28 - 32 Alfred St, Belfast\n64\t2-4 Bruce Street\t2 - 4 Bruce Street, Belfast\n65\tLaganside House\t23 - 27 Oxford Street, Belfast\n66\tRivers HQ Loughry\t49 Tullywiggan Road, Loughry, Cookstown\n67\tBallykelly House\t111 Ballykelly Road, Ballykelly, Limavady\n68\tBallymena County Hall\t182 Galgorm Rd, Ballymena\n69\tColeraine County Hall\t7 Castlerock Road, Coleraine\n70\tFoyle JBO\t14 Asylum Road, L/derry\n71\tColeraine JBO\t8 Artillery Road, Coleraine\n72\tAntrim JBO\t20 Castle Street, Antrim\n73\tBallymoney JBO\t37 - 45 John Street, Ballymoney\n74\tLimavady JBO\t9 Connell Street, Limavady\n75\tMagherafelt JBO\t31 Station Road, Magherafelt\n76\t1 Crescent Road\t1 Crescent Road, L/derry\n77\tOrchard House\t40 Foyle Street, L/derry\n78\t86 Main Street, Limavady\t86 Main Street, Limavady\n79\tAcademy House\t121a Broughshane Street, Ballymena\n80\tLisnagelvin JBO\t2 Crescent Road, L/derry\n81\tWaterside House\t75 Duke Street, L/derry\n\nLeased DoF Office Estate\n\nLeased Office Estate\tAddress\n1\tSperrin House\tSedan Avenue, Omagh\n2\tBoaz House\t15 Scarffe's Entry, Omagh\n3\tLisburn JBO\tBow House, 69 - 71 Bow Street, Lisburn\n4\tCentre House\t79 Chichester Street, Belfast\n5\tBangor SSO\t110 Hamilton Road, Bangor\n6\tCastle Court\tRoyal Avenue, Belfast\n7\tBankmore House\t62 - 66 Bedford Street, Belfast\n8\tConor Building\t107 - 111 Great Victoria Street, Belfast\n9\tPark House\t87 - 91 Great Victoria Street, Belfast\n10\tDesign Centre\t39 Corporation Street, Belfast\n11\tOakbank\tUnit 5, Bays 6-8 Oakbank Commercial Park, Belfast\n12\tGoodwood House\tGoodwood House, 44 - 58 May Street, Belfast\n13\tSSA Superstore\tDargan Crescent, Belfast\n14\tKlondyke Building\tGasworks Commercial Park, Belfast\n15\tKillymeal House\tKillymeal House, 2 Cromac Quay, Gasworks, Belfast.\n16\tMolesworth Plaza\tGround Floor, Molesworth Plaza, Cookstown\n17\tMeadowlane\tMeadowlane Shopping Centre, Magherafelt\n18\tCastleton House\tCastleton House, Trench Road, Mallusk\n19\tAtek Building\tUnits 4/11 Edenaveys Industrial Estate Armagh\n20\tSketrick House\t16 Jubilee Road, Newtownards\n21\tLanyon Plaza\t7 Lanyon Place, Belfast\n22\t9 Lanyon Place\t9 Lanyon Place, Belfast\n23\tCarlisle House\tHawkin Street, L/derry\n24\tProgressive House\t33 - 37 Wellington Street, Belfast\n25\tQueens House\t10 -18 Queen Street, Belfast\n26\tLinum Chambers\tBedford Street, Belfast","answerHtml":"The Department of Finance’s Properties Division (PD) provides accommodation to all NICS departments, and some of their ALBs, based on their stated requirements. The office accommodation can be in owned or leased properties.
The office estate that my Department (i) owns; and (ii) leases is detailed in the tables below.
Owned DoF Office Estate as at March 2021
| Owned Office Estate | Address | |
| 1 | Dungannon JBO | 36 Thomas Street, Dungannon |
| 2 | Omagh JBO | 19 Mountjoy Road, Omagh |
| 3 | Strabane JBO | 18 Urney Road, Strabane |
| 4 | Enniskillen JBO | 14 Queen Elizabeth Rd, Enniskillen |
| 5 | Cookstown SSO | 38 - 40 Fairhill Rd, Cookstown (Vacant) |
| 6 | Castle Barracks | Castle Barracks, Enniskillen |
| 7 | Omagh County Hall | Drumragh Ave, Omagh |
| 8 | Elmview | 20 Derry Road, Strabane |
| 9 | Deverney | 32 Deverney Road, Omagh |
| 10 | Inishkeen House | 21 Lough Yoan, Killyhelvin, Enniskillen |
| 11 | Marlborough House | 2 Central Way, Craigavon |
| 12 | Armagh JBO | 10 Alexander Street, Armagh |
| 13 | Ballynahinch SSO | 8 Crossgar Rd, Ballynahinch |
| 14 | Banbridge JBO | 18 Castlewellan Rd, Banbridge |
| 15 | Downpatrick SSO | 9 - 11 Mount Crescent Downpatrick |
| 16 | Kilkeel JBO | 58 Newry Street, Kilkeel |
| 17 | Newcastle SSO | 2 Beverley Gardens, Valentia Place, Newcastle |
| 18 | Newry JBO | 40 Bridge Street, Newry |
| 19 | Portadown JBO | 84 -140 Jervis Street, Portadown |
| 20 | Lurgan JBO | Alexander Crescent, Lurgan |
| 21 | Rathkeltair House | Market St, Downpatrick |
| 22 | Glenree House | Unit 2, Springhill Road, Newry |
| 23 | Dundonald House | Dundonald House, Stormont Estate |
| 24 | Annexe D Dundonald House | Annexe D, Dundonald House, Stormont |
| 25 | Stormont Castle | Stormont Castle, Stormont Estate |
| 26 | Castle Buildings | Castle Buildings, Stormont Estate |
| 27 | Ladas Drive | 83 Ladas Drive, Belfast |
| 28 | Holywood Road JBO | 106 -108 Holywood Road ,Belfast |
| 29 | Shankill JBO | Shankill Rd J &BO 15-29 Snugville Street, Belfast |
| 30 | Knockbreda JBO | 210 Upper Knockbreda Road, Belfast |
| 31 | Newtownabbey JBO | 39 - 41 Church Road, Newtownabbey |
| 32 | Rathgael House | Balloo Road, Bangor |
| 33 | Fermanagh House | 20A Ormeau Avenue, Belfast |
| 34 | Falls Road JBO | 19 Falls Road, Belfast |
| 35 | Netherleigh | Massey Avenue, Belfast |
| 36 | Newtownards SSO | 8 East Street, Newtownards |
| 37 | Careers Resource Centre | 56 - 58 Ann Street, Belfast |
| 38 | Clarence Court | 10 - 18 Adelaide Street, Belfast |
| 39 | College Street | 34 College Street, Belfast |
| 40 | Carrickfergus JBO | 1 Davys Street, Carrickfergus |
| 41 | Larne JBO | 45 Pound Street, Larne |
| 42 | Courier HQ | Courier Headquarters, Stormont Estate |
| 43 | Queens Court | Upper Queen Street, Belfast |
| 44 | Victoria Hall | Victoria Hall, 12 May Street, Belfast |
| 45 | Falls Road SAU | 43 - 47 Falls Road, Belfast |
| 46 | Craigantlet Buildings | Stoney Road, Stormont, Belfast |
| 47 | Castle Cottages | Stormont Estate Superintendent Office, Belfast |
| 48 | Annexe B Dundonald House | Annexe B Dundonald House, Stormont Estate, Belfast |
| 49 | DVA Corporation Street | 148 - 158 Corporation St, Belfast |
| 50 | Massey House | Massey House, Stormont Estate, Belfast |
| 51 | Adelaide House | 39 -49 Adelaide St, Belfast |
| 52 | Hillview Buildings | Stormont Estate, Belfast |
| 53 | Causeway Exchange | 1 – 7 Bedford Street Belfast |
| 54 | Clare House | 303 Airport Road West, Belfast |
| 55 | James House | Gasworks Commercial Park, Belfast |
| 56 | Colby House | 9 Stranmillis Court, Belfast |
| 57 | Stormont House | Stormont Estate, Belfast |
| 58 | Knockview Buildings | Stormont Estate, Belfast |
| 59 | Andersonstown JBO | 580a Falls Road, Belfast |
| 60 | Ballymena JBO | 2 Parkway, Ballymena |
| 61 | The Stables | The Stables, Stormont Estate, Belfast |
| 62 | Walled garden | Unit 2 Walled Garden, Stormont Estate, Belfast |
| 63 | Seatem House | Seatem House, 28 - 32 Alfred St, Belfast |
| 64 | 2-4 Bruce Street | 2 - 4 Bruce Street, Belfast |
| 65 | Laganside House | 23 - 27 Oxford Street, Belfast |
| 66 | Rivers HQ Loughry | 49 Tullywiggan Road, Loughry, Cookstown |
| 67 | Ballykelly House | 111 Ballykelly Road, Ballykelly, Limavady |
| 68 | Ballymena County Hall | 182 Galgorm Rd, Ballymena |
| 69 | Coleraine County Hall | 7 Castlerock Road, Coleraine |
| 70 | Foyle JBO | 14 Asylum Road, L/derry |
| 71 | Coleraine JBO | 8 Artillery Road, Coleraine |
| 72 | Antrim JBO | 20 Castle Street, Antrim |
| 73 | Ballymoney JBO | 37 - 45 John Street, Ballymoney |
| 74 | Limavady JBO | 9 Connell Street, Limavady |
| 75 | Magherafelt JBO | 31 Station Road, Magherafelt |
| 76 | 1 Crescent Road | 1 Crescent Road, L/derry |
| 77 | Orchard House | 40 Foyle Street, L/derry |
| 78 | 86 Main Street, Limavady | 86 Main Street, Limavady |
| 79 | Academy House | 121a Broughshane Street, Ballymena |
| 80 | Lisnagelvin JBO | 2 Crescent Road, L/derry |
| 81 | Waterside House | 75 Duke Street, L/derry |
Leased DoF Office Estate
| Leased Office Estate | Address | |
| 1 | Sperrin House | Sedan Avenue, Omagh |
| 2 | Boaz House | 15 Scarffe's Entry, Omagh |
| 3 | Lisburn JBO | Bow House, 69 - 71 Bow Street, Lisburn |
| 4 | Centre House | 79 Chichester Street, Belfast |
| 5 | Bangor SSO | 110 Hamilton Road, Bangor |
| 6 | Castle Court | Royal Avenue, Belfast |
| 7 | Bankmore House | 62 - 66 Bedford Street, Belfast |
| 8 | Conor Building | 107 - 111 Great Victoria Street, Belfast |
| 9 | Park House | 87 - 91 Great Victoria Street, Belfast |
| 10 | Design Centre | 39 Corporation Street, Belfast |
| 11 | Oakbank | Unit 5, Bays 6-8 Oakbank Commercial Park, Belfast |
| 12 | Goodwood House | Goodwood House, 44 - 58 May Street, Belfast |
| 13 | SSA Superstore | Dargan Crescent, Belfast |
| 14 | Klondyke Building | Gasworks Commercial Park, Belfast |
| 15 | Killymeal House | Killymeal House, 2 Cromac Quay, Gasworks, Belfast. |
| 16 | Molesworth Plaza | Ground Floor, Molesworth Plaza, Cookstown |
| 17 | Meadowlane | Meadowlane Shopping Centre, Magherafelt |
| 18 | Castleton House | Castleton House, Trench Road, Mallusk |
| 19 | Atek Building | Units 4/11 Edenaveys Industrial Estate Armagh |
| 20 | Sketrick House | 16 Jubilee Road, Newtownards |
| 21 | Lanyon Plaza | 7 Lanyon Place, Belfast |
| 22 | 9 Lanyon Place | 9 Lanyon Place, Belfast |
| 23 | Carlisle House | Hawkin Street, L/derry |
| 24 | Progressive House | 33 - 37 Wellington Street, Belfast |
| 25 | Queens House | 10 -18 Queen Street, Belfast |
| 26 | Linum Chambers | Bedford Street, Belfast |
The legislation for the new schemes, which will be in place before the end of this financial year, will be drafted to reflect that the entitlement of the payments are in respect of the 2020/21 year.
This will allow the payments to be accrued in the current financial year and ensure that the funding does not have to be surrendered to the British Treasury.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016486%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=331512","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=331512"}},{"id":"331511","reference":"AQW 16485/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-16","answerBy":"2021-04-01","answered":"2021-03-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether applicants for the £50,000 COVID-19 support scheme for large businesses announced on the 15 March 2021 will have to demonstrate financial hardship suffered as a result of COVID-19.","answerText":"The scheme, which has been approved by all Executive Ministers, is targeted at those business occupying premises with a Net Annual Value over £51,000 which were not able to access grant funding during the first lockdown and were eligible for the 12 months rates holiday in 2020/2021. These business are in sectors which the Ulster University EPC analysis in May 2020 indicated were most severely impacted by the pandemic and were in greatest need of support. The sectoral analysis has been confirmed as being correct in a further update for the Department of Finance in February 2021.\n\nIt is not intended that individual businesses will be required to demonstrate financial hardship suffered as a result of Covid-19 in order to qualify for this scheme.","answerHtml":"The scheme, which has been approved by all Executive Ministers, is targeted at those business occupying premises with a Net Annual Value over £51,000 which were not able to access grant funding during the first lockdown and were eligible for the 12 months rates holiday in 2020/2021. These business are in sectors which the Ulster University EPC analysis in May 2020 indicated were most severely impacted by the pandemic and were in greatest need of support. The sectoral analysis has been confirmed as being correct in a further update for the Department of Finance in February 2021.
It is not intended that individual businesses will be required to demonstrate financial hardship suffered as a result of Covid-19 in order to qualify for this scheme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016485%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=331511","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=331511"}},{"id":"331510","reference":"AQW 16484/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-16","answerBy":"2021-04-01","answered":"2021-04-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether he will publish the options paper he received prior to announcing additional COVID-19 support schemes on the 15 March 2021.","answerText":"It is not normal practice to publish internal papers relating to the development of the policy proposals that are presented to the Executive. I see no pressing need for an exception to be made in this case.","answerHtml":"It is not normal practice to publish internal papers relating to the development of the policy proposals that are presented to the Executive. I see no pressing need for an exception to be made in this case.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016484%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=331510","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=331510"}},{"id":"331509","reference":"AQW 16483/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-16","answerBy":"2021-04-01","answered":"2021-03-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance how much COVID-19 funding available to spend in 2021-22 (i) has been allocated; and (ii) is yet to be allocated.","answerText":"The draft Budget allocated £411.3 million Resource DEL to departments and set aside £126.9 million of Resource DEL COVID-19 for further allocation.\n\nIn addition, some £238.1 million is available from agreed carryforward from 2020-21 including £75 million of Capital and £14 million of FTC.\n\nThe chancellor’s March Budget also made £407.7 million available in COVID related consequentials in 2021-22,\n\nThe recent announcement of additional funding for NHS England is expected to provide further Barnett allocations of around £220 million in 2021-22 although the precise quantum has yet to be confirmed.\n\nThe Executive will consider this funding as part of Final Budget.","answerHtml":"The draft Budget allocated £411.3 million Resource DEL to departments and set aside £126.9 million of Resource DEL COVID-19 for further allocation.
In addition, some £238.1 million is available from agreed carryforward from 2020-21 including £75 million of Capital and £14 million of FTC.
The chancellor’s March Budget also made £407.7 million available in COVID related consequentials in 2021-22,
The recent announcement of additional funding for NHS England is expected to provide further Barnett allocations of around £220 million in 2021-22 although the precise quantum has yet to be confirmed.
The Executive will consider this funding as part of Final Budget.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016483%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=331509","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=331509"}},{"id":"331508","reference":"AQW 16482/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-16","answerBy":"2021-04-01","answered":"2021-03-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether off-licences are eligible for the £10,000 and £5,000 COVID-19 support schemes announced on the 15 March 2021.","answerText":"The scheme is open to all businesses which have been unable to access the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS) or Coronavirus Restrictions Business Support Scheme (CRBSS) Part B.\n\nOff-licences which received either the £10,000 or £25,000 grants in 2020 are eligible for this scheme, providing they meet all other qualifying criteria.","answerHtml":"The scheme is open to all businesses which have been unable to access the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS) or Coronavirus Restrictions Business Support Scheme (CRBSS) Part B.
Off-licences which received either the £10,000 or £25,000 grants in 2020 are eligible for this scheme, providing they meet all other qualifying criteria.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016482%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=331508","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=331508"}},{"id":"331242","reference":"AQW 16401/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-15","answerBy":"2021-03-31","answered":"2021-03-31","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what plans she has to expand the bus lane network in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"My Department is currently bringing forward the Transport Plan for the Regional Strategic Transport Network. Amongst other measures, this will consider improvements to our limited stop Goldline bus services and will explore options for the provision of additional bus lanes to avoid key traffic bottlenecks, in conjunction with better Park and Ride provision. The Draft RSTNTP is scheduled for full public consultation in late 2021, and I am determined to use these Transport Plans to help power our Green Recovery.In addition, my officials are working pro-actively with local councils to develop Local Transport Plans, which will integrate with councils’ own Local Development Plans. Local Transport Plans will seek to identify bus priority measures right across Northern Ireland to help reduce bus operating costs, while providing travel time savings for bus passengers over private vehicle users. The past year has changed the way we work and travel, and I am keen that we continue to encourage commuters to use active travel and public transport, rather than use private cars for both the short and the inter-urban journeys. A whole-system approach to active travel and public transport, such as this, will encourage greater modal shift to sustainable transport, reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.","answerHtml":"My Department is currently bringing forward the Transport Plan for the Regional Strategic Transport Network. Amongst other measures, this will consider improvements to our limited stop Goldline bus services and will explore options for the provision of additional bus lanes to avoid key traffic bottlenecks, in conjunction with better Park and Ride provision. The Draft RSTNTP is scheduled for full public consultation in late 2021, and I am determined to use these Transport Plans to help power our Green Recovery.In addition, my officials are working pro-actively with local councils to develop Local Transport Plans, which will integrate with councils’ own Local Development Plans. Local Transport Plans will seek to identify bus priority measures right across Northern Ireland to help reduce bus operating costs, while providing travel time savings for bus passengers over private vehicle users. The past year has changed the way we work and travel, and I am keen that we continue to encourage commuters to use active travel and public transport, rather than use private cars for both the short and the inter-urban journeys. A whole-system approach to active travel and public transport, such as this, will encourage greater modal shift to sustainable transport, reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016401%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=331242","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=331242"}},{"id":"331240","reference":"AQW 16399/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-15","answerBy":"2021-03-31","answered":"2021-05-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail the COVID-19 schemes approved under Ministerial Direction during 2019/20 and 2020/21.","answerText":"A list of all COVID-19 Schemes for 2019-20 and 2020-21 approved to date under Ministerial Direction is attached at Annex A.\n\nAs I advised previously, my department is currently working on enhanced guidance to clarify the process to be followed in respect of Ministerial Directions which includes a new process for the Department of Finance publishing such information. It is hoped that this will issue by the end of March.\n\nAnnex A\n\nList of COVID-19 Schemes approved to date under Ministerial Direction for 2019-20 and 2020-21.\n\nDepartment\tSubject\nThe Executive Office\tSupport for Travel Agents\nDepartment for Infrastructure\tCity of Derry Airport\nDepartment of Finance\tCovid Temporary time limited financial support for Belfast International Airport and Belfast City Airport\nDepartment of Finance\tExtension of the financial support Agreed for Derry City and Strabane District to all areas (Localised Restrictions Support Scheme)\nDepartment for the Economy\tCovid-19 £10k Business Support Grant Scheme\nDepartment for the Economy\tCovid-19 £25k Business Support Scheme for Retail, hospitality, Tourism and Leisure\nDepartment for the Economy\tCovid Microbusiness Hardship Scheme\nDepartment for the Economy\tCovid Restrictions Business Support Scheme\nDepartment for the Economy\tCovid Restrictions Business Support Scheme - Circuit Breaker Extension\nDepartment for the Economy\tCovid Restrictions Business Support Scheme - Evidence Threshold\nDepartment for the Economy\tWet Pubs Business Support Scheme\nDepartment for the Economy\tNewly Self-employed Scheme\nDepartment for the Economy\tLimited Company Director Scheme\nDepartment for the Economy\tBed & Breakfast, Guest House and Guest Accommodation Providers Support Scheme\nDepartment for the Economy\tLarge Tourism and Hospitality Scheme\nDepartment for the Economy\tStudent Disruption Payment\nDepartment for the Economy\tExtension of Large Tourism and Hospitality Scheme to 31 March 21\nDepartment for the Economy\tCovid Restrictions Business Support Scheme Extension to 31 March 2021\nDepartment for the Economy\tCoDA Public Service Obligation 2021-23\nDepartment of Health\tReimburse strike pay to healthcare workers for the period November 2019 to January 2020\nDepartment of Health\t£500 Bonus Scheme for health and social care staff\nDepartment of Health\tSpecial Recognition Payment to healthcare students\nDepartment of Health\tAdditional Financial Support to DoH core grant-funded organisations in 2020/21\nDepartment of Health\tAir Ambulance NI\nDepartment of Education\tFree School Meals in Special Schools – direct payments for all entitled pupils in addition to provision for those in school during period of partial closures and low attendance (25 Jan to 12 Feb 2021)","answerHtml":"A list of all COVID-19 Schemes for 2019-20 and 2020-21 approved to date under Ministerial Direction is attached at Annex A.
As I advised previously, my department is currently working on enhanced guidance to clarify the process to be followed in respect of Ministerial Directions which includes a new process for the Department of Finance publishing such information. It is hoped that this will issue by the end of March.
Annex A
List of COVID-19 Schemes approved to date under Ministerial Direction for 2019-20 and 2020-21.
| Department | Subject |
| The Executive Office | Support for Travel Agents |
| Department for Infrastructure | City of Derry Airport |
| Department of Finance | Covid Temporary time limited financial support for Belfast International Airport and Belfast City Airport |
| Department of Finance | Extension of the financial support Agreed for Derry City and Strabane District to all areas (Localised Restrictions Support Scheme) |
| Department for the Economy | Covid-19 £10k Business Support Grant Scheme |
| Department for the Economy | Covid-19 £25k Business Support Scheme for Retail, hospitality, Tourism and Leisure |
| Department for the Economy | Covid Microbusiness Hardship Scheme |
| Department for the Economy | Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme |
| Department for the Economy | Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme - Circuit Breaker Extension |
| Department for the Economy | Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme - Evidence Threshold |
| Department for the Economy | Wet Pubs Business Support Scheme |
| Department for the Economy | Newly Self-employed Scheme |
| Department for the Economy | Limited Company Director Scheme |
| Department for the Economy | Bed & Breakfast, Guest House and Guest Accommodation Providers Support Scheme |
| Department for the Economy | Large Tourism and Hospitality Scheme |
| Department for the Economy | Student Disruption Payment |
| Department for the Economy | Extension of Large Tourism and Hospitality Scheme to 31 March 21 |
| Department for the Economy | Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme Extension to 31 March 2021 |
| Department for the Economy | CoDA Public Service Obligation 2021-23 |
| Department of Health | Reimburse strike pay to healthcare workers for the period November 2019 to January 2020 |
| Department of Health | £500 Bonus Scheme for health and social care staff |
| Department of Health | Special Recognition Payment to healthcare students |
| Department of Health | Additional Financial Support to DoH core grant-funded organisations in 2020/21 |
| Department of Health | Air Ambulance NI |
| Department of Education | Free School Meals in Special Schools – direct payments for all entitled pupils in addition to provision for those in school during period of partial closures and low attendance (25 Jan to 12 Feb 2021) |
The business rate relief measures which I announced on 11 March 2021 were informed by updated expert research from the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre. This research recognised that whereas most sectors of the economy have been impacted by the ongoing crisis, some have been impacted more significantly than others. This work assisted the Executive in its decision on the scale and targeting of rate relief to business sectors for the coming year. Statutory Regulations will shortly be made and these will detail the specified business uses to be included for relief within the retail, hospitality, leisure, tourism, childcare and manufacturing sectors, as well as airports and newspaper production facilities. I do not intend to include retail estate agents and retail letting agents in this relief in 2021-22.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016398%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=331239","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=331239"}},{"id":"331117","reference":"AQW 16321/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-12","answerBy":"2021-03-30","answered":"2021-03-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline the rationale for not providing part-funding towards the upgrade of Foundry Lane, Omagh.","answerText":"I am aware that Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has approached my officials to explore the possibility of my Department working in partnership with them to deliver an improvement scheme at Foundry Lane in Omagh. My officials have confirmed that the paving in Foundry Lane is currently in a serviceable condition and that there are many other footways within the district in greater need of improvement.\n\nTherefore owing to budgetary constraints and other competing priorities, my Department unfortunately was unable to commit to assisting the delivery of an improvement scheme at Foundry Lane at this time. The proposal will however remain under consideration for possible inclusion in future programmes of work.","answerHtml":"I am aware that Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has approached my officials to explore the possibility of my Department working in partnership with them to deliver an improvement scheme at Foundry Lane in Omagh. My officials have confirmed that the paving in Foundry Lane is currently in a serviceable condition and that there are many other footways within the district in greater need of improvement.
Therefore owing to budgetary constraints and other competing priorities, my Department unfortunately was unable to commit to assisting the delivery of an improvement scheme at Foundry Lane at this time. The proposal will however remain under consideration for possible inclusion in future programmes of work.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016321%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=331117","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=331117"}},{"id":"331116","reference":"AQW 16320/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-12","answerBy":"2021-03-30","answered":"2021-03-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for an update on the progress of the Crawfordsburn Primary School new build construction project.","answerText":"The major capital investment project to provide suitable accommodation for an 8 class base primary school for Crawfordsburn Primary School is progressing well.\n\nThe Integrated Consultancy Team (Design Team), Isherwood & Ellis LLP, appointed in October 2019, is currently finalising the RIBA Stage 3 (Developed Design) which is due for submission to my Department’s technical advisors in April 2021.","answerHtml":"The major capital investment project to provide suitable accommodation for an 8 class base primary school for Crawfordsburn Primary School is progressing well.
The Integrated Consultancy Team (Design Team), Isherwood & Ellis LLP, appointed in October 2019, is currently finalising the RIBA Stage 3 (Developed Design) which is due for submission to my Department’s technical advisors in April 2021.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016320%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=331116","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=331116"}},{"id":"331115","reference":"AQW 16319/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-12","answerBy":"2021-03-30","answered":"2021-03-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for an update on the progress of the Priory Integrated College, Holywood new build construction project.","answerText":"Priory Integrated College has been selected for a major capital investment project to improve or replace its existing accommodation. The project will cater for the school’s current approved enrolment of 600 pupils.\n\nIn February 2020 the EA successfully completed the appointment of an Integrated Consultant Team to carry out the design of the proposed Priory Integrated College. The business case was approved by the Department of Finance (DoF) in August 2020. This identified the preferred option as a new build school at a site on Redburn Road in Holywood.\n\nThe Integrated Consultant Team is now working on the early stages of the design process.","answerHtml":"Priory Integrated College has been selected for a major capital investment project to improve or replace its existing accommodation. The project will cater for the school’s current approved enrolment of 600 pupils.
In February 2020 the EA successfully completed the appointment of an Integrated Consultant Team to carry out the design of the proposed Priory Integrated College. The business case was approved by the Department of Finance (DoF) in August 2020. This identified the preferred option as a new build school at a site on Redburn Road in Holywood.
The Integrated Consultant Team is now working on the early stages of the design process.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016319%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=331115","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=331115"}},{"id":"331114","reference":"AQW 16318/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-12","answerBy":"2021-03-30","answered":"2021-03-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for an update on the progress of the St Patrick’s Primary School, Holywood new build construction project","answerText":"St Patrick’s Primary School, Holywood, has not been announced for major capital investment, therefore, there are no plans for a new build construction project being advanced for this school at this time.","answerHtml":"St Patrick’s Primary School, Holywood, has not been announced for major capital investment, therefore, there are no plans for a new build construction project being advanced for this school at this time.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016318%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=331114","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=331114"}},{"id":"331113","reference":"AQW 16317/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-12","answerBy":"2021-03-30","answered":"2021-03-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for an update on the progress of the Bangor Central Integrated Primary School new build construction project.","answerText":"Bangor Central Integrated Primary School has been selected for a major capital investment project to improve or replace its existing accommodation. The project will cater for the school’s current approved enrolment of 618 pupils.\n\nThe business case was approved by my Department in July 2020 and identified the preferred option of a new-build school on a new site on the Balloo Road in Bangor. In July 2020 the Education Authority appointed an Integrated Consultant Team and the early stages of design are now progressing well with good engagement between all stakeholders.","answerHtml":"Bangor Central Integrated Primary School has been selected for a major capital investment project to improve or replace its existing accommodation. The project will cater for the school’s current approved enrolment of 618 pupils.
The business case was approved by my Department in July 2020 and identified the preferred option of a new-build school on a new site on the Balloo Road in Bangor. In July 2020 the Education Authority appointed an Integrated Consultant Team and the early stages of design are now progressing well with good engagement between all stakeholders.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016317%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=331113","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=331113"}},{"id":"330895","reference":"AQW 16251/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-11","answerBy":"2021-03-29","answered":"2021-03-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance in the event of continued closures due to COVID restrictions, whether the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme will be extended into the 2021-22 financial year.","answerText":"It is my intention to continue with the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme in tandem with progress made against the Executive’s Pathway out of Restrictions document and the removal of restrictions on various categories of business, subject to the funds being available to the Executive to continue to provide this support.","answerHtml":"It is my intention to continue with the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme in tandem with progress made against the Executive’s Pathway out of Restrictions document and the removal of restrictions on various categories of business, subject to the funds being available to the Executive to continue to provide this support.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016251%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=330895","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=330895"}},{"id":"330894","reference":"AQW 16250/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-11","answerBy":"2021-03-29","answered":"2021-03-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for a list of requested road resurfacing projects in North Down.","answerText":"Information held by my Department is based on Council area rather than Constituency and the list of roads within the Ards and North Down Area for which resurfacing has been requested also includes some schemes identified by departmental officials. Capacity to deliver these schemes is dependent upon the availability of funding for capital resurfacing. It should be noted that the following list of schemes is not in a priority order and will change over time as schemes are delivered, road conditions change and other worthwhile schemes are identified:\n\nKinnegar Drive (incl. Footways), Holywood;\n\nBallyvester Grove, Bangor (including parking bay);\n\nNewtownards Road (crossover point North of ASISSI), Bangor;\n\nShandon Park West, Bangor;\n\nBexley Parks, Bangor;\n\nMoore Drive, Helen's Bay;\n\nRiverside Road, Bangor;\n\nSandhurst Park, Bangor;\n\nSilverstream Estate, Bangor;\n\nClifton Road, Bangor;\n\nCroft Street, Bangor;\n\nRichmond Crescent, Bangor;\n\nArdmillan Grove, Bangor;\n\nArdmillan Park, Bangor;\n\nArdmillan Gardens, Bangor;\n\nArdmore Park, Holywood;\n\nThe Green, Conlig;\n\nHillside Gardens, Bangor;\n\nTowerview Avenue, Bangor;\n\nArdlee Avenue, Holywood;\n\nChurch Drive, Bangor (N'ards Rd to end);\n\nKilbourne Park, Bangor;\n\nChippendale Estate, Bangor;\n\nClanmorris Avenue, Bangor;\n\nMarlborough Avenue, Bangor;\n\nMain Street, Conlig;\n\nCarrowdore Gardens, Bangor;\n\nManse Road, Bangor;\n\nFernmore Park, Bangor;\n\nFernmore Avenue, Bangor;\n\nLinden Gardens, Bangor;\n\nLinden Park, Bangor;\n\nCastle Park Avenue, Bangor at Valentine Road;\n\nElmwood Drive, Bangor;\n\nHawthorne Court, Bangor;\n\nWoodlands, Holywood;\n\nRutherglen Gardens, Bangor;\n\nSinclair Road, Bangor;\n\nHawthorne Drive, Bangor;\n\nHenderson Avenue, Bangor;\n\nFernbank Road, Bangor (Rodney Pk to Fernbank Rd)\n\nGolf Road, Kelen's Bay\n\nGrange Road, Bangor\n\nMoyne Road, Conlig\n\nGrove Hill Gardens, Bangor (F & C/way)\n\nSummerhill Gardens, Bangor (F & Cway)\n\nGreenway, Conlig\n\nRathgill Parade, Bangor\n\nLyndhurst Crescent, Bangor\n\nBeechwood Gardens, Bangor\n\nBeechwood Avenue, Bangor\n\nTroutbeck Avenue, Bangor;\n\nStation Road, Crawfordsburn;\n\nSouthwell Road, Bangor;\n\nBeechfield Park, Conlig\n\nBeechfield Avenue, Conlig;\n\nBeechfield Drive, Conlig;\n\nTower Road, Conlig;\n\nDownshire Road, Bangor (Maxwell Road to Coastal Path);\n\nDownshire Road, Bangor (Maxwell Road to Princetown Road);\n\nBangor Road, Holywood;\n\nBalloo Drive turning circle, Bangor;\n\nBallymacormick Road, Bangor;\n\nBrunswick Park, Bangor;\n\nSpenser Street, Holywood;\n\nThe Meadow, Groomsport;\n\nGlencraig Park, Holywood;\n\nThe Hill, Groomsport (remaining sections);\n\nWillowbrook Park and Rise, Bangor;\n\nWillowbrook Road, Bangor;\n\nHigh Donaghadee Road r'bout approach inc, HFS, Bangor;\n\nAva Street, Bangor;\n\nMeadow Grove, Crawfordsburn;\n\nMeadow Park North, Crawfordsburn;\n\nMeadow Park, Crawfordsburn;\n\nFarnham Park, Bangor;\n\nClandeboye Road, Bangor at Football ground;\n\nHigh Street, Holywood;\n\nPark Drive, Bangor;\n\nElmwood Drive, Bangor;\n\nChurch Avenue, Holywood;\n\nDickson Park, Ballygowan;\n\nCrawfordsburn Road, Bangor;\n\nAlanwood Park, Bangor;\n\nDonaghadee Road, Bangor;\n\nGrange Crescent, Bangor;\n\nKillinchy Road R'about to Ballydrain Road, Comber;\n\nWilliam Street, Donaghadee;\n\nKillinchy Road Ballydrain Road to Drumhirk Road, Comber;\n\nComber Road, Ballygowan\n\nBelfast Road, Comber\n\nWellington Gardens, Bangor;\n\nWellington Drive, Bangor;\n\nWellington Park, Bangor;\n\nChippendale Vale, Bangor;\n\nWandsworth Area, Bangor;\n\nClandeboye Place, Bangor;\n\nCleland Park North, Bangor (Bitmac sections);\n\nCleland Park South, Bangor (Bitmac sections);\n\nPrimrose Street, Bangor (Primrose Av to Southwell Rd section);\n\nSilverbirch Grove, Bangor;\n\nSomerset Avenue, Bangor;\n\nGroomsport Road, Bangor (Windmill Road to Roundabout);\n\nAshbury Grove, Bangor;\n\nHazeldene Gardens, Bangor; and\n\nStanley Road, Bangor.","answerHtml":"Information held by my Department is based on Council area rather than Constituency and the list of roads within the Ards and North Down Area for which resurfacing has been requested also includes some schemes identified by departmental officials. Capacity to deliver these schemes is dependent upon the availability of funding for capital resurfacing. It should be noted that the following list of schemes is not in a priority order and will change over time as schemes are delivered, road conditions change and other worthwhile schemes are identified:
Kinnegar Drive (incl. Footways), Holywood;
Ballyvester Grove, Bangor (including parking bay);
Newtownards Road (crossover point North of ASISSI), Bangor;
Shandon Park West, Bangor;
Bexley Parks, Bangor;
Moore Drive, Helen's Bay;
Riverside Road, Bangor;
Sandhurst Park, Bangor;
Silverstream Estate, Bangor;
Clifton Road, Bangor;
Croft Street, Bangor;
Richmond Crescent, Bangor;
Ardmillan Grove, Bangor;
Ardmillan Park, Bangor;
Ardmillan Gardens, Bangor;
Ardmore Park, Holywood;
The Green, Conlig;
Hillside Gardens, Bangor;
Towerview Avenue, Bangor;
Ardlee Avenue, Holywood;
Church Drive, Bangor (N'ards Rd to end);
Kilbourne Park, Bangor;
Chippendale Estate, Bangor;
Clanmorris Avenue, Bangor;
Marlborough Avenue, Bangor;
Main Street, Conlig;
Carrowdore Gardens, Bangor;
Manse Road, Bangor;
Fernmore Park, Bangor;
Fernmore Avenue, Bangor;
Linden Gardens, Bangor;
Linden Park, Bangor;
Castle Park Avenue, Bangor at Valentine Road;
Elmwood Drive, Bangor;
Hawthorne Court, Bangor;
Woodlands, Holywood;
Rutherglen Gardens, Bangor;
Sinclair Road, Bangor;
Hawthorne Drive, Bangor;
Henderson Avenue, Bangor;
Fernbank Road, Bangor (Rodney Pk to Fernbank Rd)
Golf Road, Kelen's Bay
Grange Road, Bangor
Moyne Road, Conlig
Grove Hill Gardens, Bangor (F & C/way)
Summerhill Gardens, Bangor (F & Cway)
Greenway, Conlig
Rathgill Parade, Bangor
Lyndhurst Crescent, Bangor
Beechwood Gardens, Bangor
Beechwood Avenue, Bangor
Troutbeck Avenue, Bangor;
Station Road, Crawfordsburn;
Southwell Road, Bangor;
Beechfield Park, Conlig
Beechfield Avenue, Conlig;
Beechfield Drive, Conlig;
Tower Road, Conlig;
Downshire Road, Bangor (Maxwell Road to Coastal Path);
Downshire Road, Bangor (Maxwell Road to Princetown Road);
Bangor Road, Holywood;
Balloo Drive turning circle, Bangor;
Ballymacormick Road, Bangor;
Brunswick Park, Bangor;
Spenser Street, Holywood;
The Meadow, Groomsport;
Glencraig Park, Holywood;
The Hill, Groomsport (remaining sections);
Willowbrook Park and Rise, Bangor;
Willowbrook Road, Bangor;
High Donaghadee Road r'bout approach inc, HFS, Bangor;
Ava Street, Bangor;
Meadow Grove, Crawfordsburn;
Meadow Park North, Crawfordsburn;
Meadow Park, Crawfordsburn;
Farnham Park, Bangor;
Clandeboye Road, Bangor at Football ground;
High Street, Holywood;
Park Drive, Bangor;
Elmwood Drive, Bangor;
Church Avenue, Holywood;
Dickson Park, Ballygowan;
Crawfordsburn Road, Bangor;
Alanwood Park, Bangor;
Donaghadee Road, Bangor;
Grange Crescent, Bangor;
Killinchy Road R'about to Ballydrain Road, Comber;
William Street, Donaghadee;
Killinchy Road Ballydrain Road to Drumhirk Road, Comber;
Comber Road, Ballygowan
Belfast Road, Comber
Wellington Gardens, Bangor;
Wellington Drive, Bangor;
Wellington Park, Bangor;
Chippendale Vale, Bangor;
Wandsworth Area, Bangor;
Clandeboye Place, Bangor;
Cleland Park North, Bangor (Bitmac sections);
Cleland Park South, Bangor (Bitmac sections);
Primrose Street, Bangor (Primrose Av to Southwell Rd section);
Silverbirch Grove, Bangor;
Somerset Avenue, Bangor;
Groomsport Road, Bangor (Windmill Road to Roundabout);
Ashbury Grove, Bangor;
Hazeldene Gardens, Bangor; and
Stanley Road, Bangor.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016250%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=330894","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=330894"}},{"id":"330893","reference":"AQW 16249/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-11","answerBy":"2021-03-29","answered":"2021-03-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure when the works programme of (i) local transport; and (ii) safety measures in North Down for 2021/22 will be presented to Ards and North Down Borough Council.","answerText":"As advised in recent related correspondence, details of work programmes are presented to local councils after budgets have been confirmed and programmes have been finalised. This normally occurs in late spring / early summer. These reports are then published online and can be accessed through the www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications webpage.","answerHtml":"As advised in recent related correspondence, details of work programmes are presented to local councils after budgets have been confirmed and programmes have been finalised. This normally occurs in late spring / early summer. These reports are then published online and can be accessed through the www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications webpage.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016249%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=330893","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=330893"}},{"id":"330892","reference":"AQW 16248/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-11","answerBy":"2021-03-29","answered":"2021-03-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for a list of potential (i) local transport; and (ii) safety measures in North Down currently under consideration by her Department.","answerText":"As advised in recent correspondence, Local Transport and Safety Measures (LTSM) programmes are only finalised after budgets for the year have been confirmed. This seeks to ensure the limited funding available for works of this nature is targeted towards the highest priority schemes where the need is greatest.\n\nDetails of the work programmes are initially presented to Council in a report and then published. For ease of reference, the latest 2020/21 Roads Report for Ards and North Down Borough Council can be viewed via the following link: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/annual-report-ards-and-north-down-borough-council-20202021","answerHtml":"As advised in recent correspondence, Local Transport and Safety Measures (LTSM) programmes are only finalised after budgets for the year have been confirmed. This seeks to ensure the limited funding available for works of this nature is targeted towards the highest priority schemes where the need is greatest.
Details of the work programmes are initially presented to Council in a report and then published. For ease of reference, the latest 2020/21 Roads Report for Ards and North Down Borough Council can be viewed via the following link: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/annual-report-ards-and-north-down-borough-council-20202021
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016248%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=330892","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=330892"}},{"id":"330758","reference":"AQW 16167/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-10","answerBy":"2021-03-16","answered":"2021-03-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs when decisions will be made concerning grant applications under the Household Waste Recycling Collaborative Change Programme.","answerText":"A review of the Household Waste Recycling Collaborative Change Programme (HWRCCP) has been initiated at my request and this will consider the value for money aspect of the Programme with a focus on the financial contribution that Councils make towards the capital costs of a project.\n\nThe review will also look at extending the timeframe for the Programme and the overall HWRCCP funding requirement.\n\nUntil the outcome of the review is known I cannot give any commitment regarding funding that may be offered to applications to the HWRCCP. However I can confirm that, going forward, my department will not be providing 100% of the capital costs for such projects.","answerHtml":"A review of the Household Waste Recycling Collaborative Change Programme (HWRCCP) has been initiated at my request and this will consider the value for money aspect of the Programme with a focus on the financial contribution that Councils make towards the capital costs of a project.
The review will also look at extending the timeframe for the Programme and the overall HWRCCP funding requirement.
Until the outcome of the review is known I cannot give any commitment regarding funding that may be offered to applications to the HWRCCP. However I can confirm that, going forward, my department will not be providing 100% of the capital costs for such projects.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016167%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=330758","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=330758"}},{"id":"330564","reference":"AQW 16092/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-09","answerBy":"2021-03-25","answered":"2021-03-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the number of existing temporary promotions within the Department for Infrastructure that have lasted (i) under six months; (ii) six to twelve months; and (iii) over twelve months.","answerText":"At 28 February 2021, my Department had a total of 159 Temporary Promotions in place. Of these:\n\n69 were in place for less than six months;\n\n25 for six to 12 months; and\n\n65 for over 12 months.","answerHtml":"At 28 February 2021, my Department had a total of 159 Temporary Promotions in place. Of these:
69 were in place for less than six months;
25 for six to 12 months; and
65 for over 12 months.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016092%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=330564","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=330564"}},{"id":"330563","reference":"AQW 16091/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-09","answerBy":"2021-03-25","answered":"2021-03-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail the number of temporary promotions in the Department for Infrastructure, for each of the last five years.","answerText":"The number of temporary promotions in the Department for Infrastructure, for each of the last five years is set out in the table below.\n\nPeriod Ending\tNumber\nFebruary 2021\t159\nFebruary 2020\t136\nFebruary 2019\t171\nFebruary 2018\t159\nFebruary 2017\t168\n\nSource: HR Connect","answerHtml":"The number of temporary promotions in the Department for Infrastructure, for each of the last five years is set out in the table below.
| Period Ending | Number |
| February 2021 | 159 |
| February 2020 | 136 |
| February 2019 | 171 |
| February 2018 | 159 |
| February 2017 | 168 |
Source: HR Connect
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016091%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=330563","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=330563"}},{"id":"330562","reference":"AQW 16090/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-09","answerBy":"2021-03-25","answered":"2021-03-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail the number of Department for Infrastructure staff, broken down by age bracket.","answerText":"The number of staff in the Department for Infrastructure by age bands at month ending February 2021 is set out in the table below\n\nAge Band\tNumber\n24 & under\t18\n25 - 34\t230\n35 - 49\t1,168\n50 - 55\t652\n56 - 60\t572\n61 - 65\t270\n66 & over\t63\nTotal\t2,973\n\nSource: HRConnect","answerHtml":"The number of staff in the Department for Infrastructure by age bands at month ending February 2021 is set out in the table below
| Age Band | Number |
| 24 & under | 18 |
| 25 - 34 | 230 |
| 35 - 49 | 1,168 |
| 50 - 55 | 652 |
| 56 - 60 | 572 |
| 61 - 65 | 270 |
| 66 & over | 63 |
| Total | 2,973 |
Source: HRConnect
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016090%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=330562","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=330562"}},{"id":"330561","reference":"AQW 16089/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-09","answerBy":"2021-03-25","answered":"2021-03-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail the number of full-time equivalents for business units across the Department for Infrastructure using the same format as provided to the Committee for Infrastructure for the Roads Division in a letter on 4 March.","answerText":"The information provided to the Committee was prepared by DfI officials, using local knowledge and reflects business units that provide or directly support key frontline services in Roads Service.\n\nThe corporate organisation reporting structures for DfI on the HR system, HRConnect, does not align to the clerical approach used by DfI officials to provide the previous information.\n\nThe table below provides a breakdown of the number of full time equivalent staff in each DfI business group as at month ending February 2021.\n\nDfI Business Areas\tFTE\nDfI, Deputy Secretary Planning, Safety & Transport Group\t849.4\nDfI, Deputy Secretary Planning, Safety & Transport Group\t1.0\nDfI, Director Safe & Accessible Travel Division\t45.7\nDfI, Director Transport Policy Division\t33.5\nDfI, DVA\t702.2\nDfI, RPD, Director of Regional Planning\t35.6\nDfI, SPD, Director of Strategic Planning Division\t31.4\nDfI, Deputy Secretary Resources, Governance and EU Group\t269.4\nDfI, Deputy Secretary Resources, Governance and EU Group\t269.4\nDfI, Roads & Rivers\t1,722.1\nDfI, Rivers\t328.3\nDfI, Roads\t1,393.9\nTotal\t2,840.9\n\nSource: HRConnect","answerHtml":"The information provided to the Committee was prepared by DfI officials, using local knowledge and reflects business units that provide or directly support key frontline services in Roads Service.
The corporate organisation reporting structures for DfI on the HR system, HRConnect, does not align to the clerical approach used by DfI officials to provide the previous information.
The table below provides a breakdown of the number of full time equivalent staff in each DfI business group as at month ending February 2021.
| DfI Business Areas | FTE |
| DfI, Deputy Secretary Planning, Safety & Transport Group | 849.4 |
| DfI, Deputy Secretary Planning, Safety & Transport Group | 1.0 |
| DfI, Director Safe & Accessible Travel Division | 45.7 |
| DfI, Director Transport Policy Division | 33.5 |
| DfI, DVA | 702.2 |
| DfI, RPD, Director of Regional Planning | 35.6 |
| DfI, SPD, Director of Strategic Planning Division | 31.4 |
| DfI, Deputy Secretary Resources, Governance and EU Group | 269.4 |
| DfI, Deputy Secretary Resources, Governance and EU Group | 269.4 |
| DfI, Roads & Rivers | 1,722.1 |
| DfI, Rivers | 328.3 |
| DfI, Roads | 1,393.9 |
| Total | 2,840.9 |
Source: HRConnect
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016089%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=330561","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=330561"}},{"id":"330560","reference":"AQW 16088/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-09","answerBy":"2021-03-25","answered":"2021-03-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the Roads Division (i) resource; and (ii) capital budget for 2020/21.","answerText":"My Departments Roads resource and capital budgets for 2020-21 are as set out in the table below.\n\nDfI Roads Budget 2020-21\n£m\nTotal Resource Allocation\t181.4\nCapital Allocation\t230.4","answerHtml":"My Departments Roads resource and capital budgets for 2020-21 are as set out in the table below.
| DfI Roads Budget 2020-21 £m | |
| Total Resource Allocation | 181.4 |
| Capital Allocation | 230.4 |
I refer the member to my answer to AQW 15935/17-22 of 12 March 2021 which details my actions in advance of the current moratorium ending.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016016%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=330224","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=330224"}},{"id":"329986","reference":"AQW 15937/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-05","answerBy":"2021-03-23","answered":"2021-03-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on work to progress legislation to ban Conversion Therapy, including the envisaged timescales.","answerText":"Ending conversion therapy is a cross-cutting matter, so my intention is for this to be taken forward through the Executive’s Sexual Orientation Strategy.\n\nThe Sexual Orientation Expert Advisory Panel’s Report, which makes recommendations to help inform the development of the Strategy, was published on 5 March 2021 and includes recommendations regarding a ban on conversion therapy. The Strategy is now being developed using a co-design approach, with meaningful involvement from those within the LGBT communities.\n\nSubject to Executive approval, the draft Strategy, including agreed actions targeted at ending conversion therapy, will be issued for consultation later this year, with a view to publishing the final Strategy in December 2021.","answerHtml":"Ending conversion therapy is a cross-cutting matter, so my intention is for this to be taken forward through the Executive’s Sexual Orientation Strategy.
The Sexual Orientation Expert Advisory Panel’s Report, which makes recommendations to help inform the development of the Strategy, was published on 5 March 2021 and includes recommendations regarding a ban on conversion therapy. The Strategy is now being developed using a co-design approach, with meaningful involvement from those within the LGBT communities.
Subject to Executive approval, the draft Strategy, including agreed actions targeted at ending conversion therapy, will be issued for consultation later this year, with a view to publishing the final Strategy in December 2021.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015937%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=329986","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=329986"}},{"id":"329985","reference":"AQW 15936/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-05","answerBy":"2021-03-23","answered":"2021-03-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail the efforts being undertaken to combat fraud risks arising from COVID-19 Support Schemes (i) within his Department; and (ii) wider Northern Ireland Civil Service in context of his Departments role concerning Group Internal Audit and Fraud Investigation Internal Audit.","answerText":"For the administration of the Small Business Support Grant Scheme, Land & Property Services (LPS) put in place robust checks to validate eligibility and match information across all applications to ensure there was no duplication of payment.\n\nLPS also worked with colleagues in the Department for the Economy to cross check applications against both the Hardship Relief Grant and the £25,000 Business Grant to ensure applicants did not receive more support than they were entitled to.\n\nFor applications to the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS), thorough checks are applied to examine evidence of actual occupation and business type to determine eligibility. If on review any question as to eligibility is raised payments are suspended until further investigations are carried out.\n\nLand & Property Services is working with colleagues in Invest NI to data match with applications to the Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme to ensure applicants do not benefit from both schemes.\n\nAll applicants to the LRSS must confirm that they understand that if any information provided in the application is found to be fraudulent of false, repayment of the funding will be required. They are also informed that fraudulent claims may be subject to legal action.\n\nThe Department is providing up to £10m urgent temporary financial support to Belfast International Airport (BIA) and Belfast City Airport (BCA). To mitigate the risks of fraud, the airports signed a contract which ensures support will be contingent on an ‘open-book’ policy. Compensation is capped on a monthly and overall basis, for which the airports must provide invoices to the Department for verification outlining evidence of designated costs and revenues as defined within the agreement. The final figures provided are to be agreed as accurate by auditors and the Department has powers to query invoices; withhold payments; and retrieve funding inappropriately paid. The Department can also cancel contracts at will or upon certain conditions including, for example, a return to profitability.\n\nWhile the Group Internal Audit and Fraud Investigation Service is located within the Department of Finance, it provides internal audit and fraud investigation services to all departments. In doing so it is accountable to the relevant department and has no reporting line to the Department of Finance in respect of matters within other departments. Departmental internal audit units have been working in close co-operation with departmental business areas on COVID 19 related financial assistance schemes. They have provided advice on these schemes both pre and post go-live including advising on the fraud risks to which departments may be exposed. In August 2020 the Northern Ireland Audit Office published a guide on COVID 19 related fraud risk which has been used to inform internal audit work in this area.","answerHtml":"For the administration of the Small Business Support Grant Scheme, Land & Property Services (LPS) put in place robust checks to validate eligibility and match information across all applications to ensure there was no duplication of payment.
LPS also worked with colleagues in the Department for the Economy to cross check applications against both the Hardship Relief Grant and the £25,000 Business Grant to ensure applicants did not receive more support than they were entitled to.
For applications to the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS), thorough checks are applied to examine evidence of actual occupation and business type to determine eligibility. If on review any question as to eligibility is raised payments are suspended until further investigations are carried out.
Land & Property Services is working with colleagues in Invest NI to data match with applications to the Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme to ensure applicants do not benefit from both schemes.
All applicants to the LRSS must confirm that they understand that if any information provided in the application is found to be fraudulent of false, repayment of the funding will be required. They are also informed that fraudulent claims may be subject to legal action.
The Department is providing up to £10m urgent temporary financial support to Belfast International Airport (BIA) and Belfast City Airport (BCA). To mitigate the risks of fraud, the airports signed a contract which ensures support will be contingent on an ‘open-book’ policy. Compensation is capped on a monthly and overall basis, for which the airports must provide invoices to the Department for verification outlining evidence of designated costs and revenues as defined within the agreement. The final figures provided are to be agreed as accurate by auditors and the Department has powers to query invoices; withhold payments; and retrieve funding inappropriately paid. The Department can also cancel contracts at will or upon certain conditions including, for example, a return to profitability.
While the Group Internal Audit and Fraud Investigation Service is located within the Department of Finance, it provides internal audit and fraud investigation services to all departments. In doing so it is accountable to the relevant department and has no reporting line to the Department of Finance in respect of matters within other departments. Departmental internal audit units have been working in close co-operation with departmental business areas on COVID 19 related financial assistance schemes. They have provided advice on these schemes both pre and post go-live including advising on the fraud risks to which departments may be exposed. In August 2020 the Northern Ireland Audit Office published a guide on COVID 19 related fraud risk which has been used to inform internal audit work in this area.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015936%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=329985","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=329985"}},{"id":"329984","reference":"AQW 15935/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-05","answerBy":"2021-03-23","answered":"2021-03-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance, pursuant to AQW 12558/17-22, whether any plans exist to extend statutory protection for business tenants beyond 31 March 2021.","answerText":"I have decided to put in place a Statutory Rule to further extend the “relevant period” for the purposes of section 83 of the Coronavirus Act 2020, during which a right of re-entry or forfeiture, under a relevant business tenancy, for non-payment of rent may not be enforced, to 30 June 2021. The Finance Committee advised at its meeting on 10 March that it has no objection to such a Statutory Rule.","answerHtml":"I have decided to put in place a Statutory Rule to further extend the “relevant period” for the purposes of section 83 of the Coronavirus Act 2020, during which a right of re-entry or forfeiture, under a relevant business tenancy, for non-payment of rent may not be enforced, to 30 June 2021. The Finance Committee advised at its meeting on 10 March that it has no objection to such a Statutory Rule.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015935%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=329984","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=329984"}},{"id":"329983","reference":"AQW 15934/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-05","answerBy":"2021-03-23","answered":"2021-03-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail his proposals for non-domestic rates relief for 2021/22 in context of COVID-19.","answerText":"The member will be aware that on Thursday 11 March I announced that I am providing a comprehensive business rates scheme for 2021-22 to ensure that some 29,000 businesses here will have a further rates free period. This £230 million package will provide continued support for businesses dealing with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nBusinesses in the following sectors will pay no rates in 2021-22 for the second year running: Airports (Belfast City, Belfast International and City of Derry); Childcare; Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure; Manufacturing; Newspaper production; and all Retail premises (excluding larger food stores and off-licences).\n\nYou will also be aware that the Executive has agreed to freeze the Regional Rate in 2021/22 for businesses at the substantially reduced level I set last year.","answerHtml":"The member will be aware that on Thursday 11 March I announced that I am providing a comprehensive business rates scheme for 2021-22 to ensure that some 29,000 businesses here will have a further rates free period. This £230 million package will provide continued support for businesses dealing with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Businesses in the following sectors will pay no rates in 2021-22 for the second year running: Airports (Belfast City, Belfast International and City of Derry); Childcare; Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure; Manufacturing; Newspaper production; and all Retail premises (excluding larger food stores and off-licences).
You will also be aware that the Executive has agreed to freeze the Regional Rate in 2021/22 for businesses at the substantially reduced level I set last year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015934%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=329983","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=329983"}},{"id":"329768","reference":"AQW 15861/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-04","answerBy":"2021-03-22","answered":"2021-03-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she intends to allocate more resources to enable swift processing of Bus Operator Financial Assistance Scheme Northern Ireland 2020 grant applications.","answerText":"My Officials have completed processing all the grant applications received under the Bus Operator (Coronavirus, Financial Assistance) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020.","answerHtml":"My Officials have completed processing all the grant applications received under the Bus Operator (Coronavirus, Financial Assistance) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015861%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=329768","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=329768"}},{"id":"329767","reference":"AQW 15860/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-04","answerBy":"2021-03-22","answered":"2021-03-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail revenue expenditure dedicated to roads in North Antrim during 2020/21.","answerText":"My Department does not maintain a record of expenditure in the format required, however I can provide the member with resource allocation for 2020-21 in respect of DfI Roads Northern Division as detailed in the table below.\n\nNorthern Division Resource Budget 2020-21\n£k\nTotal Resource Allocation\t10,839\n\nDfI Road Northern Division is coterminous with District Council boundaries; Newtownabbey & Carrick, Mid & East Antrim and Causeway Coast & Glens.","answerHtml":"My Department does not maintain a record of expenditure in the format required, however I can provide the member with resource allocation for 2020-21 in respect of DfI Roads Northern Division as detailed in the table below.
| Northern Division Resource Budget 2020-21 £k | |
| Total Resource Allocation | 10,839 |
DfI Road Northern Division is coterminous with District Council boundaries; Newtownabbey & Carrick, Mid & East Antrim and Causeway Coast & Glens.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015860%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=329767","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=329767"}},{"id":"329766","reference":"AQW 15859/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-04","answerBy":"2021-03-22","answered":"2022-03-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether a (i) goal; and (ii) strategy exists in Northern Ireland to end HIV transmissions by 2030.","answerText":"Although there is no specific strategy in place, it remains an aspiration of all bodies involved to end all new HIV cases at the earliest possible date. The latest available HIV surveillance data published by the PHA shows that in 2020 60 new HIV diagnoses were made in Northern Ireland (47 men and 13 women); a 5% decline from 63 in 2019 and a decline of 41% from a peak of 102 new HIV diagnoses reported in 2015. This is the third consecutive year that a decrease has been seen in new HIV diagnoses.","answerHtml":"Although there is no specific strategy in place, it remains an aspiration of all bodies involved to end all new HIV cases at the earliest possible date. The latest available HIV surveillance data published by the PHA shows that in 2020 60 new HIV diagnoses were made in Northern Ireland (47 men and 13 women); a 5% decline from 63 in 2019 and a decline of 41% from a peak of 102 new HIV diagnoses reported in 2015. This is the third consecutive year that a decrease has been seen in new HIV diagnoses.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015859%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=329766","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=329766"}},{"id":"329765","reference":"AQW 15858/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-04","answerBy":"2021-03-22","answered":"2021-04-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister when AQO 1603/17-22 will be answered.","answerText":"AQO 1603 was answered on 23 March 2021.","answerHtml":"AQO 1603 was answered on 23 March 2021.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015858%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=329765","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=329765"}},{"id":"329764","reference":"AQW 15857/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-04","answerBy":"2021-03-22","answered":"2021-03-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance when AQW 13561/17-22 will be answered.","answerText":"AQW 13561/17-22 was answered on 4 March 2021.","answerHtml":"AQW 13561/17-22 was answered on 4 March 2021.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015857%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=329764","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=329764"}},{"id":"329811","reference":"AQO 1747/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-04","answerBy":"2021-03-15","answered":"2021-03-15","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance what plans he has to use his power regarding building regulations to achieve the aim of zero carbon buildings.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Murphy","text":"My Department has prepared an ambitious draft programme of phased uplifts to the energy efficiency requirements of building regulations for inclusion in the Executive's forthcoming energy strategy options consultation. We will refine that further and consult as appropriate as part of our ongoing work. Officials are focused on an urgent uplift to the current requirements for new buildings, which we plan to bring forward within this Executive period, if possible. Officials are engaging with the Department's building regulations advisory committee and its specialist subcommittees on the details. Further uplifts will take into account technological advances and policy developments in other regions over the coming years. It seems likely that revisions made after 2025 will anticipate that all new buildings will routinely have very high building fabric standards and low-carbon heating."},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"I thank the Minister for his detailed reply. A short while ago, I submitted a question for written answer to the Minister about whether his Department would take the lead in ensuring the removal of unsafe cladding from buildings in Northern Ireland. The Minister's response stated that he had recommended a building safety programme and supporting fund to the Executive but that he was still awaiting the outcome of his proposals. Will the Minister provide an update on that?"},{"speaker":"Mr Murphy","text":"The responsibility for those matters rests across a range of Departments. Although there may be some merit in having a discussion on having a single home for all of them, it would be very difficult to extract from various Departments the associated responsibility. There is an urgency in trying to do this. I have brought propositions to the Executive to try to get an agreement, under the head of the Civil Service, across all Departments on where each responsibility lies and on a coordination function. I have also said that, if there were a retrofit-type scheme to address some of the issues that arose from that, I would be very happy to look at that proposition. We want to ensure that the proper degree of coordination across all Departments and all those responsibilities is brought to bear in these matters. Given the experience that he referred to, these are very serious issues, and they need to be addressed urgently."},{"speaker":"Dr Archibald","text":"Will the Minister, following on from Mr Muir's question, provide an update on the progress being made on the recommendations of the Grenfell Tower inquiry?"},{"speaker":"Mr Murphy","text":"We will have to be cognisant of that and look at the recommendations that come from it. Some proposals have already been developed to look at buildings across Britain, and we have looked at whether Barnett consequentials will flow from that. Clearly, there are very serious issues with building materials and with the approach to and verification of testing. A wide range of serious issues throws up questions for a range of Departments here. As I said, one of the difficulties is that the responsibility for various aspects of this lies across a range of Departments. We need to ensure that we coordinate as best we can across those Departments. We need a central authority to ensure that that coordination works and that all the component parts play their part and are resourced to do so, so that we do not have any such tragedy here."},{"speaker":"Miss Woods","text":"Has the Minister or his Department considered the 'Energy Governance for the Northern Ireland Energy Transition' research report, which was commissioned by the Northern Ireland Executive? What is his position on the recommendation that a new Department for Climate and Energy Transition be set up?"},{"speaker":"Mr Murphy","text":"I have not considered the report. Given the position of our Budget for next year, starting a completely new Department would probably be challenging and involve more resource than the Executive have. Arguments around setting up a completely new Department probably fit into the context of a longer-term strategic plan in the time frame of the Programme for Government and a multi-year budget, and I am certainly happy to look at that. Between now and the end of the mandate, with a rollover flat-cash Budget, we want to quickly bring our standards of building up to the highest level of environmental efficiency and other efficiencies. We have acknowledged that we have to catch up. We want to do that as quickly as we possibly can, but, for the longer term, the strategic projects to which the Member refers will more than likely be a matter for an incoming Executive beyond this mandate."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201747%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=329811","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2021-03-15&docID=330674#AQO%201747/17-22","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=329811"}},{"id":"329550","reference":"AQW 15783/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-03","answerBy":"2021-03-19","answered":"2021-03-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail capital expenditure dedicated to roads in North Antrim during 2020/21.","answerText":"We do not hold the information requested by parliamentary constituency, however, a breakdown of the capital allocation for DfI Roads Northern Division is provided in the table below:\n\nNorthern Division Capital Budget 2020-21 Year\n£k\nLocal Transport & Safety Measures\t2,867\nStreet Lighting\t5,486\nStructural Maintenance\t19,336\nStrategic Road Improvements\t86,182\nTotal Capital Allocation\t113,871","answerHtml":"We do not hold the information requested by parliamentary constituency, however, a breakdown of the capital allocation for DfI Roads Northern Division is provided in the table below:
| Northern Division Capital Budget 2020-21 Year £k | |
| Local Transport & Safety Measures | 2,867 |
| Street Lighting | 5,486 |
| Structural Maintenance | 19,336 |
| Strategic Road Improvements | 86,182 |
| Total Capital Allocation | 113,871 |
My Department does not hold the information requested by parliamentary constituency, however, it is available by the former legacy council areas of Ballymoney, Moyle and Ballymena which broadly align with the North Antrim constituency. I can confirm that there were 7,770 potholes logged from 1 April 2020 until 5 March 2021 in these areas, the majority of which were identified by my officials during scheduled maintenance inspections.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015782%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=329549","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=329549"}},{"id":"329548","reference":"AQW 15781/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-03","answerBy":"2021-03-19","answered":"2021-05-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she will consider a version of the COVID-19 Productive Investment Capital Grant for businesses with a turnover of less than £500,000 per year.","answerText":"The Productive Investment Capital Grant (PICG) scheme is managed and administered by Invest NI. PICG supports businesses to undertake productivity focused capital investments in response to the challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. To ensure the best return on investment for the public funding available, the scheme is aimed at businesses with sufficient scale and resources to benefit from this support, hence the minimum turnover threshold of £500k per year and minimum investment requirement of £50k in capital, including new technology, software, automation or digital manufacturing technologies, to improve productivity.Due to the high level of interest in the PICG scheme, Invest NI is currently investigating scope for additional approvals and funding. It is possible that the scheme’s eligibility criteria may be reviewed as part of this process.","answerHtml":"The Productive Investment Capital Grant (PICG) scheme is managed and administered by Invest NI. PICG supports businesses to undertake productivity focused capital investments in response to the challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. To ensure the best return on investment for the public funding available, the scheme is aimed at businesses with sufficient scale and resources to benefit from this support, hence the minimum turnover threshold of £500k per year and minimum investment requirement of £50k in capital, including new technology, software, automation or digital manufacturing technologies, to improve productivity.Due to the high level of interest in the PICG scheme, Invest NI is currently investigating scope for additional approvals and funding. It is possible that the scheme’s eligibility criteria may be reviewed as part of this process.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015781%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=329548","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=329548"}},{"id":"329547","reference":"AQW 15780/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-03","answerBy":"2021-03-19","answered":"2021-03-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy (i) how many applications were received for the COVID-19 Productive Investment Capital Grant support scheme; and (ii) what the total value of the applications was relative to the budget for the scheme.","answerText":"(i)The COVID-19 Productive Investment Capital Grant (PICG) is one of a number of initiatives brought forward by Invest NI in response to COVID-19.\n\nThe PICG experienced a significant level of interest from businesses since launching on 1 February 2021 and as a result the scheme quickly became fully subscribed. Invest NI has therefore paused progress on applications not completed before 4.00pm on Thursday 18 February 2021 until further notice. When paused 66 applications had been received.\n\n(ii) Applications received are still being assessed against the eligibility criteria. However, it is anticipated that the scheme funding approvals of £5.5m will be fully utilised. As outlined in the scheme Guidance Notes, funding will be allocated to eligible applications on a first-come, first-served basis.\n\nGiven the high level of interest shown in the scheme, Invest NI is exploring the possibility of securing additional scheme and budget approvals in the new financial year with a view to supporting further applications through the scheme in due course.","answerHtml":"(i)The COVID-19 Productive Investment Capital Grant (PICG) is one of a number of initiatives brought forward by Invest NI in response to COVID-19.
The PICG experienced a significant level of interest from businesses since launching on 1 February 2021 and as a result the scheme quickly became fully subscribed. Invest NI has therefore paused progress on applications not completed before 4.00pm on Thursday 18 February 2021 until further notice. When paused 66 applications had been received.
(ii) Applications received are still being assessed against the eligibility criteria. However, it is anticipated that the scheme funding approvals of £5.5m will be fully utilised. As outlined in the scheme Guidance Notes, funding will be allocated to eligible applications on a first-come, first-served basis.
Given the high level of interest shown in the scheme, Invest NI is exploring the possibility of securing additional scheme and budget approvals in the new financial year with a view to supporting further applications through the scheme in due course.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015780%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=329547","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=329547"}},{"id":"329546","reference":"AQW 15779/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-03","answerBy":"2021-03-19","answered":"2021-03-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail the 2020/21 budgetary baselines against the 2021/22 budgetary baselines for each Executive department.","answerText":"Baselines are the starting point for setting departmental budgets and are generally based on the published Budget position for the previous year adjusted to remove time bound allocations. The Departmental Resource Budget Baselines for 2020-21 and 2021-22 are set out in the table below.\n\nDepartment\t2020-21 Baseline\t2021-22 Baseline\nAgriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs\t202.5\t205.4\nCommunities\t776.4\t782.0\nEconomy\t774.1\t805.4\nEducation\t2,049.5\t2,259.6\nFinance\t154.8\t166.8\nHealth\t5,758.8\t6,102.4\nInfrastructure\t384.9\t417.9\nJustice\t1,045.1\t1,070.8\nThe Executive Office\t56.8\t95.3\nFood Standards Agency\t8.7\t10.0\nNI Assembly Commission\t33.0\t41.1\nNI Audit Office\t7.0\t8.2\nNI Authority for Utility Regulation\t0.2\t0.2\nNI Public Service Ombudsman\t2.8\t3.3\nPublic Prosecution Service\t33.1\t34.3\nTotal Departmental Allocations\t11,287.8\t12002.7\n\nBaseline for DAERA excludes Farm Payments funding","answerHtml":"Baselines are the starting point for setting departmental budgets and are generally based on the published Budget position for the previous year adjusted to remove time bound allocations. The Departmental Resource Budget Baselines for 2020-21 and 2021-22 are set out in the table below.
| Department | 2020-21 Baseline | 2021-22 Baseline |
| Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs | 202.5 | 205.4 |
| Communities | 776.4 | 782.0 |
| Economy | 774.1 | 805.4 |
| Education | 2,049.5 | 2,259.6 |
| Finance | 154.8 | 166.8 |
| Health | 5,758.8 | 6,102.4 |
| Infrastructure | 384.9 | 417.9 |
| Justice | 1,045.1 | 1,070.8 |
| The Executive Office | 56.8 | 95.3 |
| Food Standards Agency | 8.7 | 10.0 |
| NI Assembly Commission | 33.0 | 41.1 |
| NI Audit Office | 7.0 | 8.2 |
| NI Authority for Utility Regulation | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| NI Public Service Ombudsman | 2.8 | 3.3 |
| Public Prosecution Service | 33.1 | 34.3 |
| Total Departmental Allocations | 11,287.8 | 12002.7 |
Baseline for DAERA excludes Farm Payments funding
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015779%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=329546","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=329546"}},{"id":"329275","reference":"AQW 15686/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-02","answerBy":"2021-03-08","answered":"2021-03-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy, in light of her recent decision to open up the Large Tourism and Hospitality Business Support Scheme to large entertainment and leisure businesses, to detail the criteria that shall be used to define large entertainment and leisure businesses to be deemed eligible to receive assistance under the scheme.","answerText":"To be eligible for the Large Tourism and Hospitality Business Support Scheme (LTHBSS) it is essential that the business must be in the tourism and hospitality sectors with a NAV £51,001 and above and also be in receipt of the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme. The LTHBSS provides “top-up” grant support to LRSS for large businesses in these sectors in order help them meet significant and unavoidable fixed costs. The focus of the LTHBSS is in supporting Northern Ireland’s tourism ecosystem primarily visitor experiences (e.g. attractions, activities, hospitality/ food) and places for visitors to stay (i.e. accommodation). My officials, working closely with Tourism NI, have identified the businesses categories that areproviders of tourism assets. This include providers of leisure and entertainment in circumstances where such provision is clearly providing a tourism asset. In defining the scope of the LTHBSS, my officials also worked closely with the Department for Communities and Department of Finance to ensure the alignment of remit and policy intent of respective Covid response schemes, and to seek to avoid overlap and over compensation. Many large providers of leisure and entertainment – such as cinemas, theatres, exhibition/conference centres - were within the remit of the Covid-19 funding schemes put in place by DfC and are outside the remit of the LTHBSS. My Department has delivered £350m of lifeline support to the Northern Ireland economy, and is in the process of delivering another £200m of essential support to businesses in NI. This is an extremely difficult and challenging time for businesses, individuals and our economy in general, and the Executive will continue to do all that it can to protect both lives and livelihoods. This is a very live and fluid situation and I would encourage everyone to continue to monitor the websites below, and to listen for any future announcements through the various media outlets. Further details can be found or will be published on the NI Business Info website, whilst new financial packages of support announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer will appear on the UK Coronavirus Business support site. I have included a link to both for your information: https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/campaign/coronavirus-updates-support-yourbusiness https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support","answerHtml":"To be eligible for the Large Tourism and Hospitality Business Support Scheme (LTHBSS) it is essential that the business must be in the tourism and hospitality sectors with a NAV £51,001 and above and also be in receipt of the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme. The LTHBSS provides “top-up” grant support to LRSS for large businesses in these sectors in order help them meet significant and unavoidable fixed costs. The focus of the LTHBSS is in supporting Northern Ireland’s tourism ecosystem primarily visitor experiences (e.g. attractions, activities, hospitality/ food) and places for visitors to stay (i.e. accommodation). My officials, working closely with Tourism NI, have identified the businesses categories that areproviders of tourism assets. This include providers of leisure and entertainment in circumstances where such provision is clearly providing a tourism asset. In defining the scope of the LTHBSS, my officials also worked closely with the Department for Communities and Department of Finance to ensure the alignment of remit and policy intent of respective Covid response schemes, and to seek to avoid overlap and over compensation. Many large providers of leisure and entertainment – such as cinemas, theatres, exhibition/conference centres - were within the remit of the Covid-19 funding schemes put in place by DfC and are outside the remit of the LTHBSS. My Department has delivered £350m of lifeline support to the Northern Ireland economy, and is in the process of delivering another £200m of essential support to businesses in NI. This is an extremely difficult and challenging time for businesses, individuals and our economy in general, and the Executive will continue to do all that it can to protect both lives and livelihoods. This is a very live and fluid situation and I would encourage everyone to continue to monitor the websites below, and to listen for any future announcements through the various media outlets. Further details can be found or will be published on the NI Business Info website, whilst new financial packages of support announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer will appear on the UK Coronavirus Business support site. I have included a link to both for your information: https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/campaign/coronavirus-updates-support-yourbusiness https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015686%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=329275","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=329275"}},{"id":"329273","reference":"AQW 15684/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-02","answerBy":"2021-03-18","answered":"2021-03-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 9728/17-22, for an update on when work will commence at Patton’s Lane, Holywood.","answerText":"The Environmental Improvement scheme planned for Patton’s Lane in Holywood is being delivered in partnership with the Department for Communities. The scope of the works and the design principles were agreed at a meeting involving my officials and counterparts from the Department for Communities.\n\nThe proposed work at this location involves the provision of a new surface enhanced with natural stone and this will greatly improve the overall appearance of the area. More detailed investigation also identified the need for improvement of the existing drainage systems. My Department is now seeking to undertake the necessary design work with a view to having this scheme completed during the next financial year; however this will be subject to the availability of funding.","answerHtml":"The Environmental Improvement scheme planned for Patton’s Lane in Holywood is being delivered in partnership with the Department for Communities. The scope of the works and the design principles were agreed at a meeting involving my officials and counterparts from the Department for Communities.
The proposed work at this location involves the provision of a new surface enhanced with natural stone and this will greatly improve the overall appearance of the area. More detailed investigation also identified the need for improvement of the existing drainage systems. My Department is now seeking to undertake the necessary design work with a view to having this scheme completed during the next financial year; however this will be subject to the availability of funding.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015684%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=329273","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=329273"}},{"id":"329272","reference":"AQW 15683/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-02","answerBy":"2021-03-18","answered":"2021-03-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will provide further support to bus and coach operators in the 2021/22 financial year, given that the industry is likely to be negatively impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.","answerText":"My current priority is implementing the second financial support scheme for bus and coach operators. While my officials and I will continue to work with the sector to monitor the impact of Covid-19 restrictions on operators, the Executive will need to consider how support and funding will be taken forward for all areas of the economy from April 2021.","answerHtml":"My current priority is implementing the second financial support scheme for bus and coach operators. While my officials and I will continue to work with the sector to monitor the impact of Covid-19 restrictions on operators, the Executive will need to consider how support and funding will be taken forward for all areas of the economy from April 2021.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015683%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=329272","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=329272"}},{"id":"329271","reference":"AQW 15682/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-02","answerBy":"2021-03-18","answered":"2021-03-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what plans she has for further industry engagement in relation to the second Bus Operator Financial Assistance Scheme.","answerText":"My officials and I have been engaging with key stakeholders in the bus and coach industry throughout the design and development of both Bus Operator Financial Assistance Schemes. On 4 March 2021, my officials met with a wide range of stakeholders to discuss the operational outworkings of the second Bus Operator Financial Assistance Scheme, with a particular focus on improving guidance and communication for applicants.","answerHtml":"My officials and I have been engaging with key stakeholders in the bus and coach industry throughout the design and development of both Bus Operator Financial Assistance Schemes. On 4 March 2021, my officials met with a wide range of stakeholders to discuss the operational outworkings of the second Bus Operator Financial Assistance Scheme, with a particular focus on improving guidance and communication for applicants.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015682%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=329271","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=329271"}},{"id":"329037","reference":"AQW 15587/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-01","answerBy":"2021-03-16","answered":"2021-03-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether his Department takes a role in ensuring Executive Departments are applying Value for Money criteria in the evaluation of their schemes.","answerText":"My department wrote to all departments in March 2020 advising them of the process to be followed in respect of funding requirements and appraisal for Covid-19 cases/schemes. My department advised that normal appraisal processes remain in place for all Business As Usual cases, in line with requirements of Managing Public Money Northern Ireland (MPMNI) and Northern Ireland Guide to Expenditure Appraisal and Evaluation (NIGEAE).\n\nIn recognition of the speed with which the pandemic was developing and the need for a rapid response, the Covid-19 appraisal process my department introduced follows an abbreviated process compared to business as usual cases. However, and critically, a proportionate business case remains a requirement for these interventions, as with any other. These business cases also are reviewed by economists in departments as well as scrutiny by my own department where required, as detailed in both MPMNI and NIGEAE.\n\nDue to the pace at which some Covid interventions and schemes have been developed, there has in some instances not been sufficient time to establish the Value for Money of certain schemes. In such cases, Ministers have, either with Executive agreement or that of the Finance Minister, acted by way of Ministerial Direction in order to ensure that support gets out to those who need it in time and that there is transparency around the decision making.\n\nEnhanced guidance to clarify the process to be followed in respect of Ministerial Directions is expected to be issued in the near future which will include a new process for the Department of Finance publishing such directions. This will help improve transparency and make such information more readily available and accessible to the public. Previously, information on Ministerial Directions was contained within individual Departments’ Annual Reports and Accounts. Further, the Public Accounts Committee published a summary of Ministerial Directions considered by them as part of their end of session reports each year.","answerHtml":"My department wrote to all departments in March 2020 advising them of the process to be followed in respect of funding requirements and appraisal for Covid-19 cases/schemes. My department advised that normal appraisal processes remain in place for all Business As Usual cases, in line with requirements of Managing Public Money Northern Ireland (MPMNI) and Northern Ireland Guide to Expenditure Appraisal and Evaluation (NIGEAE).
In recognition of the speed with which the pandemic was developing and the need for a rapid response, the Covid-19 appraisal process my department introduced follows an abbreviated process compared to business as usual cases. However, and critically, a proportionate business case remains a requirement for these interventions, as with any other. These business cases also are reviewed by economists in departments as well as scrutiny by my own department where required, as detailed in both MPMNI and NIGEAE.
Due to the pace at which some Covid interventions and schemes have been developed, there has in some instances not been sufficient time to establish the Value for Money of certain schemes. In such cases, Ministers have, either with Executive agreement or that of the Finance Minister, acted by way of Ministerial Direction in order to ensure that support gets out to those who need it in time and that there is transparency around the decision making.
Enhanced guidance to clarify the process to be followed in respect of Ministerial Directions is expected to be issued in the near future which will include a new process for the Department of Finance publishing such directions. This will help improve transparency and make such information more readily available and accessible to the public. Previously, information on Ministerial Directions was contained within individual Departments’ Annual Reports and Accounts. Further, the Public Accounts Committee published a summary of Ministerial Directions considered by them as part of their end of session reports each year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015587%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=329037","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=329037"}},{"id":"329036","reference":"AQW 15586/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-01","answerBy":"2021-03-16","answered":"2021-03-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the projected completion dates for the (i) Derry to Strabane; (ii) Strabane to Omagh; and (iii) Omagh to Aughnacloy sections of road as part of A5 Western Transport Corridor works.","answerText":"Following a public inquiry held during February and March of 2020, my Department received an interim report from the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) during the latter part of last year. My officials have given consideration to the issues raised and recommendations made in that report and have taken legal advice.\n\nI have carefully considered all of the advice received and on 16 March I announced the publication of the PAC Interim Report. I have accepted the Commissioner’s key recommendation regarding the preparation of and consultation on further documents on the important topics of flood risk and the consideration of alternatives to the proposed scheme. I also published the Department’s formal response to all the recommendations made by the PAC in the form of an Interim Departmental Statement.\n\nI also asked officials to prepare a further addendum to the Environmental Statement for consultation in early autumn 2021. I anticipate that this approach will lead to the re-opening of the Public Inquiry, as recommended by the Planning Appeals Commission, early next year. It will enable the Inquiry to consider further public representations made on the two key topics of flood risk and scheme alternatives and furnish the Department with its final report later in 2022 allowing a decision to be made on the next steps for this important, transformative scheme.\n\nI would once again re-iterate my commitment to the A5WTC flagship project, which is of significant strategic importance to the region, helping to tackle regional imbalance, improving the economy, job prospects and prosperity, connecting communities and improving road safety.","answerHtml":"Following a public inquiry held during February and March of 2020, my Department received an interim report from the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) during the latter part of last year. My officials have given consideration to the issues raised and recommendations made in that report and have taken legal advice.
I have carefully considered all of the advice received and on 16 March I announced the publication of the PAC Interim Report. I have accepted the Commissioner’s key recommendation regarding the preparation of and consultation on further documents on the important topics of flood risk and the consideration of alternatives to the proposed scheme. I also published the Department’s formal response to all the recommendations made by the PAC in the form of an Interim Departmental Statement.
I also asked officials to prepare a further addendum to the Environmental Statement for consultation in early autumn 2021. I anticipate that this approach will lead to the re-opening of the Public Inquiry, as recommended by the Planning Appeals Commission, early next year. It will enable the Inquiry to consider further public representations made on the two key topics of flood risk and scheme alternatives and furnish the Department with its final report later in 2022 allowing a decision to be made on the next steps for this important, transformative scheme.
I would once again re-iterate my commitment to the A5WTC flagship project, which is of significant strategic importance to the region, helping to tackle regional imbalance, improving the economy, job prospects and prosperity, connecting communities and improving road safety.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015586%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=329036","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=329036"}},{"id":"329035","reference":"AQW 15585/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-03-01","answerBy":"2021-03-16","answered":"2021-03-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department will consider a speed limit review in the vicinity of Cairn Wood, Ballysallagh Road, Craigantlet, in light of increased level of usage of Cairn Wood and associated rise in vehicles entering and exiting the car park.","answerText":"I can confirm I have asked my officials to undertake a speed limit review at this location against policy requirements. Unfortunately due to the impact that the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions are having on traffic flows, an assessment at this time would not be representative of normal conditions and may not therefore produce a realistic outcome. A survey will be completed on the return of normal traffic flow conditions and I have asked my officials to advise you of the outcome when it is complete.\n\nThe need for a change in the speed limit on a road is assessed in accordance with the Department’s guidelines titled ‘Setting Local Speed Limits in Northern Ireland’ which can be accessed via the following link: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/setting-local-speed-limits-northern-ireland-rsppg-e051","answerHtml":"I can confirm I have asked my officials to undertake a speed limit review at this location against policy requirements. Unfortunately due to the impact that the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions are having on traffic flows, an assessment at this time would not be representative of normal conditions and may not therefore produce a realistic outcome. A survey will be completed on the return of normal traffic flow conditions and I have asked my officials to advise you of the outcome when it is complete.
The need for a change in the speed limit on a road is assessed in accordance with the Department’s guidelines titled ‘Setting Local Speed Limits in Northern Ireland’ which can be accessed via the following link: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/setting-local-speed-limits-northern-ireland-rsppg-e051
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015585%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=329035","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=329035"}},{"id":"328760","reference":"AQW 15509/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-26","answerBy":"2021-03-15","answered":"2021-03-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health when the COVID-19 scientific evidence page on the Department of Health website will be updated with all relevant papers from February 2021.","answerText":"The scientific evidence page on the Department of Health website was updated on 4 March 2021 with papers from February 2021.","answerHtml":"The scientific evidence page on the Department of Health website was updated on 4 March 2021 with papers from February 2021.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015509%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=328760","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=328760"}},{"id":"328759","reference":"AQW 15508/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-26","answerBy":"2021-03-15","answered":"2021-03-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health when Risdiplam will be available to adults with Spinal Muscular Atrophy living in Northern Ireland, under the Early Access to Medicines Scheme.","answerText":"Risdiplam is currently available through the UK wide Early Access to Medicines Scheme (EAMS). The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust has an approved EAMS scheme in place for risdiplam, subject to inclusion criteria and governance arrangements, which have now been agreed. The Trust has assured me that clinically suitable adult patients will begin to receive treatment within the next number of weeks, with individual treatment pathways agreed by 9 March 2021 and a communication/engagement plan established thereafter, to ensure a smooth transition onto the risdiplam EAMS scheme as soon as possible.","answerHtml":"Risdiplam is currently available through the UK wide Early Access to Medicines Scheme (EAMS). The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust has an approved EAMS scheme in place for risdiplam, subject to inclusion criteria and governance arrangements, which have now been agreed. The Trust has assured me that clinically suitable adult patients will begin to receive treatment within the next number of weeks, with individual treatment pathways agreed by 9 March 2021 and a communication/engagement plan established thereafter, to ensure a smooth transition onto the risdiplam EAMS scheme as soon as possible.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015508%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=328759","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=328759"}},{"id":"328758","reference":"AQW 15507/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-26","answerBy":"2021-03-15","answered":"2021-03-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance how social and environmental value are assessed with regards to public procurement contracts.","answerText":"The Executives Public Procurement Policy requires Departments to procure goods, works and services on the basis of the most advantageous combination of cost, quality and sustainability.\n\nBusiness cases for procurements are required to include an assessment of the costs and benefits of social and environmental objectives to be included in contracts. Further assessment is carried during the tender evaluation and contract management stages of procurement to ensure the benefits contained in the business case are delivered.\n\nThe Procurement Board is developing a new policy on social value which will strengthen the incorporation of social and environmental value in public procurement contracts.","answerHtml":"The Executives Public Procurement Policy requires Departments to procure goods, works and services on the basis of the most advantageous combination of cost, quality and sustainability.
Business cases for procurements are required to include an assessment of the costs and benefits of social and environmental objectives to be included in contracts. Further assessment is carried during the tender evaluation and contract management stages of procurement to ensure the benefits contained in the business case are delivered.
The Procurement Board is developing a new policy on social value which will strengthen the incorporation of social and environmental value in public procurement contracts.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015507%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=328758","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=328758"}},{"id":"328757","reference":"AQW 15506/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-26","answerBy":"2021-03-15","answered":"2021-03-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 13558 /17-22, whether her Department will be reopening the priority booking service for key workers to avail of early appointments.","answerText":"My answer to AQW 13558/17-22 confirmed that the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) is actively liaising with the Department of Health, to consider the facilitation of priority requests if they are identified by employers, from key workers whose jobs are ancillary to medical, health or social care services and who are required to drive for the purposes of their work. It will be for the relevant employers to contact the Agency directly to identify their staff that fall with this priority group and the DVA will then endeavour to facilitate priority appointments for both theory and practical driving tests, where possible.","answerHtml":"My answer to AQW 13558/17-22 confirmed that the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) is actively liaising with the Department of Health, to consider the facilitation of priority requests if they are identified by employers, from key workers whose jobs are ancillary to medical, health or social care services and who are required to drive for the purposes of their work. It will be for the relevant employers to contact the Agency directly to identify their staff that fall with this priority group and the DVA will then endeavour to facilitate priority appointments for both theory and practical driving tests, where possible.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015506%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=328757","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=328757"}},{"id":"328756","reference":"AQW 15505/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-26","answerBy":"2021-03-15","answered":"2021-03-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the current list of Local Transport and Safety Projects within North Down, ordered by present level of priority.","answerText":"Given that scheme priorities can change due to changes in circumstances associated with individual schemes, Local Transport and Safety Measures (LTSM) programmes are only finalised after budgets for the year have been confirmed. This ensures that the limited funding available for works of this nature is targeted towards those schemes in greatest need.\n\nThe work programmes are presented to council each year, normally in the spring, and afterwards are published online.\n\nFor ease of reference, please see the link below to the 2020/21 Roads Report for Ards and North Down Borough Council; https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/annual-report-ards-and-north-down-borough-council-20202021","answerHtml":"Given that scheme priorities can change due to changes in circumstances associated with individual schemes, Local Transport and Safety Measures (LTSM) programmes are only finalised after budgets for the year have been confirmed. This ensures that the limited funding available for works of this nature is targeted towards those schemes in greatest need.
The work programmes are presented to council each year, normally in the spring, and afterwards are published online.
For ease of reference, please see the link below to the 2020/21 Roads Report for Ards and North Down Borough Council; https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/annual-report-ards-and-north-down-borough-council-20202021
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015505%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=328756","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=328756"}},{"id":"328359","reference":"AQW 15363/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-24","answerBy":"2021-03-11","answered":"2021-03-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in relation to her Department’s forthcoming scheme for coach operators, whether she will consider profit and loss calculations on both an accruals and a cashflow basis when deciding whether or not to make a payment.","answerText":"My Department’s first and forthcoming scheme for bus and coach operators, are operated on an accruals basis when assessing the evidence to support the decision whether or not to make a payment. It is not possible to consider profit and loss calculations on both an accruals and a cash flow basis at the same time. Accruals accounting was the basis selected to permit operators to accurately detail their position related to the period in question and is a commonly understood and well used accountancy approach.","answerHtml":"My Department’s first and forthcoming scheme for bus and coach operators, are operated on an accruals basis when assessing the evidence to support the decision whether or not to make a payment. It is not possible to consider profit and loss calculations on both an accruals and a cash flow basis at the same time. Accruals accounting was the basis selected to permit operators to accurately detail their position related to the period in question and is a commonly understood and well used accountancy approach.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015363%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=328359","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=328359"}},{"id":"327965","reference":"AQW 15277/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-23","answerBy":"2021-03-10","answered":"2021-03-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the car parking arrangements for the mass vaccination centre at the SSE Arena.","answerText":"There will be free parking available to all staff and member of the public attending the SSE Arena for their COVID-19 vaccination.","answerHtml":"There will be free parking available to all staff and member of the public attending the SSE Arena for their COVID-19 vaccination.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015277%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=327965","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=327965"}},{"id":"327964","reference":"AQW 15276/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-23","answerBy":"2021-03-10","answered":"2021-03-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what preparations his Department has made for the prospect of large numbers of visitors to forest and country parks under the ownership of his Department as the weather improves.","answerText":"All DAERA managed forest and country parks remain open and accessible to the public and site staff monitor public pressure dynamically and have considerable experience managing busy periods. As per established processes, particular sites may be closed to vehicular access temporarily on busy days, when approaching parking capacity, this is in order to control traffic congestion, visitor numbers and ensure continued access remains available for emergency services. Enhanced cleaning regimes and social distancing measures remain in place at all public toilet facilities and public safety signage is also in place in respect of ongoing Covid-19 requirements. Where necessary staff will continue to liaise with the relevant authorities including the PSNI.\n\nSpecifically in relation to Crawfordsburn Country Park where there has been a particular issue with gatherings in periods of good weather, my officials have already met with the PSNI and will also be attending the established multi agency Anti-Social Behaviour Group meeting which includes representatives from the PSNI, Ards and North Down Borough Council, Translink and Local Residents Association.","answerHtml":"All DAERA managed forest and country parks remain open and accessible to the public and site staff monitor public pressure dynamically and have considerable experience managing busy periods. As per established processes, particular sites may be closed to vehicular access temporarily on busy days, when approaching parking capacity, this is in order to control traffic congestion, visitor numbers and ensure continued access remains available for emergency services. Enhanced cleaning regimes and social distancing measures remain in place at all public toilet facilities and public safety signage is also in place in respect of ongoing Covid-19 requirements. Where necessary staff will continue to liaise with the relevant authorities including the PSNI.
Specifically in relation to Crawfordsburn Country Park where there has been a particular issue with gatherings in periods of good weather, my officials have already met with the PSNI and will also be attending the established multi agency Anti-Social Behaviour Group meeting which includes representatives from the PSNI, Ards and North Down Borough Council, Translink and Local Residents Association.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015276%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=327964","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=327964"}},{"id":"327963","reference":"AQW 15275/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-23","answerBy":"2021-03-10","answered":"2021-03-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail her Department’s staff totals, broken down by directorate.","answerText":"At 1 February 2021, my Department had a total of 3,094 staff in post (2,970 Departmental staff and 124 agency workers).\n\nIt is worth noting that not all staff work full-time – the Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) in workforce planning terms equates to a total of 2,955.9 (2839.1 Departmental staff and 116.8 agency workers).\n\nThe table below provides a breakdown by business area, led at Deputy Secretary level and for the Department’s only Agency, the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA):\n\nBusiness Area\tStaff in Post\n(Departmental)\tFTE (Departmental)\tStaff in Post\n(Agency)\tFTE\n(Agency)\nResources, Governance & EU\t283\t266.6\t2\t2\nRoads and Rivers\t1,786\t1,717.9\t47\t45.2\nPlanning, Safety & Transport Policy (excluding DVA)\t159\t147.1\t1\t0.8\nDVA\t742\t707.5\t74\t68.8\nTotal:\t2970\t2839.10\t124\t116.80","answerHtml":"At 1 February 2021, my Department had a total of 3,094 staff in post (2,970 Departmental staff and 124 agency workers).
It is worth noting that not all staff work full-time – the Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) in workforce planning terms equates to a total of 2,955.9 (2839.1 Departmental staff and 116.8 agency workers).
The table below provides a breakdown by business area, led at Deputy Secretary level and for the Department’s only Agency, the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA):
| Business Area | Staff in Post (Departmental) | FTE (Departmental) | Staff in Post (Agency) | FTE (Agency) |
| Resources, Governance & EU | 283 | 266.6 | 2 | 2 |
| Roads and Rivers | 1,786 | 1,717.9 | 47 | 45.2 |
| Planning, Safety & Transport Policy (excluding DVA) | 159 | 147.1 | 1 | 0.8 |
| DVA | 742 | 707.5 | 74 | 68.8 |
| Total: | 2970 | 2839.10 | 124 | 116.80 |
During the first lockdown it was evident that some drivers took advantage of the absence of Traffic Attendants, as there were instances of hazardous and irresponsible parking, some of which compromised road safety and impacted on traffic progression. Due to the reduced traffic volumes using our roads, I took the decision to scale back the parking enforcement service during this difficult time. However, Parking restrictions remain in place, and a small team of Traffic Attendants continue to be deployed on a priority basis to locations where they can contribute most to road safety and traffic progression. I can assure you that there is flexibility in the Department’s approach and if required the number of Traffic Attendants can be increased.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015274%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=327962","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=327962"}},{"id":"327961","reference":"AQW 15273/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-23","answerBy":"2021-03-10","answered":"2021-03-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail preparations made by Translink concerning management of potentially large numbers of people travelling to popular outdoor destinations with the improved weather while COVID-19 restrictions remain in place.","answerText":"Translink has already implemented a wide range of COVID-19 controls with a clear focus on the safety, health and well-being of both customers and staff. These measures have included social distancing measures, compulsory wearing of face masks, signage, guidance and controls across the entire public transport network\n\nIn anticipation for the easement in Covid-19 restrictions, the onset of favourable weather, and the return of large numbers of customers, Translink is planning a phased re-introduction of public transport services over the coming weeks and months in line with the Executive’s pathway to recovery. All services will be constantly monitored to mitigate, where possible, any overcrowding on popular routes, which will include the provision of standby vehicles to enhance capacity where needed. In addition, Translink continues to work with key stakeholders, including the PSNI Local Neighbourhood Teams, NI Environmental Agency and the joint Translink/PSNI Safe Transport Team to regularly review and update risk assessments, develop plans and make any necessary infrastructure improvements.","answerHtml":"Translink has already implemented a wide range of COVID-19 controls with a clear focus on the safety, health and well-being of both customers and staff. These measures have included social distancing measures, compulsory wearing of face masks, signage, guidance and controls across the entire public transport network
In anticipation for the easement in Covid-19 restrictions, the onset of favourable weather, and the return of large numbers of customers, Translink is planning a phased re-introduction of public transport services over the coming weeks and months in line with the Executive’s pathway to recovery. All services will be constantly monitored to mitigate, where possible, any overcrowding on popular routes, which will include the provision of standby vehicles to enhance capacity where needed. In addition, Translink continues to work with key stakeholders, including the PSNI Local Neighbourhood Teams, NI Environmental Agency and the joint Translink/PSNI Safe Transport Team to regularly review and update risk assessments, develop plans and make any necessary infrastructure improvements.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015273%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=327961","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=327961"}},{"id":"327631","reference":"AQW 15168/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-22","answerBy":"2021-03-09","answered":"2021-03-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 13558/17-22, whether student nurses will be included as part of the relevant employers element which will be engaged with to identify new key workers to be prioritised for (i) practical; and (ii) theory driving tests.","answerText":"My answer to AQW 13558/17-22 confirmed that the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) is actively liaising with the Department of Health, to consider the facilitation of priority requests if they are identified by employers, from key workers whose jobs are ancillary to medical, health or social care services and who are required to drive for the purposes of their work.\n\nIt will be for the relevant employer to determine whether student nurses fall within this priority group and if they do so, the DVA will of course endeavour to facilitate priority appointments for both theory and practical driving tests.","answerHtml":"My answer to AQW 13558/17-22 confirmed that the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) is actively liaising with the Department of Health, to consider the facilitation of priority requests if they are identified by employers, from key workers whose jobs are ancillary to medical, health or social care services and who are required to drive for the purposes of their work.
It will be for the relevant employer to determine whether student nurses fall within this priority group and if they do so, the DVA will of course endeavour to facilitate priority appointments for both theory and practical driving tests.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015168%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=327631","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=327631"}},{"id":"327630","reference":"AQW 15167/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-22","answerBy":"2021-03-09","answered":"2021-05-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether plans detailing the road map for relaxation for COVID-19 restrictions will cite regulations for specific sports such as golf.","answerText":"The Executive published Moving Forward: The Executive’s Pathway out of Restrictions on Tuesday 2 March 2021, available here:\n\nhttps://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-regulations-pathway-out-restrictions\n\nUnder the Pathway, golf falls under the Sports and Leisure Activities Pathway. Since 12 April, up to 15 people have been permitted to participate in outside activities such as playing golf.\n\nUp to 15 people (including coaches) can take part in structured outdoor sports events, organised through clubs or individuals affiliated to recognised sports governing bodies or representative organisations for sport and physical activity.\n\nAn indicative date of 24 May has been set for the return of indoor group exercise and training (numbers informed by venue) and the full return of outdoor sport (with an overall limit of 500 spectators at outdoor sporting events). The indicative date of 24 May is subject to review on 20 May.\n\nWe will continuously monitor the impact of the decisions we make and only move to the next step when it is appropriate to do so. For now, club houses and indoor sports facilities (changing rooms, showers, kitchens, meeting rooms), apart from essential toilet facilities must remain closed.\n\nInformation on the current COVID-19 Regulations and what they mean can be found on nidirect at: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-regulations-guidance-what-restrictions-mean-you","answerHtml":"The Executive published Moving Forward: The Executive’s Pathway out of Restrictions on Tuesday 2 March 2021, available here:
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-regulations-pathway-out-restrictions
Under the Pathway, golf falls under the Sports and Leisure Activities Pathway. Since 12 April, up to 15 people have been permitted to participate in outside activities such as playing golf.
Up to 15 people (including coaches) can take part in structured outdoor sports events, organised through clubs or individuals affiliated to recognised sports governing bodies or representative organisations for sport and physical activity.
An indicative date of 24 May has been set for the return of indoor group exercise and training (numbers informed by venue) and the full return of outdoor sport (with an overall limit of 500 spectators at outdoor sporting events). The indicative date of 24 May is subject to review on 20 May.
We will continuously monitor the impact of the decisions we make and only move to the next step when it is appropriate to do so. For now, club houses and indoor sports facilities (changing rooms, showers, kitchens, meeting rooms), apart from essential toilet facilities must remain closed.
Information on the current COVID-19 Regulations and what they mean can be found on nidirect at: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-regulations-guidance-what-restrictions-mean-you
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015167%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=327630","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=327630"}},{"id":"327629","reference":"AQW 15166/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-22","answerBy":"2021-03-09","answered":"2021-12-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health what engagement occurs with the Interim Mental Health Champion for Northern Ireland concerning public announcements with regards to COVID-19 Public Health Restrictions.","answerText":"Announcements in relation to COVID-19 Public Health Restrictions are the responsibility of my Department and the wider Northern Ireland Executive. While the Mental Health Champion does not have a formal role in that process, she has provided advice on the Executive’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan and I am committed to working with her on an ongoing basis to help improve the mental health of everyone throughout all aspects of life, including in our response to the pandemic.","answerHtml":"Announcements in relation to COVID-19 Public Health Restrictions are the responsibility of my Department and the wider Northern Ireland Executive. While the Mental Health Champion does not have a formal role in that process, she has provided advice on the Executive’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan and I am committed to working with her on an ongoing basis to help improve the mental health of everyone throughout all aspects of life, including in our response to the pandemic.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015166%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=327629","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=327629"}},{"id":"327628","reference":"AQW 15165/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-22","answerBy":"2021-03-09","answered":"2021-03-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health what verification processes are in place for those booking COVID-19 vaccination online under category of Carer of an older person or someone with underlying health conditions.","answerText":"The Member will be aware that persons identifying as carers now access vaccination by contacting the relevant Trust care co-ordinator who records their details and arranges a vaccination appointment where appropriate.\n\nThe roll out of the vaccination programme to carers took place after close consultation with carers groups and is designed to allow as many carers, paid and voluntary, to access vaccination with the minimum of bureaucracy.","answerHtml":"The Member will be aware that persons identifying as carers now access vaccination by contacting the relevant Trust care co-ordinator who records their details and arranges a vaccination appointment where appropriate.
The roll out of the vaccination programme to carers took place after close consultation with carers groups and is designed to allow as many carers, paid and voluntary, to access vaccination with the minimum of bureaucracy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015165%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=327628","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=327628"}},{"id":"327627","reference":"AQW 15164/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-22","answerBy":"2021-03-09","answered":"2021-02-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she will reopen the Limited Company Directors Support Scheme with relaxed criteria in light of low take-up.","answerText":"The Limited Company Directors Support Scheme (LCDSS) was agreed by the Executive on 8 January 2021 and opened to applications on 21 January 2021. The aim of the LCDSS is to provide financial support to company directors who have personally been adversely impacted by COVID-19. A taxable grant of £3,500 will be paid to the applicant, i.e. the director.\n\nWhile there are approximately 14,500 sole limited company directors registered for PAYE (and a minimum of 20,000 directors of small limited companies in total) it was acknowledged from the outset, that it was impossible to estimate with any degree of certainty how many applicants would apply and/or qualify for support. A key reason that has come to light regarding a lower than expected number of applications is an apparent lack of awareness amongst some businesses and company directors of the scheme. As a direct result, both my Department and InvestNI Press Offices, have been making a concerted effort to raise awareness and further promote the scheme.\n\nTo facilitate this work and allow additional time for applicants to gather evidence and submit applications, I have extended the closing date for applications to 4 March 2021. Further details of the scheme, including eligibility criteria can be found on the NI Business Info website at www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk.\n\nI would encourage any company director who has been personally impacted by Covid-19 and believes they meet the eligibility criteria to make an application as soon as possible.","answerHtml":"The Limited Company Directors Support Scheme (LCDSS) was agreed by the Executive on 8 January 2021 and opened to applications on 21 January 2021. The aim of the LCDSS is to provide financial support to company directors who have personally been adversely impacted by COVID-19. A taxable grant of £3,500 will be paid to the applicant, i.e. the director.
While there are approximately 14,500 sole limited company directors registered for PAYE (and a minimum of 20,000 directors of small limited companies in total) it was acknowledged from the outset, that it was impossible to estimate with any degree of certainty how many applicants would apply and/or qualify for support. A key reason that has come to light regarding a lower than expected number of applications is an apparent lack of awareness amongst some businesses and company directors of the scheme. As a direct result, both my Department and InvestNI Press Offices, have been making a concerted effort to raise awareness and further promote the scheme.
To facilitate this work and allow additional time for applicants to gather evidence and submit applications, I have extended the closing date for applications to 4 March 2021. Further details of the scheme, including eligibility criteria can be found on the NI Business Info website at www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk.
I would encourage any company director who has been personally impacted by Covid-19 and believes they meet the eligibility criteria to make an application as soon as possible.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015164%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=327627","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=327627"}},{"id":"327269","reference":"AQW 15000/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-18","answerBy":"2021-02-24","answered":"2021-03-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy (i) why the COVID-19 Productive Investment Capital Grant was closed early on the 15 February 2021; and (ii) whether she will bid for more money to reopen the scheme.","answerText":"(i) The COVID-19 Productive Investment Capital Grant (PICG) scheme has experienced a very high level of interest from businesses since launching on 1 February 2021.\n\nThe scheme was promoted on the basis that it would close to applications either when the available budget was fully allocated; or on the closing date of 5pm Thursday 25 February 2021, whichever came first. This information was communicated in the scheme Guidance Notes and on nibusinessinfo.\n\nBusinesses with applications in draft were given advance notice that the scheme was nearing capacity and to progress their application swiftly. A note was also added to nibusinessinfo.\n\nGiven the popularity of the scheme it is now oversubscribed. Invest NI has now paused the ability to apply to the scheme until further notice.\n\n(ii) The PICG scheme is delivered by Invest NI through its 2020/21 budget allocation. The agency hopes to support further applications received under this current call once it has received its budget allocation for 2021/22. Should additional approvals and budget also be secured for the scheme in due course, consideration will be given to accepting further applications.","answerHtml":"(i) The COVID-19 Productive Investment Capital Grant (PICG) scheme has experienced a very high level of interest from businesses since launching on 1 February 2021.
The scheme was promoted on the basis that it would close to applications either when the available budget was fully allocated; or on the closing date of 5pm Thursday 25 February 2021, whichever came first. This information was communicated in the scheme Guidance Notes and on nibusinessinfo.
Businesses with applications in draft were given advance notice that the scheme was nearing capacity and to progress their application swiftly. A note was also added to nibusinessinfo.
Given the popularity of the scheme it is now oversubscribed. Invest NI has now paused the ability to apply to the scheme until further notice.
(ii) The PICG scheme is delivered by Invest NI through its 2020/21 budget allocation. The agency hopes to support further applications received under this current call once it has received its budget allocation for 2021/22. Should additional approvals and budget also be secured for the scheme in due course, consideration will be given to accepting further applications.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015000%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=327269","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=327269"}},{"id":"327268","reference":"AQW 14999/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-18","answerBy":"2021-03-05","answered":"2021-03-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether his Department will take the lead in ensuring that unsafe cladding is removed from buildings in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"In January 2021, I submitted a paper to the Executive in which I recommended that a Building Safety programme and supporting fund is progressed as a matter of urgency, so that citizens here are afforded the same level of fire protection as other devolved administrations. I also recommended that instead of a Department taking lead responsibility, different functions will be allocated to Departments depending on best fit. I await the outcome of my proposals.","answerHtml":"In January 2021, I submitted a paper to the Executive in which I recommended that a Building Safety programme and supporting fund is progressed as a matter of urgency, so that citizens here are afforded the same level of fire protection as other devolved administrations. I also recommended that instead of a Department taking lead responsibility, different functions will be allocated to Departments depending on best fit. I await the outcome of my proposals.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014999%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=327268","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=327268"}},{"id":"327267","reference":"AQW 14998/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-18","answerBy":"2021-03-05","answered":"2021-03-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update, including timelines for completion, on the review into the York Street Interchange.","answerText":"I recently commissioned a short sharp review of the York Street Interchange scheme, to ensure it is future-proofed and forward looking. I have now considered the outcome of the review and am currently considering the next steps make before making an announcement.","answerHtml":"I recently commissioned a short sharp review of the York Street Interchange scheme, to ensure it is future-proofed and forward looking. I have now considered the outcome of the review and am currently considering the next steps make before making an announcement.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014998%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=327267","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=327267"}},{"id":"327266","reference":"AQW 14997/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-18","answerBy":"2021-03-05","answered":"2021-03-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she intends to conduct a review of the Concessionary Fares Scheme.","answerText":"I fully recognise the wide ranging benefits of the Concessionary Fares scheme and can see merit in a review of the Scheme given that the last policy review of the Scheme was in 2007.\n\nI am considering the options open to me in the context of the underfunded position of the current Scheme for the last five years, and the resource budget allocated to my Department in the draft budget. I am continuing to engage with Minister Murphy in an effort to secure the sustainable, long term funding of the Scheme and subject to the outcome of this engagement I will decide on the way forward, taking into account the resource available to me at this time.","answerHtml":"I fully recognise the wide ranging benefits of the Concessionary Fares scheme and can see merit in a review of the Scheme given that the last policy review of the Scheme was in 2007.
I am considering the options open to me in the context of the underfunded position of the current Scheme for the last five years, and the resource budget allocated to my Department in the draft budget. I am continuing to engage with Minister Murphy in an effort to secure the sustainable, long term funding of the Scheme and subject to the outcome of this engagement I will decide on the way forward, taking into account the resource available to me at this time.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014997%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=327266","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=327266"}},{"id":"327265","reference":"AQW 14996/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-18","answerBy":"2021-03-05","answered":"2021-02-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure how much capital and resource Department Expenditure Limits has been provided by her Department to NI Water for each of the last three financial years.","answerText":"I can advise that capital and resource Departmental Expenditure Limits provided to NI Water for the last three years is as follows:\n\n2018/19\t2019/20\t2020/21\n£m\t£m\t£m\nResource DEL\nCash\t107\t107\t137\nNon-Cash\t78\t78\t83\n\nTotal Resource DEL\t185\t185\t220\n\nCapital DEL\t164\t153\t170","answerHtml":"I can advise that capital and resource Departmental Expenditure Limits provided to NI Water for the last three years is as follows:
| 2018/19 | 2019/20 | 2020/21 | |
| £m | £m | £m | |
| Resource DEL | |||
| Cash | 107 | 107 | 137 |
| Non-Cash | 78 | 78 | 83 |
| Total Resource DEL | 185 | 185 | 220 |
| Capital DEL | 164 | 153 | 170 |
Responsibility for the operation, maintenance and development of the public charge point network transferred to the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) and Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) with effect from 30 July 2015. This was intended to allow commercialisation and development of the network, which was also opened to other operators.
My officials are currently considering the future requirements in terms of public charge point infrastructure and will continue to liaise with ESB to consider any specific requests to ensure the public network can meet the needs of EV owners now and in future.
My Department is working to identify further action to support the decarbonisation of transport and infrastructure services that will help to reduce carbon emissions and address the climate emergency. This includes leading a Transport Working Group, set up to inform the transport elements of the Department for the Economy’s Energy Strategy currently under development.
A number of key areas have been identified for consideration including the electrification of transport. I look forward to considering these proposals to help deliver a change in the way we travel that also helps us to tackle the climate crisis.
My officials have also been engaging with the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) and the Energy Saving Trust (EST), who administer the On-street Residential Charge Point Scheme (ORCS), in particular, with reference to local councils in the North. The EST held a workshop with local councils here to provide information about the scheme.
I remain committed to working in partnership with Executive colleagues and others across our islands to help deliver a change in the way we travel that also helps us to tackle the climate crisis.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201654%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=329156","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=329156"}},{"id":"327152","reference":"AQW 14916/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-17","answerBy":"2021-03-04","answered":"2021-02-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what his Department is doing to protect Blackies Wood, Bangor, from the impact of the new housing development.","answerText":"Thank you providing clarification of the location of Blackie’s Wood. Ards and North Down Borough Council has consulted the Natural Environment Division of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency about three planning applications in the vicinity of the area.\n\nPlanning Application Reference\tDate of last consultation\nLA06/2016/0596/F\t2017\nLA06/2019/0100/F\t2019\nLA06/2019/0476/F\t2019\n\nOfficials have assessed these planning applications in line with planning policy and have recommended conditions and provided informatives, to mitigate or compensate where appropriate, to ensure that significant natural heritage concerns are addressed.\n\nHowever it is up to the Local Planning Authority (Ards and North Down Borough Council) to make a determination on whether or not to grant approval for these proposals (taking into account all material considerations including our advice) and to decide what conditions and informatives should be applied should approval be granted.","answerHtml":"Thank you providing clarification of the location of Blackie’s Wood. Ards and North Down Borough Council has consulted the Natural Environment Division of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency about three planning applications in the vicinity of the area.
| Planning Application Reference | Date of last consultation |
| LA06/2016/0596/F | 2017 |
| LA06/2019/0100/F | 2019 |
| LA06/2019/0476/F | 2019 |
Officials have assessed these planning applications in line with planning policy and have recommended conditions and provided informatives, to mitigate or compensate where appropriate, to ensure that significant natural heritage concerns are addressed.
However it is up to the Local Planning Authority (Ards and North Down Borough Council) to make a determination on whether or not to grant approval for these proposals (taking into account all material considerations including our advice) and to decide what conditions and informatives should be applied should approval be granted.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014916%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=327152","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=327152"}},{"id":"326949","reference":"AQW 14824/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-16","answerBy":"2021-03-03","answered":"2021-03-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) how many vehicles her Department has purchased or leased; and (ii) how many of those have been zero-emission vehicles, in each of the last five years.","answerText":"The Department for Infrastructure purchased, leased or hired the following number of vehicles in each of the financial years since its establishment:\n\n2020/21 - 10 vehicles including heavy commercial and small vans, in addition, due to driver/passenger restrictions associated with the Covid-19 pandemic, 37 small vans are on hire. None of these are zero-emission vehicles. 2 zero emission vans for trial and evaluation are on order awaiting delivery.\n\n2019/20 – 46 vehicles, heavy & light commercial, 4 motor vehicles & 4 standard motor cycles, none of which are zero-emission vehicles.\n\n2018/19 – 115 light & heavy commercial vehicles or specialist applications, none of which are zero-emission vehicles.\n\n2017/18 - 20 vehicles, all heavy commercial and specialist applications, none of which are zero-emission vehicles.\n\n2016/17 – 30 vehicles, light & heavy commercial and specialist applications, none of which are zero-emission vehicles.\n\nThe former Department for Regional Development purchased an electric vehicle, a Nissan Leaf, Acenta, in 2015 which is used by my Department’s staff for business purposes, mainly to attend site visits and meetings. Since taking up my post as Infrastructure Minister, I have been using the e-car for Ministerial business as much as possible.\n\nIn addition to the introduction of the Glider, in the last few months Translink has taken delivery of three hydrogen fuel cell buses that are being piloted within the Belfast Metro area and I recently announced a further £66 million investment for the purchase of 145 new zero and low emission vehicles and the associated infrastructure for the Translink fleet.","answerHtml":"The Department for Infrastructure purchased, leased or hired the following number of vehicles in each of the financial years since its establishment:
2020/21 - 10 vehicles including heavy commercial and small vans, in addition, due to driver/passenger restrictions associated with the Covid-19 pandemic, 37 small vans are on hire. None of these are zero-emission vehicles. 2 zero emission vans for trial and evaluation are on order awaiting delivery.
2019/20 – 46 vehicles, heavy & light commercial, 4 motor vehicles & 4 standard motor cycles, none of which are zero-emission vehicles.
2018/19 – 115 light & heavy commercial vehicles or specialist applications, none of which are zero-emission vehicles.
2017/18 - 20 vehicles, all heavy commercial and specialist applications, none of which are zero-emission vehicles.
2016/17 – 30 vehicles, light & heavy commercial and specialist applications, none of which are zero-emission vehicles.
The former Department for Regional Development purchased an electric vehicle, a Nissan Leaf, Acenta, in 2015 which is used by my Department’s staff for business purposes, mainly to attend site visits and meetings. Since taking up my post as Infrastructure Minister, I have been using the e-car for Ministerial business as much as possible.
In addition to the introduction of the Glider, in the last few months Translink has taken delivery of three hydrogen fuel cell buses that are being piloted within the Belfast Metro area and I recently announced a further £66 million investment for the purchase of 145 new zero and low emission vehicles and the associated infrastructure for the Translink fleet.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014824%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=326949","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=326949"}},{"id":"326763","reference":"AQW 14729/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-15","answerBy":"2021-03-02","answered":"2021-02-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the rationale and background for Invest NI Expected Credit Loss January 2021 monitoring bid of £12.7 million.","answerText":"The bid of £12.7m ECL includes £10m relating to one large project funded under the Sustainable Utilisation of Poultry Litter (SUPL) Scheme. The balance of £2.7m relates to several adjustments made in relation to a number of smaller projects. Expected Credit Loss (ECL) is an accounting adjustment required under International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 9 where organisations must make provision for “Expected Credit Losses” based on estimated risk factors. Some of these ECLs therefore may not materialise.\n\nThe details of the large SUPL project for which £10m has been bid, are as follows. Invest NI, alongside a private investor, provided funding towards the build and operation of an Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plant.\n\nThe aim of the project was to help resolve a significant local environmental and economic issue, and to help Northern Ireland comply with EU nitrates targets to positively impact the poultry sector and the wider Northern Ireland economy. Invest NI’s support was by way of a £9.3m commercial loan.\n\nInitial indications show that the project might not reach an outcome that fully covers the investment in the project. Therefore, Invest NI has included a provision in their accounts to cover the capital and interest accrued, should they not be able to achieve a return on the investment. This provision is in line with current accounting standards.","answerHtml":"The bid of £12.7m ECL includes £10m relating to one large project funded under the Sustainable Utilisation of Poultry Litter (SUPL) Scheme. The balance of £2.7m relates to several adjustments made in relation to a number of smaller projects. Expected Credit Loss (ECL) is an accounting adjustment required under International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 9 where organisations must make provision for “Expected Credit Losses” based on estimated risk factors. Some of these ECLs therefore may not materialise.
The details of the large SUPL project for which £10m has been bid, are as follows. Invest NI, alongside a private investor, provided funding towards the build and operation of an Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plant.
The aim of the project was to help resolve a significant local environmental and economic issue, and to help Northern Ireland comply with EU nitrates targets to positively impact the poultry sector and the wider Northern Ireland economy. Invest NI’s support was by way of a £9.3m commercial loan.
Initial indications show that the project might not reach an outcome that fully covers the investment in the project. Therefore, Invest NI has included a provision in their accounts to cover the capital and interest accrued, should they not be able to achieve a return on the investment. This provision is in line with current accounting standards.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014729%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=326763","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=326763"}},{"id":"326762","reference":"AQW 14728/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-15","answerBy":"2021-03-02","answered":"2021-02-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in light of pedestrian numbers, including those travelling between home and nearby schools, whether she will consider the installation of a pelican crossing on the East Circular A2, where both the Ballymaconnell Road South and the Ballymaconnell Road, Bangor, meet.","answerText":"In order to ensure that requests are considered consistently across all council areas, assessments for the provision of controlled crossing facilities are carried out in accordance with my Department’s Road Safety Engineering policy.\n\nAn assessment completed at this location has confirmed there would be merit in providing a controlled crossing, however, other proposed schemes in the Ards and North Down Borough Council area have scored higher. This situation will be kept under review and consideration will be given to the scheme’s inclusion in a future Local Transport and Safety Projects works programme, the extent and scale of which will be dependent upon funding allocated to my Department.","answerHtml":"In order to ensure that requests are considered consistently across all council areas, assessments for the provision of controlled crossing facilities are carried out in accordance with my Department’s Road Safety Engineering policy.
An assessment completed at this location has confirmed there would be merit in providing a controlled crossing, however, other proposed schemes in the Ards and North Down Borough Council area have scored higher. This situation will be kept under review and consideration will be given to the scheme’s inclusion in a future Local Transport and Safety Projects works programme, the extent and scale of which will be dependent upon funding allocated to my Department.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014728%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=326762","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=326762"}},{"id":"326761","reference":"AQW 14727/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-15","answerBy":"2021-03-02","answered":"2021-03-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy when AQW 13559/17-22 will be answered.","answerText":"The response to AQW 13559/17-22 was issued on 1 March 2021. Pursuant to this, on 11 March, the Executive announced a Covid support scheme for travel agents experiencing difficulties as a result of the pandemic. The new scheme which will be delivered by The Executive Office, includes a flat payment of £10k to travel agency businesses operating from commercial premises, or £3.5k payment to self-employed travel agents working from home. The scheme will be launched on 19 March 2021 and will be open until 26 March 2021.","answerHtml":"The response to AQW 13559/17-22 was issued on 1 March 2021. Pursuant to this, on 11 March, the Executive announced a Covid support scheme for travel agents experiencing difficulties as a result of the pandemic. The new scheme which will be delivered by The Executive Office, includes a flat payment of £10k to travel agency businesses operating from commercial premises, or £3.5k payment to self-employed travel agents working from home. The scheme will be launched on 19 March 2021 and will be open until 26 March 2021.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014727%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=326761","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=326761"}},{"id":"326760","reference":"AQW 14726/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-15","answerBy":"2021-03-02","answered":"2021-03-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether her Department will consider legislation allowing students housed in Private Purpose Built Student Accommodation the right in law to cancel their rent agreement with 28 days notice due to COVID-19, as has been enacted in Scotland","answerText":"I refer the Member to my response to AWQ 14135/17-22.","answerHtml":"I refer the Member to my response to AWQ 14135/17-22.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014726%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=326760","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=326760"}},{"id":"326759","reference":"AQW 14725/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-15","answerBy":"2021-03-02","answered":"2021-02-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure when the R Plate requirement contained within Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 was last reviewed.","answerText":"In 2011, the Department of the Environment carried out a review of the L and R driver schemes due to the over-representation of young, novice drivers involved in fatal and serious road collisions, and undertook a public consultation entitled ‘Consultation on Proposed Changes to the Learner and Restricted Driver Schemes and on Graduated Driver Licensing’.\n\nProposals on amending the 45mph speed restriction for learner and restricted drivers and on options for a new system of Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) to build on the current R driver scheme were subsequently brought forward. The statutory framework for GDL is contained in the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2016.\n\nThe main purpose of GDL is to establish a revised training, testing and post-test regime for new drivers (and riders) to reduce the over representation of new (mainly young) drivers in fatal and serious road collisions.\n\nDraft Subordinate Legislation is being prepared which will amend the Motor Vehicles (Specified Restrictions) Regulations (NI) 1998. The legislation will set out the precise details of a new two-part ‘R’ plate that will apply to new drivers for a period of two years after passing the practical driving test. It will also set out details of new post-test passenger restrictions. These amending regulations will be subject to affirmative resolution.","answerHtml":"In 2011, the Department of the Environment carried out a review of the L and R driver schemes due to the over-representation of young, novice drivers involved in fatal and serious road collisions, and undertook a public consultation entitled ‘Consultation on Proposed Changes to the Learner and Restricted Driver Schemes and on Graduated Driver Licensing’.
Proposals on amending the 45mph speed restriction for learner and restricted drivers and on options for a new system of Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) to build on the current R driver scheme were subsequently brought forward. The statutory framework for GDL is contained in the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2016.
The main purpose of GDL is to establish a revised training, testing and post-test regime for new drivers (and riders) to reduce the over representation of new (mainly young) drivers in fatal and serious road collisions.
Draft Subordinate Legislation is being prepared which will amend the Motor Vehicles (Specified Restrictions) Regulations (NI) 1998. The legislation will set out the precise details of a new two-part ‘R’ plate that will apply to new drivers for a period of two years after passing the practical driving test. It will also set out details of new post-test passenger restrictions. These amending regulations will be subject to affirmative resolution.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014725%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=326759","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=326759"}},{"id":"326330","reference":"AQW 14529/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-11","answerBy":"2021-02-26","answered":"2021-02-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance (i) for his assessment of the UK Housing Secretary announcement on 10 February 2021 concerning access to the grants and loans in Northern Ireland; (ii) to detail any Barnett consequentials arising; and (iii) to detail the applicability of new taxes citied to Northern Ireland.","answerText":"I have not been provided with the detail of the measures announced by the Housing Secretary on 10 February.\n\nOfficials are working to determine the precise impacts for the Executive including the Barnett implications and tax applicability, however Treasury has indicated that whilst the tax will apply here and in Britain, it will be for the Devolved Administrations to consider the need for a levy similar to the one announced for England.\n\nDevolved Administrations will receive Barnett consequentials on the increased spend that arises from the tax, as per the usual arrangements.","answerHtml":"I have not been provided with the detail of the measures announced by the Housing Secretary on 10 February.
Officials are working to determine the precise impacts for the Executive including the Barnett implications and tax applicability, however Treasury has indicated that whilst the tax will apply here and in Britain, it will be for the Devolved Administrations to consider the need for a levy similar to the one announced for England.
Devolved Administrations will receive Barnett consequentials on the increased spend that arises from the tax, as per the usual arrangements.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014529%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=326330","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=326330"}},{"id":"326329","reference":"AQW 14528/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-11","answerBy":"2021-02-26","answered":"2021-02-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether consideration has been given to making a one-off top-up payment to current recipients of the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme Grant Scheme in light of the unallocated COVID-19 DEL Resource funding.","answerText":"The Member will be aware that the amounts paid here under the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS) are in the range of £800 to £1,600 per week and are much higher than comparable schemes elsewhere. Almost £169 million has now been paid to over 13,000 business by the LRSS. The Executive is considering all options necessary to provide the required support to businesses affected by the current restrictions. I have asked my Executive colleagues to bring forward proposals for support to sectors who may still require additional support, and I will consider if my Department needs to bring forward any further support.","answerHtml":"The Member will be aware that the amounts paid here under the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS) are in the range of £800 to £1,600 per week and are much higher than comparable schemes elsewhere. Almost £169 million has now been paid to over 13,000 business by the LRSS. The Executive is considering all options necessary to provide the required support to businesses affected by the current restrictions. I have asked my Executive colleagues to bring forward proposals for support to sectors who may still require additional support, and I will consider if my Department needs to bring forward any further support.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014528%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=326329","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=326329"}},{"id":"326328","reference":"AQW 14527/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-11","answerBy":"2021-02-26","answered":"2021-02-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy why Tourism NI returned £5 million of COVID-19 money, as announced by the Minister of Finance on 10 February 2021.","answerText":"Tourism NI made a specific £5m funding bid to finance a Strategic Tourism Asset Support Scheme. The objective of the scheme was to assist major tourism businesses meet unrecoverable fixed costs which they have incurred as a result of being unable to operate during the COVID Pandemic.\n\nThe scheme was to be aimed at those businesses which were major drivers of “out of state” visitor numbers and whose survival is critical to the future recovery of the industry.\n\nSubsequent to submitting the bid, and following engagement with officials from the Department for Communities, it became apparent that those businesses, which Tourism NI were seeking to support, were likely to have those costs covered through bids which they had made to the Department for Communities Heritage and Arts Support Programmes.\n\nAs the costs are now being met from alternative funding schemes, Tourism NI surrendered the £5m to be made available for other priorities to be identified by the Executive.","answerHtml":"Tourism NI made a specific £5m funding bid to finance a Strategic Tourism Asset Support Scheme. The objective of the scheme was to assist major tourism businesses meet unrecoverable fixed costs which they have incurred as a result of being unable to operate during the COVID Pandemic.
The scheme was to be aimed at those businesses which were major drivers of “out of state” visitor numbers and whose survival is critical to the future recovery of the industry.
Subsequent to submitting the bid, and following engagement with officials from the Department for Communities, it became apparent that those businesses, which Tourism NI were seeking to support, were likely to have those costs covered through bids which they had made to the Department for Communities Heritage and Arts Support Programmes.
As the costs are now being met from alternative funding schemes, Tourism NI surrendered the £5m to be made available for other priorities to be identified by the Executive.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014527%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=326328","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=326328"}},{"id":"326327","reference":"AQW 14526/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-11","answerBy":"2021-02-26","answered":"2021-03-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy, pursuant to AQW 11828/17-22, for an update on when the Digital Selling Capability Grant Scheme will be launched for applications.","answerText":"The £3M Micro-Business E-commerce Grant for retail businesses was launched on the 2nd February and is open for applications until 6pm 12th March 2021. Successful applicants can receive a grant of up to £5,000 to help them engage expertise to grow their online sales.\n\nFunding will be allocated on a “first come first served basis” and if demand exceeds the budget available the call for applications may be closed earlier than the planned deadline.\n\nFull details of the grant and an eligibility checker can be found online at https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/mbeg","answerHtml":"The £3M Micro-Business E-commerce Grant for retail businesses was launched on the 2nd February and is open for applications until 6pm 12th March 2021. Successful applicants can receive a grant of up to £5,000 to help them engage expertise to grow their online sales.
Funding will be allocated on a “first come first served basis” and if demand exceeds the budget available the call for applications may be closed earlier than the planned deadline.
Full details of the grant and an eligibility checker can be found online at https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/mbeg
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014526%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=326327","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=326327"}},{"id":"326326","reference":"AQW 14525/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-11","answerBy":"2021-02-26","answered":"2021-03-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether consideration has been given to making a one-off top-up payment to current recipients of the Covid Restrictions Business Support Grant Scheme in light of the unallocated COVID-19 DEL Resource funding.","answerText":"There are no plans to make a one-off top-up payment to current recipients of the Covid Restrictions Business Support Grant Scheme.\n\nWith regard to any future support packages, it will be for the Executive collectively to determine how any existing or additional Covid related funding should be allocated to provide support to as many employers and individuals as possible over the coming months.","answerHtml":"There are no plans to make a one-off top-up payment to current recipients of the Covid Restrictions Business Support Grant Scheme.
With regard to any future support packages, it will be for the Executive collectively to determine how any existing or additional Covid related funding should be allocated to provide support to as many employers and individuals as possible over the coming months.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014525%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=326326","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=326326"}},{"id":"332715","reference":"AQO 1603/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-11","answerBy":"2021-02-22","answered":"2021-03-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline their planned engagement and communications activity surrounding the eventual easing of COVID-19 restrictions.","answerText":"Thanks to the public’s adherence to the measures currently in place, we have made good progress in reducing transmission of the virus and suppressing the Covid-19 epidemic. We are very aware of the damaging impacts that this virus is having on people’s lives, and the need to give people some hope.The Executive has published a pathway for exiting the current restrictions in a very cautious and gradual way. This will be guided by the prevailing public health situation and the medical and scientific advice as well as an assessment of the wider impacts for people, for society and for the economy.\n\nWe appreciate that people are seeking certainty on what that will look like, but we want to be upfront and make everyone aware that our approach will not be driven by dates, but by evidence. So, while there are no certainties, we have given people an indication of how we hope to move forward and the sequencing of how restrictions could be lifted when the time is right to do so.\n\nThe ongoing programme of engagement across departments with key sectors will be crucial in supporting this work, including with the retail and hospitality sectors, faith leaders, the PSNI, local government and sporting organisations. In addition, the Executive’s public information campaign will continue to run across multiple platforms.","answerHtml":"Thanks to the public’s adherence to the measures currently in place, we have made good progress in reducing transmission of the virus and suppressing the Covid-19 epidemic. We are very aware of the damaging impacts that this virus is having on people’s lives, and the need to give people some hope.The Executive has published a pathway for exiting the current restrictions in a very cautious and gradual way. This will be guided by the prevailing public health situation and the medical and scientific advice as well as an assessment of the wider impacts for people, for society and for the economy.
We appreciate that people are seeking certainty on what that will look like, but we want to be upfront and make everyone aware that our approach will not be driven by dates, but by evidence. So, while there are no certainties, we have given people an indication of how we hope to move forward and the sequencing of how restrictions could be lifted when the time is right to do so.
The ongoing programme of engagement across departments with key sectors will be crucial in supporting this work, including with the retail and hospitality sectors, faith leaders, the PSNI, local government and sporting organisations. In addition, the Executive’s public information campaign will continue to run across multiple platforms.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201603%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=332715","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=332715"}},{"id":"326173","reference":"AQW 14442/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-10","answerBy":"2021-02-16","answered":"2021-02-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, given that the Executive has £250 million of resource funding to spend in 2020/21, whether she will consider bidding for additional funding that could be used to support NI Water’s reserves in order to mitigate against the impact of (i) COVID-19; and (ii) Brexit in the time ahead.","answerText":"I would refer you to your earlier question, AQW 12660/17-22, which explained the structure of NI Water and that the company cannot hold reserves that equate to additional budget cover to be carried over financial years.\n\nHowever, during 2020/21, I have secured additional in year funding for NI Water, totalling £32.5m, to address immediate pressures brought about by Covid-19 and Brexit, and I have requested that every effort is made to identify further options for utilising the Executive’s surplus resource funding.","answerHtml":"I would refer you to your earlier question, AQW 12660/17-22, which explained the structure of NI Water and that the company cannot hold reserves that equate to additional budget cover to be carried over financial years.
However, during 2020/21, I have secured additional in year funding for NI Water, totalling £32.5m, to address immediate pressures brought about by Covid-19 and Brexit, and I have requested that every effort is made to identify further options for utilising the Executive’s surplus resource funding.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014442%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=326173","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=326173"}},{"id":"326172","reference":"AQW 14441/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-10","answerBy":"2021-02-25","answered":"2021-02-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy (i) why postgraduate students who graduated during December 2020 have not been included in the £500 Covid Disruption Payment; and (ii) whether she will consider extending the payment to this cohort.","answerText":"The Covid Disruption Payment is for full-time undergraduate and postgraduate,\n\nstudents who are currently enrolled at Northern Ireland publicly funded Higher\n\nEducation Institutions and full-time Higher Education students at the Further\n\nEducation Colleges, in recognition of the disruption suffered by students to their\n\nstudies due to the impact of Covid-19.","answerHtml":"The Covid Disruption Payment is for full-time undergraduate and postgraduate,
students who are currently enrolled at Northern Ireland publicly funded Higher
Education Institutions and full-time Higher Education students at the Further
Education Colleges, in recognition of the disruption suffered by students to their
studies due to the impact of Covid-19.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014441%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=326172","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=326172"}},{"id":"326171","reference":"AQW 14440/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-10","answerBy":"2021-02-25","answered":"2021-02-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail his funding allocation of £175 million for personal protective equipment (PPE), including what is to be ordered and for how long a period the PPE is expected to cover his Department.","answerText":"Mass vaccination centres are operating between 8am and 8pm seven days a week. GP Practices are providing their vaccination programme in addition to their normal work commitments.\n\nExperience has already taught us to expect temporary dips in vaccination\n\nnumbers although overall the uptake by the public remains very good.\n\nThe Covid-19 Vaccination Programme will take time to ensure it is implemented safely.","answerHtml":"Mass vaccination centres are operating between 8am and 8pm seven days a week. GP Practices are providing their vaccination programme in addition to their normal work commitments.
Experience has already taught us to expect temporary dips in vaccination
numbers although overall the uptake by the public remains very good.
The Covid-19 Vaccination Programme will take time to ensure it is implemented safely.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014440%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=326171","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=326171"}},{"id":"326170","reference":"AQW 14439/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-10","answerBy":"2021-02-25","answered":"2021-02-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether any plans exist to enable councils to strike different poundages for domestic and non-domestic elements of the 2021/22 District Rate.","answerText":"On 5 February I introduced The Rates (Coronavirus: Making of District Rates) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 to give councils additional time to make preparations before striking district rates, by deferring the deadline from 15 February until 1 March. On 11 February I introduced The Rates (Making and Levying of Different Rates) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 that provide district councils with increased flexibility in the striking of rate poundages for domestic and non-domestic rates. This is a positive step which will give councils the freedom to set different district rates to achieve their local priorities.","answerHtml":"On 5 February I introduced The Rates (Coronavirus: Making of District Rates) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 to give councils additional time to make preparations before striking district rates, by deferring the deadline from 15 February until 1 March. On 11 February I introduced The Rates (Making and Levying of Different Rates) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 that provide district councils with increased flexibility in the striking of rate poundages for domestic and non-domestic rates. This is a positive step which will give councils the freedom to set different district rates to achieve their local priorities.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014439%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=326170","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=326170"}},{"id":"326169","reference":"AQW 14438/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-10","answerBy":"2021-02-25","answered":"2021-02-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 11255/17-22, what is the envisaged timescale for completion of the detailed analysis of the information submitted.","answerText":"The analysis of the information submitted on the operation of the Roads (Miscellaneous Provision) Act (Northern Ireland) 2010 has recently been completed and the Department’s response is currently being drafted.","answerHtml":"The analysis of the information submitted on the operation of the Roads (Miscellaneous Provision) Act (Northern Ireland) 2010 has recently been completed and the Department’s response is currently being drafted.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014438%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=326169","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=326169"}},{"id":"325808","reference":"AQW 14294/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-08","answerBy":"2021-02-23","answered":"2021-02-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for an update on the 2020 Pay Award for Northern Ireland Civil Service staff.","answerText":"The initial remit was agreed in October and several pay negotiation meetings with unions have taken place in respect of the Civil Service pay award for 2020/21. I am keen to agree the pay offer as soon as possible.","answerHtml":"The initial remit was agreed in October and several pay negotiation meetings with unions have taken place in respect of the Civil Service pay award for 2020/21. I am keen to agree the pay offer as soon as possible.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014294%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=325808","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=325808"}},{"id":"325807","reference":"AQW 14293/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-08","answerBy":"2021-02-23","answered":"2021-02-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance what provisions are in place to ensure that public sector procurement contracts are awarded based on value rather than price.","answerText":"Public Procurement Policy requires that contracts are awarded on the basis of best value for money which is defined as the most advantageous combination of cost, quality and sustainability to meet customer requirements.\n\nIn this context:\n\ncost means consideration of the whole life cost;\n\nquality means meeting a specification which is fit for purpose and sufficient to meet the customer’s requirements; and\n\nsustainability means economic, social and environmental benefits, considered in the business case, in support of the Programme for Government.","answerHtml":"Public Procurement Policy requires that contracts are awarded on the basis of best value for money which is defined as the most advantageous combination of cost, quality and sustainability to meet customer requirements.
In this context:
cost means consideration of the whole life cost;
quality means meeting a specification which is fit for purpose and sufficient to meet the customer’s requirements; and
sustainability means economic, social and environmental benefits, considered in the business case, in support of the Programme for Government.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014293%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=325807","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=325807"}},{"id":"325806","reference":"AQW 14292/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-08","answerBy":"2021-02-23","answered":"2021-02-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether consideration has been given to increasing payments made under the Sports Sustainability Fund, particularly for sporting clubs that operate restaurants and licensed premises.","answerText":"The £25 million Sports Sustainability Fund closed for applications on 20 January. Sport NI is currently assessing a total of 38 applications from sports governing bodies, which includes claims for funding for their affiliated sports clubs.\n\nThe Fund recognised that hospitality is an important income stream for many sports clubs and included provision for clubs to submit details of the income and expenditure from their social club bars and food provision.\n\nThe Sustainability Fund aims to cover the net losses which clubs have faced and there are no plans to increase payments beyond this.\n\nSport NI expect to commence making payments to successful applicants from the end of February.","answerHtml":"The £25 million Sports Sustainability Fund closed for applications on 20 January. Sport NI is currently assessing a total of 38 applications from sports governing bodies, which includes claims for funding for their affiliated sports clubs.
The Fund recognised that hospitality is an important income stream for many sports clubs and included provision for clubs to submit details of the income and expenditure from their social club bars and food provision.
The Sustainability Fund aims to cover the net losses which clubs have faced and there are no plans to increase payments beyond this.
Sport NI expect to commence making payments to successful applicants from the end of February.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014292%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=325806","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=325806"}},{"id":"325805","reference":"AQW 14291/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-08","answerBy":"2021-02-23","answered":"2021-02-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether her Department will review the eligibility criteria for the Limited Company Director’s Support Scheme requiring Directors to hold more than 25 per cent of the company’s shares.","answerText":"The Limited Company Directors Support Scheme (LCDSS), which was agreed by the Executive on 8 January 2021, opened to applications 6pm Thursday 21 January 2021. The aim of the LCDSS is to provide financial assistance to company directors who have personally been adversely impacted by COVID-19. Eligible applicants, i.e. the director, will receive a taxable grant of £3,500. The closing date for applications to the scheme is 6pm on 4 March 2021.\n\nThe scheme, including the grant amount, was agreed in the context of the £20 million budget that was pledged by the Executive on the 23 November, and an additional £20 million allocated to the scheme in January 2021. There are no plans to review any of the eligibility criteria of the scheme.","answerHtml":"The Limited Company Directors Support Scheme (LCDSS), which was agreed by the Executive on 8 January 2021, opened to applications 6pm Thursday 21 January 2021. The aim of the LCDSS is to provide financial assistance to company directors who have personally been adversely impacted by COVID-19. Eligible applicants, i.e. the director, will receive a taxable grant of £3,500. The closing date for applications to the scheme is 6pm on 4 March 2021.
The scheme, including the grant amount, was agreed in the context of the £20 million budget that was pledged by the Executive on the 23 November, and an additional £20 million allocated to the scheme in January 2021. There are no plans to review any of the eligibility criteria of the scheme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014291%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=325805","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=325805"}},{"id":"325804","reference":"AQW 14290/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-08","answerBy":"2021-02-23","answered":"2021-02-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure when AQW 10567/17-22 will be answered.","answerText":"I refer the Member to AQW 10567/17-22 which is now answered.","answerHtml":"I refer the Member to AQW 10567/17-22 which is now answered.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014290%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=325804","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=325804"}},{"id":"325504","reference":"AQW 14205/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-05","answerBy":"2021-02-22","answered":"2021-02-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will consider purchasing bus bike racks for Translink.","answerText":"My ambition to increase cycling journeys is reflected in the Programme for Government, and my commitment is to increase the proportion of journeys made by walking, cycling and public transport. As part of the ‘Bike Life’ project – in which the Department participates on behalf of Belfast – Sustrans published a report in January 2019 setting out ambitions for cycling levels in 2040 for each of the participating cities.\n\nI have asked officials to examine the merits of installing cycle racks on buses. My aim remains to provide better infrastructure, behaviour change programmes, better availability of electric bikes, secure cycle parking at strategic public transport stops and folding bikes to encourage passengers to consider using more sustainable forms of transport.","answerHtml":"My ambition to increase cycling journeys is reflected in the Programme for Government, and my commitment is to increase the proportion of journeys made by walking, cycling and public transport. As part of the ‘Bike Life’ project – in which the Department participates on behalf of Belfast – Sustrans published a report in January 2019 setting out ambitions for cycling levels in 2040 for each of the participating cities.
I have asked officials to examine the merits of installing cycle racks on buses. My aim remains to provide better infrastructure, behaviour change programmes, better availability of electric bikes, secure cycle parking at strategic public transport stops and folding bikes to encourage passengers to consider using more sustainable forms of transport.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014205%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=325504","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=325504"}},{"id":"325503","reference":"AQW 14204/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-05","answerBy":"2021-02-22","answered":"2021-02-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 13248/17-22, (i) how much resource and capital funding does NI Water require to embark on PC21 in 2021/22; and (ii) how much has been made available in the draft budget.","answerText":"The Utility Regulator’s PC21 Draft Determination sets out a budget requirement for NI Water of some £220m capital DEL and £120m resource DEL. NI Water’s 6 year PC21 business plan is currently being scrutinised by the Utility Regulator who will conclude NI Water’s funding requirements for the 6 year period 2021 – 2027 in its Final Determination, which I am advised will now not be published until mid-May 2021.\n\nThe draft 2021-22 Resource Budget allocation for my Department is challenging. I have not yet taken any decisions on how the draft 2021-22 Resource Budget would be allocated. However such decisions are likely to be very difficult and could impact on the ability of NI Water to deliver the essential water and wastewater services that we all rely on for our health, to provide capacity for housing development, to protect our environment and to stimulate the economic recovery from Covid-19.\n\nThe draft 2021-22 Capital Budget allocation is more positive, but additional capital investment requires an adequate level of resource budget in order to support the increased scale of activity and effort required.","answerHtml":"The Utility Regulator’s PC21 Draft Determination sets out a budget requirement for NI Water of some £220m capital DEL and £120m resource DEL. NI Water’s 6 year PC21 business plan is currently being scrutinised by the Utility Regulator who will conclude NI Water’s funding requirements for the 6 year period 2021 – 2027 in its Final Determination, which I am advised will now not be published until mid-May 2021.
The draft 2021-22 Resource Budget allocation for my Department is challenging. I have not yet taken any decisions on how the draft 2021-22 Resource Budget would be allocated. However such decisions are likely to be very difficult and could impact on the ability of NI Water to deliver the essential water and wastewater services that we all rely on for our health, to provide capacity for housing development, to protect our environment and to stimulate the economic recovery from Covid-19.
The draft 2021-22 Capital Budget allocation is more positive, but additional capital investment requires an adequate level of resource budget in order to support the increased scale of activity and effort required.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014204%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=325503","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=325503"}},{"id":"325502","reference":"AQW 14203/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-05","answerBy":"2021-02-22","answered":"2021-02-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in light of on-going issues involving vibration and serious disturbance affecting nearby residents when traffic passes, for an update on work to rectify the road surface on Groomsport Road, Bangor, adjacent to Number 1 The Banks and Number 42 The Banks.","answerText":"The section of road adjacent to The Banks at Groomsport Road, Bangor has been affected over recent years by a significant number of utility excavations. Officials have inspected the area and I am advised that there are no defects that meet the current intervention threshold for initiating repairs. A number of issues were identified which are the responsibility of NIW and these have been brought to their attention.\n\nMy Department will continue to carry out cyclical inspections of the Groomsport Road and take forward the repair of any defects meeting the current intervention criteria.","answerHtml":"The section of road adjacent to The Banks at Groomsport Road, Bangor has been affected over recent years by a significant number of utility excavations. Officials have inspected the area and I am advised that there are no defects that meet the current intervention threshold for initiating repairs. A number of issues were identified which are the responsibility of NIW and these have been brought to their attention.
My Department will continue to carry out cyclical inspections of the Groomsport Road and take forward the repair of any defects meeting the current intervention criteria.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014203%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=325502","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=325502"}},{"id":"325501","reference":"AQW 14202/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-05","answerBy":"2021-02-22","answered":"2021-02-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the rationale for not bidding for COVID-19 resource funding to enable active travel initiatives such as (i) bike repair vouchers; and (ii) the one path scheme in 2020/21.","answerText":"In terms of a bike voucher scheme, I am not persuaded that the untargeted scheme operated in England would be the most effective use of funding. However, the development of a more targeted scheme would take significant time and it would not have been possible to develop and deliver a scheme within the available timeframe for spend by 31st March 2021.\n\nThe One Path Initiative revolves around face to face contact with users of the path and the organisation of stakeholder events and activities. It would not have been possible to arrange these during the current lockdown.","answerHtml":"In terms of a bike voucher scheme, I am not persuaded that the untargeted scheme operated in England would be the most effective use of funding. However, the development of a more targeted scheme would take significant time and it would not have been possible to develop and deliver a scheme within the available timeframe for spend by 31st March 2021.
The One Path Initiative revolves around face to face contact with users of the path and the organisation of stakeholder events and activities. It would not have been possible to arrange these during the current lockdown.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014202%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=325501","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=325501"}},{"id":"325500","reference":"AQW 14201/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-05","answerBy":"2021-02-22","answered":"2021-02-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) Translink’s reserves at the start of the pandemic as at 11 March 2020; and (ii) Translink’s reserves following the allocation of £15 million on 2 February 2021.","answerText":"Translink’s cash reserves at the end of the 2019-20 financial year which coincided with the start of the pandemic were approximately £24m.\n\nAs you have correctly stated, the Executive has allocated an additional £15m to Translink to support its financial viability in recognition of the losses it has sustained over recent years. This funding is in addition to an extra £35m allocated to Translink for the same reason. This support, totalling £50m, will be paid to by Department to Translink before the end of March 2021.\n\nIn this regard, it is estimated that Translink’s reserves will be in the region of £70m at the end of the financial year. This funding will help to protect our public transport network and assist in preserving Translink’s financial health in the short term as our public transport network will continue to deal with the impact of COVID-19 into the next financial year.","answerHtml":"Translink’s cash reserves at the end of the 2019-20 financial year which coincided with the start of the pandemic were approximately £24m.
As you have correctly stated, the Executive has allocated an additional £15m to Translink to support its financial viability in recognition of the losses it has sustained over recent years. This funding is in addition to an extra £35m allocated to Translink for the same reason. This support, totalling £50m, will be paid to by Department to Translink before the end of March 2021.
In this regard, it is estimated that Translink’s reserves will be in the region of £70m at the end of the financial year. This funding will help to protect our public transport network and assist in preserving Translink’s financial health in the short term as our public transport network will continue to deal with the impact of COVID-19 into the next financial year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014201%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=325500","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=325500"}},{"id":"325333","reference":"AQW 14105/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-04","answerBy":"2021-02-19","answered":"2021-02-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail her Department's opening resource budget allocation for each financial year since its inception in 2016.","answerText":"The table below details the Department’s opening resource budget, excluding non-cash budgets for depreciation.\n\n2016-17\t2017-18\t2018-19\t2019-20\t2020-21\n£m\t£m\t£m\t£m\t£m\nDfI Opening Budget\t372.8\t366.9\t370.4\t384.6\t417.9","answerHtml":"The table below details the Department’s opening resource budget, excluding non-cash budgets for depreciation.
| 2016-17 | 2017-18 | 2018-19 | 2019-20 | 2020-21 | |
| £m | £m | £m | £m | £m | |
| DfI Opening Budget | 372.8 | 366.9 | 370.4 | 384.6 | 417.9 |
The 2020-21 Budget provided £44 million of ring fenced New Decade New Approach funding for Transformation.
This was augmented by additional funding reprioritised by my Department through both recurrent and non-recurrent funding streams – and also including additional funding through the June monitoring process - to create a Transformation funding pot worth almost £94.4 million.
This funding met the inescapable costs associated with the existing Transformation programme which was originally established in 2018.
Transformation projects funded in 2020-21 support the entire HSC portfolio and include key priorities identified under New Decade, New Approach such as:
an additional 900 nursing and midwifery undergraduate places over three years
support for the development of a strategy, and implementation plan on cancer
further roll out of Multi-Disciplinary Teams in Primary Care.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014104%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=325332","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=325332"}},{"id":"325331","reference":"AQW 14103/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-04","answerBy":"2021-02-19","answered":"2021-02-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the number of staff working in (i) major projects and procurement; and (ii) networking services, broken down by grade, in each of the last five years.","answerText":"I understand that the Member’s question relates to two directorates within my Department, our Major Projects Directorate and our Network Services Directorate.\n\nThe Major Projects Directorate was established on 1 August 2019 and information is not therefore available for the full five year period. For the Network Services Directorate, the information is available for the 5 year period requested. The information that is available is provided in the table below:\n\nGrade\tNetwork Services\tMajor Projects & Procurement\n2016/17- 2019/20\nStructure\t2021/22\nStructure\tCurrent Staff in Post\t2019/20- 2020/21\nStructure\tCurrent Staff in Post\nG5\t1.0\t1.0\t1.0\t1.0\t1.0\nG6\t4.0\t4.0\t4.0\t1.0\t1.0\nPPTO\t18.0\t18.0\t13.0\t5.0\t5.0\nSPTO/ DP\t60.0\t62.0\t51.0\t11.0\t9.0\nHPTO/ SO\t99.0\t101.0\t78.0\t11.0\t9.0\nPTO\t191.5\t207.5\t207.0\t0.0\t0.0\nEOI, EOII PERS SEC\t37.0\t38.0\t37.5\t2.0\t2.0\nAO/ AA/ TYPIST\t87.0\t84.5\t79.0\t1.0\t1.0\nTG\t102.0\t105.0\t69.0\t0.0\t0.0\nTotal\t599.5\t621.0\t539.5\t32.0\t28.0","answerHtml":"I understand that the Member’s question relates to two directorates within my Department, our Major Projects Directorate and our Network Services Directorate.
The Major Projects Directorate was established on 1 August 2019 and information is not therefore available for the full five year period. For the Network Services Directorate, the information is available for the 5 year period requested. The information that is available is provided in the table below:
| Grade | Network Services | Major Projects & Procurement | |||
| 2016/17- 2019/20 Structure | 2021/22 Structure | Current Staff in Post | 2019/20- 2020/21 Structure | Current Staff in Post | |
| G5 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| G6 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| PPTO | 18.0 | 18.0 | 13.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| SPTO/ DP | 60.0 | 62.0 | 51.0 | 11.0 | 9.0 |
| HPTO/ SO | 99.0 | 101.0 | 78.0 | 11.0 | 9.0 |
| PTO | 191.5 | 207.5 | 207.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| EOI, EOII PERS SEC | 37.0 | 38.0 | 37.5 | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| AO/ AA/ TYPIST | 87.0 | 84.5 | 79.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| TG | 102.0 | 105.0 | 69.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Total | 599.5 | 621.0 | 539.5 | 32.0 | 28.0 |
The 2020-21 combined capital and resource budget for road maintenance is £96million, outturn will only be confirmed after the year end.
The table below provides details of my Department’s total capital and resource structural road maintenance expenditure for all completed financial years since 2017-18.
| Structural Maintenance | Financial Year | ||
| 2017-18 £million | 2018-19 £million | 2019-20 £million | |
| Outturn | 69.5 | 108.5 | 106.3 |
Outturns will have been determined by budget availability and capacity in a given year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014102%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=325330","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=325330"}},{"id":"325329","reference":"AQW 14101/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-04","answerBy":"2021-02-19","answered":"2021-02-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health how much COVID-19 funding he has bid for for 2021/22 ahead of the 2021/22 draft budget; and how he plans to allocate the £380 million contained within the draft budget.","answerText":"My Department bid for £380 million Covid-19 funding in the 2021/22 budget exercise ahead of the 2021/22 draft budget.\n\nThe allocation of £380 million to cover our COVID/Rebuild identified pressures is broken down as follows:\n\n£25m for Covid-19 vaccine deployment;\n\n£105m for the ongoing Covid-19 operational response;\n\n£250m for rebuilding services.","answerHtml":"My Department bid for £380 million Covid-19 funding in the 2021/22 budget exercise ahead of the 2021/22 draft budget.
The allocation of £380 million to cover our COVID/Rebuild identified pressures is broken down as follows:
£25m for Covid-19 vaccine deployment;
£105m for the ongoing Covid-19 operational response;
£250m for rebuilding services.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014101%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=325329","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=325329"}},{"id":"325361","reference":"AQO 1570/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-04","answerBy":"2021-02-16","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to outline the actions she is taking to mitigate the impact on her Department arising from the termination of EU Structural Funds.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201570%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=325361","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=325361"}},{"id":"324845","reference":"AQW 13871/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-02-01","answerBy":"2021-02-04","answered":"2021-02-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether he will amend relevant criteria to make Sports Clubs, operating a commercial entity required to close under COVID-19 public health restrictions, such as hospitality, eligible for support from the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme if disqualified for support under the Sports Sustainability Fund.","answerText":"I refer the Member to my answer to the Member for Belfast East (AQW 13303/17-22). If a club is involved in a sport whose governing body is not recognised by Sports NI, and if such a club is operating a commercial entity that is required to close under COVID-19 public health restrictions, then that club may apply to the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme. There is no need to amend the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme to allow for such applications.","answerHtml":"I refer the Member to my answer to the Member for Belfast East (AQW 13303/17-22). If a club is involved in a sport whose governing body is not recognised by Sports NI, and if such a club is operating a commercial entity that is required to close under COVID-19 public health restrictions, then that club may apply to the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme. There is no need to amend the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme to allow for such applications.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013871%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=324845","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=324845"}},{"id":"324626","reference":"AQW 13776/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-29","answerBy":"2021-02-15","answered":"2021-02-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance when he intends to commence recruitment for the Fiscal Council.","answerText":"Preparations for establishing the Fiscal Council are at an advanced stage and I expect to make an announcement shortly.","answerHtml":"Preparations for establishing the Fiscal Council are at an advanced stage and I expect to make an announcement shortly.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013776%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=324626","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=324626"}},{"id":"324625","reference":"AQW 13775/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-29","answerBy":"2021-02-15","answered":"2021-02-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme is open to restaurant and takeaway businesses which have had to limit operations and experienced a downturn in trade.","answerText":"The Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS) provides financial support to restaurants for the periods they are closed or severely curtailed in the service they may provide by the Health Protection Regulations. The scheme does not provide support to businesses that have been permitted to remain open. Take-away food businesses that have had some limitations in their opening hours for certain periods but have otherwise been able to remain open by the Health Protection Regulations are not eligible for LRSS payments.","answerHtml":"The Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS) provides financial support to restaurants for the periods they are closed or severely curtailed in the service they may provide by the Health Protection Regulations. The scheme does not provide support to businesses that have been permitted to remain open. Take-away food businesses that have had some limitations in their opening hours for certain periods but have otherwise been able to remain open by the Health Protection Regulations are not eligible for LRSS payments.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013775%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=324625","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=324625"}},{"id":"324624","reference":"AQW 13774/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-29","answerBy":"2021-02-15","answered":"2021-06-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail (i) the original total amount to repay; (ii) the outstanding amount to repay; and (iii) the final repayment date, for all outstanding PFI projects involving Executive Departments.","answerText":"The table below shows the original total amount to repay, the outstanding amount to repay as at 1 April 2020, and the final repayment date, for all outstanding PFI projects managed by Executive Departments.\n\nProject\tDepartment\tOriginal Repayment Amount (£)\tOutstanding Repayment Amount (£)\tFinal Repayment Date\nLandweb\tDoF\t46m\t4.5m\tJul 2021\nDesign, Build, Finance and Operations (DBFO) Package 1\tDfI\t509.1m\t336.4m\tMar 2036\nDBFO Package 2\tDfI\t1,035.1m\t828m\tMar 2038\nLaganside Court Complex\tDOJ\t92.9m\t27.6m\tDec 2026\nLisburn City Library\tLibraries NI\t11.6m\t5.5m\tNov 2030\nKinnegar\tNI Water\t52.1m\t9.3m\tMay 2024\nProject Alpha\tNI Water\t494.1m\t285m\tJun 2031\nProject Omega\tNI Water\t636.9m\t365.8m\tApr 2032\nDrumglass High School\tEducation Authority\t28.8m\t6.8m\tSep 2025\nWellington / Balmoral\tEducation Authority\t30.1m\t10.5m\tJan 2027\nSt Genevieve’s HS1\tEducation Authority\t68.7m\t21.1m\tFeb 2027\nHoly Cross College 1\tEducation Authority\t135.7m\t79.5m\tAug 2033\nDown and Connor 1\tEducation Authority\t158.3m\t106.4m\tMay 2035\nDe La Salle 1\tEducation Authority\t82.9m\t57.3m\tApr 2036\nDerry~ Londonderry Schools 1\tEducation Authority\t175.6m\t119.0m\tApr 2036\nTor Bank\tEducation Authority\t43.5m\t32.4m\tOct 2037\nBangor Academy / Nendrum College\tEducation Authority\t147.0m\t96.1m\tFeb 2038\nLagan College 1\tEducation Authority\t113.4m\t87.5\tJun 2038\nBelfast PPP Schools\tEducation Authority\t444.0m\t325.5\tApr 2039\n\n1Costs include irrecoverable VAT at a rate of 20%\n\nNote that the repayment amount may include charges for ongoing service delivery. The outstanding repayment amount may be subject to review under the terms of the contract, for example to account for inflation.","answerHtml":"The table below shows the original total amount to repay, the outstanding amount to repay as at 1 April 2020, and the final repayment date, for all outstanding PFI projects managed by Executive Departments.
| Project | Department | Original Repayment Amount (£) | Outstanding Repayment Amount (£) | Final Repayment Date |
| Landweb | DoF | 46m | 4.5m | Jul 2021 |
| Design, Build, Finance and Operations (DBFO) Package 1 | DfI | 509.1m | 336.4m | Mar 2036 |
| DBFO Package 2 | DfI | 1,035.1m | 828m | Mar 2038 |
| Laganside Court Complex | DOJ | 92.9m | 27.6m | Dec 2026 |
| Lisburn City Library | Libraries NI | 11.6m | 5.5m | Nov 2030 |
| Kinnegar | NI Water | 52.1m | 9.3m | May 2024 |
| Project Alpha | NI Water | 494.1m | 285m | Jun 2031 |
| Project Omega | NI Water | 636.9m | 365.8m | Apr 2032 |
| Drumglass High School | Education Authority | 28.8m | 6.8m | Sep 2025 |
| Wellington / Balmoral | Education Authority | 30.1m | 10.5m | Jan 2027 |
| St Genevieve’s HS1 | Education Authority | 68.7m | 21.1m | Feb 2027 |
| Holy Cross College 1 | Education Authority | 135.7m | 79.5m | Aug 2033 |
| Down and Connor 1 | Education Authority | 158.3m | 106.4m | May 2035 |
| De La Salle 1 | Education Authority | 82.9m | 57.3m | Apr 2036 |
| Derry~ Londonderry Schools 1 | Education Authority | 175.6m | 119.0m | Apr 2036 |
| Tor Bank | Education Authority | 43.5m | 32.4m | Oct 2037 |
| Bangor Academy / Nendrum College | Education Authority | 147.0m | 96.1m | Feb 2038 |
| Lagan College 1 | Education Authority | 113.4m | 87.5 | Jun 2038 |
| Belfast PPP Schools | Education Authority | 444.0m | 325.5 | Apr 2039 |
1Costs include irrecoverable VAT at a rate of 20%
Note that the repayment amount may include charges for ongoing service delivery. The outstanding repayment amount may be subject to review under the terms of the contract, for example to account for inflation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013774%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=324624","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=324624"}},{"id":"324623","reference":"AQW 13773/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-29","answerBy":"2021-02-15","answered":"2021-02-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance why Northern Ireland will receive Financial Transaction Capital of £73.6 million in 2021/22 compared to £194.6 million in 2020/21.","answerText":"The outcome of the Spending Review announced on 25 November 2020, provided the Executive with £73.6 million Financial Transactions Capital for 2021-22.\n\nThis was as a result of the application of the Barnett formula on reduced Financial Transactions Capital expenditure in England in 2021-22 when compared to expenditure in 2020-21.","answerHtml":"The outcome of the Spending Review announced on 25 November 2020, provided the Executive with £73.6 million Financial Transactions Capital for 2021-22.
This was as a result of the application of the Barnett formula on reduced Financial Transactions Capital expenditure in England in 2021-22 when compared to expenditure in 2020-21.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013773%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=324623","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=324623"}},{"id":"324622","reference":"AQW 13772/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-29","answerBy":"2021-02-15","answered":"2021-02-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health why a lower number of COVID-19 vaccines are administered on (i) Saturdays; and (ii) Sundays compared to weekdays.","answerText":"Mass vaccination centres are operating between 8am and 8pm seven days a week. GP Practices are providing their vaccination programme in addition to their normal work commitments.\n\nExperience has already taught us to expect temporary dips in vaccination\n\nnumbers although overall the uptake by the public remains very good.\n\nThe Covid-19 Vaccination Programme will take time to ensure it is implemented safely.","answerHtml":"Mass vaccination centres are operating between 8am and 8pm seven days a week. GP Practices are providing their vaccination programme in addition to their normal work commitments.
Experience has already taught us to expect temporary dips in vaccination
numbers although overall the uptake by the public remains very good.
The Covid-19 Vaccination Programme will take time to ensure it is implemented safely.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013772%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=324622","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=324622"}},{"id":"324395","reference":"AQW 13669/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-28","answerBy":"2021-02-12","answered":"2021-02-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether the Driver and Vehicle Agency plans to move towards full acceptance of credit and debit card payments, removing cheques or postal orders as methods of payment.","answerText":"The Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) offers a range of online and telephony services that require credit and debit card payments. However, there remains a few services that can only be paid for by cheque or postal order.\n\nThe DVA is currently developing plans to further enhance and improve its digital services to better meet the needs of its customers with a view to phasing out cheques and postal orders as methods of payment in favour of electronic payment options. This is being taken forward as part of an ongoing programme of work, subject to the necessary resources and funding being available.","answerHtml":"The Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) offers a range of online and telephony services that require credit and debit card payments. However, there remains a few services that can only be paid for by cheque or postal order.
The DVA is currently developing plans to further enhance and improve its digital services to better meet the needs of its customers with a view to phasing out cheques and postal orders as methods of payment in favour of electronic payment options. This is being taken forward as part of an ongoing programme of work, subject to the necessary resources and funding being available.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013669%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=324395","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=324395"}},{"id":"324394","reference":"AQW 13668/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-28","answerBy":"2021-02-12","answered":"2021-02-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for her assessment of (i) the state of Clandeboye Lake, Bangor; and (ii) any risks arising from this.","answerText":"The owners and managers of reservoirs have a common law duty to ensure that their reservoir is safe. As previously advised, I cannot comment on individual reservoirs in relation to their condition as ‘Guidance within the National Protocol for the Handling, Transmission and Storage of Reservoir Information and Flood Maps (June 2018)’ advises against the release into the public domain of detail that may expose potential vulnerabilities in a reservoir.\n\nMy officials have responded to consultations for proposed development within the inundation area of this reservoir and have advised the Planning Authority that the Planning Policy requirements, in relation to development in reservoir inundation zones, has not been met.","answerHtml":"The owners and managers of reservoirs have a common law duty to ensure that their reservoir is safe. As previously advised, I cannot comment on individual reservoirs in relation to their condition as ‘Guidance within the National Protocol for the Handling, Transmission and Storage of Reservoir Information and Flood Maps (June 2018)’ advises against the release into the public domain of detail that may expose potential vulnerabilities in a reservoir.
My officials have responded to consultations for proposed development within the inundation area of this reservoir and have advised the Planning Authority that the Planning Policy requirements, in relation to development in reservoir inundation zones, has not been met.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013668%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=324394","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=324394"}},{"id":"324393","reference":"AQW 13667/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-28","answerBy":"2021-02-12","answered":"2021-02-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure why her Department is unwilling to consider further measures to reduce and inhibit bridge collisions on Ballysallagh Road, Craigantlet, following collisions in recent times.","answerText":"Following a bridge strike in early 2018 my officials carried out a review which resulted in a series of additional signs being erected. This brings the total number of signs on the bridge and the approach roads to fifteen.\n\nOfficials have installed significant signage and markings on the approaches and on the bridge to alert drivers to its presence. I am advised this is sufficient and as such there are no plans for further measures at this time. There are limitations to what my Department can do and there is a responsibility on drivers of high vehicles who are expected to know their vehicle size and to plan their routes to avoid hazards such as low bridges.","answerHtml":"Following a bridge strike in early 2018 my officials carried out a review which resulted in a series of additional signs being erected. This brings the total number of signs on the bridge and the approach roads to fifteen.
Officials have installed significant signage and markings on the approaches and on the bridge to alert drivers to its presence. I am advised this is sufficient and as such there are no plans for further measures at this time. There are limitations to what my Department can do and there is a responsibility on drivers of high vehicles who are expected to know their vehicle size and to plan their routes to avoid hazards such as low bridges.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013667%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=324393","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=324393"}},{"id":"324392","reference":"AQW 13666/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-28","answerBy":"2021-02-12","answered":"2021-02-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail efforts being undertaken to negate the need for Northern Ireland motorists to obtain and carry a Green Card when travelling into the Republic of Ireland.","answerText":"Following the end of the transition period, the UK no longer has automatic membership of the Green Card Free Circulation Zone established by the Motor Insurance Directive. Approval has been sought from the EU to be re-admitted but until or unless the EU decides to re-admit the UK, a green card will be required for vehicles from GB and NI being driven in any EU country.\n\nAs insurance is a reserved matter, the Department for Transport have been engaged with the motor insurance industry on this matter. I am clear that motorists travelling north and south should face no disruption, and in line with this objective, my officials remain in regular contact throughout this engagement to ensure the specific needs of Northern Ireland motorists are taken into account and they can drive south without any need for a Green Card.","answerHtml":"Following the end of the transition period, the UK no longer has automatic membership of the Green Card Free Circulation Zone established by the Motor Insurance Directive. Approval has been sought from the EU to be re-admitted but until or unless the EU decides to re-admit the UK, a green card will be required for vehicles from GB and NI being driven in any EU country.
As insurance is a reserved matter, the Department for Transport have been engaged with the motor insurance industry on this matter. I am clear that motorists travelling north and south should face no disruption, and in line with this objective, my officials remain in regular contact throughout this engagement to ensure the specific needs of Northern Ireland motorists are taken into account and they can drive south without any need for a Green Card.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013666%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=324392","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=324392"}},{"id":"324391","reference":"AQW 13665/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-28","answerBy":"2021-02-12","answered":"2021-02-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities, pursuant to AQW 9343/17-22, for an update on the review of the Adviser Discretion Fund.","answerText":"My Department, as part of the labour market response to the Covid-19 pandemic, has carried out a recent review of the Adviser Discretion Fund (ADF) and recommended that costs should be increased.\n\nThe Executive’s draft Budget 2021-22 present significant challenges for the Executive and across departments with a constrained Spending Review outcome. However, no decisions on the final outcome have been made yet. The Executive’s draft Budget 2021-22 is currently subject to consultation and all responses will be taken into account when finalising the Budget.","answerHtml":"My Department, as part of the labour market response to the Covid-19 pandemic, has carried out a recent review of the Adviser Discretion Fund (ADF) and recommended that costs should be increased.
The Executive’s draft Budget 2021-22 present significant challenges for the Executive and across departments with a constrained Spending Review outcome. However, no decisions on the final outcome have been made yet. The Executive’s draft Budget 2021-22 is currently subject to consultation and all responses will be taken into account when finalising the Budget.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013665%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=324391","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=324391"}},{"id":"324252","reference":"AQW 13562/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-27","answerBy":"2021-02-02","answered":"2021-02-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she intends to bring forward a grant scheme to assist large leisure and entertainment businesses previously excluded from other grant schemes following launch of other similar schemes such as the Large Tourism and Hospitality Business Support Scheme.","answerText":"The Large Tourism and Hospitality Business Support Scheme was announced on 21 January 2021. The scheme will provide support to large businesses within the tourism and hospitality sector to help them meet the fixed costs and overheads that they need keep their business going and to protect jobs.\n\nThe support scheme, agreed by the Executive, has been designed within a limited budget to support large businesses within these sectors only.\n\nI understand that businesses in the leisure and entertainment industry had access to support provided by the Department for Communities through its Culture, Languages, Arts and Heritage Programme 2020/2021 and including schemes such as the Stability and Renewal Programme and the National Lottery Heritage Recovery Fund. These schemes were open to businesses such as cinemas, theatres, amusement and recreation organisations and visitor attraction centres.\n\nIn considering further interventions, it will be for the Executive to determine future funding to support economic recovery moving forward. I am also working closely with others, both within Government and with key stakeholders from various industries, on an economic recovery plan.","answerHtml":"The Large Tourism and Hospitality Business Support Scheme was announced on 21 January 2021. The scheme will provide support to large businesses within the tourism and hospitality sector to help them meet the fixed costs and overheads that they need keep their business going and to protect jobs.
The support scheme, agreed by the Executive, has been designed within a limited budget to support large businesses within these sectors only.
I understand that businesses in the leisure and entertainment industry had access to support provided by the Department for Communities through its Culture, Languages, Arts and Heritage Programme 2020/2021 and including schemes such as the Stability and Renewal Programme and the National Lottery Heritage Recovery Fund. These schemes were open to businesses such as cinemas, theatres, amusement and recreation organisations and visitor attraction centres.
In considering further interventions, it will be for the Executive to determine future funding to support economic recovery moving forward. I am also working closely with others, both within Government and with key stakeholders from various industries, on an economic recovery plan.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013562%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=324252","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=324252"}},{"id":"324251","reference":"AQW 13561/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-27","answerBy":"2021-02-11","answered":"2021-03-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance, in relation to support given to Soft Play Businesses under the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme, whether a decision has been made to consider such support and payments ineligible; and to detail any attempts to claw back payments.","answerText":"Soft play businesses have been required to close under the Health Regulations since 27 November 2020 and are entitled to support under the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS) from that date.\n\nA number of soft play businesses applied for support as cafés in the earlier period of restrictions that began on 16 October 2020 and were paid. Where the café within a soft play centre is run as a separate business, the café is entitled to support from this earlier date. Where the café forms an integral part of the main business, and is not separately run, then the business is only entitled to LRSS support from 27 November 2020.\n\nAny soft play business that has been paid erroneously for the period between 16 October and 27 November, will have future payments to which it is entitled reduced by the amount that it has been paid in error. This will have the effect of addressing the overpayments. My Department will only seek repayment of an erroneous payment if it is clear there is an overpaid balance after consideration has been given to the business’s entitlement for support for the entire duration of Restrictions.\n\nSoft play businesses were required to remain closed over the summer period and were only permitted to reopen on 14 September 2020. In recognition of that extended period of closure, I have obtained Executive approval for a retrospective payment of financial assistance for these business between 4 July 2020 and 14 September 2020.","answerHtml":"Soft play businesses have been required to close under the Health Regulations since 27 November 2020 and are entitled to support under the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS) from that date.
A number of soft play businesses applied for support as cafés in the earlier period of restrictions that began on 16 October 2020 and were paid. Where the café within a soft play centre is run as a separate business, the café is entitled to support from this earlier date. Where the café forms an integral part of the main business, and is not separately run, then the business is only entitled to LRSS support from 27 November 2020.
Any soft play business that has been paid erroneously for the period between 16 October and 27 November, will have future payments to which it is entitled reduced by the amount that it has been paid in error. This will have the effect of addressing the overpayments. My Department will only seek repayment of an erroneous payment if it is clear there is an overpaid balance after consideration has been given to the business’s entitlement for support for the entire duration of Restrictions.
Soft play businesses were required to remain closed over the summer period and were only permitted to reopen on 14 September 2020. In recognition of that extended period of closure, I have obtained Executive approval for a retrospective payment of financial assistance for these business between 4 July 2020 and 14 September 2020.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013561%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=324251","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=324251"}},{"id":"324249","reference":"AQW 13559/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-27","answerBy":"2021-02-11","answered":"2021-03-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she intends to bring forward a support package for travel agents in light of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic","answerText":"The Executive and the UK Government have introduced a wide range of business support schemes to help ease the extraordinary burden that has been placed on entire communities and our local economy, due to the ongoing global pandemic.\n\nTo date, my Department has provided over £370 million of lifeline support to over 30,000 businesses and individuals, and is currently delivering millions of pounds to thousands more. These businesses cover all sectors and occupations throughout Northern Ireland, including travel agents.\n\nTravel Agencies operating in retail premises have also benefitted from 100% rates holiday for 12 months in 2020/21. Businesses employing staff would also have been eligible for Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, whilst self-employed Travel Agents or Tour Operators would also have been able to claim for lost revenue through the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme.\n\nWhile the continuing restrictions have been a necessary response to this public health crisis, they have had a devastating impact on many businesses and individuals. I have listened to the concerns of many stakeholders and representative groups and, in response, have announced a number of new support schemes in recent months.\n\nEach of these require substantial resources. The majority of the current schemes are being administered by InvestNI, who are working at full capacity to meet the demands of this responsibility.\n\nThe Association of Northern Ireland Travel Agents (ANITA) most recently engaged with the Minister of Finance, along with the First Minister and deputy First Minister.\n\nI am aware of current considerations that are being given to this request from ANITA on behalf of local travel agents, and am on record as stating that I would support a targeted financial package for this industry.","answerHtml":"The Executive and the UK Government have introduced a wide range of business support schemes to help ease the extraordinary burden that has been placed on entire communities and our local economy, due to the ongoing global pandemic.
To date, my Department has provided over £370 million of lifeline support to over 30,000 businesses and individuals, and is currently delivering millions of pounds to thousands more. These businesses cover all sectors and occupations throughout Northern Ireland, including travel agents.
Travel Agencies operating in retail premises have also benefitted from 100% rates holiday for 12 months in 2020/21. Businesses employing staff would also have been eligible for Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, whilst self-employed Travel Agents or Tour Operators would also have been able to claim for lost revenue through the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme.
While the continuing restrictions have been a necessary response to this public health crisis, they have had a devastating impact on many businesses and individuals. I have listened to the concerns of many stakeholders and representative groups and, in response, have announced a number of new support schemes in recent months.
Each of these require substantial resources. The majority of the current schemes are being administered by InvestNI, who are working at full capacity to meet the demands of this responsibility.
The Association of Northern Ireland Travel Agents (ANITA) most recently engaged with the Minister of Finance, along with the First Minister and deputy First Minister.
I am aware of current considerations that are being given to this request from ANITA on behalf of local travel agents, and am on record as stating that I would support a targeted financial package for this industry.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013559%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=324249","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=324249"}},{"id":"324248","reference":"AQW 13558/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-27","answerBy":"2021-02-11","answered":"2021-02-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether there will be any further provision of priority driving test appointments for newly employed critical workers unable to apply before the 5 October deadline.","answerText":"During the initial lockdown period, the DVA assessed requests from key workers to provide them with priority driving tests appointments, once driving tests resumed. From 1 September 2020, the DVA resumed priority driving tests for key workers, and those who had their driving tests cancelled between the end of March and late June. The DVA continued to accept and assess requests for consideration as a key worker until 5 October 2020 when the application process for key workers closed and the booking system opened to all customers.\n\nThe DVA has received a number of requests from key workers requesting that they reinstate a priority service for them to avail of early appointments. The DVA is actively considering the facilitation of priority requests from key workers whose jobs are ancillary to medical, health or social care services and who are required to drive for the purposes of their work. However this approach, if implemented, would be based on engagement with the relevant employers, rather than with the individual learners, to provide the DVA with a list of any relevant staff that fall within this priority group.","answerHtml":"During the initial lockdown period, the DVA assessed requests from key workers to provide them with priority driving tests appointments, once driving tests resumed. From 1 September 2020, the DVA resumed priority driving tests for key workers, and those who had their driving tests cancelled between the end of March and late June. The DVA continued to accept and assess requests for consideration as a key worker until 5 October 2020 when the application process for key workers closed and the booking system opened to all customers.
The DVA has received a number of requests from key workers requesting that they reinstate a priority service for them to avail of early appointments. The DVA is actively considering the facilitation of priority requests from key workers whose jobs are ancillary to medical, health or social care services and who are required to drive for the purposes of their work. However this approach, if implemented, would be based on engagement with the relevant employers, rather than with the individual learners, to provide the DVA with a list of any relevant staff that fall within this priority group.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013558%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=324248","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=324248"}},{"id":"324023","reference":"AQW 13470/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-26","answerBy":"2021-01-29","answered":"2021-01-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the powers to remove a member of the Education Authority Board.","answerText":"Under Schedule 1 of the Education Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 the Education Authority consists of a Chairperson (appointed by the Department on the basis of merit through a fair and open public competition), twelve persons appointed by the Department (“appointed members”), and eight nominated “political members”.\n\nThe Departmental appointments of the Chairperson and appointed members are for a specified period of not more than 4 years, and they hold and vacate office in accordance with the terms of their respective appointments subject to the provisions of paragraph 4 of Schedule 1 of the Act.\n\nUnder paragraph 4(4) of Schedule 1 of the Act, the Department may by notice in writing remove a person from office as Chair or as a Departmentally appointed member if satisfied that the person -\n\n(a)has, without reasonable excuse, failed to discharge the functions of the office for a continuous period of 6 months;\n\n(b)is the subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order (or interim order) or a debt relief restrictions order;\n\n(c)has failed to comply with the terms of appointment;\n\n(d)has been convicted of an indictable offence; or\n\n(e)is otherwise unable, unfit or unwilling to perform the functions of the office.\n\nThese provisions are not applicable to political members nominated in accordance with paragraph 3 of Schedule 1 of the Act. The arrangements for the nomination of political members by each political party’s nominating officer and the circumstances in which they shall cease to hold office are set out in paragraph 3 of Schedule 1 of the Act. The legislation does not provide for a term of a specified length for political members, but provides that they shall cease to hold office (and new nominations shall be sought) in the event of certain changes in the Executive and Assembly as defined under the Northern Ireland Act 1998 (e.g. an Assembly Election).","answerHtml":"Under Schedule 1 of the Education Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 the Education Authority consists of a Chairperson (appointed by the Department on the basis of merit through a fair and open public competition), twelve persons appointed by the Department (“appointed members”), and eight nominated “political members”.
The Departmental appointments of the Chairperson and appointed members are for a specified period of not more than 4 years, and they hold and vacate office in accordance with the terms of their respective appointments subject to the provisions of paragraph 4 of Schedule 1 of the Act.
Under paragraph 4(4) of Schedule 1 of the Act, the Department may by notice in writing remove a person from office as Chair or as a Departmentally appointed member if satisfied that the person -
(a)has, without reasonable excuse, failed to discharge the functions of the office for a continuous period of 6 months;
(b)is the subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order (or interim order) or a debt relief restrictions order;
(c)has failed to comply with the terms of appointment;
(d)has been convicted of an indictable offence; or
(e)is otherwise unable, unfit or unwilling to perform the functions of the office.
These provisions are not applicable to political members nominated in accordance with paragraph 3 of Schedule 1 of the Act. The arrangements for the nomination of political members by each political party’s nominating officer and the circumstances in which they shall cease to hold office are set out in paragraph 3 of Schedule 1 of the Act. The legislation does not provide for a term of a specified length for political members, but provides that they shall cease to hold office (and new nominations shall be sought) in the event of certain changes in the Executive and Assembly as defined under the Northern Ireland Act 1998 (e.g. an Assembly Election).
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013470%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=324023","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=324023"}},{"id":"324022","reference":"AQW 13469/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-26","answerBy":"2021-02-10","answered":"2021-02-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for his assessment of the impact of leaving the EU on Northern Ireland’s draft (i) Resource; and (ii) Capital budgets for 2021/22.","answerText":"The Spending Review sets the Resource and Capital envelopes for the Executive Budget. The envelope is dependent on spending decisions made in Whitehall and it is therefore not possible to determine the precise impact of leaving the EU on the Spending Review outcome for the Executive.\n\nHowever, I am disappointed by the level of replacement funding currently proposed by Treasury across a number of areas, including farm funding and the Shared Prosperity Fund. I have been engaging closely with my counterparts in Scotland and Wales who share these concerns. I will continue to press Treasury for an improved settlement that provides full replacement of EU funding lost due to leaving the EU.","answerHtml":"The Spending Review sets the Resource and Capital envelopes for the Executive Budget. The envelope is dependent on spending decisions made in Whitehall and it is therefore not possible to determine the precise impact of leaving the EU on the Spending Review outcome for the Executive.
However, I am disappointed by the level of replacement funding currently proposed by Treasury across a number of areas, including farm funding and the Shared Prosperity Fund. I have been engaging closely with my counterparts in Scotland and Wales who share these concerns. I will continue to press Treasury for an improved settlement that provides full replacement of EU funding lost due to leaving the EU.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013469%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=324022","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=324022"}},{"id":"324021","reference":"AQW 13468/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-26","answerBy":"2021-02-10","answered":"2021-02-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy why the Presbyterian Mutual Society had a reduced capital requirement of £7.8 million at the January monitoring round.","answerText":"The department included a negative £7.8 million in the January monitoring round against the Presbyterian Mutual Society (PMS) however this is not a reduced capital requirement but a capital receipt of funds repayable in respect of the loan arrangement between the Department and PMS. This was an expected capital repayment from PMS to the department. The Department of Finance requires that receipts are shown as a negative in monitoring rounds.","answerHtml":"The department included a negative £7.8 million in the January monitoring round against the Presbyterian Mutual Society (PMS) however this is not a reduced capital requirement but a capital receipt of funds repayable in respect of the loan arrangement between the Department and PMS. This was an expected capital repayment from PMS to the department. The Department of Finance requires that receipts are shown as a negative in monitoring rounds.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013468%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=324021","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=324021"}},{"id":"324020","reference":"AQW 13467/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-26","answerBy":"2021-02-10","answered":"2021-02-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what contingency plans she is making to bring forward legislation to extend Temporary Exemption Certificates beyond 12 months if COVID-19 restrictions limit the DVAs capacity to undertake all scheduled MOTs.","answerText":"The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) resumed vehicle testing on a phased basis from 20 July 2020 and from January 2021 has reinstated testing for those vehicles whose 12 month Temporary Exemption Certificates (TECs) are due to expire.\n\nIn light of the ongoing Covid restrictions, the DVA is considering a range of options to enable it to manage the demand for testing across its network particularly given the increase in demand from late March onwards. One option under consideration is extending TECs beyond the twelve month period to ensure all vehicles can legally be kept on the road.","answerHtml":"The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) resumed vehicle testing on a phased basis from 20 July 2020 and from January 2021 has reinstated testing for those vehicles whose 12 month Temporary Exemption Certificates (TECs) are due to expire.
In light of the ongoing Covid restrictions, the DVA is considering a range of options to enable it to manage the demand for testing across its network particularly given the increase in demand from late March onwards. One option under consideration is extending TECs beyond the twelve month period to ensure all vehicles can legally be kept on the road.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013467%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=324020","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=324020"}},{"id":"323812","reference":"AQW 13358/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-25","answerBy":"2021-02-09","answered":"2021-02-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy when the last review concerning the effectiveness of InvestNI was conducted.","answerText":"Invest NI was subject to an Independent Review of Economic Policy (IREP) in 2008/2009, the review focussed on the effectiveness of Invest NI’s policies and programmes to deliver the overarching productivity goal in the PfG. A final report was published in September 2009.\n\nA further review of Invest NI’s performance, from its inception in April 2002 to March 2011, was carried out by Northern Ireland Audit Office. A final report was published in March 2012.","answerHtml":"Invest NI was subject to an Independent Review of Economic Policy (IREP) in 2008/2009, the review focussed on the effectiveness of Invest NI’s policies and programmes to deliver the overarching productivity goal in the PfG. A final report was published in September 2009.
A further review of Invest NI’s performance, from its inception in April 2002 to March 2011, was carried out by Northern Ireland Audit Office. A final report was published in March 2012.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013358%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=323812","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=323812"}},{"id":"323811","reference":"AQW 13357/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-25","answerBy":"2021-02-09","answered":"2021-02-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the Review of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011.","answerText":"Officials have commenced work on the review within the terms set out in the regulations, and my Department aims to undertake a targeted call for evidence exercise, to include councils, statutory consultees and other community, business and environmental representatives. The evidence gathered as part of this engagement exercise will help inform the preparation of the review report.","answerHtml":"Officials have commenced work on the review within the terms set out in the regulations, and my Department aims to undertake a targeted call for evidence exercise, to include councils, statutory consultees and other community, business and environmental representatives. The evidence gathered as part of this engagement exercise will help inform the preparation of the review report.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013357%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=323811","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=323811"}},{"id":"323577","reference":"AQW 13250/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-22","answerBy":"2021-01-27","answered":"2021-01-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance what actions his Department is taking to improve the operation of the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme, including (i) efforts to more quickly expedite processing of applications and payments; and (ii) communications with applicants concerning status of applications.","answerText":"Land & Property Services has made a number of changes to the operation of the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme since it was established in early October with the aim of improving its operation, including investing in software and other measures to streamline the process and allow staff to deal with errors in applications without the need for applicants to reapply.\n\nIn anticipation that the Executive may need to further extend or adjust the restrictions, Land & Property Services has set up the system for the scheme in such a way as to allow top-up payments to approved applicants to be issued automatically without the need for further application.\n\nBecause the volume of applications has been very high and the restrictions have been amended and extended on a number of occasions, the administration of the scheme has been more complex than anticipated. As a result, LPS has directed all its available staff to the processing of applications to ensure payment is made at the earliest possible date. These staff are working hard to process the applications as quickly as possible, and I am very grateful to them for doing so. However, this has meant that there are no resources available with the necessary expertise to provide a dedicated telephone service to handle individual cases and all communication has been directed through e-mail.","answerHtml":"Land & Property Services has made a number of changes to the operation of the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme since it was established in early October with the aim of improving its operation, including investing in software and other measures to streamline the process and allow staff to deal with errors in applications without the need for applicants to reapply.
In anticipation that the Executive may need to further extend or adjust the restrictions, Land & Property Services has set up the system for the scheme in such a way as to allow top-up payments to approved applicants to be issued automatically without the need for further application.
Because the volume of applications has been very high and the restrictions have been amended and extended on a number of occasions, the administration of the scheme has been more complex than anticipated. As a result, LPS has directed all its available staff to the processing of applications to ensure payment is made at the earliest possible date. These staff are working hard to process the applications as quickly as possible, and I am very grateful to them for doing so. However, this has meant that there are no resources available with the necessary expertise to provide a dedicated telephone service to handle individual cases and all communication has been directed through e-mail.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013250%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=323577","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=323577"}},{"id":"323576","reference":"AQW 13249/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-22","answerBy":"2021-02-08","answered":"2021-02-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in light of concerns associated with COVID-19, and specifically for people who are Clinically Extremely Vulnerable, whether any exceptional circumstances can be considered to enable issuance of Temporary Exemption Certificates beyond the twelve month period.","answerText":"In light of the ongoing Covid restrictions, the DVA is considering a range of options to enable it to manage the demand for testing across its network particularly given the increase in demand from late March onwards. I can confirm that one option under consideration is extending TECs beyond the twelve month period to ensure all vehicles can legally be kept on the road.\n\nIn terms of ensuring the safety of customers and staff, the DVA has carried out an extensive review of its risk assessments to ensure that all relevant control measures relating to Covid-19 have been incorporated into its vehicle testing processes. The risk assessments fully comply with the latest advice and guidance published by the Public Health Agency in terms of social distancing, regular handwashing and good respiratory hygiene and the measures the DVA has adopted have been endorsed as both necessary and proportionate by the Chief Medical Officer.\n\nAll vehicle examiners are provided with face coverings and are required to wear a range of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while conducting vehicle tests. Single use disposable seat covers are also provided and only one examiner will enter each vehicle presented for test. All customers have access to hand sanitiser and toilet facilities at each test site. As a precautionary measure it is also recommended that customers bring their own hand sanitiser and /or wipes to clean and sanitise all internal surfaces in their vehicle after the test has been completed.\n\nHowever, I can fully understand the concerns that vulnerable people may have about presenting their vehicle for test, but I would emphasise that it is not essential for them to do so. Indeed many vehicles are presented by the repair garage, a relative or friend on behalf of the owner which is an option some customers may wish to explore in order to allow a period of time between the test and the vehicle being utilised directly by the owner.\n\nI can assure you it is my priority to ensure that our staff and customers remain safe and the DVA will continue to be guided by the latest public health and scientific advice as we work as quickly as we can to serve all our customers.","answerHtml":"In light of the ongoing Covid restrictions, the DVA is considering a range of options to enable it to manage the demand for testing across its network particularly given the increase in demand from late March onwards. I can confirm that one option under consideration is extending TECs beyond the twelve month period to ensure all vehicles can legally be kept on the road.
In terms of ensuring the safety of customers and staff, the DVA has carried out an extensive review of its risk assessments to ensure that all relevant control measures relating to Covid-19 have been incorporated into its vehicle testing processes. The risk assessments fully comply with the latest advice and guidance published by the Public Health Agency in terms of social distancing, regular handwashing and good respiratory hygiene and the measures the DVA has adopted have been endorsed as both necessary and proportionate by the Chief Medical Officer.
All vehicle examiners are provided with face coverings and are required to wear a range of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while conducting vehicle tests. Single use disposable seat covers are also provided and only one examiner will enter each vehicle presented for test. All customers have access to hand sanitiser and toilet facilities at each test site. As a precautionary measure it is also recommended that customers bring their own hand sanitiser and /or wipes to clean and sanitise all internal surfaces in their vehicle after the test has been completed.
However, I can fully understand the concerns that vulnerable people may have about presenting their vehicle for test, but I would emphasise that it is not essential for them to do so. Indeed many vehicles are presented by the repair garage, a relative or friend on behalf of the owner which is an option some customers may wish to explore in order to allow a period of time between the test and the vehicle being utilised directly by the owner.
I can assure you it is my priority to ensure that our staff and customers remain safe and the DVA will continue to be guided by the latest public health and scientific advice as we work as quickly as we can to serve all our customers.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013249%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=323576","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=323576"}},{"id":"323575","reference":"AQW 13248/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-22","answerBy":"2021-02-08","answered":"2021-02-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for her assessment of the impact of the draft 2021/22 budget on Northern Ireland Water.","answerText":"The draft 2021/22 budget position effectively provides very limited scope to provide the additional Public Expenditure that NI Water relies on from the Executive to provide the essential water and wastewater services that we all rely on for our health, to provide capacity for housing development, to protect our environment and to stimulate the economic recovery from Covid-19.\n\nNI Water has planned to embark on an ambitious new Price Control, PC21, which would see it begin to recover our water and wastewater infrastructure from years of underinvestment and neglect. If the Executive cannot provide the required funding, then the actions needed to live within the Public Expenditure baseline in 2021/22, would require a complete re-evaluation of the services that NI Water could provide within a very constrained budget, as opposed to what the Regulator determines is needed. The consequences of not meeting PC21 levels of investment would be detrimental to environmental standards and could have implications for public health. The pressure on the Resource budget would also limit the company’s efficiency and ability to respond to extreme weather events or other crises. The consequences of not addressing this will detrimentally impact on all aspects of life and the ability of the Executive to deliver on its own Programme for Government. I will continue to press at the Executive for the levels of investment required in our water and waste water infrastructure. Without this investment, the Executive will not be able to deliver on its Programme for Government.","answerHtml":"The draft 2021/22 budget position effectively provides very limited scope to provide the additional Public Expenditure that NI Water relies on from the Executive to provide the essential water and wastewater services that we all rely on for our health, to provide capacity for housing development, to protect our environment and to stimulate the economic recovery from Covid-19.
NI Water has planned to embark on an ambitious new Price Control, PC21, which would see it begin to recover our water and wastewater infrastructure from years of underinvestment and neglect. If the Executive cannot provide the required funding, then the actions needed to live within the Public Expenditure baseline in 2021/22, would require a complete re-evaluation of the services that NI Water could provide within a very constrained budget, as opposed to what the Regulator determines is needed. The consequences of not meeting PC21 levels of investment would be detrimental to environmental standards and could have implications for public health. The pressure on the Resource budget would also limit the company’s efficiency and ability to respond to extreme weather events or other crises. The consequences of not addressing this will detrimentally impact on all aspects of life and the ability of the Executive to deliver on its own Programme for Government. I will continue to press at the Executive for the levels of investment required in our water and waste water infrastructure. Without this investment, the Executive will not be able to deliver on its Programme for Government.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013248%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=323575","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=323575"}},{"id":"323574","reference":"AQW 13247/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-22","answerBy":"2021-02-08","answered":"2021-02-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in light of the current backlog in practical driving tests due to the COVID-19 pandemic, whether her Department has considered permitting issuance of driving licences following assessment by driving instructors.","answerText":"The Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) has considered using Approved Driving Instructors to conduct driving tests but unfortunately this is not a viable option. Driving instructors would require the same level of training to become driving examiners as any new recruit to the DVA.\n\nIn addition, Directive 2006/126/EC, Article 10, Annex IV, Clause 2.1(e) states that a driving examiner may not be active as a commercial driving instructor in a driving school simultaneously. This means that driving instructors cannot also act as driving examiners.\n\nFurthermore, in order to maintain mutual recognition of the driving licence going forwards, the driving test needs to be delivered by examiners who have completed the initial qualification set out in Directive 2006/126/EC, commonly referred to as the 3rd EU Directive.\n\nWhen practical driving tests resume again the DVA will continue to offer driving tests on a Saturday and will offer driving tests for Heavy Goods Vehicles on Sundays, where it is suitable to do so without compromising the integrity of the test. The DVA is also recruiting additional examiners and will use overtime to rota off-shift dual role driving examiners to provide additional capacity and to provide cover for scheduled driving tests, where due to a variety of unforeseen reasons such as sick absence or the requirement to self-isolate, driving examiners are unable to attend work.\n\nTo help further mitigate the impact on customers due to the cessation of practical driving as a result of the latest Covid restrictions, I have brought forward further legislation to extend the validity of theory test pass certificates. Theory test pass certificates which have already been extended by eight months and will expire from 1 November 2020 onwards, have had their validity period extended by a further four months. In addition, theory test pass certificates which expire between 1 November 2020 and 30 June 2021, and which have not already benefited from an extension, have had their validity period extended by eight months.\n\nThe DVA acknowledges that learner drivers are keen to take their driving tests at the earliest opportunity and will continue to work hard to maximise the availability of test slots. However, all driving test services across these islands are experiencing high demand with longer than usual waiting times. Like all public facing services, the Covid-19 restrictions mean that the DVA has had to adapt its services to ensure that they can be provided safely and they would ask customers for their patience at this difficult time.\n\nIt is my priority to ensure that our staff and customers remain safe and the DVA will continue to be guided by the latest public health and scientific advice as we work as quickly as we can to serve all our customers.","answerHtml":"The Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) has considered using Approved Driving Instructors to conduct driving tests but unfortunately this is not a viable option. Driving instructors would require the same level of training to become driving examiners as any new recruit to the DVA.
In addition, Directive 2006/126/EC, Article 10, Annex IV, Clause 2.1(e) states that a driving examiner may not be active as a commercial driving instructor in a driving school simultaneously. This means that driving instructors cannot also act as driving examiners.
Furthermore, in order to maintain mutual recognition of the driving licence going forwards, the driving test needs to be delivered by examiners who have completed the initial qualification set out in Directive 2006/126/EC, commonly referred to as the 3rd EU Directive.
When practical driving tests resume again the DVA will continue to offer driving tests on a Saturday and will offer driving tests for Heavy Goods Vehicles on Sundays, where it is suitable to do so without compromising the integrity of the test. The DVA is also recruiting additional examiners and will use overtime to rota off-shift dual role driving examiners to provide additional capacity and to provide cover for scheduled driving tests, where due to a variety of unforeseen reasons such as sick absence or the requirement to self-isolate, driving examiners are unable to attend work.
To help further mitigate the impact on customers due to the cessation of practical driving as a result of the latest Covid restrictions, I have brought forward further legislation to extend the validity of theory test pass certificates. Theory test pass certificates which have already been extended by eight months and will expire from 1 November 2020 onwards, have had their validity period extended by a further four months. In addition, theory test pass certificates which expire between 1 November 2020 and 30 June 2021, and which have not already benefited from an extension, have had their validity period extended by eight months.
The DVA acknowledges that learner drivers are keen to take their driving tests at the earliest opportunity and will continue to work hard to maximise the availability of test slots. However, all driving test services across these islands are experiencing high demand with longer than usual waiting times. Like all public facing services, the Covid-19 restrictions mean that the DVA has had to adapt its services to ensure that they can be provided safely and they would ask customers for their patience at this difficult time.
It is my priority to ensure that our staff and customers remain safe and the DVA will continue to be guided by the latest public health and scientific advice as we work as quickly as we can to serve all our customers.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013247%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=323574","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=323574"}},{"id":"323573","reference":"AQW 13246/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-22","answerBy":"2021-02-08","answered":"2021-01-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail the actions being taken to address recruitment delays resulting in the reduced requirements detailed as part of January 2021 monitoring.","answerText":"Since January 2020, NICSHR has run approximately 636 competitions and matched over 2,500 vacancies.\n\nIn March 2020 activity around filling vacancies was paused in all but the most essential cases due to Covid-19 restrictions. Since then my Department has worked with all stakeholders to safely resume all methods to fill vacancies. This includes restarting paused activity, launching new recruitment exercises and introducing online assessment and interviewing methods. Significant effort has focused on progressing the AO, SO and DP corporate competitions as well as launching recruitment for volume EO2 (Work Coaches) recruitment on behalf of DfC, and allocating successful candidates from an internal Grade 7 promotion board (these competitions attracted over 30,000 applicants in total), as well as meeting priority Covid-19 and EU Exit vacancies all within the constraints of the Covid-19 pandemic.\n\nThe result is that over 800 offers have issued to candidates in recent months from General Service recruitment exercises alone, with several hundred more offers expected in the coming months, as well re-starting or launching activity to fill specialist vacancies. In parallel NICSHR has developed a high-level NICS-wide recruitment plan that sets out recruitment activity between now and end of September 2021 to create the supply necessary to meet the demands raised by departments. While the current restrictions have affected some recruitment activity again, NICSHR will continue to work to minimise as far as possible the impact on Departments.","answerHtml":"Since January 2020, NICSHR has run approximately 636 competitions and matched over 2,500 vacancies.
In March 2020 activity around filling vacancies was paused in all but the most essential cases due to Covid-19 restrictions. Since then my Department has worked with all stakeholders to safely resume all methods to fill vacancies. This includes restarting paused activity, launching new recruitment exercises and introducing online assessment and interviewing methods. Significant effort has focused on progressing the AO, SO and DP corporate competitions as well as launching recruitment for volume EO2 (Work Coaches) recruitment on behalf of DfC, and allocating successful candidates from an internal Grade 7 promotion board (these competitions attracted over 30,000 applicants in total), as well as meeting priority Covid-19 and EU Exit vacancies all within the constraints of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The result is that over 800 offers have issued to candidates in recent months from General Service recruitment exercises alone, with several hundred more offers expected in the coming months, as well re-starting or launching activity to fill specialist vacancies. In parallel NICSHR has developed a high-level NICS-wide recruitment plan that sets out recruitment activity between now and end of September 2021 to create the supply necessary to meet the demands raised by departments. While the current restrictions have affected some recruitment activity again, NICSHR will continue to work to minimise as far as possible the impact on Departments.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013246%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=323573","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=323573"}},{"id":"323364","reference":"AQW 13156/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-21","answerBy":"2021-01-29","answered":"2021-06-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what his Department is doing to ensure frictionless delivery of plant and seed deliveries from Great Britain to Northern Ireland from 1 January 2021.","answerText":"EU legislative sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) and marketing controls apply restrictions for third country movements of plants and seeds into Northern Ireland (NI) from Great Britain (GB), since 1 January 2021.\n\nMy Department are continuing to work with Defra and others in seeking workable solutions to these barriers to trade and to achieve frictionless trade in plants and seeds from GB. Currently, the UK Government’s Movement Assistance Scheme (MAS) is available to assist GB suppliers with the necessary Phytosanitary Certification costs. I remain committed to ensure that smaller businesses and individuals in Northern Ireland are not disproportionately burdened in accessing smaller consignments and will press for continued UKG commitment to fund the MAS.\n\nI am also concerned that the current arrangements applying prohibitions on certain plants and also the prohibition on soil as a growing medium which is common across a much wider range of plants, adversely impacting on NI businesses.\n\nThe implementation of the EU regulatory controls and subsequent disruption to trade in plants and seeds from GB to NI is, in my view, is an unnecessary burden and damaging to this long established trade. Therefore, I am continuing to press the UK Government to seek agreement with the EU, on workable solutions to permit plants and seeds from GB to be available to the NI market.","answerHtml":"EU legislative sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) and marketing controls apply restrictions for third country movements of plants and seeds into Northern Ireland (NI) from Great Britain (GB), since 1 January 2021.
My Department are continuing to work with Defra and others in seeking workable solutions to these barriers to trade and to achieve frictionless trade in plants and seeds from GB. Currently, the UK Government’s Movement Assistance Scheme (MAS) is available to assist GB suppliers with the necessary Phytosanitary Certification costs. I remain committed to ensure that smaller businesses and individuals in Northern Ireland are not disproportionately burdened in accessing smaller consignments and will press for continued UKG commitment to fund the MAS.
I am also concerned that the current arrangements applying prohibitions on certain plants and also the prohibition on soil as a growing medium which is common across a much wider range of plants, adversely impacting on NI businesses.
The implementation of the EU regulatory controls and subsequent disruption to trade in plants and seeds from GB to NI is, in my view, is an unnecessary burden and damaging to this long established trade. Therefore, I am continuing to press the UK Government to seek agreement with the EU, on workable solutions to permit plants and seeds from GB to be available to the NI market.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013156%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=323364","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=323364"}},{"id":"323363","reference":"AQW 13155/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-21","answerBy":"2021-02-05","answered":"2021-02-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department can review the cost associated with a time-limited extension of Blue Badges.","answerText":"The £10 fee, which is already subsidised as the £10 charge does not cover the whole cost of processing a Blue Badge application, is laid down in legislation and there is no provision for a reduction. There are therefore no plans to review the cost of a Blue Badge.","answerHtml":"The £10 fee, which is already subsidised as the £10 charge does not cover the whole cost of processing a Blue Badge application, is laid down in legislation and there is no provision for a reduction. There are therefore no plans to review the cost of a Blue Badge.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013155%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=323363","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=323363"}},{"id":"323362","reference":"AQW 13154/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-21","answerBy":"2021-02-05","answered":"2021-02-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the electric vehicle charging provision to be available at the five new park and ride projects during the first phase this financial year.","answerText":"The primary objective of park and ride is to encourage users to avail of sustainable public transport close to where they live.\n\nTo maximise use and encourage uptake of electric vehicles, electric charge points need to provide a quick turnaround of vehicles to provide access for multiple vehicles. This approach works very well on the public road network however at park and ride/park and share sites, vehicles tend to be plugged in for longer periods of time.\n\nAs you may be aware, there is a significant cost of installing and maintaining the necessary electric vehicle charging infrastructure. It is difficult therefore to see the commercial viability of such an application with low energy consumption from vehicles making short trips, topping up energy and blocking charging bays for other users.\n\nElectric Vehicle charge points can however serve as an attractor to urban areas for environmentally friendly road users making longer vehicle journeys. This in turn not only improves air quality but also encourages foot fall and helps to stimulate the local business in these streets and towns.\n\nIt is anticipated, that where possible the majority of EV charging should be carried out at home, with the majority of EV drivers having availed of the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) home charge point grant. The public charge point network is designed to provide opportunity charging where EV drivers can charge for a short period of time when necessary.\n\nMy officials have been working closely with OZEV on opportunities for funding to support grid connections for rapid charging on strategic road networks at new and existing service stations. My Department is also leading on the transport elements of the Department for the Economy’s proposed new Energy Strategy which will include future policy development for the electrification of transport.\n\nRecently, I have been able to support the EU INTERREG VA Funded FASTER electric vehicle network project. The project will complement and enhance the existing EV charging infrastructure, which was co-financed by the EU through TEN-T funding. The project is to install a total of 73 EV Rapid charging points across the island of Ireland and the West of Scotland by 31 March 2023.\n\nMy Department has recently been engaging with ESB on their plans to upgrade and improve the reliability of the existing public network. Departmental officials are currently engaging with ESB to assist with their plans to replace approx. 70 charge points i.e. 35 charge posts. ESB can be contacted at ecars@esb.ie or enquiries can be sent directly to ESB, Two Gateway, East Wall Road, Dublin 3, D03 A995.\n\nIn addition, I am also making changes to the planning system, through permitted development rights, to make it easier to expand the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. This will allow expansion work to proceed without the need to apply for planning permission helping to make e-charging more accessible across the North.\n\nI fully recognise the importance of having modern, reliable public electric vehicle charging infrastructure in providing confidence for users of ultra-low emission vehicles and in respect of the connectivity improvements this would bring.","answerHtml":"The primary objective of park and ride is to encourage users to avail of sustainable public transport close to where they live.
To maximise use and encourage uptake of electric vehicles, electric charge points need to provide a quick turnaround of vehicles to provide access for multiple vehicles. This approach works very well on the public road network however at park and ride/park and share sites, vehicles tend to be plugged in for longer periods of time.
As you may be aware, there is a significant cost of installing and maintaining the necessary electric vehicle charging infrastructure. It is difficult therefore to see the commercial viability of such an application with low energy consumption from vehicles making short trips, topping up energy and blocking charging bays for other users.
Electric Vehicle charge points can however serve as an attractor to urban areas for environmentally friendly road users making longer vehicle journeys. This in turn not only improves air quality but also encourages foot fall and helps to stimulate the local business in these streets and towns.
It is anticipated, that where possible the majority of EV charging should be carried out at home, with the majority of EV drivers having availed of the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) home charge point grant. The public charge point network is designed to provide opportunity charging where EV drivers can charge for a short period of time when necessary.
My officials have been working closely with OZEV on opportunities for funding to support grid connections for rapid charging on strategic road networks at new and existing service stations. My Department is also leading on the transport elements of the Department for the Economy’s proposed new Energy Strategy which will include future policy development for the electrification of transport.
Recently, I have been able to support the EU INTERREG VA Funded FASTER electric vehicle network project. The project will complement and enhance the existing EV charging infrastructure, which was co-financed by the EU through TEN-T funding. The project is to install a total of 73 EV Rapid charging points across the island of Ireland and the West of Scotland by 31 March 2023.
My Department has recently been engaging with ESB on their plans to upgrade and improve the reliability of the existing public network. Departmental officials are currently engaging with ESB to assist with their plans to replace approx. 70 charge points i.e. 35 charge posts. ESB can be contacted at ecars@esb.ie or enquiries can be sent directly to ESB, Two Gateway, East Wall Road, Dublin 3, D03 A995.
In addition, I am also making changes to the planning system, through permitted development rights, to make it easier to expand the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. This will allow expansion work to proceed without the need to apply for planning permission helping to make e-charging more accessible across the North.
I fully recognise the importance of having modern, reliable public electric vehicle charging infrastructure in providing confidence for users of ultra-low emission vehicles and in respect of the connectivity improvements this would bring.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013154%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=323362","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=323362"}},{"id":"323361","reference":"AQW 13153/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-21","answerBy":"2021-02-05","answered":"2021-01-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what opportunities are available for match funding for public bodies that wish to install electric vehicle charge points.","answerText":"Funding to support the early market for ultra-low emission vehicles is available from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). The British Government doubled funding to £20 million for 2020/21 for the installation of charge points on residential streets. The application process is open to relevant Local Authorities in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The funding available is for 75% of the capital costs of procuring and installing the charge point and an associated dedicated parking bay (where applicable). My officials have been engaging with OZEV and with the Energy Saving Trust (EST), who administer the scheme, in particular, with reference to Local Authorities in Northern Ireland. The EST has since held a workshop with Local Authorities in Northern Ireland about the scheme. Details of funding for the On-street residential Charge Point scheme can be found via the following link:\n\nhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/grants-for-local-authorities-to-provide-residential-on-street-chargepoints\n\nDetails of funding for the workplace charging scheme can be found via the following link:\n\nhttps://www.gov.uk/government/collections/government-grants-for-low-emission-vehicles#workplace-charging-scheme\n\nI fully recognise the importance of having modern, reliable public electric vehicle charging infrastructure in providing confidence for users of ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs) and in respect of the connectivity improvements this would bring. I am committed to exploring all options and new solutions to enhance our charge point infrastructure, improve lives and tackle the climate emergency.","answerHtml":"Funding to support the early market for ultra-low emission vehicles is available from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). The British Government doubled funding to £20 million for 2020/21 for the installation of charge points on residential streets. The application process is open to relevant Local Authorities in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The funding available is for 75% of the capital costs of procuring and installing the charge point and an associated dedicated parking bay (where applicable). My officials have been engaging with OZEV and with the Energy Saving Trust (EST), who administer the scheme, in particular, with reference to Local Authorities in Northern Ireland. The EST has since held a workshop with Local Authorities in Northern Ireland about the scheme. Details of funding for the On-street residential Charge Point scheme can be found via the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/grants-for-local-authorities-to-provide-residential-on-street-chargepoints
Details of funding for the workplace charging scheme can be found via the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/government-grants-for-low-emission-vehicles#workplace-charging-scheme
I fully recognise the importance of having modern, reliable public electric vehicle charging infrastructure in providing confidence for users of ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs) and in respect of the connectivity improvements this would bring. I am committed to exploring all options and new solutions to enhance our charge point infrastructure, improve lives and tackle the climate emergency.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013153%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=323361","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=323361"}},{"id":"323360","reference":"AQW 13152/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-21","answerBy":"2021-02-05","answered":"2021-01-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) how many rapid charging points will be installed through the EU FASTER project; (ii) when they will be installed by; and (iii) where they will be located.","answerText":"I am pleased that my Department has been able to support the FASTER project which is funded through the INTERREG VA Territorial Co-operation Programme for Northern Ireland, the border counties of the South and the West of Scotland, which is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.\n\nThe project proposes to install a total of 73 electric vehicle charging points across the Programme’s eligible area by the 31 March 2023.\n\nAt this stage, the exact location of all installation points has yet to be finalised.","answerHtml":"I am pleased that my Department has been able to support the FASTER project which is funded through the INTERREG VA Territorial Co-operation Programme for Northern Ireland, the border counties of the South and the West of Scotland, which is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.
The project proposes to install a total of 73 electric vehicle charging points across the Programme’s eligible area by the 31 March 2023.
At this stage, the exact location of all installation points has yet to be finalised.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013152%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=323360","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=323360"}},{"id":"327656","reference":"AQO 1493/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-21","answerBy":"2021-02-01","answered":"2021-02-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health given the impact of working during the COVID-19 pandemic, what action is being taken to support healthcare workers with, or at risk of developing, post traumatic stress disorder.","answerText":"Covid-19 has placed an enormous strain on our Health professionals within all sectors of the health care setting. All Health and Social Care staff have played a vital role in dealing with the additional demands placed on them, and I wish to record my personal thanks for their commitment and dedication, at this difficult time.\n\nI know that staff are feeling grief-stricken and sad, vulnerable, exhausted and overwhelmed, and they are worried and anxious for their own health and wellbeing, and for the health and wellbeing of their families, colleagues and patients. These are very real and normal responses to working and living in stressful, challenging and upsetting times, and it is important to provide opportunities for these feelings to be shared and expressed.\n\nIt is vitally important to ensure that all staff and volunteers, irrespective of where they work, have access to the information and support they may need over the coming months. In situations where specific individual help is needed, this is available through the Occupational Health arrangements in each Trust.\n\nI am determined to provide whatever support I can to help people look after their mental health and wellbeing during this difficult time. My Department has worked alongside colleagues in the HSC to coordinate a comprehensive response to the psychological impact of the coronavirus pandemic, both in the immediate and longer term.\n\nA Regional Staff Wellbeing Work stream was initiated in response to Covid-19, and has worked closely with colleagues within Mental Health services at the Health and Social Care Board, officials within my Department, and with colleagues in the PHA to build resources and support for staff.\n\nIn April 2020, I launched “Supporting the Well-being Needs of our Health and Social Care Staff during COVID-19: A Framework for Leaders and Managers”. The measures within the framework include a range of initiatives across organisations, which will support psychological well-being of staff, with an aim to preventing the development of mental health difficulties, including PTSD, in the aftermath of the pandemic, and to allowing early identification and intervention to be available in the aftermath period.\n\nAll HSC trusts have in place a variety of measures to support staff emotional health and wellbeing. These range from psychological support helplines, reading resources, videos, and mindfulness relaxation exercises, to opportunities to come together as teams, to reflect on the challenges and losses they have experienced, and continue to face, to the potential to seek individual support as required.\n\nGuidelines and Frameworks from the Intensive Care Society and the British Psychological Society suggest that it is in the aftermath of all the current challenge that staff will particularly need time to rest, reflect and replenish themselves. For some staff, the availability of psychological therapies will be important and useful. For others, the support of family and the ability to connect and share with colleagues will be what they feel they need. Both options are and will continue to be available, and neither should be seen as more important or valid than the other.\n\nIt is absolutely vital that the public also play their part in supporting our health service and reducing pressures on its staff through following the public health guidelines.","answerHtml":"Covid-19 has placed an enormous strain on our Health professionals within all sectors of the health care setting. All Health and Social Care staff have played a vital role in dealing with the additional demands placed on them, and I wish to record my personal thanks for their commitment and dedication, at this difficult time.
I know that staff are feeling grief-stricken and sad, vulnerable, exhausted and overwhelmed, and they are worried and anxious for their own health and wellbeing, and for the health and wellbeing of their families, colleagues and patients. These are very real and normal responses to working and living in stressful, challenging and upsetting times, and it is important to provide opportunities for these feelings to be shared and expressed.
It is vitally important to ensure that all staff and volunteers, irrespective of where they work, have access to the information and support they may need over the coming months. In situations where specific individual help is needed, this is available through the Occupational Health arrangements in each Trust.
I am determined to provide whatever support I can to help people look after their mental health and wellbeing during this difficult time. My Department has worked alongside colleagues in the HSC to coordinate a comprehensive response to the psychological impact of the coronavirus pandemic, both in the immediate and longer term.
A Regional Staff Wellbeing Work stream was initiated in response to Covid-19, and has worked closely with colleagues within Mental Health services at the Health and Social Care Board, officials within my Department, and with colleagues in the PHA to build resources and support for staff.
In April 2020, I launched “Supporting the Well-being Needs of our Health and Social Care Staff during COVID-19: A Framework for Leaders and Managers”. The measures within the framework include a range of initiatives across organisations, which will support psychological well-being of staff, with an aim to preventing the development of mental health difficulties, including PTSD, in the aftermath of the pandemic, and to allowing early identification and intervention to be available in the aftermath period.
All HSC trusts have in place a variety of measures to support staff emotional health and wellbeing. These range from psychological support helplines, reading resources, videos, and mindfulness relaxation exercises, to opportunities to come together as teams, to reflect on the challenges and losses they have experienced, and continue to face, to the potential to seek individual support as required.
Guidelines and Frameworks from the Intensive Care Society and the British Psychological Society suggest that it is in the aftermath of all the current challenge that staff will particularly need time to rest, reflect and replenish themselves. For some staff, the availability of psychological therapies will be important and useful. For others, the support of family and the ability to connect and share with colleagues will be what they feel they need. Both options are and will continue to be available, and neither should be seen as more important or valid than the other.
It is absolutely vital that the public also play their part in supporting our health service and reducing pressures on its staff through following the public health guidelines.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201493%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=327656","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=327656"}},{"id":"325539","reference":"AQO 1480/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-21","answerBy":"2021-02-01","answered":"2021-02-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether he will provide additional funding to District Councils in the next financial year in order to enable freezing of both the District and Regional Domestic and Non Domestic Rate in 2021-22.","answerText":"I have no control over the District Rates set by Councils. However in recognition of the impact that COVID-19 has had on jobs and households I would encourage them to freeze District Rates in the same way as the Executive as frozen the Regional Rate.\n\nThe Executive has borne the full cost of rates holidays provided to businesses, with Councils receiving the full district rate income associated with those in receipt of support. This has protected Councils from lost income from businesses who may otherwise have been unable to pay rates.\n\nFunding for local government is a matter for the Department for Communities and the Executive has provided that department with £85.3 million this year to provide support to Councils for Covid19. Should Councils need additional funding it would be for the Communities Minister to bring forward proposals.","answerHtml":"I have no control over the District Rates set by Councils. However in recognition of the impact that COVID-19 has had on jobs and households I would encourage them to freeze District Rates in the same way as the Executive as frozen the Regional Rate.
The Executive has borne the full cost of rates holidays provided to businesses, with Councils receiving the full district rate income associated with those in receipt of support. This has protected Councils from lost income from businesses who may otherwise have been unable to pay rates.
Funding for local government is a matter for the Department for Communities and the Executive has provided that department with £85.3 million this year to provide support to Councils for Covid19. Should Councils need additional funding it would be for the Communities Minister to bring forward proposals.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201480%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=325539","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=325539"}},{"id":"323268","reference":"AQW 13069/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-20","answerBy":"2021-02-04","answered":"2021-02-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in light of the deaths caused on smart motorways in Great Britain and concerns expressed by Sheffield coroner David Urpeth that smart motorways present an ongoing risk of future deaths, to detail the rationale for including M1 All Lanes Smart Motorway as part of funding bids.","answerText":"My Department is aware of the safety concerns associated with All Lane Running and Dynamic Hard Shoulder SMART motorways. My officials have carried out a preliminary assessment of the suitability of All Lane Running schemes on our M1 and M2 motorways and I can confirm there are no plans to progress these at this time. In the meantime my officials will continue to closely monitor the debate on SMART Motorway safety.","answerHtml":"My Department is aware of the safety concerns associated with All Lane Running and Dynamic Hard Shoulder SMART motorways. My officials have carried out a preliminary assessment of the suitability of All Lane Running schemes on our M1 and M2 motorways and I can confirm there are no plans to progress these at this time. In the meantime my officials will continue to closely monitor the debate on SMART Motorway safety.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013069%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=323268","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=323268"}},{"id":"323267","reference":"AQW 13068/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-20","answerBy":"2021-02-04","answered":"2021-02-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the percentage of COVID-19 (i) positive tests; (ii) hospitalisations; and (iii) deaths, broken down by age bracket for each month of the pandemic.","answerText":"Information on the percentage of COVID-19 (i) positive tests; (ii) hospitalisations; and (iii) deaths, broken down by age group for each month of the pandemic is detailed in the tables overleaf. This information is also published daily on the Department’s COVID-19 dashboard and is available in excel format at the link below:\n\nhttps://www.health-ni.gov.uk/articles/covid-19-daily-dashboard-updates\n\nPart (i) Individuals with a Positive Test for COVID-19 by Month & Age Group\n\nMonth\tAged 0 - 19\tAged 20 - 39\tAged 40 - 59\tAged 60 - 79\tAged 80 & Over\tUnknown\nMar-20\t2.1%\t17.2%\t23.6%\t25.7%\t28.1%\t0.0%\nApr-20\t6.5%\t23.9%\t24.9%\t28.8%\t51.8%\t16.7%\nMay-20\t4.3%\t8.1%\t8.7%\t6.1%\t13.1%\t0.0%\nJun-20\t0.7%\t1.1%\t1.3%\t0.9%\t2.1%\t0.0%\nJul-20\t0.6%\t1.2%\t1.1%\t0.7%\t1.2%\t0.0%\nAug-20\t2.2%\t2.3%\t2.2%\t1.5%\t1.6%\t3.3%\nSep-20\t3.4%\t6.7%\t5.8%\t4.2%\t2.9%\t3.3%\nOct-20\t14.6%\t19.7%\t21.2%\t18.2%\t15.5%\t17.2%\nNov-20\t10.0%\t14.8%\t16.7%\t14.9%\t19.4%\t16.9%\nDec-20\t11.9%\t16.4%\t18.8%\t17.1%\t17.3%\t19.0%\n\nNote: Figures detail the percentage of laboratory completed tests (both HSC & National Initiative) which were identified as positive by the month the specimen (sample / swab) was taken at a testing location.\n\nPart (ii): COVID-19 Hospital Admissions by Month & Age Group\n\nMonth\tAged 0 - 19\tAged 20 - 39\tAged 40 - 59\tAged 60 - 79\tAged 80 & Over\tUnknown\nFeb-20\t0.0%\t0.0%\t0.0%\t50.0%\t50.0%\t0.0%\nMar-20\t0.0%\t4.6%\t22.9%\t45.0%\t27.5%\t0.0%\nApr-20\t0.9%\t6.4%\t23.2%\t37.2%\t32.4%\t0.0%\nMay-20\t1.6%\t8.4%\t15.0%\t34.1%\t40.9%\t0.0%\nJun-20\t0.0%\t6.0%\t19.4%\t31.3%\t43.3%\t0.0%\nJul-20\t2.9%\t20.0%\t17.1%\t31.4%\t28.6%\t0.0%\nAug-20\t6.4%\t13.8%\t21.3%\t37.2%\t21.3%\t0.0%\nSep-20\t3.6%\t8.2%\t16.4%\t40.5%\t31.3%\t0.0%\nOct-20\t0.8%\t6.6%\t21.9%\t41.3%\t29.4%\t0.0%\nNov-20\t0.5%\t4.4%\t19.1%\t39.9%\t36.0%\t0.1%\nDec-20\t0.7%\t4.3%\t16.7%\t39.5%\t38.4%\t0.4%\n\nPart (iii): COVID-19 Deaths by Month & Age Group\n\nMonth\tAged 0 - 19\tAged 20 - 39\tAged 40 - 59\tAged 60 - 79\tAged 80 & Over\tUnknown\nMar-20\t0.0%\t2.4%\t4.9%\t46.3%\t43.9%\t2.4%\nApr-20\t0.0%\t0.0%\t4.2%\t29.3%\t66.5%\t0.0%\nMay-20\t0.0%\t0.0%\t4.5%\t22.4%\t73.1%\t0.0%\nJun-20\t0.0%\t0.0%\t0.0%\t30.0%\t70.0%\t0.0%\nJul-20\t0.0%\t0.0%\t0.0%\t20.0%\t80.0%\t0.0%\nAug-20\t0.0%\t20.0%\t0.0%\t40.0%\t40.0%\t0.0%\nSep-20\t0.0%\t0.0%\t0.0%\t79.0%\t21.1%\t0.0%\nOct-20\t0.7%\t0.0%\t5.8%\t43.1%\t50.4%\t0.0%\nNov-20\t0.0%\t0.0%\t5.4%\t32.2%\t62.4%\t0.0%\nDec-20\t0.0%\t0.0%\t4.3%\t32.0%\t63.7%\t0.0%","answerHtml":"Information on the percentage of COVID-19 (i) positive tests; (ii) hospitalisations; and (iii) deaths, broken down by age group for each month of the pandemic is detailed in the tables overleaf. This information is also published daily on the Department’s COVID-19 dashboard and is available in excel format at the link below:
https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/articles/covid-19-daily-dashboard-updates
Part (i) Individuals with a Positive Test for COVID-19 by Month & Age Group
| Month | Aged 0 - 19 | Aged 20 - 39 | Aged 40 - 59 | Aged 60 - 79 | Aged 80 & Over | Unknown |
| Mar-20 | 2.1% | 17.2% | 23.6% | 25.7% | 28.1% | 0.0% |
| Apr-20 | 6.5% | 23.9% | 24.9% | 28.8% | 51.8% | 16.7% |
| May-20 | 4.3% | 8.1% | 8.7% | 6.1% | 13.1% | 0.0% |
| Jun-20 | 0.7% | 1.1% | 1.3% | 0.9% | 2.1% | 0.0% |
| Jul-20 | 0.6% | 1.2% | 1.1% | 0.7% | 1.2% | 0.0% |
| Aug-20 | 2.2% | 2.3% | 2.2% | 1.5% | 1.6% | 3.3% |
| Sep-20 | 3.4% | 6.7% | 5.8% | 4.2% | 2.9% | 3.3% |
| Oct-20 | 14.6% | 19.7% | 21.2% | 18.2% | 15.5% | 17.2% |
| Nov-20 | 10.0% | 14.8% | 16.7% | 14.9% | 19.4% | 16.9% |
| Dec-20 | 11.9% | 16.4% | 18.8% | 17.1% | 17.3% | 19.0% |
Note: Figures detail the percentage of laboratory completed tests (both HSC & National Initiative) which were identified as positive by the month the specimen (sample / swab) was taken at a testing location.
Part (ii): COVID-19 Hospital Admissions by Month & Age Group
| Month | Aged 0 - 19 | Aged 20 - 39 | Aged 40 - 59 | Aged 60 - 79 | Aged 80 & Over | Unknown |
| Feb-20 | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 50.0% | 50.0% | 0.0% |
| Mar-20 | 0.0% | 4.6% | 22.9% | 45.0% | 27.5% | 0.0% |
| Apr-20 | 0.9% | 6.4% | 23.2% | 37.2% | 32.4% | 0.0% |
| May-20 | 1.6% | 8.4% | 15.0% | 34.1% | 40.9% | 0.0% |
| Jun-20 | 0.0% | 6.0% | 19.4% | 31.3% | 43.3% | 0.0% |
| Jul-20 | 2.9% | 20.0% | 17.1% | 31.4% | 28.6% | 0.0% |
| Aug-20 | 6.4% | 13.8% | 21.3% | 37.2% | 21.3% | 0.0% |
| Sep-20 | 3.6% | 8.2% | 16.4% | 40.5% | 31.3% | 0.0% |
| Oct-20 | 0.8% | 6.6% | 21.9% | 41.3% | 29.4% | 0.0% |
| Nov-20 | 0.5% | 4.4% | 19.1% | 39.9% | 36.0% | 0.1% |
| Dec-20 | 0.7% | 4.3% | 16.7% | 39.5% | 38.4% | 0.4% |
Part (iii): COVID-19 Deaths by Month & Age Group
| Month | Aged 0 - 19 | Aged 20 - 39 | Aged 40 - 59 | Aged 60 - 79 | Aged 80 & Over | Unknown |
| Mar-20 | 0.0% | 2.4% | 4.9% | 46.3% | 43.9% | 2.4% |
| Apr-20 | 0.0% | 0.0% | 4.2% | 29.3% | 66.5% | 0.0% |
| May-20 | 0.0% | 0.0% | 4.5% | 22.4% | 73.1% | 0.0% |
| Jun-20 | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 30.0% | 70.0% | 0.0% |
| Jul-20 | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 20.0% | 80.0% | 0.0% |
| Aug-20 | 0.0% | 20.0% | 0.0% | 40.0% | 40.0% | 0.0% |
| Sep-20 | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 79.0% | 21.1% | 0.0% |
| Oct-20 | 0.7% | 0.0% | 5.8% | 43.1% | 50.4% | 0.0% |
| Nov-20 | 0.0% | 0.0% | 5.4% | 32.2% | 62.4% | 0.0% |
| Dec-20 | 0.0% | 0.0% | 4.3% | 32.0% | 63.7% | 0.0% |
The Department has reallocated internal funding in 2020-21 to meet the costs of the launching the JobStart scheme and continues to hold the funding required to launch the Scheme in 2020-21. To date no funding has been spent on the scheme or surrendered to DoF.
The Department bid to DoF as part of the Budget 2021-22 exercise for £24.7m to support delivery of the new and expanded labour market interventions in 2021-22, this included a £17.8m bid for JobStart.
The Executive’s Draft Budget 2021-22 was announced by the Finance Minister on 18 January 2021. The Draft Budget provides the proposed Resource and Capital investment funding allocations to departments for the 2021-22 financial year. The settlement provides the Department with no Covid-19 allocation to address the need for labour market interventions to support people into employment in 2021-22.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013067%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=323266","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=323266"}},{"id":"323070","reference":"AQW 12983/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-19","answerBy":"2021-02-03","answered":"2021-01-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance (i) whether the UK Budget, set for the 3 March 2021, will have a material impact on the Executive’s funding envelope for 2021/22; and (ii) to detail the process for allocating any additional funding.","answerText":"It is not anticipated that the Chancellor's budget will have a material impact on 2021-22 finances, however should further funding become available it will be incorporated into the next appropriate financial exercise.","answerHtml":"It is not anticipated that the Chancellor's budget will have a material impact on 2021-22 finances, however should further funding become available it will be incorporated into the next appropriate financial exercise.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012983%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=323070","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=323070"}},{"id":"323069","reference":"AQW 12982/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-19","answerBy":"2021-02-03","answered":"2021-01-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail (i) the welfare reform mitigations that her Department is planning to retain for 2021/22; and (ii) the projected cost of the specific mitigations.","answerText":"I can confirm that my Department will continue to deliver each of the existing welfare mitigation schemes in the 2021/22 financial year. Details of the projected costs for the various mitigation schemes, including the associated administration costs, are provided in the table below.\n\nTable 1: Welfare Mitigation Schemes Projected Costs for 2021/22\n\nWelfare Supplement Payment\tCost\nSocial Sector Size Criteria (the “bedroom tax”)\t£23 million\nBenefit Cap\t£5.5 million\nChildren moving from DLA to PIP (includes associated carer payments)\t£5.8 million\nDisability Related Mitigations (Loss of DLA and ESA)\t£4.3 million\nAdministration costs\t£4.2 million\nTotal\t£42.8 million","answerHtml":"I can confirm that my Department will continue to deliver each of the existing welfare mitigation schemes in the 2021/22 financial year. Details of the projected costs for the various mitigation schemes, including the associated administration costs, are provided in the table below.
Table 1: Welfare Mitigation Schemes Projected Costs for 2021/22
| Welfare Supplement Payment | Cost |
| Social Sector Size Criteria (the “bedroom tax”) | £23 million |
| Benefit Cap | £5.5 million |
| Children moving from DLA to PIP (includes associated carer payments) | £5.8 million |
| Disability Related Mitigations (Loss of DLA and ESA) | £4.3 million |
| Administration costs | £4.2 million |
| Total | £42.8 million |
There is no single RRI borrowing rate.
RRI borrowing is accessed monthly based on the profile of expenditure for projects funded through borrowing. RRI borrowing interest rates are taken from the Public Works Loan Board on the day of the loan being issued. Therefore current repayments are based on a wide variety of interest rates.
Information on the PWLB interest rates is available on their website.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012981%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=323068","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=323068"}},{"id":"322859","reference":"AQW 12907/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-18","answerBy":"2021-02-02","answered":"2021-01-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, given the significant policy-style impact of the Chief Planner’s updated guidance regarding Battery Energy Starage Systems on 16 December, whether she will consider asking the Chief Planner to withdraw the guidance and undertake a consultation on the issue.","answerText":"The publication of the Chief Planners Update (No. 7) on 16 December 2020 sought to provide clarity and advice in relation to BESS developments, including their status as ‘electricity generating’, to help ensure that they are classified and processed through the planning system correctly. As this was a matter of factual clarity rather than a policy change, I do not consider that a consultation on the issue is necessary.\n\nIf in the future it is appropriate to revisit the thresholds or policy in relation to BESS developments in this jurisdiction, then consultation requirements with stakeholders will be considered in the usual way.","answerHtml":"The publication of the Chief Planners Update (No. 7) on 16 December 2020 sought to provide clarity and advice in relation to BESS developments, including their status as ‘electricity generating’, to help ensure that they are classified and processed through the planning system correctly. As this was a matter of factual clarity rather than a policy change, I do not consider that a consultation on the issue is necessary.
If in the future it is appropriate to revisit the thresholds or policy in relation to BESS developments in this jurisdiction, then consultation requirements with stakeholders will be considered in the usual way.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012907%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=322859","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=322859"}},{"id":"322858","reference":"AQW 12906/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-18","answerBy":"2021-02-02","answered":"2021-01-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for her assessment of the impact of the Chief Planner’s update on 16 December regarding Battery Energy Starage Systems (BESS) on (i) renewable energy projects in Northern Ireland; and (ii) the relative ease of BESS applications in Northern Ireland compared to the Republic of Ireland.","answerText":"The Chief Planner’s Update on 16 December 2020 clarified the position that for the purposes of planning in Northern Ireland, my Department considers that electricity storage development falls within the meaning of an ‘electricity generating station’. This clarification ensures that development of this nature is correctly classified as local, major or regionally significant and that, where appropriate, pre-application community consultation and environmental impact assessment (EIA) is carried out.\n\nI understand that thresholds for EIA are different in the Republic of Ireland as is the threshold for referral to An Bord Pleanála (as strategic infrastructure development) for these types of development. If in the future it is appropriate to revisit the thresholds or policy in relation to BESS developments in this jurisdiction, then consultation requirements with stakeholders will be considered in the usual way.","answerHtml":"The Chief Planner’s Update on 16 December 2020 clarified the position that for the purposes of planning in Northern Ireland, my Department considers that electricity storage development falls within the meaning of an ‘electricity generating station’. This clarification ensures that development of this nature is correctly classified as local, major or regionally significant and that, where appropriate, pre-application community consultation and environmental impact assessment (EIA) is carried out.
I understand that thresholds for EIA are different in the Republic of Ireland as is the threshold for referral to An Bord Pleanála (as strategic infrastructure development) for these types of development. If in the future it is appropriate to revisit the thresholds or policy in relation to BESS developments in this jurisdiction, then consultation requirements with stakeholders will be considered in the usual way.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012906%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=322858","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=322858"}},{"id":"322857","reference":"AQW 12905/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-18","answerBy":"2021-02-02","answered":"2021-01-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the primary legislation she plans to introduce in 2021/22.","answerText":"As you know, my Harbours (Grants and Loans Limit) Bill, which will increase the limit of loan and grant provision available to sea ports, completed its Final Stage in the Assembly on 25 January 2021. I had hoped to progress an Active Travel Bill during this Assembly mandate to enhance duties in respect of developing active travel routes and provide powers to grant fund active travel activities. However, given the pressures presented by the current pandemic and the limited Assembly time available to progress primary legislation this will not be possible and I have no plans at this time to introduce any further Bills during 2021/22.\n\nI am also progressing a number of pieces of subordinate legislation – including provision to address the increasing problem of mobile phone use by drivers and also the introduction of part-time 20 mph speed limits at a further 100 schools. The first piece of mobile phone legislation will increase the fixed penalty fine for using a mobile phone whilst driving from £60 to £200. The second, which is subject to affirmative resolution procedure in the Assembly, will increase the number of penalty points for the illegal use of mobile phones from three to six. I hope to be in a position to implement these increased deterrents in the coming weeks, subject to the usual Assembly approval processes. The consultation period on the legislation required to introduce part-time 20 mph speed limits at a further 100 schools completed on 29 December 2020. I will now consider the draft legislation, after which, a SL1 will be sent to the Committee for Infrastructure for its consideration and the draft legislation can then be made.\n\nIn addition, as a member of the Committee for Infrastructure, you will be aware that a significant part of my Department’s legislative programme involves the development of routine subordinate legislation in key areas such as rail, ports, planning, transport, roads and driving. This legislation is required to address issues such as Brexit, Road Safety and Roads management, and the planning process, which generate an ongoing need for legislative change. I am also exploring a number of additional areas for legislative change that can be advanced within the period remaining before the end of the mandate.","answerHtml":"As you know, my Harbours (Grants and Loans Limit) Bill, which will increase the limit of loan and grant provision available to sea ports, completed its Final Stage in the Assembly on 25 January 2021. I had hoped to progress an Active Travel Bill during this Assembly mandate to enhance duties in respect of developing active travel routes and provide powers to grant fund active travel activities. However, given the pressures presented by the current pandemic and the limited Assembly time available to progress primary legislation this will not be possible and I have no plans at this time to introduce any further Bills during 2021/22.
I am also progressing a number of pieces of subordinate legislation – including provision to address the increasing problem of mobile phone use by drivers and also the introduction of part-time 20 mph speed limits at a further 100 schools. The first piece of mobile phone legislation will increase the fixed penalty fine for using a mobile phone whilst driving from £60 to £200. The second, which is subject to affirmative resolution procedure in the Assembly, will increase the number of penalty points for the illegal use of mobile phones from three to six. I hope to be in a position to implement these increased deterrents in the coming weeks, subject to the usual Assembly approval processes. The consultation period on the legislation required to introduce part-time 20 mph speed limits at a further 100 schools completed on 29 December 2020. I will now consider the draft legislation, after which, a SL1 will be sent to the Committee for Infrastructure for its consideration and the draft legislation can then be made.
In addition, as a member of the Committee for Infrastructure, you will be aware that a significant part of my Department’s legislative programme involves the development of routine subordinate legislation in key areas such as rail, ports, planning, transport, roads and driving. This legislation is required to address issues such as Brexit, Road Safety and Roads management, and the planning process, which generate an ongoing need for legislative change. I am also exploring a number of additional areas for legislative change that can be advanced within the period remaining before the end of the mandate.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012905%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=322857","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=322857"}},{"id":"322351","reference":"AQW 12748/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-14","answerBy":"2021-01-29","answered":"2021-03-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health when he expects 75 per cent of the population of Northern Ireland to be vaccinated against COVID-19.","answerText":"The Covid-19 Vaccination Programme is very much on target for completion of JCVI priority groups 1-9 by Summer 2021. As of 22 February, 468,129 people had received their first dose of vaccine.\n\nProgress through the remainder of the population to be vaccinated will be dependent on vaccine supply and strong uptake of the offer of vaccination.","answerHtml":"The Covid-19 Vaccination Programme is very much on target for completion of JCVI priority groups 1-9 by Summer 2021. As of 22 February, 468,129 people had received their first dose of vaccine.
Progress through the remainder of the population to be vaccinated will be dependent on vaccine supply and strong uptake of the offer of vaccination.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012748%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=322351","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=322351"}},{"id":"322155","reference":"AQW 12664/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-13","answerBy":"2021-01-28","answered":"2021-01-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure how much her Department has spent on consultancy fees for roads projects in each of the last three financial years.","answerText":"The Department engages consulting engineers to assist in the development and delivery of its Strategic Road Improvement (SRI) Programme through a Major Works Framework. Assistance in delivering smaller scale highway improvement schemes is sourced when necessary through an Engineering Services Consultancy Partnering Contract.\n\nIn each of the last three years the fee expenditure on the SRI Programme has been £13.4m in 2017/18; £11m in 2018/19; and £13m in 2019/20. In this financial year (to the end of December 2020) expenditure totals £9.1m.\n\nThe Consultancy Partnering Contract has expended £2.0m in 2017/18; £2.0m in 2018/19; and £1.5m in 2019/20 on roads related projects. In this financial year (to the end of December 2020) expenditure totals £0.9m. This includes the development and delivery of minor/major road improvement projects, structures, cycling measures and the works associated with Belfast Rapid Transport.","answerHtml":"The Department engages consulting engineers to assist in the development and delivery of its Strategic Road Improvement (SRI) Programme through a Major Works Framework. Assistance in delivering smaller scale highway improvement schemes is sourced when necessary through an Engineering Services Consultancy Partnering Contract.
In each of the last three years the fee expenditure on the SRI Programme has been £13.4m in 2017/18; £11m in 2018/19; and £13m in 2019/20. In this financial year (to the end of December 2020) expenditure totals £9.1m.
The Consultancy Partnering Contract has expended £2.0m in 2017/18; £2.0m in 2018/19; and £1.5m in 2019/20 on roads related projects. In this financial year (to the end of December 2020) expenditure totals £0.9m. This includes the development and delivery of minor/major road improvement projects, structures, cycling measures and the works associated with Belfast Rapid Transport.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012664%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=322155","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=322155"}},{"id":"322154","reference":"AQW 12663/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-13","answerBy":"2021-01-28","answered":"2021-02-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the efficacy after receiving the first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.","answerText":"The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is a highly effective vaccine and from clinical trial data is anticipated to have a sizeable effect on preventing severe disease and hospitalisation.\n\nJCVI has now recommended that as many people on the JCVI priority list as possible should be offered a first vaccine dose as the initial priority.\n\nThe four UK Chief Medical Officers agree with JCVI that prioritising the first doses of vaccine for as many people as possible will deliver the greatest benefit overall in the shortest possible time, will have the greatest impact on reducing mortality and hospitalisations thus protecting the Health and Social Care system, and is the right thing to do for public health.","answerHtml":"The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is a highly effective vaccine and from clinical trial data is anticipated to have a sizeable effect on preventing severe disease and hospitalisation.
JCVI has now recommended that as many people on the JCVI priority list as possible should be offered a first vaccine dose as the initial priority.
The four UK Chief Medical Officers agree with JCVI that prioritising the first doses of vaccine for as many people as possible will deliver the greatest benefit overall in the shortest possible time, will have the greatest impact on reducing mortality and hospitalisations thus protecting the Health and Social Care system, and is the right thing to do for public health.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012663%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=322154","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=322154"}},{"id":"322153","reference":"AQW 12662/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-13","answerBy":"2021-01-28","answered":"2021-01-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 1997/17-22, whether she will publish the results of the trials on the effectiveness of signed only 20mph limits.","answerText":"As Minister responsible for promoting and improving road safety, I want to work actively with partners to reduce death and serious injuries on our roads. I believe that reducing the maximum speed traffic can travel at on some of our roads can help. The report on the review of 20mph speed limit trials will be published shortly.","answerHtml":"As Minister responsible for promoting and improving road safety, I want to work actively with partners to reduce death and serious injuries on our roads. I believe that reducing the maximum speed traffic can travel at on some of our roads can help. The report on the review of 20mph speed limit trials will be published shortly.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012662%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=322153","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=322153"}},{"id":"322152","reference":"AQW 12661/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-13","answerBy":"2021-01-28","answered":"2021-01-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) Translink’s current level of reserves; and (ii) what action she is taking to ensure that Translink’s reserves remain at a level where the organisation can continue to operate as a going concern.","answerText":"I can confirm that Translink’s cash reserves are currently at a level which enables it to meet its daily financial obligations because my Department has been able to put procedures in place to protect Translink’s cash reserves above a minimum independently assessed threshold. However, these reserves are projected to reach the minimum threshold by the end of this financial year not least due to the impact of current lockdown restrictions.\n\nYou will be aware of my commitment to maintaining and developing our public transport network. This is a key priority for me both in maintaining and developing sustainable modes of transport which is underpinned by my Department’s impressive capital investment in our public transport network, but also in contributing where I can to the health and prosperity of our community by encouraging modal shift towards the widespread use of public transport by our citizens.\n\nYou will also be aware of the engagement I have had with Executive colleagues on the future financial stability of our public transport provider. I have taken action throughout my time as Minister to underline my commitment and I have instructed my officials to explore ways to ensure that my Department continues to meet its obligations to Translink’s financial viability under the current Public Service Agreement. This work is ongoing but to date has resulted in £90m COVID-19 mitigation funding being provided to support our public transport services and our essential workers throughout the pandemic.","answerHtml":"I can confirm that Translink’s cash reserves are currently at a level which enables it to meet its daily financial obligations because my Department has been able to put procedures in place to protect Translink’s cash reserves above a minimum independently assessed threshold. However, these reserves are projected to reach the minimum threshold by the end of this financial year not least due to the impact of current lockdown restrictions.
You will be aware of my commitment to maintaining and developing our public transport network. This is a key priority for me both in maintaining and developing sustainable modes of transport which is underpinned by my Department’s impressive capital investment in our public transport network, but also in contributing where I can to the health and prosperity of our community by encouraging modal shift towards the widespread use of public transport by our citizens.
You will also be aware of the engagement I have had with Executive colleagues on the future financial stability of our public transport provider. I have taken action throughout my time as Minister to underline my commitment and I have instructed my officials to explore ways to ensure that my Department continues to meet its obligations to Translink’s financial viability under the current Public Service Agreement. This work is ongoing but to date has resulted in £90m COVID-19 mitigation funding being provided to support our public transport services and our essential workers throughout the pandemic.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012661%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=322152","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=322152"}},{"id":"322151","reference":"AQW 12660/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-13","answerBy":"2021-01-28","answered":"2021-01-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) NI Water’s level of financial reserves relative to the start of the pandemic; and (ii) what action her Department is taking to ensure that NI Water continues to hold sufficient levels of reserves.","answerText":"I can advise in terms of:\n\nNI Water’s level of financial reserves relative to the start of the pandemic;\n\nAccording to the company’s most recent published Annual Report and Accounts, NI Water at 31 March 2020 had around £1.1 billion in reserves. Of this, £451m is retained earnings, which represents the sum of profits carried forward from prior years. However these are all paper figures resulting from technical accounting treatment. There is no ‘cash in the bank’ to back this up and much of the value is in the form of water and sewerage assets.\n\nUnlike, for example the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company, NI Water is not classified as a Public Corporation so it cannot use “reserves” to fund water and sewerage services.\n\nBecause of its classification as a Non Departmental Public Body, NI Water can only spend in year to the level of Public Expenditure budget cover which is provided by my department from the Executive. The level of reserves it holds is irrelevant in this sense, as there is no Public Expenditure cover for this quantum.\n\nEven if there were no Public Expenditure budget constraints and NI Water could use its reserves, it does not have cash to back up the paper accounting figures that appear in its balance sheet.\n\nwhat action her Department is taking to ensure that NI Water continues to hold sufficient levels of reserves.\n\nAs described in the answer to part (i), the level of reserves that NI Water holds does not correlate to its ability to spend, so there is nothing that could be described as representing a sufficient level of reserves.\n\nWhat I have been doing is making representations to Executive colleagues, outlining to them the importance to the whole economy of investing in our water and sewerage infrastructure. The Utility Regulator in PC21 has estimated £2bn is needed from 2021/22 to the end of the next regulatory Price Control (PC21) period in 2027, to finance capital investment in water and wastewater.\n\nI am continuing to make representation to the Minister for Finance on the need for sufficient funding for the water and sewerage sector in the medium to longer term, which is particularly important as we approach the start of the PC21 period (1 April 2021 to 31 March 2027).","answerHtml":"I can advise in terms of:
NI Water’s level of financial reserves relative to the start of the pandemic;
According to the company’s most recent published Annual Report and Accounts, NI Water at 31 March 2020 had around £1.1 billion in reserves. Of this, £451m is retained earnings, which represents the sum of profits carried forward from prior years. However these are all paper figures resulting from technical accounting treatment. There is no ‘cash in the bank’ to back this up and much of the value is in the form of water and sewerage assets.
Unlike, for example the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company, NI Water is not classified as a Public Corporation so it cannot use “reserves” to fund water and sewerage services.
Because of its classification as a Non Departmental Public Body, NI Water can only spend in year to the level of Public Expenditure budget cover which is provided by my department from the Executive. The level of reserves it holds is irrelevant in this sense, as there is no Public Expenditure cover for this quantum.
Even if there were no Public Expenditure budget constraints and NI Water could use its reserves, it does not have cash to back up the paper accounting figures that appear in its balance sheet.
what action her Department is taking to ensure that NI Water continues to hold sufficient levels of reserves.
As described in the answer to part (i), the level of reserves that NI Water holds does not correlate to its ability to spend, so there is nothing that could be described as representing a sufficient level of reserves.
What I have been doing is making representations to Executive colleagues, outlining to them the importance to the whole economy of investing in our water and sewerage infrastructure. The Utility Regulator in PC21 has estimated £2bn is needed from 2021/22 to the end of the next regulatory Price Control (PC21) period in 2027, to finance capital investment in water and wastewater.
I am continuing to make representation to the Minister for Finance on the need for sufficient funding for the water and sewerage sector in the medium to longer term, which is particularly important as we approach the start of the PC21 period (1 April 2021 to 31 March 2027).
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012660%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=322151","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=322151"}},{"id":"321793","reference":"AQW 12561/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-12","answerBy":"2021-01-18","answered":"2021-01-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance how much COVID-19 support funding is currently (i) allocated to departments but unspent; and (ii) unallocated.","answerText":"The November financial exercise had assigned £2.8 billion of COVID-19 funding including £2.6 billion to departments. Departments are in the process of reviewing their allocations and updating their assessments of spend in the current financial year. These assessments will form part of the January Monitoring process. The outcome of January Monitoring will be announced following Executive agreement","answerHtml":"The November financial exercise had assigned £2.8 billion of COVID-19 funding including £2.6 billion to departments. Departments are in the process of reviewing their allocations and updating their assessments of spend in the current financial year. These assessments will form part of the January Monitoring process. The outcome of January Monitoring will be announced following Executive agreement
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012561%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=321793","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=321793"}},{"id":"321792","reference":"AQW 12560/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-12","answerBy":"2021-01-27","answered":"2021-01-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 445/17-22, for an update on residents' parking schemes.","answerText":"The first residents’ parking scheme in Rugby Road and College Park Avenue in Belfast came into operation during April 2018. A review of the scheme has been completed and I will be in receipt of the report on this in the coming weeks.\n\nI will want to make sure that any lessons learnt from this residents’ parking scheme, and indeed the other areas that had been considered but did not make it to implementation, inform the policy for such schemes going forward. I can confirm that the report will be made publically available when I have had opportunity to consider the findings.","answerHtml":"The first residents’ parking scheme in Rugby Road and College Park Avenue in Belfast came into operation during April 2018. A review of the scheme has been completed and I will be in receipt of the report on this in the coming weeks.
I will want to make sure that any lessons learnt from this residents’ parking scheme, and indeed the other areas that had been considered but did not make it to implementation, inform the policy for such schemes going forward. I can confirm that the report will be made publically available when I have had opportunity to consider the findings.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012560%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=321792","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=321792"}},{"id":"321791","reference":"AQW 12559/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-12","answerBy":"2021-01-27","answered":"2021-01-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether he will consider providing further rates relief to food service companies in 2020/21.","answerText":"I have no current plans to further extend the business rate relief provided for this current financial year beyond that already agreed. Food service companies may be eligible for Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme Part B which supports businesses in the supply chain that were forced to close or severely limit their operations as a result of the increased Health Protection Regulations.","answerHtml":"I have no current plans to further extend the business rate relief provided for this current financial year beyond that already agreed. Food service companies may be eligible for Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme Part B which supports businesses in the supply chain that were forced to close or severely limit their operations as a result of the increased Health Protection Regulations.
I provided statutory protection for business tenants for three months from 1 April 2020. I then extended that protection on three further occasions, latterly on the 21 December 2020, for the period until 31 March 2021. I am keeping the matter under review, however, at this time a further extension is not anticipated.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012558%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=321790","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=321790"}},{"id":"321789","reference":"AQW 12557/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-12","answerBy":"2021-01-27","answered":"2021-01-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy (i) whether Moss Road in Holywood, BT18, will be included in the Project Stratum broadband improvement works; and (ii) when these works are due for completion.","answerText":"(i) The Project Stratum intervention area contains 11 premises located on the Moss Road, Holywood.\n\n(ii) Fibrus Networks, the contractor appointed to deliver Project Stratum, has published details of the deployment plan, and provided an on-line postcode/address checker, enabling citizens and businesses to confirm if/when their premises are included for improvement, on its Project Stratum dedicated website at www.hyperfastni.com. This will be updated as the project progresses.","answerHtml":"(i) The Project Stratum intervention area contains 11 premises located on the Moss Road, Holywood.
(ii) Fibrus Networks, the contractor appointed to deliver Project Stratum, has published details of the deployment plan, and provided an on-line postcode/address checker, enabling citizens and businesses to confirm if/when their premises are included for improvement, on its Project Stratum dedicated website at www.hyperfastni.com. This will be updated as the project progresses.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012557%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=321789","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=321789"}},{"id":"321576","reference":"AQO 1422/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-11","answerBy":"2021-01-19","answered":"2021-01-19","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on the establishment of the JobStart scheme.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Ms Hargey","text":"I thank the Member for his question. The Job Start scheme was due to launch on 14 December. Unfortunately, the Department has had to pause the scheme because clarification is needed on funding approval for it going into the new financial year. I continue to keep the situation under review and will advise of developments. There have also been limitations due to the current regulations, which encourage people to stay at home. We engaged with employers and key stakeholders in devising the Job Start scheme, and I want to get it kicked off as soon as I possibly can. The Budget was announced yesterday, and we can see the pressures that it has presented. I continue to engage with the Finance Department and other Executive colleagues. I continue to look at the labour market and at what interventions we can make. I commit to getting the Job Start scheme up and running as soon as possible."},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"I thank the Minister for her response. I asked a question about this on 8 September after the Kickstart scheme was launched across the water on 8 July."},{"speaker":"","text":"I was told that it would launch in November, and it is now being put off yet again. Rather than Job Start, it seems more like \"Non Start\". Can the Minister outline what funding was bid for and say whether any money has been returned to the centre as a result of the delays in launching this much-wanted scheme?"},{"speaker":"Ms Hargey","text":"We are trying to launch the scheme in this financial year, so, as yet, no money for the scheme has been returned to the centre. The delays are around financial commitments in terms of whether we can run the scheme in the new financial year. I completely understand the frustrations. I have been raising this in terms of the financial commitments in the Budget, because this is one of the critical areas as we start to look at recovery from the pandemic. Because of the current restrictions, there are limitations on what we can do to engage with young people entering the labour market, albeit that we hope that those restrictions will start to ease in the coming months. This is under constant review. It is an urgent matter for me to get the programme up and running as soon as possible when we have the resources committed to do so. I will update Members as we move through this, and I appreciate that the Member has communicated with me on this; others have as well. We want to get this resolved as soon as possible."},{"speaker":"Ms Sheerin","text":"I join others in welcoming the Minister back. I have the honour of being next door to Carál Ní Chuilín upstairs, and, when the Minister was off, the biscuit supply was affected, so I have a dual reason for welcoming you back. Minister, can you advise what types of job young people will be advised to enter in the Job Start scheme?"},{"speaker":"Ms Hargey","text":"The Job Start scheme is different from Kickstart. There is greater flexibility in the Job Start scheme in that, if a single job opportunity arises, we can engage with the employer. There are restrictions in the scheme across the water in that a smaller employer would need at least 30 applications before that can be considered. We are looking at any area across the employment sector. We want to engage with young people to ensure that they are job-ready to look at opportunities lasting up to six months, where they can be placed in a work-based environment with job and youth work coaches who can support the young person and match them to job opportunities. Engagement is ongoing with employers to look at potential placements, and I hope that, as soon as we can go live with the scheme, we can issue more details on the uptake that we get from young people."},{"speaker":"Mrs Barton","text":"Minister, I wish you all the best in your recovery too. You are very welcome back here. Will there be any training for the young people for the jobs that they are interested in and, perhaps, for the people who will employ them?"},{"speaker":"Ms Hargey","text":"There will be training and support. We are working with psychology experts in the Department on the barriers and limitations for the young people. They will be assigned support from the Department to work with them to ensure that they are job-ready and to prepare them for the transition into a six-month placement. We will work with them through designated work coaches who deal specifically with young people on the issues and barriers pertaining to young people. There will be opportunities for young people to be employed for a minimum of 25 hours per week for six months. Training will be assigned to meet the young person's individual needs as they work through the initial application stage."},{"speaker":"Mr Givan","text":"I welcome the Minister back to her place and wish her well. The job support scheme is an important one that we would like to see commenced; however, it is equally important to keep people currently in jobs. What representation is the Minister making on behalf of sports clubs that have hospitality, including bars, that are being denied access to the localised restrictions support scheme? I refer to clubs such as Ballymacash Rangers Football Club, which you visited, that are being deprived of that support, which is jeopardising their projects."},{"speaker":"Ms Hargey","text":"I thank the Member for his question. That matter has also been raised in my constituency. I know that it not only relates to social premises in sporting clubs but includes social clubs as well. There are limitations. I have given support to sport through the grants that have been made available. Where there is lost income from the social club end that benefits the sport, that can be picked up under that sports programme. The closing date for that is tomorrow, so I encourage all Members who have sports organisations in their constituency to ensure that they put in for that grant. Last year, during the first lockdown, sports clubs and social clubs were impacted, and I wrote to the Minister for the Economy about schemes in that Department. In reference to this scheme, you pointed to the Department of Finance, and we have raised the matter with it. Officials from both Departments are looking at this to see what additional scheme can be put in place. I cannot amend the existing sports scheme because it is a live application process. We are now working collectively and urgently. We had a meeting at the end of last week, and we will re-engage this week to see whether we can look at an additional measure to meet the need that is being expressed by Members. It is a concern for people. There is a concern that their profit should not go into private pockets but should go to meet a broader social need in how they reinvest it. We are looking to see whether a scheme can be created, and, again, we will keep Members updated on where that sits. I am told that the difficulty with the existing scheme at the finance end is with the rate and the rateable value. If some of those organisations were to be paid on the basis of their rateable value, although they may operate only a room, they would be paid more than some of our hotels. Obviously, there is a disparity that we need to address, but I am conscious that there is a gap and that we need to find a way as urgently as possible to meet the need and fill that gap. We can update Members as we progress in those discussions, and that will come to a conclusion over the next week or so because, obviously, we need something in place before the end of this financial year to support those sports clubs and, indeed, social clubs."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201422%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=321576","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2021-01-19&docID=321622#AQO%201422/17-22","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=321576"}},{"id":"321549","reference":"AQO 1395/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2021-01-11","answerBy":"2021-01-18","answered":"2021-01-18","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Justice","departmentId":"134","minister":"Minister of Justice","question":"To ask the Minister of Justice for her assessment of how the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union will affect civil, family and criminal justice co-operation in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"Civil and family justice cooperation does not feature in the trade and cooperation agreement, and those areas are now largely governed by existing international agreements. In the family justice field, that leaves relatively few gaps, because Hague conventions, such as the 1996 Hague convention relating to cross-border contact, residence and child protection cases and the 2007 Hague convention that applies to cross-border maintenance cases, cover much of the same ground as the EU instruments. In relation to civil and commercial law, there are limited international cooperation mechanisms. The only substantial one is the Lugano convention of 2007, which the UK has applied to rejoin, and a decision on that is awaited. In the meantime, other than in cases where there is an exclusive choice of court contract covered by the 2005 Hague choice of court convention — that is a commercial contract where both sides agree at the outset the jurisdiction in which a dispute will be heard — cross-border disputes will be left to the domestic rules of the relevant countries to resolve. That will, unfortunately, lead to a lack of clarity over which court has jurisdiction in a case and to potentially more expensive and lengthier parallel proceedings. The trade and cooperation agreement includes provisions on law enforcement and judicial cooperation in criminal matters."},{"speaker":"Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Beggs)","text":"I am afraid that our time is up and that you will not be able to get a supplementary on this occasion. That is the end of listed questions to the Minister; we now move on to topical questions."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201395%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=321549","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2021-01-18&docID=321621#AQO%201395/17-22","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=321549"}},{"id":"321048","reference":"AQW 12403/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-31","answerBy":"2021-01-18","answered":"2021-01-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether collaboration with (i) local councils; and (ii) local business organisations is being explored concerning the establishment of regional hubs to enable civil servants to work in offices near to where they live.","answerText":"Please refer to the response provided to AQW 12401/17-22.","answerHtml":"Please refer to the response provided to AQW 12401/17-22.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012403%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=321048","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=321048"}},{"id":"321047","reference":"AQW 12402/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-31","answerBy":"2021-01-18","answered":"2021-01-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether town centre locations have been considered as priority locations for regional hubs to enable civil servants to work in offices near to where they live.","answerText":"Please refer to the response provided to AQW 12401/17-22.","answerHtml":"Please refer to the response provided to AQW 12401/17-22.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012402%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=321047","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=321047"}},{"id":"321046","reference":"AQW 12401/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-31","answerBy":"2021-01-18","answered":"2021-01-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail proposed locations for regional hubs to enable civil servants to work in offices near to where they live.","answerText":"Discussions on the locations of the hubs are continuing and a paper will be brought to the Executive shortly to agree. I will then update the Member and other Members.","answerHtml":"Discussions on the locations of the hubs are continuing and a paper will be brought to the Executive shortly to agree. I will then update the Member and other Members.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012401%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=321046","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=321046"}},{"id":"321045","reference":"AQW 12400/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-31","answerBy":"2021-01-18","answered":"2021-01-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) the number of accessible parking bays in the Belfast City Council area under the remit of her Department, broken down by the current and the last four financial years; and (ii) how many of those have been temporarily out of use during 2020.","answerText":"My officials have confirmed that records on the number of accessible parking bays are not retained for individual years but rather consist of a rolling total. Currently there are 63 accessible bays within the controlled parking zone within Belfast City Council area all of which have been available for use in 2020.","answerHtml":"My officials have confirmed that records on the number of accessible parking bays are not retained for individual years but rather consist of a rolling total. Currently there are 63 accessible bays within the controlled parking zone within Belfast City Council area all of which have been available for use in 2020.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012400%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=321045","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=321045"}},{"id":"321006","reference":"AQW 12363/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-30","answerBy":"2021-01-05","answered":"2021-08-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, in light of the benefits derived from exercise, and given the improved safety from being with another person, whether he is willing to consider adapting regulations due to come into effect from 2 January 2021 to permit an individual to meet outdoors with one person from another household for exercise with social distancing, as is already the case in tier 4 areas in England.","answerText":"In the period since this question was tabled the Executive has taken a series of carefully considered steps to bring us to the current position. As part of this individuals are permitted to meet outdoors for exercise. Excluding private dwellings, there is no restriction on the number of people permitted to meet outdoors. The maximum number is to be decided by a risk assessment which is required for any outdoor gathering of over 30 people. As part of further relaxations gyms and other exercise classes are permitted to operate.","answerHtml":"In the period since this question was tabled the Executive has taken a series of carefully considered steps to bring us to the current position. As part of this individuals are permitted to meet outdoors for exercise. Excluding private dwellings, there is no restriction on the number of people permitted to meet outdoors. The maximum number is to be decided by a risk assessment which is required for any outdoor gathering of over 30 people. As part of further relaxations gyms and other exercise classes are permitted to operate.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012363%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=321006","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=321006"}},{"id":"321005","reference":"AQW 12362/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-30","answerBy":"2021-01-15","answered":"2021-01-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will publish a telephone number that applicants to the Taxi Drivers Financial Assistance Scheme can ring for an update on the status of their application.","answerText":"No plans were made to publish a telephone number for applicants to ring for an update on their application for this scheme. To ensure that all our resources were focused on processing the thousands of applications received as a matter of priority, queries about an application were directed to the dedicated mailbox for response by a member of the team. However, provision of a contact number for the next scheme is currently being considered in advance of its launch.\n\nPayments have now been made to over 4100 taxi drivers, with some 90% of eligible applications being processed for payment. The remaining applications unfortunately did not meet the criteria for the scheme and will be notified of this outcome this week.","answerHtml":"No plans were made to publish a telephone number for applicants to ring for an update on their application for this scheme. To ensure that all our resources were focused on processing the thousands of applications received as a matter of priority, queries about an application were directed to the dedicated mailbox for response by a member of the team. However, provision of a contact number for the next scheme is currently being considered in advance of its launch.
Payments have now been made to over 4100 taxi drivers, with some 90% of eligible applications being processed for payment. The remaining applications unfortunately did not meet the criteria for the scheme and will be notified of this outcome this week.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012362%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=321005","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=321005"}},{"id":"321004","reference":"AQW 12361/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-30","answerBy":"2021-01-15","answered":"2021-01-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail consultation undertaken and rationale for change in planning policy concerning Battery Energy Storage projects.","answerText":"My Department issued a Chief Planner’s Update (CPU7) on 16 December 2020, which clarified that, for the purposes of planning in Northern Ireland, the Department considers that electricity storage development (such as battery energy storage systems) falls within the meaning of an “electricity generating station”. This advice follows consultation with the Department for the Economy, who have advised that, for the purposes of their licensing/consenting regime, electricity storage systems are a form of generating station. It also takes account of the position of the Utility Regulator that electricity storage is a form of generating station under the terms of the Electricity (NI) Order 1992. The rationale is based on several factors including the operation of electricity storage systems; their classification in other jurisdictions; pre-existing Northern Ireland Legislation; and the legislative history of the Planning (Development Management) Regulations (NI) 2015 and consistency with the Electricity (NI) Order 1992.\n\nThe CPU 7 makes it clear that this is not a legislative or planning policy change.","answerHtml":"My Department issued a Chief Planner’s Update (CPU7) on 16 December 2020, which clarified that, for the purposes of planning in Northern Ireland, the Department considers that electricity storage development (such as battery energy storage systems) falls within the meaning of an “electricity generating station”. This advice follows consultation with the Department for the Economy, who have advised that, for the purposes of their licensing/consenting regime, electricity storage systems are a form of generating station. It also takes account of the position of the Utility Regulator that electricity storage is a form of generating station under the terms of the Electricity (NI) Order 1992. The rationale is based on several factors including the operation of electricity storage systems; their classification in other jurisdictions; pre-existing Northern Ireland Legislation; and the legislative history of the Planning (Development Management) Regulations (NI) 2015 and consistency with the Electricity (NI) Order 1992.
The CPU 7 makes it clear that this is not a legislative or planning policy change.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012361%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=321004","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=321004"}},{"id":"321003","reference":"AQW 12360/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-30","answerBy":"2021-01-15","answered":"2021-04-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether sports clubs, operating licensed premises as part of their wider operation, will be eligible for support under the Wet Pubs Business Support Scheme.","answerText":"In order to qualify for the Wet Pubs Business Support Scheme a business must be in receipt of the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS).\n\nEligibility criteria for the LRSS states that a sports club that operates, or contracts in the operation of, its own clubroom, bar or restaurant within their sporting premises – in other words, not a licensed facility operated by an independent business – is not eligible for support under the LRSS scheme.\n\nA completely separate business that operates a licensed bar or restaurant independently of a sports club, but from within the grounds of a club, may be entitled to support from the scheme. Likewise standalone social club premises, ‘working man’s clubs’, or other similar businesses or establishments (that may or may not have a sporting club name affiliation or not) will be eligible to apply for support under the LRSS scheme and therefore will be eligible for the Wet Pubs Business Support Scheme.\n\nThe Wet Pubs scheme was established to offer support for those traditional pubs that faced increased restrictions last summer, sports clubs with bars within their premises that are used to supplement the income of clubs fall outside the policy intent of this scheme and these clubs have been entitled to support from schemes operated by the Department for Communities.","answerHtml":"In order to qualify for the Wet Pubs Business Support Scheme a business must be in receipt of the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS).
Eligibility criteria for the LRSS states that a sports club that operates, or contracts in the operation of, its own clubroom, bar or restaurant within their sporting premises – in other words, not a licensed facility operated by an independent business – is not eligible for support under the LRSS scheme.
A completely separate business that operates a licensed bar or restaurant independently of a sports club, but from within the grounds of a club, may be entitled to support from the scheme. Likewise standalone social club premises, ‘working man’s clubs’, or other similar businesses or establishments (that may or may not have a sporting club name affiliation or not) will be eligible to apply for support under the LRSS scheme and therefore will be eligible for the Wet Pubs Business Support Scheme.
The Wet Pubs scheme was established to offer support for those traditional pubs that faced increased restrictions last summer, sports clubs with bars within their premises that are used to supplement the income of clubs fall outside the policy intent of this scheme and these clubs have been entitled to support from schemes operated by the Department for Communities.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012360%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=321003","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=321003"}},{"id":"321002","reference":"AQW 12359/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-30","answerBy":"2021-01-15","answered":"2021-01-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the timescale for re-opening applications for financial assistance under the Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme Part A and Part B.","answerText":"The Covid Restrictions business Support Scheme reopened for applications on 7 January 2021.","answerHtml":"The Covid Restrictions business Support Scheme reopened for applications on 7 January 2021.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012359%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=321002","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=321002"}},{"id":"320868","reference":"AQW 12317/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-18","answerBy":"2021-01-07","answered":"2021-01-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the timescales for provision of a new Primary and Community Care Centre in Bangor.","answerText":"A Hub in Bangor was included as part of the Primary Care Infrastructure Development Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP), however given the constraints on budgets it is likely that it will take longer to deliver all hub developments than was first envisaged. With this in mind, my Department and the Health and Social Care Board reviewed the schemes within Tranche 2 of the SIP to identify which hubs would be the next to be developed. The draft plan for Tranche 2 roll out includes a development to serve the population of the North Down and Newtownards area.\n\nAs capital budget allocations have not been approved beyond 2020/21, I do not have confirmation of funding for Hub schemes at this point. While the South Eastern Trust has commenced the business case for the area, which will enable them to avail of funding when it becomes available, its development has been constrained by the ongoing impact of Covid 19.","answerHtml":"A Hub in Bangor was included as part of the Primary Care Infrastructure Development Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP), however given the constraints on budgets it is likely that it will take longer to deliver all hub developments than was first envisaged. With this in mind, my Department and the Health and Social Care Board reviewed the schemes within Tranche 2 of the SIP to identify which hubs would be the next to be developed. The draft plan for Tranche 2 roll out includes a development to serve the population of the North Down and Newtownards area.
As capital budget allocations have not been approved beyond 2020/21, I do not have confirmation of funding for Hub schemes at this point. While the South Eastern Trust has commenced the business case for the area, which will enable them to avail of funding when it becomes available, its development has been constrained by the ongoing impact of Covid 19.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012317%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=320868","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=320868"}},{"id":"320867","reference":"AQW 12316/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-18","answerBy":"2021-01-07","answered":"2020-12-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 7390/17-22, for an update on the assessment to be undertaken concerning speed limits on Ballyrobert Road.","answerText":"Following on from previous correspondence, officials have arranged for Automatic Traffic Counters (ATC`s) to be positioned along the Ballyrobert Road. However given the current Covid-19 restrictions it would not be deemed appropriate to install these measures until February/March 2021 when traffic patterns are likely to be more reflective of normal levels therefore providing a more realistic outcome.\n\nThis information will then be assessed in conjunction with the Department’s guidelines, entitled Roads Service Policy and Procedure Guide (RSPPG) E051 ‘Setting Local Speed Limits in Northern Ireland’.","answerHtml":"Following on from previous correspondence, officials have arranged for Automatic Traffic Counters (ATC`s) to be positioned along the Ballyrobert Road. However given the current Covid-19 restrictions it would not be deemed appropriate to install these measures until February/March 2021 when traffic patterns are likely to be more reflective of normal levels therefore providing a more realistic outcome.
This information will then be assessed in conjunction with the Department’s guidelines, entitled Roads Service Policy and Procedure Guide (RSPPG) E051 ‘Setting Local Speed Limits in Northern Ireland’.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012316%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=320867","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=320867"}},{"id":"320866","reference":"AQW 12315/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-18","answerBy":"2021-01-07","answered":"2021-01-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she will expand the support available for hospitality and catering apprenticeships for those over the age of 25.","answerText":"As part of my Department’s response to COVID-19 I have been giving ongoing consideration to removing age-related funding criteria on the ApprenticeshipsNI programme.\n\nI recognise that removal of this criteria would improve access to apprenticeships, thus providing reskilling opportunities and pathways to employment and life-long learning for all. However, it is important that any Departmental proposals do not disadvantage young people, as analysis of previous recessions demonstrates that young people, and in particular school leavers, are disproportionately impacted during times of recession.\n\nIt is also imperative that any changes relating to the introduction of all-age apprenticeships are carefully considered and monitored to help ensure that proposals will lead to additional apprenticeship opportunities rather than displacing young people.\n\nI do, however believe that consideration of age related eligibility requirements is critical and will have a key role to play in improving skills, supporting employment, and economic recovery. I have therefore instructed my officials to continue to develop this proposal, including assessing how implementation should be monitored to prevent a negative impact on youth unemployment, with a view to introducing all-age apprenticeships at the earliest opportunity, subject of course to funding considerations. Higher Level Apprenticeships, including funding, are already available for applicants of all ages who meet the qualifying criteria.","answerHtml":"As part of my Department’s response to COVID-19 I have been giving ongoing consideration to removing age-related funding criteria on the ApprenticeshipsNI programme.
I recognise that removal of this criteria would improve access to apprenticeships, thus providing reskilling opportunities and pathways to employment and life-long learning for all. However, it is important that any Departmental proposals do not disadvantage young people, as analysis of previous recessions demonstrates that young people, and in particular school leavers, are disproportionately impacted during times of recession.
It is also imperative that any changes relating to the introduction of all-age apprenticeships are carefully considered and monitored to help ensure that proposals will lead to additional apprenticeship opportunities rather than displacing young people.
I do, however believe that consideration of age related eligibility requirements is critical and will have a key role to play in improving skills, supporting employment, and economic recovery. I have therefore instructed my officials to continue to develop this proposal, including assessing how implementation should be monitored to prevent a negative impact on youth unemployment, with a view to introducing all-age apprenticeships at the earliest opportunity, subject of course to funding considerations. Higher Level Apprenticeships, including funding, are already available for applicants of all ages who meet the qualifying criteria.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012315%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=320866","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=320866"}},{"id":"320644","reference":"AQW 12185/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-16","answerBy":"2020-12-21","answered":"2021-01-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she will re-open applications under the Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme in light of the delays in adjudicating on Localised Restrictions Grant applications.","answerText":"I am pleased to advise that the CRBSS reopened to support affected businesses on 7 January.\n\nThe CRBSS will maintain the previous payment structure and payments will be issued automatically to previously successful applicants.\n\nThe scheme will also open for businesses that have now fallen within scope of the restrictions, and which were not previously eligible to apply. For businesses which were previously eligible but did not apply, they may now apply and, if successful, will receive backdated payments for the full period which restrictions applied to the business.\n\nThis continuing support to businesses in Northern Ireland, alongside the unprecedented national schemes provided by the UK Government, will put us in the best position to rebuild a stronger economy throughout 2021.","answerHtml":"I am pleased to advise that the CRBSS reopened to support affected businesses on 7 January.
The CRBSS will maintain the previous payment structure and payments will be issued automatically to previously successful applicants.
The scheme will also open for businesses that have now fallen within scope of the restrictions, and which were not previously eligible to apply. For businesses which were previously eligible but did not apply, they may now apply and, if successful, will receive backdated payments for the full period which restrictions applied to the business.
This continuing support to businesses in Northern Ireland, alongside the unprecedented national schemes provided by the UK Government, will put us in the best position to rebuild a stronger economy throughout 2021.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012185%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=320644","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=320644"}},{"id":"320643","reference":"AQW 12184/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-16","answerBy":"2021-01-05","answered":"2020-12-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department has given consideration to offering resource grant funding to local councils for active travel initiatives in addition to the capital funding available.","answerText":"My Department is operating with a very limited resource funding budget and so my officials are working to explore options to assist Councils in progressing active travel initiatives through capital funding, particularly through the £20 million allocated for Blue Green infrastructure.","answerHtml":"My Department is operating with a very limited resource funding budget and so my officials are working to explore options to assist Councils in progressing active travel initiatives through capital funding, particularly through the £20 million allocated for Blue Green infrastructure.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012184%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=320643","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=320643"}},{"id":"320642","reference":"AQW 12183/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-16","answerBy":"2021-01-05","answered":"2020-12-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure how much financial support her Department has provided to the One Path Initiative (i) in the current year; and (ii) in each of the last five financial years.","answerText":"The Department for Infrastructure is one of four organisations (the other three being Belfast City Council, Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, and Ards and North Down Borough Council) who provided funding support to Sustrans to develop and deliver the ‘One Path Initiative’ along the Comber Greenway.\n\nThe first year of funding was 2016/17 and therefore no funding was provided prior to that.\n\nMy Department has provided funding to Sustrans and installed a number of the One Path “Share, Respect Enjoy” signs on various paths as per details below.\n\n2016/2017 – Overall funding £13,460 - DfI contribution £3,365\n\n2017/2018 - Overall funding £20,570 - DfI contribution £5,142\n\n2018/2019 - £10,000 – DfI – Installation of Share Respect Enjoy signs on Comber Greenway\n\n2019/2020 - £2,000 – DfI – Installation of Share Respect Enjoy signs on Blaris Greenway","answerHtml":"The Department for Infrastructure is one of four organisations (the other three being Belfast City Council, Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, and Ards and North Down Borough Council) who provided funding support to Sustrans to develop and deliver the ‘One Path Initiative’ along the Comber Greenway.
The first year of funding was 2016/17 and therefore no funding was provided prior to that.
My Department has provided funding to Sustrans and installed a number of the One Path “Share, Respect Enjoy” signs on various paths as per details below.
2016/2017 – Overall funding £13,460 - DfI contribution £3,365
2017/2018 - Overall funding £20,570 - DfI contribution £5,142
2018/2019 - £10,000 – DfI – Installation of Share Respect Enjoy signs on Comber Greenway
2019/2020 - £2,000 – DfI – Installation of Share Respect Enjoy signs on Blaris Greenway
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012183%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=320642","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=320642"}},{"id":"320450","reference":"AQW 12108/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-15","answerBy":"2020-12-18","answered":"2020-12-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether licensed premises, required to close under the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020, operated by and contained within golf clubs are eligible for support for Localised Restrictions Support Scheme.","answerText":"The Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS) was established with the purpose of providing financial support to any business specified in the Health Protection Regulations which has been required to restrict or cease trading. Where such premises (licensed or otherwise) within a golf club constitutes a separate business occupier, as defined by paragraph 1 of the Schedule within The Financial Assistance (Coronavirus)(No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020, and is part only of larger rateable premises, that business may apply under this Scheme and be liable for the lower rate. DfC Sports Sustainability Fund is in place to help address the economic consequences of the pandemic affecting the sports sector. It will provide the financial interventions needed to stabilise and sustain sports core governing bodies. Affiliated sports clubs may apply for funding through their governing body by providing all information regarding current and historic income and expenditure.","answerHtml":"The Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS) was established with the purpose of providing financial support to any business specified in the Health Protection Regulations which has been required to restrict or cease trading. Where such premises (licensed or otherwise) within a golf club constitutes a separate business occupier, as defined by paragraph 1 of the Schedule within The Financial Assistance (Coronavirus)(No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020, and is part only of larger rateable premises, that business may apply under this Scheme and be liable for the lower rate. DfC Sports Sustainability Fund is in place to help address the economic consequences of the pandemic affecting the sports sector. It will provide the financial interventions needed to stabilise and sustain sports core governing bodies. Affiliated sports clubs may apply for funding through their governing body by providing all information regarding current and historic income and expenditure.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012108%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=320450","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=320450"}},{"id":"320449","reference":"AQW 12107/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-15","answerBy":"2021-01-04","answered":"2020-12-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any further financial support that will be provided to district councils to deal with impact of COVID-19 upon their finances.","answerText":"On 23 November 2020, the Executive allocated a further £10 million to my Department to support local councils for the period from mid-March 2020 to March 2021. This was in addition to £75.3 million that was previously allocated for councils for this financial year of which £40.3 million has been paid to date.\n\nMy Department will continue to carry out analysis of the figures to be provided by each council reflecting their projected financial losses and COVID-19 costs for this financial year taking into account updated estimates and actual spend.\n\nOnce my Department has carried out due diligence exercises on further information provided by councils, the figures will be signed off by individual Council Chief Executives. Final consultation with Association of Local Government Finance Officers and Society of Local Authority Chief Executives will also take place.\n\nThis will provide a basis for allocation that will be consistent with the original bid for support as approved by the Executive. Allocations for the remaining £45 million funding which includes the recent allocation of £10 million will be confirmed once information has been provided by councils and due diligence exercises have been completed.","answerHtml":"On 23 November 2020, the Executive allocated a further £10 million to my Department to support local councils for the period from mid-March 2020 to March 2021. This was in addition to £75.3 million that was previously allocated for councils for this financial year of which £40.3 million has been paid to date.
My Department will continue to carry out analysis of the figures to be provided by each council reflecting their projected financial losses and COVID-19 costs for this financial year taking into account updated estimates and actual spend.
Once my Department has carried out due diligence exercises on further information provided by councils, the figures will be signed off by individual Council Chief Executives. Final consultation with Association of Local Government Finance Officers and Society of Local Authority Chief Executives will also take place.
This will provide a basis for allocation that will be consistent with the original bid for support as approved by the Executive. Allocations for the remaining £45 million funding which includes the recent allocation of £10 million will be confirmed once information has been provided by councils and due diligence exercises have been completed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012107%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=320449","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=320449"}},{"id":"320448","reference":"AQW 12106/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-15","answerBy":"2021-01-04","answered":"2020-12-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail the average timescale for the processing of Localised Restrictions Support Scheme Grant Applications, from the point of application to processing of payment.","answerText":"In the interests of making processing of applications its first priority, LPS has not spent time recording metrics which would enable the accurate calculation of a figure for the average timescale of processing an application.\n\nThe main body of applications was received for the period from 15th October 2020 to 10th December 2020. LPS was not in a position to start issuing payments for these until regulations were in place on 30th October 2020. In the 7 week period from 30th October 2020 to 18th December 2020, LPS has processed 12,535 applications. The total number of applications received to date is 14,415, with new applications being submitted daily. The average number of applications processed per week is 1,790.","answerHtml":"In the interests of making processing of applications its first priority, LPS has not spent time recording metrics which would enable the accurate calculation of a figure for the average timescale of processing an application.
The main body of applications was received for the period from 15th October 2020 to 10th December 2020. LPS was not in a position to start issuing payments for these until regulations were in place on 30th October 2020. In the 7 week period from 30th October 2020 to 18th December 2020, LPS has processed 12,535 applications. The total number of applications received to date is 14,415, with new applications being submitted daily. The average number of applications processed per week is 1,790.
The development of Greenways has significant potential to deliver outcomes across a range of Government objectives which will have far reaching benefits for individuals and communities across the entire region. That is why I have been willing to make a substantial contribution to the capital costs of greenways as outlined in my announcement in September of support for six greenways.
In addition to support from my Department in respect of the active travel element of greenways, Councils are free to seek support from other Departments and organisations in respect of the wider benefits of greenways in terms of health, environment, social inclusion, rural development, tourism and recreation.
Having said that, I am willing to consider, with Councils, how best to take forward this important work.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012105%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=320447","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=320447"}},{"id":"320218","reference":"AQW 12040/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-14","answerBy":"2020-12-18","answered":"2020-12-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether cross-border travel by Concessionary SmartPass holders will be affected as a result of EU exit with or without a deal.","answerText":"I can confirm that existing arrangements allowing senior citizens resident in Northern Ireland aged 65 or over to travel for free on the island of Ireland will be unaffected by EU Exit. The arrangements allowing senior citizens resident in the Republic of Ireland aged over 66 to travel for free in Northern Ireland will be similarly unaffected. This will be the case regardless of whether a trade deal is reached between the United Kingdom and the EU.","answerHtml":"I can confirm that existing arrangements allowing senior citizens resident in Northern Ireland aged 65 or over to travel for free on the island of Ireland will be unaffected by EU Exit. The arrangements allowing senior citizens resident in the Republic of Ireland aged over 66 to travel for free in Northern Ireland will be similarly unaffected. This will be the case regardless of whether a trade deal is reached between the United Kingdom and the EU.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012040%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=320218","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=320218"}},{"id":"320025","reference":"AQW 11975/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-11","answerBy":"2020-12-16","answered":"2020-12-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 11522/17-22, why the guidance referred to prevents her from naming the nine reservoirs in need of urgent intervention.","answerText":"The ‘National Protocol for the Handling, Transmission and Storage of Reservoir Information and Flood Maps (June 2018)’ provides guidance on the release into the public domain of detail that may expose potential vulnerabilities in reservoirs. This includes being aware of the aggregation of information in the public domain which, when combined with information available from other sources, would provide information that would increase the security risk to those vulnerable reservoirs.\n\nMy officials’ view is that disclosure of the exact locations of the nine reservoirs in need of urgent interventions would increase that risk.","answerHtml":"The ‘National Protocol for the Handling, Transmission and Storage of Reservoir Information and Flood Maps (June 2018)’ provides guidance on the release into the public domain of detail that may expose potential vulnerabilities in reservoirs. This includes being aware of the aggregation of information in the public domain which, when combined with information available from other sources, would provide information that would increase the security risk to those vulnerable reservoirs.
My officials’ view is that disclosure of the exact locations of the nine reservoirs in need of urgent interventions would increase that risk.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011975%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=320025","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=320025"}},{"id":"320024","reference":"AQW 11974/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-11","answerBy":"2020-12-30","answered":"2020-12-31","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether there is a strategy in place to reduce the carbon footprint of the public sector.","answerText":"The office buildings that my Department manages are responsible for around 4% of total Public Sector energy consumption. My Department has prepared an Energy with Carbon Reduction Plan for the NICS Office Estate, which builds on previous plans and aims for a further 4% energy saving over the period to 2023. Reductions in energy use have been achieved by reducing the size of the estate - or rightsizing; encouraging behavioural changes in staff to use energy more efficiently; and capital investment in areas such a boiler replacement and LED lighting.\n\nMy department is planning to establish a series of regional hubs to enable civil servants to work in offices near to where they live. This will contribute to the reduction of emissions by cutting down on the number of cars travelling long distances.\n\nI tabled a paper on social value, with outcomes including effective stewardship of the environment, to the Procurement Board on 16 December 2020. It will require procurement strategies and specifications that:\n\nDeliver additional environmental benefits in the performance of the contract including working towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions.\n\nContract specifications that support environmental protection and improvement.\n\nI have invited comments from the Board and once agreed, I will seek endorsement from Executive colleagues.\n\nMy Department has policy and legislation responsibility for building regulations, which provide minimum energy efficiency standards of building work. I want to see ambitious measures to improve the energy efficiency and carbon performance of new buildings locally, in a way that helps industry transition to new standards in energy efficiency and low carbon heating safely.","answerHtml":"The office buildings that my Department manages are responsible for around 4% of total Public Sector energy consumption. My Department has prepared an Energy with Carbon Reduction Plan for the NICS Office Estate, which builds on previous plans and aims for a further 4% energy saving over the period to 2023. Reductions in energy use have been achieved by reducing the size of the estate - or rightsizing; encouraging behavioural changes in staff to use energy more efficiently; and capital investment in areas such a boiler replacement and LED lighting.
My department is planning to establish a series of regional hubs to enable civil servants to work in offices near to where they live. This will contribute to the reduction of emissions by cutting down on the number of cars travelling long distances.
I tabled a paper on social value, with outcomes including effective stewardship of the environment, to the Procurement Board on 16 December 2020. It will require procurement strategies and specifications that:
Deliver additional environmental benefits in the performance of the contract including working towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions.
Contract specifications that support environmental protection and improvement.
I have invited comments from the Board and once agreed, I will seek endorsement from Executive colleagues.
My Department has policy and legislation responsibility for building regulations, which provide minimum energy efficiency standards of building work. I want to see ambitious measures to improve the energy efficiency and carbon performance of new buildings locally, in a way that helps industry transition to new standards in energy efficiency and low carbon heating safely.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011974%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=320024","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=320024"}},{"id":"320023","reference":"AQW 11973/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-11","answerBy":"2020-12-30","answered":"2020-12-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy how many instances of petroleum exploration there have been in Northern Ireland, in each of the last five financial years.","answerText":"All petroleum exploration activities that take place in the Northern Ireland are carried out under licence from the Department for the Economy.\n\nDuring the past five financial years, two Petroleum Licences were active in in Northern Ireland: PL1/10, awarded to InfraStrata Plc and eCorp Oil & Gas UK Limited on 4 March 2011 and PL3/10, awarded to Rathlin Energy Limited on 15 February 2011. These licences were relinquished in April 2020 and October 2015 respectively.\n\nPetroleum exploration activities include desk-based studies, laboratory-based analyses or ground-based activities such as exploratory drilling or seismic surveying.\n\nThe exploration activities carried out in Northern Ireland in each of the last five financial years is as follows:\n\n2019/20 None\n\n2018/19 None\n\n2017/18 Desk-based studies on the Identification and Characterisation of Source Rock potential in the Larne Basin and an Air-FTG® Feasibility Modelling Report (PL1/10).\n\n2016/17 Drilling of the Woodburn Forest No. 1 Well and associated subsequent studies: Downhole Geophysical Logging, Isotopic Analysis of Gas Samples, Petrophysical Analysis, Biostratigraphical Analysis (PL1/10).\n\n2015/16 Plugging and Abandonment of Ballinlea No. 1 Well (PL3/10).","answerHtml":"All petroleum exploration activities that take place in the Northern Ireland are carried out under licence from the Department for the Economy.
During the past five financial years, two Petroleum Licences were active in in Northern Ireland: PL1/10, awarded to InfraStrata Plc and eCorp Oil & Gas UK Limited on 4 March 2011 and PL3/10, awarded to Rathlin Energy Limited on 15 February 2011. These licences were relinquished in April 2020 and October 2015 respectively.
Petroleum exploration activities include desk-based studies, laboratory-based analyses or ground-based activities such as exploratory drilling or seismic surveying.
The exploration activities carried out in Northern Ireland in each of the last five financial years is as follows:
2019/20 None
2018/19 None
2017/18 Desk-based studies on the Identification and Characterisation of Source Rock potential in the Larne Basin and an Air-FTG® Feasibility Modelling Report (PL1/10).
2016/17 Drilling of the Woodburn Forest No. 1 Well and associated subsequent studies: Downhole Geophysical Logging, Isotopic Analysis of Gas Samples, Petrophysical Analysis, Biostratigraphical Analysis (PL1/10).
2015/16 Plugging and Abandonment of Ballinlea No. 1 Well (PL3/10).
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011973%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=320023","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=320023"}},{"id":"320022","reference":"AQW 11972/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-11","answerBy":"2020-12-30","answered":"2020-12-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail plans in place to make railway stations and halts accessible to people with a disability.","answerText":"In recent years, my Department has made significant strides in improving the accessibility of our public transport network and it is my ambition as Minister to ensure those improvements are delivered working closely with our stakeholders. There is active engagement, for example, with the Inclusive Mobility Transport Advisory Committee (IMTAC), who have provided essential advice to my Department for many years.\n\nWhilst there is more work to do to improve the inclusivity of our public transport network, I can confirm that my Department and Translink fully consider the needs of people with a disability when designing projects. To that end, I can confirm that a number of development proposals are in place to improve our railway stations and halts including the development of the Belfast Transport Hub and the refurbishment of Yorkgate Station. Whilst plans to build or refurbish rail station and halts are dependent upon available capital budget and competing priorities within the Department, I can assure you that these projects, when taken forward, will be designed in consultation with IMTAC as we strive to improve the accessibility of our public transport network.","answerHtml":"In recent years, my Department has made significant strides in improving the accessibility of our public transport network and it is my ambition as Minister to ensure those improvements are delivered working closely with our stakeholders. There is active engagement, for example, with the Inclusive Mobility Transport Advisory Committee (IMTAC), who have provided essential advice to my Department for many years.
Whilst there is more work to do to improve the inclusivity of our public transport network, I can confirm that my Department and Translink fully consider the needs of people with a disability when designing projects. To that end, I can confirm that a number of development proposals are in place to improve our railway stations and halts including the development of the Belfast Transport Hub and the refurbishment of Yorkgate Station. Whilst plans to build or refurbish rail station and halts are dependent upon available capital budget and competing priorities within the Department, I can assure you that these projects, when taken forward, will be designed in consultation with IMTAC as we strive to improve the accessibility of our public transport network.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011972%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=320022","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=320022"}},{"id":"319725","reference":"AQW 11831/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-09","answerBy":"2020-12-14","answered":"2021-12-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy when applications can be made for support from the fund announced on 23 November 2020 to assist company directors previously excluded from financial assistance.","answerText":"The Limited Company Director’s Support Scheme (LCDSS) provided an initial one-off taxable grant of £3,500 to eligible company directors and opened for applications on 21 January 2021. The scheme closed to new applications 4 March 2021 and paid out a total of £19.2m in support.","answerHtml":"The Limited Company Director’s Support Scheme (LCDSS) provided an initial one-off taxable grant of £3,500 to eligible company directors and opened for applications on 21 January 2021. The scheme closed to new applications 4 March 2021 and paid out a total of £19.2m in support.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011831%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=319725","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=319725"}},{"id":"319724","reference":"AQW 11830/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-09","answerBy":"2020-12-24","answered":"2020-12-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department will consider the use of alternatives to glyphosate as a weed killer on the road network.","answerText":"My Department is aware of the concerns about the use of glyphosate and, while it remains an approved product which is effective in the control of weeds, we are keeping its use on the road network under review, in support of the next All-Ireland Pollinator Plan. This plan sets out a range of measures to minimise environmental impact and the next plan period will be 2021-2025.","answerHtml":"My Department is aware of the concerns about the use of glyphosate and, while it remains an approved product which is effective in the control of weeds, we are keeping its use on the road network under review, in support of the next All-Ireland Pollinator Plan. This plan sets out a range of measures to minimise environmental impact and the next plan period will be 2021-2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011830%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=319724","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=319724"}},{"id":"319723","reference":"AQW 11829/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-09","answerBy":"2020-12-24","answered":"2020-12-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the development of the Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan.","answerText":"The Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan (RSTNTP) will set out future investment and improvement for our strategic transport networks, by road, rail and bus, and reflect my commitment to improving connectivity for the benefit of our economy and communities across Northern Ireland.\n\nMy Department is currently progressing the RSTNTP to draft report stage in order to allow it to be presented for public consultation.\n\nI am working closely with officials to monitor progress and intend to publish the draft RSTNTP for public consultation in late 2021, with a view to issuing the finalised Plan in spring 2022.","answerHtml":"The Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan (RSTNTP) will set out future investment and improvement for our strategic transport networks, by road, rail and bus, and reflect my commitment to improving connectivity for the benefit of our economy and communities across Northern Ireland.
My Department is currently progressing the RSTNTP to draft report stage in order to allow it to be presented for public consultation.
I am working closely with officials to monitor progress and intend to publish the draft RSTNTP for public consultation in late 2021, with a view to issuing the finalised Plan in spring 2022.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011829%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=319723","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=319723"}},{"id":"319722","reference":"AQW 11828/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-09","answerBy":"2020-12-24","answered":"2021-01-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she will make further assistance available to support local businesses going online.","answerText":"Following the announcement on the 23rd of November of an additional £3M of funding approved by the NI Executive to help businesses grow online sales, I have asked Invest NI to deliver a scheme similar to the recent Digital Selling Capability Grant call to help more retail businesses including sole traders. Invest NI is working through the options and developing the business case. Further details of the scheme, levels of support and specifics on the businesses the support is aimed at will be publicised when finalised. Pending business case approval, it is hoped the funding call will launch before the end of January 2021.","answerHtml":"Following the announcement on the 23rd of November of an additional £3M of funding approved by the NI Executive to help businesses grow online sales, I have asked Invest NI to deliver a scheme similar to the recent Digital Selling Capability Grant call to help more retail businesses including sole traders. Invest NI is working through the options and developing the business case. Further details of the scheme, levels of support and specifics on the businesses the support is aimed at will be publicised when finalised. Pending business case approval, it is hoped the funding call will launch before the end of January 2021.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011828%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=319722","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=319722"}},{"id":"319721","reference":"AQW 11827/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-09","answerBy":"2020-12-24","answered":"2020-12-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether he intends to require (i) the purchase; and (ii) lease of all new vehicles by the public sector to be zero emissions vehicles.","answerText":"CPD through its Fleet contracts can procure any type of vehicle from electric, to plug in hybrid to standard fossil fuel. However the choice is a matter for the Department and/or Arms Length Body who hold the budget.\n\nI tabled a paper on social value, which included a target of working towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions, to the Procurement Board on 16 December 2020. I have invited comments from the Board and once agreed, I will seek endorsement from Executive colleagues. This will impact on future specifications for the purchase and lease of new vehicles.","answerHtml":"CPD through its Fleet contracts can procure any type of vehicle from electric, to plug in hybrid to standard fossil fuel. However the choice is a matter for the Department and/or Arms Length Body who hold the budget.
I tabled a paper on social value, which included a target of working towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions, to the Procurement Board on 16 December 2020. I have invited comments from the Board and once agreed, I will seek endorsement from Executive colleagues. This will impact on future specifications for the purchase and lease of new vehicles.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011827%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=319721","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=319721"}},{"id":"319550","reference":"AQW 11750/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-08","answerBy":"2020-12-11","answered":"2021-01-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether rules concerning wedding receptions from 11 December 2020 shall revert to previous rules, whereby table sizes must be no more than ten persons, not including children aged 12 or under, with the top table having no limit placed on persons who may be seated.","answerText":"This is not within my Department’s remit.","answerHtml":"This is not within my Department’s remit.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011750%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=319550","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=319550"}},{"id":"319549","reference":"AQW 11749/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-08","answerBy":"2020-12-23","answered":"2020-12-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether he intends to revise the criteria for support from the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme to assist those required to close under the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 but embedded within a larger business that was not required to close.","answerText":"The Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS) was established with the sole purpose of providing financial support to any business specified in the Health Protection Regulations which has been required to restrict or cease trading. Where such a specified business is an occupier, (as defined by paragraph 1 of the Schedule within The Financial Assistance (Coronavirus)(No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020), of part only of larger rateable premises, that business may apply under this Scheme and be liable for the lower rate. I do not intend to revise that criteria. Further details on the Scheme and how to apply are available at:\n\nhttps://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/LocalisedRestrictionsSupport","answerHtml":"The Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS) was established with the sole purpose of providing financial support to any business specified in the Health Protection Regulations which has been required to restrict or cease trading. Where such a specified business is an occupier, (as defined by paragraph 1 of the Schedule within The Financial Assistance (Coronavirus)(No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020), of part only of larger rateable premises, that business may apply under this Scheme and be liable for the lower rate. I do not intend to revise that criteria. Further details on the Scheme and how to apply are available at:
https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/LocalisedRestrictionsSupport
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011749%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=319549","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=319549"}},{"id":"319548","reference":"AQW 11748/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-08","answerBy":"2020-12-23","answered":"2020-12-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether returned non domestic rates relief granted to large supermarkets will go to his Department as opposed to HM Treasury; and whether it will have to be spent in 2020/21 financial year.","answerText":"The current plan is for this money to be repaid to the Treasury for redistribution to the devolved administrations. LPS will provide the information required to Treasury on the amounts for redistribution to my Department. The timetable for redistribution has yet to be agreed; therefore, it is not yet known if the money will have to be spent in the 2020/21 financial year.","answerHtml":"The current plan is for this money to be repaid to the Treasury for redistribution to the devolved administrations. LPS will provide the information required to Treasury on the amounts for redistribution to my Department. The timetable for redistribution has yet to be agreed; therefore, it is not yet known if the money will have to be spent in the 2020/21 financial year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011748%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=319548","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=319548"}},{"id":"319547","reference":"AQW 11747/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-08","answerBy":"2020-12-23","answered":"2020-12-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, following the announcement of the Oxygen and Hydrogen Demonstrator Project, for her assessment on how hydrogen production could become part of the business model of NI Water.","answerText":"I am committed to leading our green economic recovery, and I have supported NI Water’s Oxygen and Hydrogen demonstrator project, which aims to use a 1 megawatt electrolyser at a wastewater treatment site in the Belfast area. The purpose of the project is to demonstrate the potential benefits of using oxygen on a large scale to enable wastewater plant efficiency, whilst also producing green hydrogen to use in decarbonising transport and heat production.\n\nThe equipment is currently being procured and is expected to be commissioned and on site in Autumn 2021. Following operation over a 12 month period, the project will inform how NI Water could contribute to the growing hydrogen economy whilst generating further efficiencies from using oxygen in the wastewater treatment process.","answerHtml":"I am committed to leading our green economic recovery, and I have supported NI Water’s Oxygen and Hydrogen demonstrator project, which aims to use a 1 megawatt electrolyser at a wastewater treatment site in the Belfast area. The purpose of the project is to demonstrate the potential benefits of using oxygen on a large scale to enable wastewater plant efficiency, whilst also producing green hydrogen to use in decarbonising transport and heat production.
The equipment is currently being procured and is expected to be commissioned and on site in Autumn 2021. Following operation over a 12 month period, the project will inform how NI Water could contribute to the growing hydrogen economy whilst generating further efficiencies from using oxygen in the wastewater treatment process.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011747%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=319547","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=319547"}},{"id":"319404","reference":"AQW 11671/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-07","answerBy":"2020-12-22","answered":"2020-12-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail the timescales for striking the regional rate for 2021/22.","answerText":"The Executive will make decisions on the level of Regional Rates as part of the Budget process. I anticipate bringing a draft Budget to the Assembly in the coming weeks.\n\nOnce the Executive’s Budget is settled, and the decision has been made on the regional rate poundage for 2021/22, my Department can proceed to make and lay the required Statutory Rule to legislate for the poundage, and present this for scrutiny by the Finance Committee and debate at the Assembly.","answerHtml":"The Executive will make decisions on the level of Regional Rates as part of the Budget process. I anticipate bringing a draft Budget to the Assembly in the coming weeks.
Once the Executive’s Budget is settled, and the decision has been made on the regional rate poundage for 2021/22, my Department can proceed to make and lay the required Statutory Rule to legislate for the poundage, and present this for scrutiny by the Finance Committee and debate at the Assembly.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011671%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=319404","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=319404"}},{"id":"319403","reference":"AQW 11670/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-07","answerBy":"2020-12-22","answered":"2021-01-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister, in relation to their Good Relations duties, whether they will consider (i) purchasing the rights to the Lost Lives book; and (ii) making it available online free of charge.","answerText":"We currently have no plans to purchase the rights to the book. However, PRONI are in possession of some archived material relating to Lost Lives and are in the process of arranging and cataloguing it.","answerHtml":"We currently have no plans to purchase the rights to the book. However, PRONI are in possession of some archived material relating to Lost Lives and are in the process of arranging and cataloguing it.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011670%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=319403","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=319403"}},{"id":"319402","reference":"AQW 11669/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-07","answerBy":"2020-12-22","answered":"2020-12-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the funding that is required for the complete replacement of the Translink bus fleet with zero-emission vehicles.","answerText":"The capital cost to replace Translink’s existing bus fleet with zero emission vehicles is estimated to be in the region of £800m based on current market vehicle costs, likely technology developments and the costs associated with required depot infrastructure.","answerHtml":"The capital cost to replace Translink’s existing bus fleet with zero emission vehicles is estimated to be in the region of £800m based on current market vehicle costs, likely technology developments and the costs associated with required depot infrastructure.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011669%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=319402","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=319402"}},{"id":"319401","reference":"AQW 11668/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-07","answerBy":"2020-12-22","answered":"2020-12-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what percentage of Translink’s current fleet do not meet the requirements of the Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations (NI) 2003.","answerText":"All Translink vehicles meet the requirements of the Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations (NI) 2003.","answerHtml":"All Translink vehicles meet the requirements of the Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations (NI) 2003.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011668%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=319401","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=319401"}},{"id":"319146","reference":"AQW 11603/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-04","answerBy":"2020-12-09","answered":"2021-08-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health what discussions he has had with the Minister for Infrastructure concerning the implementation of Test to Release for International Travel scheme in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"The test to release scheme is a voluntary UK Government initiative that was introduced in England only in December 2020.\n\nAt that time there were no plans to introduce such a scheme in Northern Ireland as the evidence supported a full 10 day self-isolation period and this remains the case. The recent introduction of travel restriction relaxations for those who have been fully vaccinated in the UK, EU or USA removes the requirement to self-isolate on arrival from amber list countries, which will undoubtedly assist travellers to NI.","answerHtml":"The test to release scheme is a voluntary UK Government initiative that was introduced in England only in December 2020.
At that time there were no plans to introduce such a scheme in Northern Ireland as the evidence supported a full 10 day self-isolation period and this remains the case. The recent introduction of travel restriction relaxations for those who have been fully vaccinated in the UK, EU or USA removes the requirement to self-isolate on arrival from amber list countries, which will undoubtedly assist travellers to NI.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011603%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=319146","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=319146"}},{"id":"319145","reference":"AQW 11602/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-04","answerBy":"2020-12-21","answered":"2020-12-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance how local businesses benefit from the UK Apprenticeship Levy.","answerText":"The levy is a policy introduced by the British Government and does not result in additional funding for the Executive. Although the Executive initially received a population share of funding raised through the Levy, this was offset by a Barnett consequential on the removal of existing funding for apprenticeships in England. There is also a significant additional cost to the public sector from paying the Levy.\n\nWhilst employers here do not directly benefit from Levy funds, they can benefit from the range of apprenticeships and funding support through participation in the Department for the Economy’s ApprenticeshipNI and Higher Level Apprenticeship programmes.\n\nThese are available to all private sector employers regardless of whether or not they pay the levy and employers are encouraged to fully utilise the services provided by these programmes to support and grow their business.","answerHtml":"The levy is a policy introduced by the British Government and does not result in additional funding for the Executive. Although the Executive initially received a population share of funding raised through the Levy, this was offset by a Barnett consequential on the removal of existing funding for apprenticeships in England. There is also a significant additional cost to the public sector from paying the Levy.
Whilst employers here do not directly benefit from Levy funds, they can benefit from the range of apprenticeships and funding support through participation in the Department for the Economy’s ApprenticeshipNI and Higher Level Apprenticeship programmes.
These are available to all private sector employers regardless of whether or not they pay the levy and employers are encouraged to fully utilise the services provided by these programmes to support and grow their business.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011602%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=319145","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=319145"}},{"id":"319144","reference":"AQW 11601/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-04","answerBy":"2020-12-21","answered":"2020-12-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether he will consider introducing a scheme similar to Scotland’s Business Growth Accelerator, providing business-rate incentives for property improvements.","answerText":"The Scottish Business Growth Accelerator was considered by my Department in the context of last year’s Business Rates Review. One key issue to be measured in the context of incentivising improvement work is, of course, whether such work would have occurred without the provision. Since the Business Rates Review was conducted, policy making within the rate system has of necessity pivoted to the Covid-19 response, and to ensuring that the rating system does not exacerbate difficulties for businesses at this time.\n\nAs we start to emerge from the pandemic wider business rate incentives and the Business Rates Review will be revisited in that context. The Executive in the 2020-21 Budget already announced its intention to reinstate the Back in Business rates incentive for new occupiers (although this is not required at present due to the rates holiday) and I will be keen to explore other policy options both for wider changes to the system, and to secure a sustainable source of revenue for central and local government services.","answerHtml":"The Scottish Business Growth Accelerator was considered by my Department in the context of last year’s Business Rates Review. One key issue to be measured in the context of incentivising improvement work is, of course, whether such work would have occurred without the provision. Since the Business Rates Review was conducted, policy making within the rate system has of necessity pivoted to the Covid-19 response, and to ensuring that the rating system does not exacerbate difficulties for businesses at this time.
As we start to emerge from the pandemic wider business rate incentives and the Business Rates Review will be revisited in that context. The Executive in the 2020-21 Budget already announced its intention to reinstate the Back in Business rates incentive for new occupiers (although this is not required at present due to the rates holiday) and I will be keen to explore other policy options both for wider changes to the system, and to secure a sustainable source of revenue for central and local government services.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011601%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=319144","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=319144"}},{"id":"319143","reference":"AQW 11600/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-04","answerBy":"2020-12-21","answered":"2020-12-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether a public register of publicly-owned land and property exists.","answerText":"A register of publicly owned assets is currently being compiled.\n\nIn January 2019, the NICS Board endorsed a proposal from the Department of Finance to create a single central database of Government land and property. Land & Property Services (LPS), working with the Asset Management Unit, has established a programme, known as The Government Land and Property Asset Management Programme, to deliver the proposal.\n\nThe programme is working to identify and accurately map property by department. The results for each department are released when they become available. To date, land owned or occupied by the Department for Communities has been mapped and released for viewing. Land owned or occupied by the Department of Finance and The Executive Office will be released shortly. There are over 7,000 items mapped currently which require to go through a validation process by other departments. As information is validated it will be added to the register for viewing. The register can be viewed by accessing this link https://apps.spatialni.gov.uk/PublicLandandPropertyAssets/","answerHtml":"A register of publicly owned assets is currently being compiled.
In January 2019, the NICS Board endorsed a proposal from the Department of Finance to create a single central database of Government land and property. Land & Property Services (LPS), working with the Asset Management Unit, has established a programme, known as The Government Land and Property Asset Management Programme, to deliver the proposal.
The programme is working to identify and accurately map property by department. The results for each department are released when they become available. To date, land owned or occupied by the Department for Communities has been mapped and released for viewing. Land owned or occupied by the Department of Finance and The Executive Office will be released shortly. There are over 7,000 items mapped currently which require to go through a validation process by other departments. As information is validated it will be added to the register for viewing. The register can be viewed by accessing this link https://apps.spatialni.gov.uk/PublicLandandPropertyAssets/
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011600%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=319143","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=319143"}},{"id":"319142","reference":"AQW 11599/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-04","answerBy":"2020-12-21","answered":"2020-12-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance, ahead of the January monitoring round, how the relative importance of inescapable pressures are assessed.","answerText":"Departments are required to prioritise their bids as inescapable, pre-committed, high priority or desirable and to also rank them in order within each of these categories. For example, inescapable and pre-committed priorities include bids for additional firm legal or contractual obligations, which if not met, may lead to proceedings being taken against the Department. Executive priorities are also taken into account.\n\nDepartment of Finance officials will then make an assessment of the bids received and provide a recommendation as to which should be met taking into account the level of available funding for allocation. It is likely, for example, that inescapable bids are recommended to be met if funding is available.\n\nIt is for the Executive to decide where to allocate funding, taking into account all of the above and any wider considerations.\n\nIf a pressure is truly inescapable, and the Executive does not agree an additional allocation, the department concerned will have to reallocate funding from a lower priority area of its existing budget.","answerHtml":"Departments are required to prioritise their bids as inescapable, pre-committed, high priority or desirable and to also rank them in order within each of these categories. For example, inescapable and pre-committed priorities include bids for additional firm legal or contractual obligations, which if not met, may lead to proceedings being taken against the Department. Executive priorities are also taken into account.
Department of Finance officials will then make an assessment of the bids received and provide a recommendation as to which should be met taking into account the level of available funding for allocation. It is likely, for example, that inescapable bids are recommended to be met if funding is available.
It is for the Executive to decide where to allocate funding, taking into account all of the above and any wider considerations.
If a pressure is truly inescapable, and the Executive does not agree an additional allocation, the department concerned will have to reallocate funding from a lower priority area of its existing budget.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011599%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=319142","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=319142"}},{"id":"318923","reference":"AQW 11522/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-03","answerBy":"2020-12-08","answered":"2020-12-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the nine reservoirs that require urgent interventions.","answerText":"A Reservoir Audit carried out in 2016 of some of Northern Ireland’s controlled reservoirs identified 45 reservoirs in Poor or Very Poor condition. A further survey carried out by a specialist consultant reservoir engineer in 2019 identified nine reservoirs that require urgent interventions. The locations of these are:\n\nOne in the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area;\n\nOne in the Ards and North Down Borough Council area;\n\nTwo in the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area;\n\nOne in the Belfast City Council area;\n\nTwo in the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area;\n\nOne in the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council area; and\n\nOne in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area.\n\nI cannot be more precise in relation to their location as ‘Guidance within the National Protocol for the Handling, Transmission and Storage of Reservoir Information and Flood Maps (June 2018)’ prevents the release into the public domain of detail that may expose potential vulnerabilities in a reservoir.","answerHtml":"A Reservoir Audit carried out in 2016 of some of Northern Ireland’s controlled reservoirs identified 45 reservoirs in Poor or Very Poor condition. A further survey carried out by a specialist consultant reservoir engineer in 2019 identified nine reservoirs that require urgent interventions. The locations of these are:
One in the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area;
One in the Ards and North Down Borough Council area;
Two in the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area;
One in the Belfast City Council area;
Two in the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area;
One in the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council area; and
One in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area.
I cannot be more precise in relation to their location as ‘Guidance within the National Protocol for the Handling, Transmission and Storage of Reservoir Information and Flood Maps (June 2018)’ prevents the release into the public domain of detail that may expose potential vulnerabilities in a reservoir.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011522%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=318923","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=318923"}},{"id":"318922","reference":"AQW 11521/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-03","answerBy":"2020-12-18","answered":"2020-12-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail the amount of rate relief (i) provided to large supermarkets during COVID-19 pandemic; and (ii) returned to date, broken down by supermarket business owner.","answerText":"The table below lists the amount of rate relief provided to the four largest supermarket chains in response to the pandemic for the current rating year. All businesses in Northern Ireland benefitted from a four month rates holiday for April to July 2020. Properties selling food and household goods with a retail floor space of over 500 m2 were excluded from the 12 month rates holiday.\n\nIn addition to these specific support packages, on 31st March 2020 as part of my Budget announcement, I announced a reduction in the Regional Rate for all businesses equating to an 18% reduction on the 2019/20 rate.\n\nRatepayer\tRate Relief Amount\nTesco\t£5,449,818\nSainsbury's\t£2,089,141\nAsda\t£2,070,817\nLidl NI Ltd\t£1,311,224\n\n(ii)No amount of rate relief discharged to the large supermarkets above has been returned to date.","answerHtml":"The table below lists the amount of rate relief provided to the four largest supermarket chains in response to the pandemic for the current rating year. All businesses in Northern Ireland benefitted from a four month rates holiday for April to July 2020. Properties selling food and household goods with a retail floor space of over 500 m2 were excluded from the 12 month rates holiday.
In addition to these specific support packages, on 31st March 2020 as part of my Budget announcement, I announced a reduction in the Regional Rate for all businesses equating to an 18% reduction on the 2019/20 rate.
| Ratepayer | Rate Relief Amount |
| Tesco | £5,449,818 |
| Sainsbury's | £2,089,141 |
| Asda | £2,070,817 |
| Lidl NI Ltd | £1,311,224 |
(ii)No amount of rate relief discharged to the large supermarkets above has been returned to date.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011521%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=318922","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=318922"}},{"id":"318921","reference":"AQW 11520/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-03","answerBy":"2020-12-18","answered":"2021-01-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she intends to bring forward legislation to safeguard the rights of consumers by regulating the issuance of giftcards.","answerText":"I have no plans at this time to bring forward legislation to regulate the issuance of gift cards.\n\nA small proportion of gift vouchers and cards are already regulated, and consumers purchasing these benefit from greater protection than when purchasing gift cards issued by individual retailers or service providers. These are “open loop” electronic cards, which can be used in a wide range of retailers. These gift cards and vouchers are subject to the Electronic Money Regulations 2011, which implement a European Directive, and require the issuer to safeguard all funds received in exchange for the electronic card issued.\n\nTo introduce further statutory protection of gift cards would require complex consideration. Gift cards are frequently purchased as gifts and in this circumstance it is likely that the purchaser would benefit from any protection, rather than the gift card recipient.\n\nConsumers who purchase gift cards exceeding £100 can currently seek redress on retailer insolvency by pursuing a refund from their credit card provider, who is jointly liable under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. Alternatively, if the gift card value is below £100, consumers may be able to make a claim under chargeback rules of certain credit or debit card providers.\n\nConcerned consumers can seek free advice on gift card and voucher purchases from my Department’s Trading Standards Service consumer helpline on 0300 123 62 62 or by email to: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/contact-consumerline-make-complaint-or-ask-advice\n\nIt is generally good advice for consumers to spend any gift vouchers received as soon as possible.","answerHtml":"I have no plans at this time to bring forward legislation to regulate the issuance of gift cards.
A small proportion of gift vouchers and cards are already regulated, and consumers purchasing these benefit from greater protection than when purchasing gift cards issued by individual retailers or service providers. These are “open loop” electronic cards, which can be used in a wide range of retailers. These gift cards and vouchers are subject to the Electronic Money Regulations 2011, which implement a European Directive, and require the issuer to safeguard all funds received in exchange for the electronic card issued.
To introduce further statutory protection of gift cards would require complex consideration. Gift cards are frequently purchased as gifts and in this circumstance it is likely that the purchaser would benefit from any protection, rather than the gift card recipient.
Consumers who purchase gift cards exceeding £100 can currently seek redress on retailer insolvency by pursuing a refund from their credit card provider, who is jointly liable under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. Alternatively, if the gift card value is below £100, consumers may be able to make a claim under chargeback rules of certain credit or debit card providers.
Concerned consumers can seek free advice on gift card and voucher purchases from my Department’s Trading Standards Service consumer helpline on 0300 123 62 62 or by email to: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/contact-consumerline-make-complaint-or-ask-advice
It is generally good advice for consumers to spend any gift vouchers received as soon as possible.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011520%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=318921","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=318921"}},{"id":"318920","reference":"AQW 11519/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-03","answerBy":"2020-12-18","answered":"2020-12-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for an update on the additional £150 million set aside for further rates relief.","answerText":"My officials are working closely with the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre and other Executive Departments to identify those business sectors most severely impacted by the economic consequences of the pandemic. This will allow me to determine how this relief can be applied to the best effect to support local businesses.\n\nI fully appreciate that businesses need as much clarity as possible on major costs such as rates in the longer-term and I intend to make a further statement on this in the near future.","answerHtml":"My officials are working closely with the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre and other Executive Departments to identify those business sectors most severely impacted by the economic consequences of the pandemic. This will allow me to determine how this relief can be applied to the best effect to support local businesses.
I fully appreciate that businesses need as much clarity as possible on major costs such as rates in the longer-term and I intend to make a further statement on this in the near future.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011519%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=318920","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=318920"}},{"id":"318919","reference":"AQW 11518/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-03","answerBy":"2020-12-18","answered":"2020-12-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the grant funding bids for the Road Safety Grant Scheme that were rejected.","answerText":"The maximum amount available for project funding through the 2020/2021 Road Safety (Safe Travel) Grant Scheme is £100,000. My Department received 61 applications for funding. Each application was assessed by a panel of officials against the published criteria for the scheme.\n\nOf the 61 applications, 14 projects met the criteria and received funding totalling approximately £87,000. The remaining 47 projects did not meet the funding criteria and therefore did not receive funding. The unsuccessful projects are listed below.\n\nORGANISATION\tREASON APPLICATION WAS NOT ACCEPTED\nService already offered by DFI\tCapital Procurement\tService already offered by DFI & Capital Procurement\nBallinascreen GAC\nBallyclare RFC\nBallykelly Primary School\nBallynure District Community Association\nBlackie River Community Groups\nBlessed Patrick O’Loughran Primary School\nBroadbridge Primary School Parents & Friends Group\nBrocagh & District Regeneration Group\nCoiste Ghaeloideachas Chromghlinne\nComber Regeneration Community Partnership\nConlig Community Regeneration Group\n\nCrumlin Men’s Shed\nDove House, Youth First Project\nEnda McGrane\nFriends of Glencull Community & Parent Association\nFriends of Millquarter PTA\nFriends of Rosemount Primary & Nursery School\nFriends of Rossmar School\nGlenabbey Community Association\nHezlett Primary School\nKildress Wolfe Tones GAA Club\nLettershandoney & District Development Group\nMallusk Community Action Group\nMeigh Community Association\nMiddletown Community Forum\nMother Goose Community Playgroup, Ballycastle\nOlderfleet Primary School\nRowandale Integrated Primary School Parents’ Council\nSt. Ciaran’s Primary School, Cushendun\nSt. Columba’s Primary School, Kilrea\nSt. Comgall’s Primary School, Antrim\nSt. Ita’s PTFA, Belfast\nSt. John’s Primary School, Coleraine\nSt. Joseph’s Primary School, Belfast\nSt. Joseph’s Boys’ School, Derry\nSt. Mary’s Primary School, Gortnaghey\nSt. Mary’s Primary School, Maguiresbridge\nSt. Ninnidh’s Primary School, Derrylin\nSt. Patrick’s Gaelic Football Club, Donagh\nSt. Patrick’s Primary School PTA, Portrush\nSt. Ronan’s Primary & Nursery School, Lisnaskea\nSt. Therese’s Primary School, Lenamore\nSt. Vincent De Paul Primary School, Belfast\nSteelstown Primary School, Derry\nTattyreagh Youth & Community Group\nThe ACT Initiative\nThe City of Newry University of the Third Age","answerHtml":"The maximum amount available for project funding through the 2020/2021 Road Safety (Safe Travel) Grant Scheme is £100,000. My Department received 61 applications for funding. Each application was assessed by a panel of officials against the published criteria for the scheme.
Of the 61 applications, 14 projects met the criteria and received funding totalling approximately £87,000. The remaining 47 projects did not meet the funding criteria and therefore did not receive funding. The unsuccessful projects are listed below.
| ORGANISATION | REASON APPLICATION WAS NOT ACCEPTED | ||
| Service already offered by DFI | Capital Procurement | Service already offered by DFI & Capital Procurement | |
| Ballinascreen GAC | |||
| Ballyclare RFC | |||
| Ballykelly Primary School | |||
| Ballynure District Community Association | |||
| Blackie River Community Groups | |||
| Blessed Patrick O’Loughran Primary School | |||
| Broadbridge Primary School Parents & Friends Group | |||
| Brocagh & District Regeneration Group | |||
| Coiste Ghaeloideachas Chromghlinne | |||
| Comber Regeneration Community Partnership | |||
| Conlig Community Regeneration Group |
| Crumlin Men’s Shed | |||
| Dove House, Youth First Project | |||
| Enda McGrane | |||
| Friends of Glencull Community & Parent Association | |||
| Friends of Millquarter PTA | |||
| Friends of Rosemount Primary & Nursery School | |||
| Friends of Rossmar School | |||
| Glenabbey Community Association | |||
| Hezlett Primary School | |||
| Kildress Wolfe Tones GAA Club | |||
| Lettershandoney & District Development Group | |||
| Mallusk Community Action Group | |||
| Meigh Community Association | |||
| Middletown Community Forum | |||
| Mother Goose Community Playgroup, Ballycastle | |||
| Olderfleet Primary School | |||
| Rowandale Integrated Primary School Parents’ Council | |||
| St. Ciaran’s Primary School, Cushendun | |||
| St. Columba’s Primary School, Kilrea | |||
| St. Comgall’s Primary School, Antrim | |||
| St. Ita’s PTFA, Belfast | |||
| St. John’s Primary School, Coleraine | |||
| St. Joseph’s Primary School, Belfast | |||
| St. Joseph’s Boys’ School, Derry | |||
| St. Mary’s Primary School, Gortnaghey | |||
| St. Mary’s Primary School, Maguiresbridge | |||
| St. Ninnidh’s Primary School, Derrylin | |||
| St. Patrick’s Gaelic Football Club, Donagh | |||
| St. Patrick’s Primary School PTA, Portrush | |||
| St. Ronan’s Primary & Nursery School, Lisnaskea | |||
| St. Therese’s Primary School, Lenamore | |||
| St. Vincent De Paul Primary School, Belfast | |||
| Steelstown Primary School, Derry | |||
| Tattyreagh Youth & Community Group | |||
| The ACT Initiative | |||
| The City of Newry University of the Third Age |
The Spending Review outcome for the Executive falls short of what we might have anticipated pre-COVID.
It essentially represents a stand still position in cash terms. With the additional resource DEL Barnett additions being largely offset by the loss of the additional £350 million of NDNA funding we had received in 2020-21, which while provided for one year only was used to fund recurrent pressures in departments.
There is a slight increase in conventional Capital DEL core funding of £98.3 million while the Financial Transactions Capital budget has reduced to £73.6 million
Details of departmental budget allocations will be set out as part of the draft Budget.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201358%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=322715","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=322715"}},{"id":"318766","reference":"AQW 11451/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-02","answerBy":"2020-12-17","answered":"2020-12-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether Pre-School Education Programme places, previously provided by the Big Red Balloon Nursery in Bangor, will be fully allocated to other local nurseries.","answerText":"My Department was notified by the Education Authority (EA) that Big Red Balloon Day Nursery closed with effect from Monday 16 November 2020.\n\nThe EA has advised that Big Red Balloon Pre-School had 11 funded pre-school children and these children have all been offered alternative funded placements in the local area. Sufficient spare capacity was available within existing funded non-statutory pre-school settings to ensure the placement of the children displaced due to the sudden closure of Big Red Balloon.\n\nThe key aim of the Pre-School Education Programme is to ensure there is a funded pre-school place for every child whose parents wish it. The Pre-School Education Group (PEG) reviews pre-school provision on an annual basis to ensure that sufficient funded pre-school provision is available to address demand.","answerHtml":"My Department was notified by the Education Authority (EA) that Big Red Balloon Day Nursery closed with effect from Monday 16 November 2020.
The EA has advised that Big Red Balloon Pre-School had 11 funded pre-school children and these children have all been offered alternative funded placements in the local area. Sufficient spare capacity was available within existing funded non-statutory pre-school settings to ensure the placement of the children displaced due to the sudden closure of Big Red Balloon.
The key aim of the Pre-School Education Programme is to ensure there is a funded pre-school place for every child whose parents wish it. The Pre-School Education Group (PEG) reviews pre-school provision on an annual basis to ensure that sufficient funded pre-school provision is available to address demand.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011451%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=318766","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=318766"}},{"id":"318765","reference":"AQW 11450/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-02","answerBy":"2020-12-17","answered":"2020-12-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on the Oxygen and Hydrogen Demonstrator Project.","answerText":"There are two hydrogen and oxygen demonstrations projects being taken forward by NI Water, and I am delighted to have been able to support one of these projects to help stimulate the development of a hydrogen economy.\n\nA small scale trial of new electrolyser technology is currently underway at the Kinnegar waste water site for NI Water. This initial trial will be followed up by a much larger commercial scale electrolyser project in early 2021, which I have provided funding for.\n\nThis commercial scale electrolyser will not only produce green hydrogen, but also increase efficiency and capability of the adjacent waste water treatment process for NI Water.\n\nBeyond this, the installation will provide key skills and experience to all involved to carry forward to future projects. It will also provide a hands on training opportunity to support the growth of advanced engineering apprenticeships and third-level education.","answerHtml":"There are two hydrogen and oxygen demonstrations projects being taken forward by NI Water, and I am delighted to have been able to support one of these projects to help stimulate the development of a hydrogen economy.
A small scale trial of new electrolyser technology is currently underway at the Kinnegar waste water site for NI Water. This initial trial will be followed up by a much larger commercial scale electrolyser project in early 2021, which I have provided funding for.
This commercial scale electrolyser will not only produce green hydrogen, but also increase efficiency and capability of the adjacent waste water treatment process for NI Water.
Beyond this, the installation will provide key skills and experience to all involved to carry forward to future projects. It will also provide a hands on training opportunity to support the growth of advanced engineering apprenticeships and third-level education.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011450%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=318765","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=318765"}},{"id":"318764","reference":"AQW 11449/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-02","answerBy":"2020-12-17","answered":"2020-12-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on the schemes that have been rolled out specifically to support apprenticeships during COVID-19.","answerText":"There are three separate elements to the Apprenticeships Recovery Package:\n\n1. New Apprenticeship Recruitment Incentive\n\nThis new incentive programme provides up to £3,000 for each new apprenticeship opportunity created between 1st April 2020 and 31st March 2021. This scheme opened for applications on the 16th October 2020. To date 144 applications have been received, 12 applications have been fully processed and a further 8 applications are awaiting payment.\n\nA total of 124 applications have not yet met the criteria. A key aspect of this scheme is to promote longer term outcomes with employers becoming eligible for a payment of £2,000 90 days after the beginning of the new apprenticeship followed by a payment of £1,000 200 days from the beginning of the apprenticeship. The Department is working with all those who have submitted unsuccessful applications to ensure they are re-submitted with required evidence once the 90 day milestone has been reached at which point payment can be made. Those that have submitted an application which has been deemed ineligible, as the apprentice was formerly furloughed, have been signposted to the Return Retain Result scheme for which they are eligible.\n\n2. Return Retain Result (RRR)\n\nThe RRR scheme provides a maximum of £3,700 to employers per eligible apprentice with separate incentives for return to work (£500), employment retention between 1st December 2020 and 31st March 2021 (up to £2,000) and for successful completion of their apprenticeship (£1,200). This scheme just opened for applications on the 1st December 2020, the earliest date a successful application could be made, and therefore information is not yet available on the number of apprenticeship opportunities which the scheme is supporting.\n\n3. Challenge Fund\n\nThis Challenge Fund was designed to promote the development and testing of new and innovative models of apprenticeship recruitment and delivery. The scheme opened for applications on 28th September 2020 and closed on 23rd October 2020. The Challenge Fund received 46 applications with 13 projects chosen to receive funding. Successful applicants have been notified and are working closely with officials to agree costs and activities ahead of Letter of Offer issue.\n\nThe launch of these schemes has been supported by an advertising campaign across TV, radio and social media. My Department has also been working with training providers, Councils, The NI Careers Service and other stakeholders to ensure that employers are made aware of the support available. I would encourage you to utilise your networks to help ensure that employers within your constituency, and across Northern Ireland, are aware of the support that is available for apprenticeships via the new Apprentice Recruitment Incentive and the Return Retain Result scheme.\n\nFurther information on both schemes can be found at the following address:\n\nhttps://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/coronavirus-apprenticeship-recovery-package","answerHtml":"There are three separate elements to the Apprenticeships Recovery Package:
1. New Apprenticeship Recruitment Incentive
This new incentive programme provides up to £3,000 for each new apprenticeship opportunity created between 1st April 2020 and 31st March 2021. This scheme opened for applications on the 16th October 2020. To date 144 applications have been received, 12 applications have been fully processed and a further 8 applications are awaiting payment.
A total of 124 applications have not yet met the criteria. A key aspect of this scheme is to promote longer term outcomes with employers becoming eligible for a payment of £2,000 90 days after the beginning of the new apprenticeship followed by a payment of £1,000 200 days from the beginning of the apprenticeship. The Department is working with all those who have submitted unsuccessful applications to ensure they are re-submitted with required evidence once the 90 day milestone has been reached at which point payment can be made. Those that have submitted an application which has been deemed ineligible, as the apprentice was formerly furloughed, have been signposted to the Return Retain Result scheme for which they are eligible.
2. Return Retain Result (RRR)
The RRR scheme provides a maximum of £3,700 to employers per eligible apprentice with separate incentives for return to work (£500), employment retention between 1st December 2020 and 31st March 2021 (up to £2,000) and for successful completion of their apprenticeship (£1,200). This scheme just opened for applications on the 1st December 2020, the earliest date a successful application could be made, and therefore information is not yet available on the number of apprenticeship opportunities which the scheme is supporting.
3. Challenge Fund
This Challenge Fund was designed to promote the development and testing of new and innovative models of apprenticeship recruitment and delivery. The scheme opened for applications on 28th September 2020 and closed on 23rd October 2020. The Challenge Fund received 46 applications with 13 projects chosen to receive funding. Successful applicants have been notified and are working closely with officials to agree costs and activities ahead of Letter of Offer issue.
The launch of these schemes has been supported by an advertising campaign across TV, radio and social media. My Department has also been working with training providers, Councils, The NI Careers Service and other stakeholders to ensure that employers are made aware of the support available. I would encourage you to utilise your networks to help ensure that employers within your constituency, and across Northern Ireland, are aware of the support that is available for apprenticeships via the new Apprentice Recruitment Incentive and the Return Retain Result scheme.
Further information on both schemes can be found at the following address:
https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/coronavirus-apprenticeship-recovery-package
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011449%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=318764","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=318764"}},{"id":"318763","reference":"AQW 11448/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-02","answerBy":"2020-12-17","answered":"2020-12-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the timeframe for payments under the Taxi Drivers Financial Assistance Scheme.","answerText":"The Taxi Driver Financial Assistance Scheme closed on 27 November and within one week payments started to be made to eligible applicants. Over 5000 applications have been received from taxi-drivers and staff in my Department are working at pace to process all applications as quickly as possible to enable payments to be made to those who are eligible without delay before Christmas.","answerHtml":"The Taxi Driver Financial Assistance Scheme closed on 27 November and within one week payments started to be made to eligible applicants. Over 5000 applications have been received from taxi-drivers and staff in my Department are working at pace to process all applications as quickly as possible to enable payments to be made to those who are eligible without delay before Christmas.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011448%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=318763","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=318763"}},{"id":"318762","reference":"AQW 11447/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-02","answerBy":"2020-12-17","answered":"2020-12-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether any residual money from the Blue/Green Fund could be used to support a bike voucher repair scheme.","answerText":"The Blue/Green infrastructure funding is Capital DEL. Any bike voucher repair scheme would have to be funded from Resource DEL – as is the case with the English scheme. Capital DEL may not be used to fund Resource expenditure and so this proposal would not be feasible. I can assure you the Blue/Green infrastructure fund is being utilised to support cycling in other ways.","answerHtml":"The Blue/Green infrastructure funding is Capital DEL. Any bike voucher repair scheme would have to be funded from Resource DEL – as is the case with the English scheme. Capital DEL may not be used to fund Resource expenditure and so this proposal would not be feasible. I can assure you the Blue/Green infrastructure fund is being utilised to support cycling in other ways.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011447%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=318762","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=318762"}},{"id":"318577","reference":"AQW 11358/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-01","answerBy":"2020-12-04","answered":"2020-12-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether Local Restrictions Support Scheme applications that are rejected due to errors are prioritised once re-submitted.","answerText":"Applicants who have received a rejection e-mail because they have mistakenly advised they were closed prior to restrictions taking effect, or that they had not complied with a prohibition notice, are being advised to submit a new application. They have also been advised to forward the reference for their new application to a dedicated e-mail address so these can be picked up and expedited.","answerHtml":"Applicants who have received a rejection e-mail because they have mistakenly advised they were closed prior to restrictions taking effect, or that they had not complied with a prohibition notice, are being advised to submit a new application. They have also been advised to forward the reference for their new application to a dedicated e-mail address so these can be picked up and expedited.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011358%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=318577","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=318577"}},{"id":"318576","reference":"AQW 11357/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-01","answerBy":"2020-12-16","answered":"2021-04-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister, as per Recommendation one of the Public Accounts Committee report on Major Capital Projects, whether the recently appointed interim Head of the Civil Service will be given personal responsibility for the effective use of public resources in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"We are actively considering how this critical role will be most effective within the parameters of our own devolved arrangements in order to best drive reform and support collective decision making.","answerHtml":"We are actively considering how this critical role will be most effective within the parameters of our own devolved arrangements in order to best drive reform and support collective decision making.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011357%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=318576","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=318576"}},{"id":"318575","reference":"AQW 11356/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-01","answerBy":"2020-12-16","answered":"2020-12-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in light of increased housing in the area, whether consideration has been given to reopening the railway halt at Craigavad.","answerText":"I am committed to improving transport connectivity for the benefit of our economy and communities across the North. Our rail network, whilst relatively small, does present a unique opportunity to improve the sustainability of the Department’s transport operations. Investment decisions need to include network optimisation, in terms of operational and financial viability, and the wider role of rail in assisting the growth of the Belfast Metropolitan Area.\n\nIn line with that, my Department is currently developing proposals for a new Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan which will help inform priorities for future development of the main road and rail networks, as well as the Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan, which will look at transport links across the Belfast Metropolitan Area, including North Down.\n\nWhen published, these draft Plans will give the public an opportunity to respond, and share their view on the proposals being brought forward. I would welcome any local feedback on the desire for a feasibility study into the re-opening of the railway halt at Craigavad through this process.","answerHtml":"I am committed to improving transport connectivity for the benefit of our economy and communities across the North. Our rail network, whilst relatively small, does present a unique opportunity to improve the sustainability of the Department’s transport operations. Investment decisions need to include network optimisation, in terms of operational and financial viability, and the wider role of rail in assisting the growth of the Belfast Metropolitan Area.
In line with that, my Department is currently developing proposals for a new Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan which will help inform priorities for future development of the main road and rail networks, as well as the Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan, which will look at transport links across the Belfast Metropolitan Area, including North Down.
When published, these draft Plans will give the public an opportunity to respond, and share their view on the proposals being brought forward. I would welcome any local feedback on the desire for a feasibility study into the re-opening of the railway halt at Craigavad through this process.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011356%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=318575","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=318575"}},{"id":"318574","reference":"AQW 11355/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-01","answerBy":"2020-12-16","answered":"2020-12-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether resource budget will be allocated in (i) 2020/21; and (ii) 2021/21 to staff an active travel centre at the North West Transport Hub.","answerText":"The provision and operation of an Active Travel Centre is a vital component of the North West Transport Hub project. It is expected that it will become an exemplar of best practice; providing a focal point for the encouragement and promotion of sustainable travel.\n\nIn March 2020, my Department submitted an application to SEUPB for funding for three years for the operation of an Active Travel Centre at the North West Transport Hub and I await the outcome of this application.","answerHtml":"The provision and operation of an Active Travel Centre is a vital component of the North West Transport Hub project. It is expected that it will become an exemplar of best practice; providing a focal point for the encouragement and promotion of sustainable travel.
In March 2020, my Department submitted an application to SEUPB for funding for three years for the operation of an Active Travel Centre at the North West Transport Hub and I await the outcome of this application.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011355%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=318574","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=318574"}},{"id":"318573","reference":"AQW 11354/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-12-01","answerBy":"2020-12-16","answered":"2020-12-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether the Local Restrictions Support Scheme application form has been reviewed since the scheme was launched to reduce common errors found in applications.","answerText":"Yes. Changes have been made to the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme application portal to reduce the likelihood of the common forms of error in submissions. In particular, it has been updated to prevent applicants indicating they were closed prior to restrictions taking effect, when in fact they were open. LPS has also updated the address input fields to restrict the option for manual address input which has led to applications with poor quality information which are difficult to validate and added validation checks to prevent invalid bank account details from being entered.","answerHtml":"Yes. Changes have been made to the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme application portal to reduce the likelihood of the common forms of error in submissions. In particular, it has been updated to prevent applicants indicating they were closed prior to restrictions taking effect, when in fact they were open. LPS has also updated the address input fields to restrict the option for manual address input which has led to applications with poor quality information which are difficult to validate and added validation checks to prevent invalid bank account details from being entered.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011354%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=318573","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=318573"}},{"id":"318293","reference":"AQW 11258/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-30","answerBy":"2020-12-04","answered":"2020-12-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will give consideration to amending the terms of the Taxi Drivers Financial Assistance Scheme to require applicants to have valid taxi insurance covering driving for hire and reward at 22 March 2020 as opposed to the full period of 22 March 2020 to 30 September 2020.","answerText":"Since March, I have consistently and honestly highlighted that I didn’t have the powers to provide financial assistance to the taxi sector, however as a regulator, I have provided over one million pounds of support with a 12 month free of charge renewal of taxi licenses.\n\nWhen the new powers were finally granted to my Department by the First Minister and deputy First Minister on 3rd November 2020, under section 1(1) and (3) of the Financial Assistance Act (Northern Ireland) 2009, 10 days later on 13th November, I opened the taxi scheme for applications. The application process closed on Friday 27th November and payments will begin to issue this week.\n\nI have made it clear that payments must be made as soon as they are verified. Applications are being processed as quickly as possible to allow payments to be made without delay.\n\nThe Taxi Driver Financial Assistance Scheme agreed by the Executive was designed to provide a contribution to overhead costs (including PPE) that have actually been incurred as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is in addition to the support available to self- employed drivers through the Self Employment Income Support Scheme which provides 70% or 80% of average previous profits. My Department has been advised that 3% of drivers (those who were newly self-employed) were ineligible for support for income losses through the self-employment income support scheme.\n\nIn this contribution to overhead costs scheme, any taxi-driver who has incurred the overhead expenditure will be eligible for the payment of £1500. In order to ensure value for money, the scheme is dependent on actual expenses being incurred between 22nd March and 30th September 2020. Applicants were required to show evidence of continuous taxi insurance which proved availability to work as a taxi-driver for that period. The requirement for this evidence provides value for money assurance for the use of public money and reduces fraud risks and has been discussed with audit.","answerHtml":"Since March, I have consistently and honestly highlighted that I didn’t have the powers to provide financial assistance to the taxi sector, however as a regulator, I have provided over one million pounds of support with a 12 month free of charge renewal of taxi licenses.
When the new powers were finally granted to my Department by the First Minister and deputy First Minister on 3rd November 2020, under section 1(1) and (3) of the Financial Assistance Act (Northern Ireland) 2009, 10 days later on 13th November, I opened the taxi scheme for applications. The application process closed on Friday 27th November and payments will begin to issue this week.
I have made it clear that payments must be made as soon as they are verified. Applications are being processed as quickly as possible to allow payments to be made without delay.
The Taxi Driver Financial Assistance Scheme agreed by the Executive was designed to provide a contribution to overhead costs (including PPE) that have actually been incurred as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is in addition to the support available to self- employed drivers through the Self Employment Income Support Scheme which provides 70% or 80% of average previous profits. My Department has been advised that 3% of drivers (those who were newly self-employed) were ineligible for support for income losses through the self-employment income support scheme.
In this contribution to overhead costs scheme, any taxi-driver who has incurred the overhead expenditure will be eligible for the payment of £1500. In order to ensure value for money, the scheme is dependent on actual expenses being incurred between 22nd March and 30th September 2020. Applicants were required to show evidence of continuous taxi insurance which proved availability to work as a taxi-driver for that period. The requirement for this evidence provides value for money assurance for the use of public money and reduces fraud risks and has been discussed with audit.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011258%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=318293","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=318293"}},{"id":"318291","reference":"AQW 11256/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-30","answerBy":"2020-12-15","answered":"2020-12-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether a business case has been approved for the High Street Voucher scheme.","answerText":"On 23 November 2020, the Executive announced a £300 million support package, including over £200 million for businesses and £98 million of COVID-19 funding to support the most vulnerable.\n\nThis overall package included £95 million for a High Street Stimulus Scheme, which the Department for the Economy have been asked to take forward, and it is anticipated that the scheme will be implemented in early 2021.\n\nThis is a significant policy intervention, which will inject £95 million into our local economy. The multiplier effect of this innovative financial support offering – from people spending more than the value of the card and the ripple effects from purchases – will deliver even greater economic benefits and make a significant step to kick-starting our recovery.\n\nIt is recognised that a proportionate business case will be required to fully appraise the options and undertake the necessary analysis that will inform the final policy parameters of this scheme.\n\nOfficials are currently working on the development of the business case, and it is hoped to have this finalised before the end of this year.","answerHtml":"On 23 November 2020, the Executive announced a £300 million support package, including over £200 million for businesses and £98 million of COVID-19 funding to support the most vulnerable.
This overall package included £95 million for a High Street Stimulus Scheme, which the Department for the Economy have been asked to take forward, and it is anticipated that the scheme will be implemented in early 2021.
This is a significant policy intervention, which will inject £95 million into our local economy. The multiplier effect of this innovative financial support offering – from people spending more than the value of the card and the ripple effects from purchases – will deliver even greater economic benefits and make a significant step to kick-starting our recovery.
It is recognised that a proportionate business case will be required to fully appraise the options and undertake the necessary analysis that will inform the final policy parameters of this scheme.
Officials are currently working on the development of the business case, and it is hoped to have this finalised before the end of this year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011256%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=318291","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=318291"}},{"id":"318290","reference":"AQW 11255/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-30","answerBy":"2020-12-15","answered":"2020-12-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the Special Events on Roads consultation arising from the Roads (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act (Northern Ireland) 2010.","answerText":"The exercise to gather views and data relating to the operation of the Roads (Miscellaneous Provision) Act (Northern Ireland) 2010, closed on 24 September 2020. There were almost 800 responses to the Department’s online questionnaire, along with 14 pieces of correspondence.\n\nDetailed analysis of the information submitted is currently underway, and when this is complete I will be discussing next steps with my officials.","answerHtml":"The exercise to gather views and data relating to the operation of the Roads (Miscellaneous Provision) Act (Northern Ireland) 2010, closed on 24 September 2020. There were almost 800 responses to the Department’s online questionnaire, along with 14 pieces of correspondence.
Detailed analysis of the information submitted is currently underway, and when this is complete I will be discussing next steps with my officials.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011255%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=318290","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=318290"}},{"id":"318289","reference":"AQW 11254/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-30","answerBy":"2020-12-15","answered":"2020-12-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure which six schools in North Down her Department is considering for the roll out of part time 20mph speed limits.","answerText":"I can advise that all schools in the Ards & North Down Borough Council area were assessed using the assessment framework contained within my Department’s current road safety at schools policy document.\n\nIt is proposed to provide part-time 20mph speed limits at the following locations:\n\nAbbey Primary School;\n\nAndrews Memorial Primary School;\n\nCarrowdore Primary School;\n\nKirkistown Primary School;\n\nLoughries Integrated Primary School; and\n\nSt Patrick’s Primary School, Ballygalget.\n\nUnfortunately based on the assessment scores none of the schools within the North Down area were ranked as highly as the schools included within this year’s programme. I intend to take forward a further tranche of part-time speed limits at schools in the next financial year and the schools in North Down will be considered for inclusion. The extent and scale of further roll out will be dependent on the funding made available to my Department.","answerHtml":"I can advise that all schools in the Ards & North Down Borough Council area were assessed using the assessment framework contained within my Department’s current road safety at schools policy document.
It is proposed to provide part-time 20mph speed limits at the following locations:
Abbey Primary School;
Andrews Memorial Primary School;
Carrowdore Primary School;
Kirkistown Primary School;
Loughries Integrated Primary School; and
St Patrick’s Primary School, Ballygalget.
Unfortunately based on the assessment scores none of the schools within the North Down area were ranked as highly as the schools included within this year’s programme. I intend to take forward a further tranche of part-time speed limits at schools in the next financial year and the schools in North Down will be considered for inclusion. The extent and scale of further roll out will be dependent on the funding made available to my Department.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011254%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=318289","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=318289"}},{"id":"318021","reference":"AQW 11166/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-27","answerBy":"2020-12-14","answered":"2020-12-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health what steps his Department is taking to ensure there is adequate provision of Health Service Dental Services readily available to the public.","answerText":"Routine dental care resumed on 20 July 2020 however, enhanced infection prevention and control measures including additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements, fallow time and cleaning after Aerosol Generating Procedures (AGPs) limit the number of patients that can be seen each day.\n\nTo ensure that this limited treatment capacity is targeted appropriately, guidance issued to all Northern Ireland General Dental Practitioners recommends that patients are seen on the basis of need and that patients requiring emergency and urgent care are given the highest priority.\n\nUpdated operational guidance was issued to General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) on 21 October 2020 and included details of a marked reduction of fallow times. While the new guidelines should allow for an increased number of appointments per day, overall patient throughput is expected to remain below normal levels for the foreseeable future.\n\nTo support the sustainability of practices through this difficult time the Department established the General Dental Services Financial Support Scheme (FSS). The total level of FSS and net IoS payments made between April and November 2020 is around £43.3 million (£32.7 million FSS) which represents a 32% increase compared with the net IoS payments made over this period in 2019-20.\n\nGeneral Dental Services has received an additional £14.73 million in funding since April 2020. This has included, £0.97 million in Level 1 PPE, £3.76 million for Level 2 PPE and £10 million for the provision of FSS payments on a gross basis. The financial support has been, and will continue to be, conditional on dentists providing care to registered Health Service patients on the basis of need.","answerHtml":"Routine dental care resumed on 20 July 2020 however, enhanced infection prevention and control measures including additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements, fallow time and cleaning after Aerosol Generating Procedures (AGPs) limit the number of patients that can be seen each day.
To ensure that this limited treatment capacity is targeted appropriately, guidance issued to all Northern Ireland General Dental Practitioners recommends that patients are seen on the basis of need and that patients requiring emergency and urgent care are given the highest priority.
Updated operational guidance was issued to General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) on 21 October 2020 and included details of a marked reduction of fallow times. While the new guidelines should allow for an increased number of appointments per day, overall patient throughput is expected to remain below normal levels for the foreseeable future.
To support the sustainability of practices through this difficult time the Department established the General Dental Services Financial Support Scheme (FSS). The total level of FSS and net IoS payments made between April and November 2020 is around £43.3 million (£32.7 million FSS) which represents a 32% increase compared with the net IoS payments made over this period in 2019-20.
General Dental Services has received an additional £14.73 million in funding since April 2020. This has included, £0.97 million in Level 1 PPE, £3.76 million for Level 2 PPE and £10 million for the provision of FSS payments on a gross basis. The financial support has been, and will continue to be, conditional on dentists providing care to registered Health Service patients on the basis of need.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011166%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=318021","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=318021"}},{"id":"317297","reference":"AQW 10918/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-24","answerBy":"2020-12-09","answered":"2020-12-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure how the £26.3 million allocated to her Department in relation to lost income across Department and arm’s-length bodies will be spent.","answerText":"A number of DfI public services rely on significant levels of customer income which has been impacted by the restrictions that have been in place throughout the year. This funding will address income shortfall in the following areas:\n\nDriver and Vehicle Agency - £12m\n\nTranslink - £10m\n\nParking and Enforcement - £3.7m\n\nRathlin Ferry - £0.3m\n\nCrumlin Road Gaol - £0.2m\n\nPlanning Applications - £0.1m","answerHtml":"A number of DfI public services rely on significant levels of customer income which has been impacted by the restrictions that have been in place throughout the year. This funding will address income shortfall in the following areas:
Driver and Vehicle Agency - £12m
Translink - £10m
Parking and Enforcement - £3.7m
Rathlin Ferry - £0.3m
Crumlin Road Gaol - £0.2m
Planning Applications - £0.1m
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010918%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=317297","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=317297"}},{"id":"317296","reference":"AQW 10917/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-24","answerBy":"2020-12-09","answered":"2020-12-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for his assessment of the benefits of a National Investment Bank for Northern Ireland, such as has been created recently in Scotland.","answerText":"The Scottish National Investment Bank was only launched in November of this year and as it is in its early stages, it is too soon to make any proper assessment of it.\n\nAlthough funded and structured differently, we have our own Northern Ireland Investment Fund (NIIF) here in the North which was launched in January 2018 and which provides debt funding for commercial property, regeneration and low carbon projects. A total of £100m in Financial Transactions Capital has been provided by the Executive for the Fund. The Executive have recently agreed to review the Investment Fund to examine whether it can consider a broader range of investment opportunities.\n\nMore broadly, the Executive will of course continue look strategically at how we support investment, and learning from others and drawing on any best practice will be an important part of that.","answerHtml":"The Scottish National Investment Bank was only launched in November of this year and as it is in its early stages, it is too soon to make any proper assessment of it.
Although funded and structured differently, we have our own Northern Ireland Investment Fund (NIIF) here in the North which was launched in January 2018 and which provides debt funding for commercial property, regeneration and low carbon projects. A total of £100m in Financial Transactions Capital has been provided by the Executive for the Fund. The Executive have recently agreed to review the Investment Fund to examine whether it can consider a broader range of investment opportunities.
More broadly, the Executive will of course continue look strategically at how we support investment, and learning from others and drawing on any best practice will be an important part of that.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010917%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=317296","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=317296"}},{"id":"317295","reference":"AQW 10916/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-24","answerBy":"2020-12-09","answered":"2020-11-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance why the baseline budget for 2021/22 will be £350 million less than the previous year.","answerText":"£350 million funding was provided as a single year allocation for 2020-21 in the New Decade New Approach document to address general pressures.\n\nUnlike the majority of funding, this one-time allocation was not carried forward into 2021-22 leaving an unfunded pressure of £350 million for the Executive to address.\n\nThis issue will be considered as part of the work to develop a Budget for 2021-22.","answerHtml":"£350 million funding was provided as a single year allocation for 2020-21 in the New Decade New Approach document to address general pressures.
Unlike the majority of funding, this one-time allocation was not carried forward into 2021-22 leaving an unfunded pressure of £350 million for the Executive to address.
This issue will be considered as part of the work to develop a Budget for 2021-22.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010916%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=317295","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=317295"}},{"id":"317142","reference":"AQW 10804/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-23","answerBy":"2020-11-26","answered":"2021-08-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health how he intends to designate non-essential retail in revised the COVID-19 regulations.","answerText":"In the period since this question was tabled the Executive has taken a series of carefully considered steps to bring us to the current position. As part of these all retail is permitted to open, with mitigations in place, including social distancing, to reduce the risk of transmission of Covid-19.","answerHtml":"In the period since this question was tabled the Executive has taken a series of carefully considered steps to bring us to the current position. As part of these all retail is permitted to open, with mitigations in place, including social distancing, to reduce the risk of transmission of Covid-19.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010804%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=317142","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=317142"}},{"id":"317141","reference":"AQW 10803/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-23","answerBy":"2020-12-08","answered":"2020-12-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether any bids were submitted to support the newly self-employed ahead of the financial package announced on 23 November 2020.","answerText":"I initially issued Executive colleagues with an options paper for the utilisation of underspend from both the small business support grant scheme and the retail, hospitality, tourism and leisure grant scheme on 19 June 2020. This options paper included proposals to support those for whom there were gaps in provision, including support of sole traders and newly self-employed who were unable to access support from UK Governments Self-Employed Income Support Scheme.\n\nOn 9th October I issued an additional paper to my Executive colleagues regarding further support gaps, and on 21 October 2020 I announced my intention to develop a scheme for the newly registered self-employed. The\n\nExecutive subsequently agreed to allocate £10m in funding for this scheme on 22 October 2020.\n\nOn 19 November 2020 I presented a further paper to the Executive seeking consideration of detailed proposals which would provide financial support for the newly self-employed and sole limited company directors.\n\nThe Newly Self Employed Support Scheme launched 3 December 2020 and further information on support for sole limited company directors, who have been allocated £20m in funding as part of the £213m business support package, will be provided in due course.","answerHtml":"I initially issued Executive colleagues with an options paper for the utilisation of underspend from both the small business support grant scheme and the retail, hospitality, tourism and leisure grant scheme on 19 June 2020. This options paper included proposals to support those for whom there were gaps in provision, including support of sole traders and newly self-employed who were unable to access support from UK Governments Self-Employed Income Support Scheme.
On 9th October I issued an additional paper to my Executive colleagues regarding further support gaps, and on 21 October 2020 I announced my intention to develop a scheme for the newly registered self-employed. The
Executive subsequently agreed to allocate £10m in funding for this scheme on 22 October 2020.
On 19 November 2020 I presented a further paper to the Executive seeking consideration of detailed proposals which would provide financial support for the newly self-employed and sole limited company directors.
The Newly Self Employed Support Scheme launched 3 December 2020 and further information on support for sole limited company directors, who have been allocated £20m in funding as part of the £213m business support package, will be provided in due course.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010803%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=317141","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=317141"}},{"id":"317140","reference":"AQW 10802/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-23","answerBy":"2020-12-08","answered":"2020-11-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether the rates support package announced on the 23 November 2020 will be by means of a refund on 2020/21 rate payments.","answerText":"As part of my announcement I advised that £20 million has been allocated to extend this financial year’s 12 month rates holiday to manufacturing businesses. Land & Property Services is currently putting in place the arrangements for awarding this additional relief to those business ratepayers in receipt of industrial derating. Some of the ratepayers who benefit from this additional relief will have already paid some or all of their rates liability for this year. LPS will write to those ratepayers to advise on the refund procedures.","answerHtml":"As part of my announcement I advised that £20 million has been allocated to extend this financial year’s 12 month rates holiday to manufacturing businesses. Land & Property Services is currently putting in place the arrangements for awarding this additional relief to those business ratepayers in receipt of industrial derating. Some of the ratepayers who benefit from this additional relief will have already paid some or all of their rates liability for this year. LPS will write to those ratepayers to advise on the refund procedures.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010802%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=317140","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=317140"}},{"id":"317139","reference":"AQW 10801/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-23","answerBy":"2020-12-08","answered":"2020-12-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the number of parking ticket notices issued by her Department in (i) Seapark, Holywood; (ii) Bridge Road South, Crawfordsburn Country Park; and (iii) Fort Road and Church Road, Helen’s Bay, broken down by month in each of the last three financial years.","answerText":"Bridge Road South is not on the schedule for routine deployment, nor has the Department received any requests for enforcement at this location. Details of the number of Penalty Charges Notices issued at the other streets are shown in the table below:\n\nSeapark, Holywood (Includes Seapark Ave/Rd/Lane/Terrace)\tApr\tMay\tJun\tJul\tAug\tSep\tOct\tNov\tDec\tJan\tFeb\tMar\n2020/2021\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\n2019/2020\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\n2018/2019\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\n2017/2018\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\n\nFort Road, Helens Bay\tApr\tMay\tJun\tJul\tAug\tSep\tOct\tNov\tDec\tJan\tFeb\tMar\n2020/2021\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\n2019/2020\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\n2018/2019\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\n2017/2018\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\n\nChurch Road, Helens Bay\tApr\tMay\tJun\tJul\tAug\tSep\tOct\tNov\tDec\tJan\tFeb\tMar\n2020/2021\t0\t0\t0\t2\t35\t0\t0\n2019/2020\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\n2018/2019\t0\t0\t28\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\n2017/2018\t0\t0\t0\t17\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0","answerHtml":"Bridge Road South is not on the schedule for routine deployment, nor has the Department received any requests for enforcement at this location. Details of the number of Penalty Charges Notices issued at the other streets are shown in the table below:
| Seapark, Holywood (Includes Seapark Ave/Rd/Lane/Terrace) | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar |
| 2020/2021 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||
| 2019/2020 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018/2019 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017/2018 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fort Road, Helens Bay | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar |
| 2020/2021 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||
| 2019/2020 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018/2019 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017/2018 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Church Road, Helens Bay | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar |
| 2020/2021 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 35 | 0 | 0 | |||||
| 2019/2020 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018/2019 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017/2018 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
My Department’s statutory remit in relation to airports is quite limited. These are powers to control noise, control land in the interests of the safe and efficient use of airports, make byelaws, provide for airport constabularies and airport consultative committees and to give grants to assist capital expenditure.
Due to the exceptional circumstances that emerged from the COVID 19 pandemic back in Spring, the Department for Infrastructure was, for expediency and logistical reasons, asked to facilitate the distribution of emergency funding on behalf of the NI Executive to George Best Belfast City Airport and the City of Derry Airport (CoDA). This was the case once again when, on 19 November, I confirmed £1.23m in additional support to help CoDA remain operational.
In addition, in May 2020, the Minister of Finance announced 100% rates relief for Belfast International, Belfast City & City of Derry airports until 31 March 2021. This financial support is worth £2.2m, and £1.7m to BIA in particular.
Furthermore, whilst civil aviation is a reserved matter for the UK Government, the Department for the Economy has responsibility for the development of Northern Ireland’s air connectivity and provides support aimed at maintaining connectivity during the COVID 19 pandemic and as part of recovery. The Department for the Economy has secured £2m for marketing support which is being delivered by Tourism Ireland and held recent discussions with Belfast International Airport to develop Trans-Atlantic and Middle East air routes
I remain committed to working alongside my Executive colleagues, the Finance and Economy Ministers, to maintain air connectivity across these islands and further afield, and to consider cases for support and other measures required by the Executive to support the aviation sector.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010718%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=316984","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=316984"}},{"id":"316983","reference":"AQW 10717/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-20","answerBy":"2020-12-07","answered":"2020-11-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what costs the £1.23 million support grant announced for City of Derry Airport, based on 50% of the airports deficit this financial year, is going to cover.","answerText":"This money for City of Derry Airport will be targeted solely at supporting the airport to operate the essential flight routes servicing the North West and ensuring the safe operation of the infrastructure necessary for this. It is the minimum amount necessary to support Derry City and Strabane District Council, which owns the airport, to enable it to operate safely during COVID-19 related travel restrictions in the short term period to March 2021.","answerHtml":"This money for City of Derry Airport will be targeted solely at supporting the airport to operate the essential flight routes servicing the North West and ensuring the safe operation of the infrastructure necessary for this. It is the minimum amount necessary to support Derry City and Strabane District Council, which owns the airport, to enable it to operate safely during COVID-19 related travel restrictions in the short term period to March 2021.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010717%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=316983","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=316983"}},{"id":"316982","reference":"AQW 10716/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-20","answerBy":"2020-12-07","answered":"2020-11-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether there is dedicated telephone number or email address for elected representatives to contact with queries regarding the status of current grant scheme applications.","answerText":"Elected representative queries are being directed to the following e-mail:\n\nrevenueandbenefitscomplaints@finance-ni.gov.uk\n\nAs all available staff are currently engaged on processing applications, LPS has advised it is more efficient to deal with queries via e-mail.","answerHtml":"Elected representative queries are being directed to the following e-mail:
revenueandbenefitscomplaints@finance-ni.gov.uk
As all available staff are currently engaged on processing applications, LPS has advised it is more efficient to deal with queries via e-mail.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010716%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=316982","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=316982"}},{"id":"316707","reference":"AQW 10642/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-19","answerBy":"2020-12-04","answered":"2021-08-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether dance studios are permitted under the current COVID-19 regulations to open in order to teach dance qualifications that are recognised by Ofqual.","answerText":"Dance is classified as sport for the purposes of the current Coronavirus Regulations. All indoor sport, whether taught for qualifications, or organised formally by local sports club or informally by a group of friends, is permitted (subject to risk assessment and appropriate mitigations). Dancing however, is not permitted in licensed or unlicensed premises e.g. hospitality settings or other premises that hold a liquor license.\n\nA risk assessment, as set out in the regulations, must be completed where there will be over 15 people taking part.\n\nChanging rooms and shower facilities can be opened, but their use should be avoided or minimised where possible (for example, by arriving in kit and showering at home) and time spent in the changing area should be minimised.\n\nHygiene measures, social distancing and other mitigations should be strictly adhered to.\n\nAny behaviour which may encourage the risk of transmission around sports activities, such as car sharing, congregation of people on the side-lines and sporting celebrations, should be avoided.","answerHtml":"Dance is classified as sport for the purposes of the current Coronavirus Regulations. All indoor sport, whether taught for qualifications, or organised formally by local sports club or informally by a group of friends, is permitted (subject to risk assessment and appropriate mitigations). Dancing however, is not permitted in licensed or unlicensed premises e.g. hospitality settings or other premises that hold a liquor license.
A risk assessment, as set out in the regulations, must be completed where there will be over 15 people taking part.
Changing rooms and shower facilities can be opened, but their use should be avoided or minimised where possible (for example, by arriving in kit and showering at home) and time spent in the changing area should be minimised.
Hygiene measures, social distancing and other mitigations should be strictly adhered to.
Any behaviour which may encourage the risk of transmission around sports activities, such as car sharing, congregation of people on the side-lines and sporting celebrations, should be avoided.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010642%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=316707","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=316707"}},{"id":"316729","reference":"AQO 1201/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-19","answerBy":"2020-11-30","answered":"2020-11-30","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the introduction of legislation on commitments related to the Rights, Language and Identity section of New Decade, New Approach.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs O'Neill (The deputy First Minister)","text":"We are committed to the development and implementation of the rights, language and identity proposals in the 'New Decade, New Approach' document. The delivery of those priorities will be important in building our shared future based on mutual respect and parity of esteem. While the COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly delayed the speed at which we would have liked to see these issues progressed, it has certainly not deterred us from delivering them as quickly as possible. Officials are undertaking the necessary preparatory work to legislate for the core elements of the Bills, and we intend to progress legislation during 2020-21 and to create the relevant bodies as quickly as possible thereafter."},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"Thank you, Mr Speaker, and I thank the deputy First Minister for her response. On 3 September I tabled a question for oral answer to the Executive Office that asked:"},{"speaker":"","text":"It is now the end of November, and I still have not received a response. Will the deputy First Minister give a commitment that new, clear and firm timescales will be given for the implementation of the rights, language, identity and all other aspects of 'New Decade, New Approach'?"},{"speaker":"Mrs O'Neill","text":"I thank the Member for the question. I am sorry; I do not understand why you have not had a response, but I am happy to give you the commitment that, when we introduce the Bills, they will be laid out with a very clear time frame for delivery and you will be able to chart their way through the rest of the mandate. It is my intention that we deliver on the New Decade, New Approach issues, which, obviously, brought us all back together and brought about the restoration of the Executive. This is a really important piece of work that needs to be brought to the House in the imminent future."},{"speaker":"Mr Lynch","text":"Do the joint Ministers agree with me that all 'New Deal, New Approach' commitments, not just those on language and rights, need to be delivered? However, critically, is she concerned that the British Government have failed to implement their commitments on legacy, including a public inquiry into the murder of the human rights solicitor Pat Finucane, which is a decision that we await today?"},{"speaker":"Mrs O'Neill","text":"Thanks to the Member for his question. As he and everybody in the House know, 'NDNA' committed all the parties to working together and to doing everything possible to heal wounds and eliminate the issues that always divide us. Core to NDNA was that the British Government would:"},{"speaker":"","text":"They would also \"start an intensive process\". Clearly, to date the British Government have failed to bring forward any meaningful proposals on legacy, and there has not been any intensive process. To my mind, the failure to progress the commitments that were made demonstrates shocking levels of bad faith, particularly as those commitments have been outstanding since the Stormont House Agreement back in December 2014. I spoke today to the Finucane family, who will this afternoon receive next steps from the British Government. It is their view, which I certainly share, that all state agencies must be accountable to the law. It is my clear view that the British Government have no alternative but to direct a public inquiry into the murder of the human rights lawyer Patrick Finucane. I believe that it is also in the public interest to do so. The failure to honour political commitments and to uphold legal obligations in legacy matters will have far-reaching implications that affect victims and public confidence in the rule of law and the administration of justice. If we are going to continue to build the peace that we all must work very hard for every day, however difficult and challenging, in order to collectively heal all the wounds of the past we must continue to do that together."},{"speaker":"Mrs Barton","text":"Deputy First Minister, you will know that the Ulster Unionist Party is against this aspect of the New Decade, New Approach deal given that language and culture were already catered for as part of the Belfast Agreement. Minister, will you outline the overall cost of implementing this section of the agreement?"},{"speaker":"Mrs O'Neill","text":"I am aware that the Ulster Unionist Party is against introducing legislation that delivers parity of esteem for those who have an Irish national identity. That is regrettable, and I ask you to reconsider that position. No one has anything to fear from legislating for the language or from allowing children who are educated through the medium of Irish to live their life through Irish. I again ask the Ulster Unionist Party to perhaps rethink its position and perhaps join everybody else who is trying to deliver this legislation, because I believe that it is in society's wider interests. When we bring forward the proposal and the time frame for the delivery of the legislation, we will also bring forward costs for the various elements, including those for the office of identity, as well as details on what that will look like. I am very happy to provide that information to the Member."},{"speaker":"Mr McGlone","text":"Will the role of the commissioners for languages be clearly defined in the legislation governing languages?"},{"speaker":"Mrs O'Neill","text":"The Member will be aware that the legislation has been published as part of New Decade, New Approach, so he will be aware of what has been legislated for. Obviously, there are provisions in the Bill on the office of identity, and more meat has been put on the bones of that. Again, I hope to bring forward the legislation very soon and have a comprehensive conversation about the shaping of it."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201201%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=316729","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2020-11-30&docID=317938#AQO%201201/17-22","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=316729"}},{"id":"316556","reference":"AQW 10568/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-18","answerBy":"2020-11-23","answered":"2020-11-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance how many staff are dedicated to processing Local Restrictions Support Grants.","answerText":"Understanding of the rating system is required to administer the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme. At present, LPS has 66 staff dedicated to processing the applications submitted under the scheme, with further staff supporting their work in areas such as IT, communications and handling correspondence and complaints.","answerHtml":"Understanding of the rating system is required to administer the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme. At present, LPS has 66 staff dedicated to processing the applications submitted under the scheme, with further staff supporting their work in areas such as IT, communications and handling correspondence and complaints.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010568%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=316556","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=316556"}},{"id":"316555","reference":"AQW 10567/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-18","answerBy":"2020-12-03","answered":"2021-02-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the Active Travel Centre at the North-West Transport Hub.","answerText":"I am very keen to increase the proportion of everyday journeys made by walking, cycling and public transport right across the North.\n\nEnhanced passenger facilities opened in November last year with the completion of the main station work along with a new 100 space Park & Ride facility. This work marks a further step in development of this integrated active travel hub that will help to inspire smarter, greener and healthier travel choices. The provision and operation of an Active and Sustainable Travel Centre (ASTC) is another important part of the Hub project. The ASTC has the potential to become an exemplar of best practice; providing a focal point for the encouragement and promotion of sustainable travel, and the destination to advise, inform and support users and out-of-state visitors in making local, suburban and regional journeys.\n\nMy Department submitted an application for funding of the Active and Sustainable Travel Centre (ASTC) from the INTERREG VA Programme to the Special European Union Programmes (SEUPB). SEUPB has advised this request for funding is still under consideration.","answerHtml":"I am very keen to increase the proportion of everyday journeys made by walking, cycling and public transport right across the North.
Enhanced passenger facilities opened in November last year with the completion of the main station work along with a new 100 space Park & Ride facility. This work marks a further step in development of this integrated active travel hub that will help to inspire smarter, greener and healthier travel choices. The provision and operation of an Active and Sustainable Travel Centre (ASTC) is another important part of the Hub project. The ASTC has the potential to become an exemplar of best practice; providing a focal point for the encouragement and promotion of sustainable travel, and the destination to advise, inform and support users and out-of-state visitors in making local, suburban and regional journeys.
My Department submitted an application for funding of the Active and Sustainable Travel Centre (ASTC) from the INTERREG VA Programme to the Special European Union Programmes (SEUPB). SEUPB has advised this request for funding is still under consideration.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010567%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=316555","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=316555"}},{"id":"316554","reference":"AQW 10566/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-18","answerBy":"2020-12-03","answered":"2020-12-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether intensive care nurses in the Ulster Hospital are graded as band 6 as in other intensive care units; and to detail the rationale for this decision.","answerText":"There is currently a skills mix of band 5 and band 6 Nurses within Intensive Care Units in the South Eastern Trust and across the HSC.\n\nBanding of all Agenda for Change roles, including those within nursing, is determined by the duties and responsibilities of a role assessed in partnership with Trades Unions using an agreed job evaluation scheme. Across the UK, jobs are matched to nationally evaluated profiles, based on the roles undertaken.\n\nThese profiles work on the basis that similar posts and responsibilities across the UK health services reflect the demands of the job and to ensure equality of pay. This process ensures that the level of post is dependent on the role, not the environment and as there is a difference between roles, for example between a qualified critical care specialist nurse and a nurse working in ICU, a skills mix is necessary.\n\nDue to the global health emergency and local COVID-19 transmission rates, critical care requirements are significantly stretched across the region, resulting in increased pressures on the critical care nursing workforce.\n\nIn recognition of this, my Department is currently considering if temporary arrangements can be put in place for progression of Band 5 to Band 6 for critical care nurses who meet agreed criteria.","answerHtml":"There is currently a skills mix of band 5 and band 6 Nurses within Intensive Care Units in the South Eastern Trust and across the HSC.
Banding of all Agenda for Change roles, including those within nursing, is determined by the duties and responsibilities of a role assessed in partnership with Trades Unions using an agreed job evaluation scheme. Across the UK, jobs are matched to nationally evaluated profiles, based on the roles undertaken.
These profiles work on the basis that similar posts and responsibilities across the UK health services reflect the demands of the job and to ensure equality of pay. This process ensures that the level of post is dependent on the role, not the environment and as there is a difference between roles, for example between a qualified critical care specialist nurse and a nurse working in ICU, a skills mix is necessary.
Due to the global health emergency and local COVID-19 transmission rates, critical care requirements are significantly stretched across the region, resulting in increased pressures on the critical care nursing workforce.
In recognition of this, my Department is currently considering if temporary arrangements can be put in place for progression of Band 5 to Band 6 for critical care nurses who meet agreed criteria.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010566%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=316554","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=316554"}},{"id":"316553","reference":"AQW 10565/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-18","answerBy":"2020-12-03","answered":"2020-11-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, following the review of the scoping study commissioned by Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, to detail a timeline for a feasibility study for the Portadown to Armagh rail project.","answerText":"My priority as Minister is to work on transport infrastructure that improves people’s lives, connects communities and tackles the climate emergency through prioritising active and sustainable transport options. I believe that rail has huge untapped potential to deliver multiple benefits across our island.\n\nA Feasibility Study for the Portadown to Armagh rail project would be a follow-on to the scoping study commissioned by Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council. Recognising how this project can fit with my priorities I have committed to providing funding in partnership with the Council for the Feasibility Study. The intention is that Council will procure and manage the development of their Feasibility Study. There will be further engagement on this between my officials and council officers in December.","answerHtml":"My priority as Minister is to work on transport infrastructure that improves people’s lives, connects communities and tackles the climate emergency through prioritising active and sustainable transport options. I believe that rail has huge untapped potential to deliver multiple benefits across our island.
A Feasibility Study for the Portadown to Armagh rail project would be a follow-on to the scoping study commissioned by Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council. Recognising how this project can fit with my priorities I have committed to providing funding in partnership with the Council for the Feasibility Study. The intention is that Council will procure and manage the development of their Feasibility Study. There will be further engagement on this between my officials and council officers in December.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010565%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=316553","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=316553"}},{"id":"316313","reference":"AQW 10464/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-17","answerBy":"2020-11-23","answered":"2020-11-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail mitigations put in place to assist pupils unable to sit November 2020 examinations due to self-isolation as a result of close contact with a person receiving a COVID-19 positive test result.","answerText":"Pupils unable to sit the GCSE exams in the November 2020 examination series will be able to sit these exams in either the March or summer 2021 examination series.","answerHtml":"Pupils unable to sit the GCSE exams in the November 2020 examination series will be able to sit these exams in either the March or summer 2021 examination series.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010464%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=316313","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=316313"}},{"id":"316312","reference":"AQW 10463/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-17","answerBy":"2020-12-02","answered":"2020-11-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 9813/17-22, (i) in which division the Active Travel Branch (ATB) sits; and (ii) what the ATB budget is for 2020/21.","answerText":"The Active Travel Branch sits within the Transport Policy Division under my Walking and Cycling Champion, Liz Loughran.\n\nBudgets are not allocated to individual branches, but are held by division. Transport Policy Division’s Budget for 2020/21, following October Monitoring, is £2.074 million Non Ring-fenced Resource DEL, and £11.4 million Capital DEL. This is after the transfer of some blue green infrastructure capital funding, including £5.0 million Capital DEL to the Department for Communities to fund DfI’s element of the COVID-19 Town Revitalisation Programme for councils for greater active travel.","answerHtml":"The Active Travel Branch sits within the Transport Policy Division under my Walking and Cycling Champion, Liz Loughran.
Budgets are not allocated to individual branches, but are held by division. Transport Policy Division’s Budget for 2020/21, following October Monitoring, is £2.074 million Non Ring-fenced Resource DEL, and £11.4 million Capital DEL. This is after the transfer of some blue green infrastructure capital funding, including £5.0 million Capital DEL to the Department for Communities to fund DfI’s element of the COVID-19 Town Revitalisation Programme for councils for greater active travel.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010463%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=316312","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=316312"}},{"id":"316311","reference":"AQW 10462/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-17","answerBy":"2020-12-02","answered":"2020-11-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health when he will bring forward proposals to the Executive concerning further COVID-19 public health restrictions.","answerText":"I have brought forward proposals to the Executive on a number of occasions, including the meeting of Thursday 19 November 2020. Any proposals brought to the Executive meeting are guided by the advice from Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Advisor and reflect the current position and modelling of the pandemic. Any proposed restrictions are to manage the increased pressure on our health services during the current pandemic, protect the elderly and the vulnerable and allow other essential services to be maintained.\n\nAll scientific evidence is now publically available and published on my Department’s website: https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/covid-19-scientific-evidence","answerHtml":"I have brought forward proposals to the Executive on a number of occasions, including the meeting of Thursday 19 November 2020. Any proposals brought to the Executive meeting are guided by the advice from Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Advisor and reflect the current position and modelling of the pandemic. Any proposed restrictions are to manage the increased pressure on our health services during the current pandemic, protect the elderly and the vulnerable and allow other essential services to be maintained.
All scientific evidence is now publically available and published on my Department’s website: https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/covid-19-scientific-evidence
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010462%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=316311","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=316311"}},{"id":"316310","reference":"AQW 10461/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-17","answerBy":"2020-12-02","answered":"2020-12-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy for her assessment as to whether every effort has been made to simplify the application process for Part A and Part B of the Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme.","answerText":"I would refer the Member to the reply I gave to AQW 9575/17-22.","answerHtml":"I would refer the Member to the reply I gave to AQW 9575/17-22.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010461%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=316310","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=316310"}},{"id":"316309","reference":"AQW 10460/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-17","answerBy":"2020-12-02","answered":"2020-12-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she will give consideration to enhanced support for hotels and accommodation providers either (i) required to close due to COVID-19 public health restrictions; and (ii) suffering a downturn in trade generally as a result of COVID-19 pandemic, taking into account bed places as opposed to merely Non-Domestic Rateable Value.","answerText":"I have asked my officials to develop support schemes for bed and breakfasts and for large tourism and hospitality businesses. Further details of the schemes will be announced in due course.\n\nThese schemes will supplement support measures already available. Details of support measures are available at https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/campaign/coronavirus-updates-support-your-business","answerHtml":"I have asked my officials to develop support schemes for bed and breakfasts and for large tourism and hospitality businesses. Further details of the schemes will be announced in due course.
These schemes will supplement support measures already available. Details of support measures are available at https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/campaign/coronavirus-updates-support-your-business
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010460%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=316309","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=316309"}},{"id":"316150","reference":"AQW 10360/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-16","answerBy":"2020-12-01","answered":"2020-12-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on the roll-out of smart meters to domestic premises.","answerText":"The roll-out of smart metering is being considered through the development of the new Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland. The Energy Strategy Options Consultation is due to be published in March 2021.","answerHtml":"The roll-out of smart metering is being considered through the development of the new Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland. The Energy Strategy Options Consultation is due to be published in March 2021.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010360%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=316150","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=316150"}},{"id":"316149","reference":"AQW 10359/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-16","answerBy":"2020-12-01","answered":"2020-12-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether any plans exist to increase sexual health (i) promotion; (ii) testing; (iii) resources generally when it proves possible to relax or remove COVID-19 public health restrictions.","answerText":"The Public Health Agency is committed to promoting good sexual health. Significant progress continues including public health information campaigns, development of relationships and sexuality training programmes for schools and community organisations, new sexual health services for students in higher and further education settings.\n\nFuture sexual health service provision including testing will as a necessity form part of the wider rebuilding of hospital services and will be kept under review as this more extensive piece of work evolves. Additional resources will be bid for as and when required.","answerHtml":"The Public Health Agency is committed to promoting good sexual health. Significant progress continues including public health information campaigns, development of relationships and sexuality training programmes for schools and community organisations, new sexual health services for students in higher and further education settings.
Future sexual health service provision including testing will as a necessity form part of the wider rebuilding of hospital services and will be kept under review as this more extensive piece of work evolves. Additional resources will be bid for as and when required.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010359%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=316149","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=316149"}},{"id":"316148","reference":"AQW 10358/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-16","answerBy":"2020-12-01","answered":"2020-11-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the rationale for the time lag in the reporting of HIV Infections.","answerText":"The Royal Victoria Hospital GUM clinic collate the Northern Ireland HIV data for new HIV diagnoses and also for people receiving HIV care. Public Health England (PHE) collate the data for the United Kingdom and complete a number of validation and deduplication checks.\n\nThe Public Health Agency (PHA) usually receives an annual Northern Ireland dataset from PHE in September. Due to COVID-19 this was delayed to 3rd November. The Northern Ireland country HIV data tables were published by PHE on the same date along with the UK report.\n\nPHA have always published the NI data report later, normally 1st December which is World AIDs day.","answerHtml":"The Royal Victoria Hospital GUM clinic collate the Northern Ireland HIV data for new HIV diagnoses and also for people receiving HIV care. Public Health England (PHE) collate the data for the United Kingdom and complete a number of validation and deduplication checks.
The Public Health Agency (PHA) usually receives an annual Northern Ireland dataset from PHE in September. Due to COVID-19 this was delayed to 3rd November. The Northern Ireland country HIV data tables were published by PHE on the same date along with the UK report.
PHA have always published the NI data report later, normally 1st December which is World AIDs day.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010358%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=316148","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=316148"}},{"id":"315955","reference":"AQW 10253/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-13","answerBy":"2020-11-18","answered":"2020-11-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether practical driving tests will resume on 20 November.","answerText":"Driving instructors are included in the Executive’s regulations on businesses that must close until 20 November to help stop the spread of Covid-19. Following this Executive decision, driving tests have also ceased over this period of increased restrictions based on public health and scientific advice. Driving tests will resume on 21 November. Motorcycle lessons and tests were not affected by these restrictions.\n\nThe DVA has identified that over 1,000 key workers and customers who had their driving test cancelled from late March to the end of June fall within the group of customers who had their tests cancelled due to the current restrictions. The DVA considers these customers as a priority group and has provided them with advance access to the booking system from 9 November to enable them to reschedule their appointments. The booking system will then open on 23 November to the remaining customers whose tests were cancelled.\n\nTo create additional capacity the DVA will open up the booking system for February for the customers impacted by the recent restrictions only. Over 2,000 additional booking slots have also been made available in November, December and January as the DVA increases capacity by recruiting additional examiners. These slots will initially only be available to these impacted customers. Once all customers who had their tests recently cancelled have had the opportunity to rebook their appointments, the DVA is planning to open up the booking service for all other customers in late November/ early December.\n\nWhen testing resumes the DVA will continue to offer driving tests on a Saturday and following consultation with key stakeholders is planning to offer driving tests for Heavy Goods Vehicles on Sundays, where it is suitable to do so without compromising the integrity of the test. The DVA will also use overtime to rota off-shift dual role driving examiners to provide additional capacity and to provide cover for scheduled driving tests, where due to a variety of unforeseen reasons such as sick absence or the requirement to self-isolate, driving examiners are unable to attend work.\n\nTo help further mitigate the impact on customers due to the cessation of practical driving as a result of the latest Covid restrictions, I will be bringing forward further legislation to extend the validity of theory test pass certificates. Theory test pass certificates which have already been extended by eight months and will expire from 1 November 2020 onwards, will have their validity period extended by a further four months. In addition, theory test pass certificates which expire between 1 November 2020 and 30 June 2021, and which have not already benefited from an extension, will have their validity period extended by eight months.\n\nThe DVA acknowledges that learner drivers are keen to take their driving tests at the earliest opportunity and will continue to work hard to maximise the availability of test slots. However, all driving test services across these islands are experiencing high demand with longer than usual waiting times. Like all public facing services, the Covid-19 restrictions mean that the DVA has had to adapt its services to ensure that they can be provided safely and they would ask customers for their patience at this difficult time.\n\nIt is my priority to ensure that our staff and customers remain safe and the DVA will continue to be guided by the latest public health and scientific advice as we work as quickly as we can to serve all our customers.","answerHtml":"Driving instructors are included in the Executive’s regulations on businesses that must close until 20 November to help stop the spread of Covid-19. Following this Executive decision, driving tests have also ceased over this period of increased restrictions based on public health and scientific advice. Driving tests will resume on 21 November. Motorcycle lessons and tests were not affected by these restrictions.
The DVA has identified that over 1,000 key workers and customers who had their driving test cancelled from late March to the end of June fall within the group of customers who had their tests cancelled due to the current restrictions. The DVA considers these customers as a priority group and has provided them with advance access to the booking system from 9 November to enable them to reschedule their appointments. The booking system will then open on 23 November to the remaining customers whose tests were cancelled.
To create additional capacity the DVA will open up the booking system for February for the customers impacted by the recent restrictions only. Over 2,000 additional booking slots have also been made available in November, December and January as the DVA increases capacity by recruiting additional examiners. These slots will initially only be available to these impacted customers. Once all customers who had their tests recently cancelled have had the opportunity to rebook their appointments, the DVA is planning to open up the booking service for all other customers in late November/ early December.
When testing resumes the DVA will continue to offer driving tests on a Saturday and following consultation with key stakeholders is planning to offer driving tests for Heavy Goods Vehicles on Sundays, where it is suitable to do so without compromising the integrity of the test. The DVA will also use overtime to rota off-shift dual role driving examiners to provide additional capacity and to provide cover for scheduled driving tests, where due to a variety of unforeseen reasons such as sick absence or the requirement to self-isolate, driving examiners are unable to attend work.
To help further mitigate the impact on customers due to the cessation of practical driving as a result of the latest Covid restrictions, I will be bringing forward further legislation to extend the validity of theory test pass certificates. Theory test pass certificates which have already been extended by eight months and will expire from 1 November 2020 onwards, will have their validity period extended by a further four months. In addition, theory test pass certificates which expire between 1 November 2020 and 30 June 2021, and which have not already benefited from an extension, will have their validity period extended by eight months.
The DVA acknowledges that learner drivers are keen to take their driving tests at the earliest opportunity and will continue to work hard to maximise the availability of test slots. However, all driving test services across these islands are experiencing high demand with longer than usual waiting times. Like all public facing services, the Covid-19 restrictions mean that the DVA has had to adapt its services to ensure that they can be provided safely and they would ask customers for their patience at this difficult time.
It is my priority to ensure that our staff and customers remain safe and the DVA will continue to be guided by the latest public health and scientific advice as we work as quickly as we can to serve all our customers.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010253%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=315955","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=315955"}},{"id":"315954","reference":"AQW 10252/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-13","answerBy":"2020-11-30","answered":"2020-11-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health when AQW 7862/17-22 will be answered.","answerText":"Face covering means a covering of any type which covers a person’s nose and mouth. A face shield or visor may be used as a face covering, however my Department advises that cloth face coverings should be used as they provide better protection from the risk of infection from the virus that causes COVD-19. If a face shield or visor is to be worn, it should be used in combination with a cloth face covering for increased protection.\n\nHowever, face coverings are not a substitute for other measures such as social distancing, hand hygiene, good respiratory etiquette and cleaning of shared contact surfaces, all of which remain critically important.","answerHtml":"Face covering means a covering of any type which covers a person’s nose and mouth. A face shield or visor may be used as a face covering, however my Department advises that cloth face coverings should be used as they provide better protection from the risk of infection from the virus that causes COVD-19. If a face shield or visor is to be worn, it should be used in combination with a cloth face covering for increased protection.
However, face coverings are not a substitute for other measures such as social distancing, hand hygiene, good respiratory etiquette and cleaning of shared contact surfaces, all of which remain critically important.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010252%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=315954","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=315954"}},{"id":"315953","reference":"AQW 10251/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-13","answerBy":"2020-11-30","answered":"2021-05-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister (i) how often; and (ii) where performance statistics on Ministerial responses to Assembly Questions are published.","answerText":"Executive Office officials have recently concluded a cross departmental consultation with each of the departments on the proposed format, content and frequency of publication of written Assembly Question statistics. It is intended that these statistics will be published shortly to align with the sitting periods of the Assembly, with statistics for the period September to December 2020.","answerHtml":"Executive Office officials have recently concluded a cross departmental consultation with each of the departments on the proposed format, content and frequency of publication of written Assembly Question statistics. It is intended that these statistics will be published shortly to align with the sitting periods of the Assembly, with statistics for the period September to December 2020.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010251%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=315953","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=315953"}},{"id":"315952","reference":"AQW 10250/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-13","answerBy":"2020-11-30","answered":"2021-02-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister what steps have been taken to ensure that Ministers are declaring substantive discussions with external organisations relating to departmental business at which no officials were present.","answerText":"The Executive has agreed guidance under which any significant aspects of such discussions should be reported to the Minister’s Private Office as soon as possible after the meeting. Compliance with this requirement is a matter for each Minister and the Executive Office does not exercise an enforcement function.","answerHtml":"The Executive has agreed guidance under which any significant aspects of such discussions should be reported to the Minister’s Private Office as soon as possible after the meeting. Compliance with this requirement is a matter for each Minister and the Executive Office does not exercise an enforcement function.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010250%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=315952","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=315952"}},{"id":"315951","reference":"AQW 10249/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-13","answerBy":"2020-11-30","answered":"2020-11-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether there are any plans to mitigate the impact if the £20 a week uplift in Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit is ended in April 2021 as planned.","answerText":"On 9 November I advised Executive Colleagues of my intention to join the Scottish and Welsh Administrations in issuing a joint Ministerial letter to Thérèse Coffey, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions for a new welfare strategy to ensure help is reaching those most in need given the financial pressures many households are likely to be experiencing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes a request for the £20 weekly increase to Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit to be made permanent.\n\nOn 12 November the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People, the Welsh Government’s Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government and I jointly sent a letter to Thérèse Coffey, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and asked her to make the £20 uplift permanent, and to announce this without delay in order to avoid causing further anxiety.","answerHtml":"On 9 November I advised Executive Colleagues of my intention to join the Scottish and Welsh Administrations in issuing a joint Ministerial letter to Thérèse Coffey, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions for a new welfare strategy to ensure help is reaching those most in need given the financial pressures many households are likely to be experiencing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes a request for the £20 weekly increase to Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit to be made permanent.
On 12 November the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People, the Welsh Government’s Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government and I jointly sent a letter to Thérèse Coffey, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and asked her to make the £20 uplift permanent, and to announce this without delay in order to avoid causing further anxiety.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010249%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=315951","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=315951"}},{"id":"315748","reference":"AQW 10183/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-12","answerBy":"2020-11-27","answered":"2020-11-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance what steps have been taken to ensure that civil servants are recording ministerial meetings as outlined in New Decade, New Approach.","answerText":"The primary responsibility for ensuring the recording of ministerial meetings lies with the Private Secretaries and the Permanent Secretaries. The role of the Private Secretary is set out in new Private Office Guidance, issued to all Departments on 09 January 2020. The operation of this guidance has been the subject of two meetings of Private Office Staff and their line management.\n\nA revised NICS Code of Ethics is in preparation. This will include the requirement that civil servants will keep accurate official records, including minutes of ministerial meetings, and handle information as openly and transparently as possible within the legal framework. The Code of Ethics, which is an integral part of the terms and conditions of employment for all civil servants, will be finalised and published shortly.","answerHtml":"The primary responsibility for ensuring the recording of ministerial meetings lies with the Private Secretaries and the Permanent Secretaries. The role of the Private Secretary is set out in new Private Office Guidance, issued to all Departments on 09 January 2020. The operation of this guidance has been the subject of two meetings of Private Office Staff and their line management.
A revised NICS Code of Ethics is in preparation. This will include the requirement that civil servants will keep accurate official records, including minutes of ministerial meetings, and handle information as openly and transparently as possible within the legal framework. The Code of Ethics, which is an integral part of the terms and conditions of employment for all civil servants, will be finalised and published shortly.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010183%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=315748","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=315748"}},{"id":"315747","reference":"AQW 10182/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-12","answerBy":"2020-11-27","answered":"2020-11-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance when his Department will be reviewing the business case for the proposed Civic Centre in Newry as part of the application for funding from the Belfast City Deal by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.","answerText":"DoF Officials have been engaging with departments and Belfast Region City Deal partners on the development of a number of Outline Business Cases (OBC) for projects to be taken forward under the Belfast Region City Deal. DoF officials will consider these business cases for approval once formally submitted by the Belfast Region City Deal Executive Board and the department with policy responsibility, in this case DfC, is content.","answerHtml":"DoF Officials have been engaging with departments and Belfast Region City Deal partners on the development of a number of Outline Business Cases (OBC) for projects to be taken forward under the Belfast Region City Deal. DoF officials will consider these business cases for approval once formally submitted by the Belfast Region City Deal Executive Board and the department with policy responsibility, in this case DfC, is content.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010182%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=315747","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=315747"}},{"id":"315746","reference":"AQW 10181/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-12","answerBy":"2020-11-27","answered":"2020-11-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail the current funding levels allocated to independent advice services; and whether there are plans to review and increase this in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.","answerText":"My Department has allocated in the region of £6.4million in the current year, for the provision of independent community based advice services, including appeals and help with problem debt.\n\nFurthermore, I have allocated just over £1million for the provision of free debt advice and financial wellbeing support for citizens. This additional funding which is being directed through regional and local delivery partners, will enable more people whose finances are impacted by COVID-19, to access the debt advice service. It will also support debt preventative and financial wellbeing measures.\n\nDuring the current crisis the advice sector has been critical in assisting the most vulnerable in our communities.\n\nI am committed to addressing both the root causes and the impacts of poverty and to protecting those most in need. Access to community based, independent advice services, is critical to meeting that commitment.\n\nMy Department has been coordinating a regional response to the COVID-19 crisis, involving a comprehensive package of measures to support those most impacted by the pandemic. To date, £4.7million has been allocated through Councils, enabling a significant community response to those in need relating to food, low income and connectedness.\n\nMy officials have worked closely with regional and local frontline advice organisations on a co-design, co-production approach to develop support mechanisms such as the COVID-19 Community Helpline, which refers people into community level supports.\n\nThe Community Helpline will continue to connect those most vulnerable people into local support services through our stakeholders in the Voluntary and Community Sector and I have allocated additional funding to support this.\n\nI am dedicated to ensuring that people continue to receive the support that they need.","answerHtml":"My Department has allocated in the region of £6.4million in the current year, for the provision of independent community based advice services, including appeals and help with problem debt.
Furthermore, I have allocated just over £1million for the provision of free debt advice and financial wellbeing support for citizens. This additional funding which is being directed through regional and local delivery partners, will enable more people whose finances are impacted by COVID-19, to access the debt advice service. It will also support debt preventative and financial wellbeing measures.
During the current crisis the advice sector has been critical in assisting the most vulnerable in our communities.
I am committed to addressing both the root causes and the impacts of poverty and to protecting those most in need. Access to community based, independent advice services, is critical to meeting that commitment.
My Department has been coordinating a regional response to the COVID-19 crisis, involving a comprehensive package of measures to support those most impacted by the pandemic. To date, £4.7million has been allocated through Councils, enabling a significant community response to those in need relating to food, low income and connectedness.
My officials have worked closely with regional and local frontline advice organisations on a co-design, co-production approach to develop support mechanisms such as the COVID-19 Community Helpline, which refers people into community level supports.
The Community Helpline will continue to connect those most vulnerable people into local support services through our stakeholders in the Voluntary and Community Sector and I have allocated additional funding to support this.
I am dedicated to ensuring that people continue to receive the support that they need.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010181%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=315746","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=315746"}},{"id":"315745","reference":"AQW 10180/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-12","answerBy":"2020-11-27","answered":"2020-11-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what actions her Department intends to take to address the issue of speeding on the Old Belfast Road, Bangor.","answerText":"All requests for improvements to the road network, including the provision of traffic calming measures, are assessed in line with my Department’s current policies and guidance.\n\nOfficials have carried out a traffic calming assessment of this section of the Old Belfast Road, Bangor and I can confirm that a scheme at this location wouldn’t currently rank as highly as other sites in the Ards and North Down area competing for what is limited funding for works of this nature. I am also advised that a previous consultation on a traffic calming scheme incorporating road humps generated over 100 objections.\n\nIt is important where speeding is a problem, that residents contact the PSNI, as the authority responsible for enforcing speed limits, on its 101 number.","answerHtml":"All requests for improvements to the road network, including the provision of traffic calming measures, are assessed in line with my Department’s current policies and guidance.
Officials have carried out a traffic calming assessment of this section of the Old Belfast Road, Bangor and I can confirm that a scheme at this location wouldn’t currently rank as highly as other sites in the Ards and North Down area competing for what is limited funding for works of this nature. I am also advised that a previous consultation on a traffic calming scheme incorporating road humps generated over 100 objections.
It is important where speeding is a problem, that residents contact the PSNI, as the authority responsible for enforcing speed limits, on its 101 number.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010180%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=315745","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=315745"}},{"id":"315787","reference":"AQO 1171/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-12","answerBy":"2020-11-24","answered":"2020-11-24","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for an update on a new build for Bangor Central Integrated Primary School.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Weir (The Minister of Education)","text":"I thank the Member for his question. Through Fresh Start funding, my Department is delivering a hugely significant capital investment of almost £10 million in Bangor Central Integrated Primary School. The business case was approved by the Department in July 2020 and identified the preferred option of a new-build school on a new site on the Balloo Road in Bangor. The project will provide a brand new single-storey school with modern facilities, fully compliant with my Department’s school building handbook. The school will be built on a new site 1·7 miles from the existing school in an easily accessible part of the town, with sufficient room for future expansion. The construction work will be able to take place without causing any disruption to the ongoing operation of the school. In July 2020, the Education Authority (EA) appointed an integrated consultant team to undertake the design, and that work is now in the early stages of the design process. When completed, the new facilities will enhance the provision of integrated education in the north Down area and support the future growth of the sector."},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"I thank the Minister for his response. As he has outlined, this will be a new site on the Balloo Road. What assurances can the Minister give that the children and young people who live in Bangor town centre will be catered for as a result of the move to the new site?"},{"speaker":"Mr Weir","text":"If the Member is talking about transport, there is an entitlement for free school transport to be provided if children live beyond a certain distance from their school. It should be said that, because Bangor Central Integrated Primary School is the one integrated primary school in Bangor, it does draw from a fairly wide catchment area. As the Member will be aware from the response to the question for written answer that he submitted, the two main wards in the centre of Bangor represent about a third of the pupils who go to Bangor Central, with the other two thirds coming from outside that area. To some extent, the new build will shift, perhaps, the emphasis or the location, but, as happens on all occasions, any movement that children need to make will be catered for."},{"speaker":"Miss Woods","text":"The Minister will know that I have many questions on this, but, for now, can he outline what consultation was done with the school, the board of governors, and the parents about this move as well as with the wider community? Will he commit to meet me, a group of parents and interested parties regarding the proposed school move?"},{"speaker":"Mr Weir","text":"I am always happy to meet the Member. I have met some interested parties on this. There was a project board for each of the Fresh Start projects, and that involved the school directly. Consultation and discussion took place. If the issue is about the location, we should remember that there are at least three separate issues on that. First, the statutory duty on the Department is to integrated education, not to a specific site or location. Therefore, when looking at this, it is about what is in the best interests of the sector as a whole. Secondly, from the point of view of a business case and public costs, this has a considerable difference from simply building on site at the current location. The Member should also be aware that projects funded by Fresh Start capital require Treasury sign-off, so it is not simply a matter of what the Department feels and, indeed, is about providing a situation that gives best value for money. Thirdly, looking at integrated education more broadly, there will be more room for the school at its new site. So if, for instance, an additional unit needed to be added to the school, there would be an opportunity for that to happen at a future point, whereas accommodation space at the Bangor Central site, which I am very familiar with, is much more limited. All those factors need to be considered. I am happy to meet the Member to discuss those, but she should be aware that the decision on location has been taken."},{"speaker":"Mr Chambers","text":"Minister, I certainly welcome the investment in my constituency. I understand that the board of governors and the staff of the school fully support the move, but there seems to be a body of resistance building against the move. Has your Department had any sense of that?"},{"speaker":"Mr Weir","text":"It is natural that people see the history tied up with a particular site when a school is moving to a different location. As I indicated, if we were to provide a neighbourhood-specific site for every school that would not be an appropriate way of dealing with it. It is perfectly natural, and I suspect that most people, if they are linked with a particular school, will have a particular emphasis on its location. As the Member mentioned, the project board and the governors have accepted it. There is also, as I have indicated, a wider commitment in terms of a business case and what is provided to the Treasury in relation to it. It is also the case that, because of the pressure on places in Bangor across the board, even at primary sector level, there is no question of displacement that will create problems, largely speaking, elsewhere, because there is really not much, if any, spare capacity in the system."},{"speaker":"Mr Principal Deputy Speaker","text":"Question No 2, in the name of Mr Andy Allen, has been withdrawn."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201171%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=315787","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2020-11-24&docID=316869#AQO%201171/17-22","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=315787"}},{"id":"315774","reference":"AQO 1158/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-12","answerBy":"2020-11-23","answered":"2020-11-23","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy what actions she is taking to ensure that employees made redundant, then re-hired to benefit from the extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, do not have their redundancy or other employment rights impacted negatively.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs Dodds","text":"Thank you for your question. My officials are actively engaging with their counterparts in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to ascertain what, if any, changes are required to employment law in Northern Ireland following the extension of the coronavirus job retention scheme. HMRC is responsible for the scheme and its eligibility criteria. However, I understand that employees who were on the payroll on 23 September 2020, but who were made redundant or stopped working for their employer afterwards, can be re-employed and claimed for. As the scheme is operated by HMRC, any employer requiring information on the extension should contact HMRC directly. I firmly believe that employers who have been able to take advantage of the scheme should treat staff fairly and respect employee rights, including those relating to redundancy consultation, notice period and redundancy pay. That is why I previously introduced legislation to ensure that employees furloughed under the original scheme would not see reductions in those entitlements. Any individual who believes that their employment rights have been breached should consider contacting the Labour Relations Agency's workplace information service for confidential and impartial information or the Law Centre Northern Ireland, which continues to provide free, independent, specialist legal advice on employment rights."},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"I thank the Minister for her response. The extension of the furlough scheme is something that the entire House could welcome but the lateness of the hour for that announcement — hours before it was about to expire — is a real issue. Will the Minister consider introducing primary legislation or other rules and regulations to ensure that people do not lose their accrued entitlement as a result of being made redundant and then re-employed? Is the Minister prepared to consider that?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Dodds","text":"I am. I agree that the lateness of the hour in bringing forward the extension of the scheme has caused significant problems for employees and for employers, who had already made their business plans based on another set of circumstances. I fully agree with you. You will have heard me call numerous times for the job retention scheme to be extended, particularly for sectors that still have and will have a significant tailback in their recovery from the pandemic. I will, of course, instruct officials to look at any gaps that there may be, but no employee being re-employed should suffer disadvantage. If there are to be redundancies while that person is on furlough, it should not be based on their furlough wage but on their full entitlement, so that people are not disadvantaged in that way either."},{"speaker":"Mr Dunne","text":"The Minister will be aware that legislation on domestic violence went through the House last week. That was long overdue, and we really welcome it. Will the Minister advise the House on her views on special paid leave for victims of domestic abuse?"},{"speaker":"Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Beggs)","text":"That is beyond this question, but, if the Minister wishes to answer, that is over to her."},{"speaker":"Mrs Dodds","text":"This is an issue of huge importance, and it is important that the Minister charged with employment rights should take a view on it. I know that there is huge support in the House for this issue. I recognise that some employers already act in a compassionate and progressive way in relation to this issue with people who have worked for a long time in their business. Therefore, I have asked officials to give consideration to this, and I will revert to the House in due course."},{"speaker":"Ms Rogan","text":"It is concerning that some employers have recently adopted policies of firing and then rehiring workers under poor terms and conditions, such as zero-hours contracts etc. Will the Minister look to amend the legislation to ensure that workers are not open to that exploitation in such a way?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Dodds","text":"It is difficult for me to speak of individual circumstances, but employers should not use the pandemic to abuse or negate employees' rights. That is why I introduced the legislation around furlough payments and potential redundancies. I advise any employees who feel that their rights have been abused to contact the Law Centre or Labour Relations Agency where there will be specialist advice and people who will be able to take it further for them."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201158%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=315774","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2020-11-23&docID=316868#AQO%201158/17-22","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=315774"}},{"id":"315642","reference":"AQW 10124/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-11","answerBy":"2020-11-26","answered":"2020-11-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the timescale for commencement of consultation proposals arising from the Operation SNAP initiative.","answerText":"Implementation of Operation SNAP in Northern Ireland will require amendment of existing road traffic legislation so that the existing offence of careless driving can be discharged by means of a fixed penalty.\n\nI discussed the need for this legislation during my meetings with the Chief Constable in May and June 2020. I recognised the need for action and committed to the development of proposals to consult on the creation of a fixed penalty for careless driving. I will work with PSNI to achieve implementation as soon as possible.","answerHtml":"Implementation of Operation SNAP in Northern Ireland will require amendment of existing road traffic legislation so that the existing offence of careless driving can be discharged by means of a fixed penalty.
I discussed the need for this legislation during my meetings with the Chief Constable in May and June 2020. I recognised the need for action and committed to the development of proposals to consult on the creation of a fixed penalty for careless driving. I will work with PSNI to achieve implementation as soon as possible.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010124%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=315642","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=315642"}},{"id":"315641","reference":"AQW 10123/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-11","answerBy":"2020-11-26","answered":"2020-11-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department will consider funding an eCargo bike accelerator project, similar to the Department for Transport’s eCargo Bike Grant Fund.","answerText":"I am aware of the Department for Transport e-Cargo Bike Grant Fund and the benefits it could bring to introducing a green recovery for towns and cities. I have asked officials to request sight of a review of the scheme, when it has been carried out, for my consideration.","answerHtml":"I am aware of the Department for Transport e-Cargo Bike Grant Fund and the benefits it could bring to introducing a green recovery for towns and cities. I have asked officials to request sight of a review of the scheme, when it has been carried out, for my consideration.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010123%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=315641","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=315641"}},{"id":"315640","reference":"AQW 10122/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-11","answerBy":"2020-11-26","answered":"2020-11-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the active travel projects (i) being undertaken by her Department; and (ii) being funded by her Department in the North Down constituency during the 2020/21 financial year.","answerText":"I am very keen to deliver on projects to get more people to walk and cycle. In June I committed £20 million for blue/green infrastructure and to working with all Council areas in identifying and delivering active travel and greenway projects. For example in September, I announced £3.735million for six greenway projects that would be able to start construction this financial year.\n\nArds & North Down Borough Council submitted a number of greenway proposals to the Department for consideration but only one is ready to start construction work this year. I have therefore allocated £22,500 to the Council to upgrade the Coastal Path, between Stricklands Glen and Brompton Road.\n\nNewtownards Chamber of Trade have proposals to encourage more active and sustainable travel to and within the town centre and preliminary survey work will begin shortly to inform a future reconfiguration of the town to help with a green recovery.\n\nA proposed puffin crossing on Bloomfield Road near Jordan Avenue, is proposed this financial year, which will improve road safety for pedestrians in the area.\n\nDetails of works programmes, including those in the North Down area are compiled on a yearly basis and issued to the relevant Councils. They are then published on the Department’s website and are available to view online through the following link: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications","answerHtml":"I am very keen to deliver on projects to get more people to walk and cycle. In June I committed £20 million for blue/green infrastructure and to working with all Council areas in identifying and delivering active travel and greenway projects. For example in September, I announced £3.735million for six greenway projects that would be able to start construction this financial year.
Ards & North Down Borough Council submitted a number of greenway proposals to the Department for consideration but only one is ready to start construction work this year. I have therefore allocated £22,500 to the Council to upgrade the Coastal Path, between Stricklands Glen and Brompton Road.
Newtownards Chamber of Trade have proposals to encourage more active and sustainable travel to and within the town centre and preliminary survey work will begin shortly to inform a future reconfiguration of the town to help with a green recovery.
A proposed puffin crossing on Bloomfield Road near Jordan Avenue, is proposed this financial year, which will improve road safety for pedestrians in the area.
Details of works programmes, including those in the North Down area are compiled on a yearly basis and issued to the relevant Councils. They are then published on the Department’s website and are available to view online through the following link: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010122%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=315640","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=315640"}},{"id":"315639","reference":"AQW 10121/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-11","answerBy":"2020-11-26","answered":"2020-12-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy for her assessment of the impact of the decision to abolish the £1,000 Job Retention Bonus; and whether her Department intends to take any actions to mitigate this impact.","answerText":"I accept that, at this stage, the core policy intent behind the Job Retention Bonus has fallen away with the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s decision to extend the furlough scheme to the end of March 2021. I welcome that decision as one that provides much needed support across the UK as we seek to manage the impacts of Covid-19 on people, on communities and on the economy.\n\nI note that the Chancellor has stated that he intends to redeploy a retention incentive at an appropriate time. While it is important to maintain the furlough scheme for as long as it is needed, it will be critical that the approach the Chancellor eventually takes creates the right incentives to support the rebuilding of our economy.\n\nOf course, in parallel with UK wide approaches, there remains a huge onus on the Executive to help businesses and workers.\n\nI am pleased the Executive has agreed further support for local business, however, I believe the best support we can give to the business community is to get infections under control and allow people and businesses to get back to work as soon as is feasible.","answerHtml":"I accept that, at this stage, the core policy intent behind the Job Retention Bonus has fallen away with the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s decision to extend the furlough scheme to the end of March 2021. I welcome that decision as one that provides much needed support across the UK as we seek to manage the impacts of Covid-19 on people, on communities and on the economy.
I note that the Chancellor has stated that he intends to redeploy a retention incentive at an appropriate time. While it is important to maintain the furlough scheme for as long as it is needed, it will be critical that the approach the Chancellor eventually takes creates the right incentives to support the rebuilding of our economy.
Of course, in parallel with UK wide approaches, there remains a huge onus on the Executive to help businesses and workers.
I am pleased the Executive has agreed further support for local business, however, I believe the best support we can give to the business community is to get infections under control and allow people and businesses to get back to work as soon as is feasible.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010121%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=315639","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=315639"}},{"id":"315638","reference":"AQW 10120/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-11","answerBy":"2020-11-26","answered":"2020-12-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the outcome of the Reshaping Stroke Care Consultation; and how this will impact upon provision of Acute Stroke Services at the Ulster Hospital.","answerText":"My officials have now completed the analysis of the consultation responses received to the Reshaping Stroke Care consultation. It is clear that residents in the North Down area have a number of concerns about any potential changes to stroke services at the Ulster Hospital. I can assure you that I will give careful consideration to those concerns going forward.\n\nIn addition to the consultation analysis, I have asked my Officials to conduct some further analysis regarding the staffing requirements for the hyperacute stroke network proposed in the consultation and this work is currently underway. I intend to consider this analysis, alongside the consultation responses and the wider evidence base in reaching my decisions. I will update the House accordingly in due course.","answerHtml":"My officials have now completed the analysis of the consultation responses received to the Reshaping Stroke Care consultation. It is clear that residents in the North Down area have a number of concerns about any potential changes to stroke services at the Ulster Hospital. I can assure you that I will give careful consideration to those concerns going forward.
In addition to the consultation analysis, I have asked my Officials to conduct some further analysis regarding the staffing requirements for the hyperacute stroke network proposed in the consultation and this work is currently underway. I intend to consider this analysis, alongside the consultation responses and the wider evidence base in reaching my decisions. I will update the House accordingly in due course.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010120%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=315638","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=315638"}},{"id":"315376","reference":"AQW 10046/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-10","answerBy":"2020-11-16","answered":"2021-02-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the establishment of an independent panel to investigate breaches of the Ministerial Code.","answerText":"While preparations were under way for a public appointments competition for members of the proposed Panel for Ministerial Standards, you will be aware that the Assembly has now passed the Functioning of Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which confers statutory authority on the Assembly Commissioner for Standards to investigate complaints about Ministerial conduct. We will now consider the implications of this development for the future provision of an effective complaints system.","answerHtml":"While preparations were under way for a public appointments competition for members of the proposed Panel for Ministerial Standards, you will be aware that the Assembly has now passed the Functioning of Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which confers statutory authority on the Assembly Commissioner for Standards to investigate complaints about Ministerial conduct. We will now consider the implications of this development for the future provision of an effective complaints system.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010046%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=315376","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=315376"}},{"id":"315375","reference":"AQW 10045/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-10","answerBy":"2020-11-25","answered":"2020-11-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail the outcomes of the four resolved cases reviewed by the independent panel set up to examine the role of civil servants in the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme.","answerText":"Of the four cases heard by the disciplinary panel, one resulted in a disciplinary penalty and three resulted in a determination of no case to answer.","answerHtml":"Of the four cases heard by the disciplinary panel, one resulted in a disciplinary penalty and three resulted in a determination of no case to answer.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010045%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=315375","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=315375"}},{"id":"315374","reference":"AQW 10044/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-10","answerBy":"2020-11-25","answered":"2020-11-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will consider asking the Driver and Vehicle Agency to run an advertising campaign reminding those who have received Temporary Exemption Certificates that they continue to be responsible for ensuring that their vehicles are roadworthy.","answerText":"The issuing of Temporary Exemption Certificates (TECs) was a necessary and effective mechanism to address the challenges posed by the measures implemented to deal with COVID 19, and enable customers to continue to legally use their vehicles on the road, throughout the period of time when it was not possible to conduct vehicle tests.\n\nI am aware of the concerns around ensuring that, throughout the exemption period, customers are reminded of their responsibility to ensure that their vehicle is in a roadworthy condition for it to be driven safely and legally on the public road, which is also the expectation of the PSNI and insurers, and I have made that clear on numerous occasions. My department’s advice to motorists is that they should continue to service their vehicle and carry out basic checks such as regularly checking tyre pressures and tread depths, looking out for brake wear and ensuring that all lights are working. This is a motorist’s responsibility at all times, not just during the exemption period afford by a TEC.\n\nOver the past few months, my Department has used a number of platforms and formats to convey this road safety message to customers. The DVA has made this clear in its direct communications with customers and this message has been reiterated in statements and press releases issued by the Department, and I have stated this in the Assembly on many occasions and asked members for their assistance in communicating this to their constituents. Furthermore, the importance of ensuring vehicle roadworthiness and wider vehicle maintenance messages have been frequently published on social media, using a number of government platforms which include nidirect, the Department’s main social media platforms and the Share the Road to Zero platform, which has a strong road safety message. Officials in my Department also work closely with partner organisations and stakeholders who share these messages through their own platforms. The messages cover a number of topics, from general vehicle roadworthiness to tyre safety, winter weather precautions and regular vehicle checks.\n\nThe emphasis on these messages will continue over the coming months and their frequency will be reviewed as appropriate.","answerHtml":"The issuing of Temporary Exemption Certificates (TECs) was a necessary and effective mechanism to address the challenges posed by the measures implemented to deal with COVID 19, and enable customers to continue to legally use their vehicles on the road, throughout the period of time when it was not possible to conduct vehicle tests.
I am aware of the concerns around ensuring that, throughout the exemption period, customers are reminded of their responsibility to ensure that their vehicle is in a roadworthy condition for it to be driven safely and legally on the public road, which is also the expectation of the PSNI and insurers, and I have made that clear on numerous occasions. My department’s advice to motorists is that they should continue to service their vehicle and carry out basic checks such as regularly checking tyre pressures and tread depths, looking out for brake wear and ensuring that all lights are working. This is a motorist’s responsibility at all times, not just during the exemption period afford by a TEC.
Over the past few months, my Department has used a number of platforms and formats to convey this road safety message to customers. The DVA has made this clear in its direct communications with customers and this message has been reiterated in statements and press releases issued by the Department, and I have stated this in the Assembly on many occasions and asked members for their assistance in communicating this to their constituents. Furthermore, the importance of ensuring vehicle roadworthiness and wider vehicle maintenance messages have been frequently published on social media, using a number of government platforms which include nidirect, the Department’s main social media platforms and the Share the Road to Zero platform, which has a strong road safety message. Officials in my Department also work closely with partner organisations and stakeholders who share these messages through their own platforms. The messages cover a number of topics, from general vehicle roadworthiness to tyre safety, winter weather precautions and regular vehicle checks.
The emphasis on these messages will continue over the coming months and their frequency will be reviewed as appropriate.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010044%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=315374","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=315374"}},{"id":"315373","reference":"AQW 10043/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-10","answerBy":"2020-11-25","answered":"2020-11-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what further information or developments would require her to review her decision not to provide a bespoke financial assistance scheme for the haulage sector.","answerText":"As previously explained in AQW 10042/17-22 my officials sought evidence from a range of sources before I came to my decision that there was insufficient grounds to show exceptional circumstances to support a Financial support scheme for the Haulage sector in Northern Ireland.\n\nThe evidence included information from the DAERA and Economy Ministers, assessments from the Department for Transport, Industry trackers, and direct engagement with industry representatives. From this evidence it was apparent that the industry is diverse and has been affected in different ways with some sectors being harder hit than others, however the assessment was that the proof of Exceptional Circumstance required for Determination and Designation under the Financial Assistance (Northern Ireland) Act 2009 was not there. DfT is looking at specific sectors which may need direct help and my Department will work closely with them on this issue.\n\nI will, of course, keep this matter under review and if you have any evidence of widespread hardship in the haulage industry please do not hesitate to share that information with my Department.","answerHtml":"As previously explained in AQW 10042/17-22 my officials sought evidence from a range of sources before I came to my decision that there was insufficient grounds to show exceptional circumstances to support a Financial support scheme for the Haulage sector in Northern Ireland.
The evidence included information from the DAERA and Economy Ministers, assessments from the Department for Transport, Industry trackers, and direct engagement with industry representatives. From this evidence it was apparent that the industry is diverse and has been affected in different ways with some sectors being harder hit than others, however the assessment was that the proof of Exceptional Circumstance required for Determination and Designation under the Financial Assistance (Northern Ireland) Act 2009 was not there. DfT is looking at specific sectors which may need direct help and my Department will work closely with them on this issue.
I will, of course, keep this matter under review and if you have any evidence of widespread hardship in the haulage industry please do not hesitate to share that information with my Department.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010043%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=315373","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=315373"}},{"id":"315372","reference":"AQW 10042/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-10","answerBy":"2020-11-25","answered":"2020-11-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will share the evidence gathered which did not suggest that exceptional circumstances exist to justify a bespoke financial assistance scheme for the haulage sector.","answerText":"My officials sought a range of evidence to put in place a financial support scheme for the Haulage sectors. The first requirement for the Determination and Designation under the Financial Assistance (Northern Ireland) Act 2009 is to prove that ‘exceptional circumstances’ exist.\n\nAs part of the evidence gathering on this issue I received letters from Ministers Murphy and Dodds on this issue and Minister Murphy pointed out that there were no 'exceptional circumstances' that have prevented the haulage sector benefitting from the existing schemes.\n\nIn terms of other evidence provided, before the summer, DAERA officials worked with DfI officials in an NI Haulage Industry Critical Goods Supply Analysis Group (NIHCA) to address evidence gaps, where possible, to inform decision making around any need for urgent NI specific financial assistance to ensure that critical goods can continue to flow. This group concluded that at that time:\n\na)the food supply chain was operating relatively normally, with the large retailers indicating that they were not facing any major issues in relation to supply;\n\nb) Large hauliers appeared to be coping and in some cases had managed to share their empty running costs with their clients;\n\nc) The opening up of sectors in GB was expected to reduce the scale of empty running;\n\nd)As far as it could be determined, demand for road haulage services was being met; and\n\ne)Food and other critical goods were continuing to be hauled as and when required for supermarkets, pharmacies, etc. That was consistent with evidence from Road Haulage surveys across these islands which indicated that more than 80% of companies were expected to survive the next two months.\n\nIn addition the Department for Transport (DfT) has had regular engagement with both the Road Haulage Association and Freight Transport Association (now Logistics UK) to understand the up-to-date picture for road hauliers at a local and GB wide level. An analysis of available data by DfT concluded that it did not demonstrate an urgent and compelling need which would satisfy Treasury’s threshold for intervention.\n\nDfT have recognised that, with the road haulage industry being highly fragmented and SME dominated, it has proven difficult to obtain robust data on its economic position and resilience. However, they advised that available data sources, including the Logistics UK monthly tracker do not suggest that there is a general problem for road haulage, especially given the extension of the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) and the announcement of the Job Support Scheme by the Chancellor of the Exchequer (now replaced by the extension of the more generous furlough scheme). The monthly tracker report for September 2020 highlighted that;\n\na)business outlook for the logistics sector for next six months is positive;\n\nb)The number and proportion of HGVs parked up was 2.8%, while the number of vans was 0.8% - this reflects the return to normal levels of traffic for commercial vehicles; and\n\nc)According to ONS vacancies data (provided by the online job search engine Adzuna) for 17 September, the number of transport /logistics/warehouse online job adverts are one-fifth above their average.\n\nAdditionally, in line with the Logistics UK findings for financial health, ONS data from the Business Impact of Coronavirus Survey (BICS) found the proportion of businesses in the transport and storage sector with cash reserves of more than six months has risen since April.\n\nTaking into account all of the evidence it is clear that, like many sectors across the economy, the haulage sector has faced some difficulties from demand for its services because of the impact of Covid-19. Current analysis still suggests a mixed picture with some hauliers reporting no significant issues while others have been impacted. Based on the evidence and engagement with the sector, it is my view that there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate ‘exceptional circumstances’ which would justify a bespoke financial support for the haulage industry. I will, however, continue to keep this matter under review.","answerHtml":"My officials sought a range of evidence to put in place a financial support scheme for the Haulage sectors. The first requirement for the Determination and Designation under the Financial Assistance (Northern Ireland) Act 2009 is to prove that ‘exceptional circumstances’ exist.
As part of the evidence gathering on this issue I received letters from Ministers Murphy and Dodds on this issue and Minister Murphy pointed out that there were no 'exceptional circumstances' that have prevented the haulage sector benefitting from the existing schemes.
In terms of other evidence provided, before the summer, DAERA officials worked with DfI officials in an NI Haulage Industry Critical Goods Supply Analysis Group (NIHCA) to address evidence gaps, where possible, to inform decision making around any need for urgent NI specific financial assistance to ensure that critical goods can continue to flow. This group concluded that at that time:
a)the food supply chain was operating relatively normally, with the large retailers indicating that they were not facing any major issues in relation to supply;
b) Large hauliers appeared to be coping and in some cases had managed to share their empty running costs with their clients;
c) The opening up of sectors in GB was expected to reduce the scale of empty running;
d)As far as it could be determined, demand for road haulage services was being met; and
e)Food and other critical goods were continuing to be hauled as and when required for supermarkets, pharmacies, etc. That was consistent with evidence from Road Haulage surveys across these islands which indicated that more than 80% of companies were expected to survive the next two months.
In addition the Department for Transport (DfT) has had regular engagement with both the Road Haulage Association and Freight Transport Association (now Logistics UK) to understand the up-to-date picture for road hauliers at a local and GB wide level. An analysis of available data by DfT concluded that it did not demonstrate an urgent and compelling need which would satisfy Treasury’s threshold for intervention.
DfT have recognised that, with the road haulage industry being highly fragmented and SME dominated, it has proven difficult to obtain robust data on its economic position and resilience. However, they advised that available data sources, including the Logistics UK monthly tracker do not suggest that there is a general problem for road haulage, especially given the extension of the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) and the announcement of the Job Support Scheme by the Chancellor of the Exchequer (now replaced by the extension of the more generous furlough scheme). The monthly tracker report for September 2020 highlighted that;
a)business outlook for the logistics sector for next six months is positive;
b)The number and proportion of HGVs parked up was 2.8%, while the number of vans was 0.8% - this reflects the return to normal levels of traffic for commercial vehicles; and
c)According to ONS vacancies data (provided by the online job search engine Adzuna) for 17 September, the number of transport /logistics/warehouse online job adverts are one-fifth above their average.
Additionally, in line with the Logistics UK findings for financial health, ONS data from the Business Impact of Coronavirus Survey (BICS) found the proportion of businesses in the transport and storage sector with cash reserves of more than six months has risen since April.
Taking into account all of the evidence it is clear that, like many sectors across the economy, the haulage sector has faced some difficulties from demand for its services because of the impact of Covid-19. Current analysis still suggests a mixed picture with some hauliers reporting no significant issues while others have been impacted. Based on the evidence and engagement with the sector, it is my view that there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate ‘exceptional circumstances’ which would justify a bespoke financial support for the haulage industry. I will, however, continue to keep this matter under review.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010042%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=315372","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=315372"}},{"id":"315043","reference":"AQW 9972/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-09","answerBy":"2020-11-12","answered":"2020-11-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail (i) the number of applications received; and (ii) the number of payments made for the COVID-19 Localised Restrictions Support Scheme.","answerText":"(i) The number of applications received at the time of this response is 11,241.\n\n(ii) The number of payments made at the time of this response is 2,142.","answerHtml":"(i) The number of applications received at the time of this response is 11,241.
(ii) The number of payments made at the time of this response is 2,142.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209972%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=315043","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=315043"}},{"id":"315042","reference":"AQW 9971/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-09","answerBy":"2020-11-24","answered":"2020-11-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for her assessment of the impact of receiving no funding for Driver and Vehicle Agency lost income in the October monitoring round.","answerText":"As the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) is primarily funded through fees collected for all of its services to the public, COVID-19 has had a major impact on the financial position of the Agency.\n\nAt the October monitoring round my Department put forward a £12m bid for the remaining estimated loss of DVA income. This bid for funding was unsuccessful at this round and a further bid has since been submitted. If no funding is received for this loss of fee income, the DVA Trading Fund will be in a significant deficit position for the 2020-21 year and planned capital investment for future years may not go ahead. I would intend to submit another bid for this funding as part of January Monitoring.","answerHtml":"As the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) is primarily funded through fees collected for all of its services to the public, COVID-19 has had a major impact on the financial position of the Agency.
At the October monitoring round my Department put forward a £12m bid for the remaining estimated loss of DVA income. This bid for funding was unsuccessful at this round and a further bid has since been submitted. If no funding is received for this loss of fee income, the DVA Trading Fund will be in a significant deficit position for the 2020-21 year and planned capital investment for future years may not go ahead. I would intend to submit another bid for this funding as part of January Monitoring.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209971%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=315042","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=315042"}},{"id":"315041","reference":"AQW 9970/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-09","answerBy":"2020-11-24","answered":"2020-11-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will seek further funding to assist taxi drivers as part of the January monitoring round.","answerText":"As you are aware I recently bid for £25m and was allocated £19m to fund the private coach and bus scheme, and the taxi driver financial assistance scheme to assist with overheads including PPE and insurance costs which was launched on 13 November. £6m from the £25m bid is being held at the centre and it will provide me with some flexibility in keeping under review the circumstances of the sectors.\n\nI continue to press for the inclusion of the taxi and private coach and bus sectors in the various other support schemes being taken forward across the Executive.","answerHtml":"As you are aware I recently bid for £25m and was allocated £19m to fund the private coach and bus scheme, and the taxi driver financial assistance scheme to assist with overheads including PPE and insurance costs which was launched on 13 November. £6m from the £25m bid is being held at the centre and it will provide me with some flexibility in keeping under review the circumstances of the sectors.
I continue to press for the inclusion of the taxi and private coach and bus sectors in the various other support schemes being taken forward across the Executive.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209970%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=315041","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=315041"}},{"id":"315040","reference":"AQW 9969/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-09","answerBy":"2020-11-24","answered":"2020-11-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) to detail how she arrived at the figure of £1,500 for each taxi driver from her support fund; and (ii) for her assessment on whether this is sufficient funding for taxi drivers to cover the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.","answerText":"The Taxi Drivers’ Financial Assistance Scheme, which launched on 13th November, recognises that self-employed taxi drivers have significant overheads, including additional PPE costs, which were not covered by payments received through the available self-employed income support schemes (SEISS). It provides additional support to that which was/is available to self-employed drivers through the SEISS. The SEISS allowed individuals to claim a taxable grant worth 80% and 70% of their average monthly trading profits. This separate scheme recognises that drivers have not been able to earn as much income to cover their ongoing costs, such as taxi insurance, but which they have still had to pay out.\n\nThe one off payment of £1500 is based on the evidence and information provided by the sector relating to their average yearly overhead costs; these costs have been independently verified by the Department. The amount is in recognition of the financial pressures sustained by eligible taxi drivers due to Covid-19 and the additional costs incurred on PPE.\n\nI recognise that, similar to other support schemes, this will not fully fund the overheads but it will make a significant contribution to the overheads faced by sector.","answerHtml":"The Taxi Drivers’ Financial Assistance Scheme, which launched on 13th November, recognises that self-employed taxi drivers have significant overheads, including additional PPE costs, which were not covered by payments received through the available self-employed income support schemes (SEISS). It provides additional support to that which was/is available to self-employed drivers through the SEISS. The SEISS allowed individuals to claim a taxable grant worth 80% and 70% of their average monthly trading profits. This separate scheme recognises that drivers have not been able to earn as much income to cover their ongoing costs, such as taxi insurance, but which they have still had to pay out.
The one off payment of £1500 is based on the evidence and information provided by the sector relating to their average yearly overhead costs; these costs have been independently verified by the Department. The amount is in recognition of the financial pressures sustained by eligible taxi drivers due to Covid-19 and the additional costs incurred on PPE.
I recognise that, similar to other support schemes, this will not fully fund the overheads but it will make a significant contribution to the overheads faced by sector.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209969%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=315040","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=315040"}},{"id":"315039","reference":"AQW 9968/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-09","answerBy":"2020-11-24","answered":"2021-06-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the average number of contacts per COVID-19 positive case, in each of the last twelve weeks.","answerText":"The Public Health Agency publish weekly Contact Tracing Service (CTS) - Management Information Update reports which contains data relating to the average number of contacts per COVID-19 positive case.\n\nThese reports can be accessed using the following link:\n\nhttps://www.publichealth.hscni.net/covid-19-coronavirus/testing-and-tracing-covid-19/contact-tracing-service-management-information","answerHtml":"The Public Health Agency publish weekly Contact Tracing Service (CTS) - Management Information Update reports which contains data relating to the average number of contacts per COVID-19 positive case.
These reports can be accessed using the following link:
https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/covid-19-coronavirus/testing-and-tracing-covid-19/contact-tracing-service-management-information
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209968%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=315039","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=315039"}},{"id":"314864","reference":"AQW 9890/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-06","answerBy":"2020-11-23","answered":"2020-12-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities what support is due to be provided by (i) her Department; and (ii) relevant arm's-length bodies towards the PGA EuroPro Tour tournament to be held at Clandeboye Golf Club in 2021.","answerText":"Policy responsibility for events, including sports events, rests in the first instance with the Department for Economy (DfE) and Tourism NI (TNI). That said, my officials and Sport NI do engage regularly with DfE and TNI officials to explore what support can be provided to ensure that the sport sector benefits from a legacy of hosting sports events.\n\nI understand that Sport NI met with members of Clandeboye Golf Club in February 2020, along with Tourism NI, and heard about the Club’s plans to host the PGA EuroPro Tournament in August, which was cancelled due to the Covid-19 restrictions introduced in March 2020. At that time, Sport NI had also engaged with the Governing Body – the Golfing Union of Ireland (now Golf Ireland) to explore legacy opportunities from that event.\n\nAs a result of the Covid-19 restrictions, no further work had progressed in this regard, however, I can advise that Sport NI is available to engage further with the Club to discuss the event planned for 2021.","answerHtml":"Policy responsibility for events, including sports events, rests in the first instance with the Department for Economy (DfE) and Tourism NI (TNI). That said, my officials and Sport NI do engage regularly with DfE and TNI officials to explore what support can be provided to ensure that the sport sector benefits from a legacy of hosting sports events.
I understand that Sport NI met with members of Clandeboye Golf Club in February 2020, along with Tourism NI, and heard about the Club’s plans to host the PGA EuroPro Tournament in August, which was cancelled due to the Covid-19 restrictions introduced in March 2020. At that time, Sport NI had also engaged with the Governing Body – the Golfing Union of Ireland (now Golf Ireland) to explore legacy opportunities from that event.
As a result of the Covid-19 restrictions, no further work had progressed in this regard, however, I can advise that Sport NI is available to engage further with the Club to discuss the event planned for 2021.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209890%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=314864","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=314864"}},{"id":"314863","reference":"AQW 9889/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-06","answerBy":"2020-11-23","answered":"2020-11-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for her assessment of the impact upon (i) Translink; and (ii) the provision of public transport services as a result of receiving £10 million for lost passenger income from the October monitoring round.","answerText":"The member will be aware of the significant impact that Covid-19 has had on the passenger income that public transport providers across these islands normally rely on to maintain public transport services and also of the huge efforts that Translink, our own publicly owned public transport provider, has made to keep services running safely for those passengers who rely on them to get to work or for other essential purposes.\n\nTo keep these services running over the winter period and to ensure that the company’s financial viability is not put at risk, Translink’s latest assessment is that it needs a further £20m and that amount was part of the bid lodged by my Department with the Department of Finance. The £10m allocation provided to me, which is in response to a much wider range of pressures than Translink’s alone, falls far short of what is needed.\n\nHowever, the member will also be aware that the Executive has previously committed to ensuring the necessary steps are taken to maintain the viability of Translink and its ability to deliver necessary public transport services. I am working closely with the Minister of Finance and other Executive colleagues to ensure that this commitment translates into timely funding allocations that can ensure that the provision of the public transport services on which so many people rely is not adversely impacted.","answerHtml":"The member will be aware of the significant impact that Covid-19 has had on the passenger income that public transport providers across these islands normally rely on to maintain public transport services and also of the huge efforts that Translink, our own publicly owned public transport provider, has made to keep services running safely for those passengers who rely on them to get to work or for other essential purposes.
To keep these services running over the winter period and to ensure that the company’s financial viability is not put at risk, Translink’s latest assessment is that it needs a further £20m and that amount was part of the bid lodged by my Department with the Department of Finance. The £10m allocation provided to me, which is in response to a much wider range of pressures than Translink’s alone, falls far short of what is needed.
However, the member will also be aware that the Executive has previously committed to ensuring the necessary steps are taken to maintain the viability of Translink and its ability to deliver necessary public transport services. I am working closely with the Minister of Finance and other Executive colleagues to ensure that this commitment translates into timely funding allocations that can ensure that the provision of the public transport services on which so many people rely is not adversely impacted.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209889%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=314863","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=314863"}},{"id":"314862","reference":"AQW 9888/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-06","answerBy":"2020-11-23","answered":"2020-11-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for her assessment of the impact of receiving no additional resource funding in the October monitoring round for winter service.","answerText":"The average cost of providing winter service is £7m but can be as high as £10m in more severe winter conditions.\n\nI have already allocated £3m from the Opening 2020/21 resource baseline budget as a contribution to funding for Winter Service. A recent Covid bidding exercise provided a further £5m funding for Winter Gritting Services but, as you are aware, a further bid for £2m in October Monitoring was unsuccessful.\n\nWhile we can’t predict the weather over the winter period, the funding in place will only deliver winter service for typical weather conditions. If the weather is above winter averages this will present budget difficulties to the department and if considered necessary, a bid for additional funding will be made as part of January Monitoring.","answerHtml":"The average cost of providing winter service is £7m but can be as high as £10m in more severe winter conditions.
I have already allocated £3m from the Opening 2020/21 resource baseline budget as a contribution to funding for Winter Service. A recent Covid bidding exercise provided a further £5m funding for Winter Gritting Services but, as you are aware, a further bid for £2m in October Monitoring was unsuccessful.
While we can’t predict the weather over the winter period, the funding in place will only deliver winter service for typical weather conditions. If the weather is above winter averages this will present budget difficulties to the department and if considered necessary, a bid for additional funding will be made as part of January Monitoring.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209888%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=314862","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=314862"}},{"id":"314861","reference":"AQW 9887/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-06","answerBy":"2020-11-23","answered":"2020-11-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she has spoken with the Minister of Health regarding improving active travel access to Health and Social Care Trust sites for staff.","answerText":"Since the summer officials have made improvements to active travel access to the three hospitals within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust area. This includes a two way cycle lane along the Dublin Road, providing improved access to the City Hospital, with further consideration being given to a trial cycle lane along the Donegall Road. In addition a two way cycle lane has been put in place along the Grosvenor Road to provide access for staff to the Royal Victoria Hospital. A small improvement has been made along the Crumlin Road to help those who wish to travel actively to the Mater Hospital. I have asked my officials to make contact with their counterparts in the Department of Health to see if any further opportunities to work on active travel issues with Health and Social Care staff can be identified. I will ensure that my Department pursues all possible opportunities to promote active travel and the benefits it brings to mental and physical health.","answerHtml":"Since the summer officials have made improvements to active travel access to the three hospitals within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust area. This includes a two way cycle lane along the Dublin Road, providing improved access to the City Hospital, with further consideration being given to a trial cycle lane along the Donegall Road. In addition a two way cycle lane has been put in place along the Grosvenor Road to provide access for staff to the Royal Victoria Hospital. A small improvement has been made along the Crumlin Road to help those who wish to travel actively to the Mater Hospital. I have asked my officials to make contact with their counterparts in the Department of Health to see if any further opportunities to work on active travel issues with Health and Social Care staff can be identified. I will ensure that my Department pursues all possible opportunities to promote active travel and the benefits it brings to mental and physical health.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209887%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=314861","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=314861"}},{"id":"314860","reference":"AQW 9886/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-06","answerBy":"2020-11-23","answered":"2020-11-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will bring forward a pilot school streets initiative involving the creation of temporary restrictions on motorised traffic at drop-off and pick-up times outside of schools.","answerText":"As Minister responsible for promoting and improving road safety, I want to work actively with partners to reduce death and serious injuries on our roads and I believe providing road safety measures at schools can go a long way to help.\n\nI was therefore delighted to have been able to commit funding in this year’s capital budget towards the introduction of part-time 20 mph speed limits at around 100 schools. These measures will increase driver awareness and achieve reductions in vehicle speeds outside and near these schools ensuring that parents, children and staff will be safer as they go to and from the schools on a daily basis. Our efforts are therefore currently primarily focussing on the delivery of this challenging commitment.\n\nHowever, I am also interested in the school street initiative and have asked my officials to explore options for a ‘School Street’ scheme in Northern Ireland and to liaise with the Department of Education and Sustrans.","answerHtml":"As Minister responsible for promoting and improving road safety, I want to work actively with partners to reduce death and serious injuries on our roads and I believe providing road safety measures at schools can go a long way to help.
I was therefore delighted to have been able to commit funding in this year’s capital budget towards the introduction of part-time 20 mph speed limits at around 100 schools. These measures will increase driver awareness and achieve reductions in vehicle speeds outside and near these schools ensuring that parents, children and staff will be safer as they go to and from the schools on a daily basis. Our efforts are therefore currently primarily focussing on the delivery of this challenging commitment.
However, I am also interested in the school street initiative and have asked my officials to explore options for a ‘School Street’ scheme in Northern Ireland and to liaise with the Department of Education and Sustrans.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209886%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=314860","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=314860"}},{"id":"314628","reference":"AQW 9817/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-05","answerBy":"2020-11-11","answered":"2020-11-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she intends to bring forward proposals to end permitted development rights for all fossil fuels including lignite.","answerText":"While I am bringing forward legislation to remove permitted development rights for petroleum (oil and gas) exploration, I have also asked officials to brief me on the operation of the minerals exploration permitted development regime for the remaining fossil fuels, including lignite. This will allow me to consider whether I wish to bring forward any further changes to permitted development rights for mineral exploration.","answerHtml":"While I am bringing forward legislation to remove permitted development rights for petroleum (oil and gas) exploration, I have also asked officials to brief me on the operation of the minerals exploration permitted development regime for the remaining fossil fuels, including lignite. This will allow me to consider whether I wish to bring forward any further changes to permitted development rights for mineral exploration.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209817%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=314628","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=314628"}},{"id":"314627","reference":"AQW 9816/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-05","answerBy":"2020-11-20","answered":"2020-11-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the rationale for the £100,000 cap on payments to an individual bus and coach operator to be provided as part of private bus and coach support scheme.","answerText":"The DfI support scheme for private coach and bus operators being developed will distribute £5m of public funds. £100k is the maximum payment which can be paid through this scheme and is in addition to other available financial support such as the £25k of business support grants, furlough and rate support and COVID 19 loans. This scheme was devised to help ensure payments can get to the industry quickly and the cap was recommended in line with value for money. It is estimated that this £100,000 cap will impact on approximately 2% of operators and I have asked my officials to continue to work with the industry through this crisis.","answerHtml":"The DfI support scheme for private coach and bus operators being developed will distribute £5m of public funds. £100k is the maximum payment which can be paid through this scheme and is in addition to other available financial support such as the £25k of business support grants, furlough and rate support and COVID 19 loans. This scheme was devised to help ensure payments can get to the industry quickly and the cap was recommended in line with value for money. It is estimated that this £100,000 cap will impact on approximately 2% of operators and I have asked my officials to continue to work with the industry through this crisis.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209816%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=314627","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=314627"}},{"id":"314626","reference":"AQW 9815/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-05","answerBy":"2020-11-20","answered":"2020-11-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in light of the recent serious road traffic accident in the vicinity, when the speed limit review will be carried out at The Cotton, Newtownards Road, Donaghadee.","answerText":"I was very sorry to hear reports of the collision involving a pedestrian on the Cotton Road and I hope the young person is recovering from her traumatic experience. I have asked officials to contact the PSNI when their investigation is complete to obtain further information relating to this collision and to consider any emerging factors relevant to my Department.\n\nAs I previously advised in my recent correspondence to you, I can confirm that I have asked my officials to carry out a speed limit review along this stretch of road during the next few months and to advise you of the outcome when this has been completed.","answerHtml":"I was very sorry to hear reports of the collision involving a pedestrian on the Cotton Road and I hope the young person is recovering from her traumatic experience. I have asked officials to contact the PSNI when their investigation is complete to obtain further information relating to this collision and to consider any emerging factors relevant to my Department.
As I previously advised in my recent correspondence to you, I can confirm that I have asked my officials to carry out a speed limit review along this stretch of road during the next few months and to advise you of the outcome when this has been completed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209815%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=314626","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=314626"}},{"id":"314625","reference":"AQW 9814/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-05","answerBy":"2020-11-20","answered":"2020-11-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether funding from the Blue/Green Fund is available for feasibility studies.","answerText":"The Blue Green Fund which I announced in June 2020, encompasses a number of individual projects and programmes, some of which have already been launched such as my Departments’ contribution to the COVID 19 Town Revitalisation Schemes; and further projects and programmes which are currently being developed to be rolled out in the near future including the Blue/Green Challenge Fund to support community groups and businesses.\n\nThe Blue/Green Fund is Capital, and therefore it is important that careful consideration is given to the use of the fund for feasibility studies, to ensure that the product will represent an asset which can be capitalised.\n\nThe underlying theme for all of the Blue Green projects and programmes is to act as a catalyst for positive infrastructure and cultural change in the way we live and travel. By their nature many of these programmes and projects are and will be pilots to establish feasibility, and to pump prime for future activities.","answerHtml":"The Blue Green Fund which I announced in June 2020, encompasses a number of individual projects and programmes, some of which have already been launched such as my Departments’ contribution to the COVID 19 Town Revitalisation Schemes; and further projects and programmes which are currently being developed to be rolled out in the near future including the Blue/Green Challenge Fund to support community groups and businesses.
The Blue/Green Fund is Capital, and therefore it is important that careful consideration is given to the use of the fund for feasibility studies, to ensure that the product will represent an asset which can be capitalised.
The underlying theme for all of the Blue Green projects and programmes is to act as a catalyst for positive infrastructure and cultural change in the way we live and travel. By their nature many of these programmes and projects are and will be pilots to establish feasibility, and to pump prime for future activities.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209814%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=314625","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=314625"}},{"id":"314624","reference":"AQW 9813/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-05","answerBy":"2020-11-20","answered":"2020-11-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure how many staff are employed in her Department’s cycling unit.","answerText":"My Department’s Active Travel Branch (originally named the Cycling Unit) consists of seven members of staff, two of whom are part-time.","answerHtml":"My Department’s Active Travel Branch (originally named the Cycling Unit) consists of seven members of staff, two of whom are part-time.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209813%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=314624","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=314624"}},{"id":"314478","reference":"AQW 9732/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-04","answerBy":"2020-11-10","answered":"2020-11-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) actions taken to increase capacity at MOT centres; and (ii) current capacity compared to the situation prior to (a) the pandemic; and (b) the lift faults issue.","answerText":"There has been a gradual resumption of MOT services from 1 June 2020, when the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) resumed Individual Vehicle Approval testing.\n\nFrom 20 July, the Driver and Vehicle Agency resumed MOT testing, at all test centres, for priority vehicle groups, including those vehicles that are not able to avail of a Temporary Exemption Certificate (TEC). This includes taxis and buses due a first time test, vehicles not previously registered in Northern Ireland, vehicles whose MOTs have expired by more than 12 months that includes vehicles previously declared SORN and those sold by car dealerships.\n\nFrom 1 September, MOT testing for four year old cars and motorbikes and three year old light goods vehicles also resumed and for those vehicles in this category that currently have a 6 month TEC, they will be called for test when their TEC expires. In addition, the DVA recommenced testing of heavy goods vehicles, trailers and buses.\n\nTECs will continue to be automatically generated from DVA’s system for all eligible vehicles that the DVA does not have the capacity to test at this time.\n\nThe current capacity for vehicle testing is approximately 30% in comparison with levels prior to the pandemic and the lift issues. To meet increasing demand, the DVA is in the process of recruiting additional examiners and will also use overtime to provide additional capacity and cover for vehicle tests, if due to a variety of unforeseen reasons such as sick absence or the requirement to self-isolate, examiners are unable to attend work.\n\nLike all public facing services, the Covid-19 restrictions mean that the DVA has had to adapt its services to ensure that they can be provided safely and they would ask customers for their patience at this difficult time. Vehicle testing capacity will increase as restrictions ease and risk assessments are updated until such times as normal service delivery resumes.\n\nIt is my priority to ensure that our staff and customers remain safe and the DVA will continue to be guided by the latest public health and scientific advice as we work as quickly as we can to serve all our customers.","answerHtml":"There has been a gradual resumption of MOT services from 1 June 2020, when the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) resumed Individual Vehicle Approval testing.
From 20 July, the Driver and Vehicle Agency resumed MOT testing, at all test centres, for priority vehicle groups, including those vehicles that are not able to avail of a Temporary Exemption Certificate (TEC). This includes taxis and buses due a first time test, vehicles not previously registered in Northern Ireland, vehicles whose MOTs have expired by more than 12 months that includes vehicles previously declared SORN and those sold by car dealerships.
From 1 September, MOT testing for four year old cars and motorbikes and three year old light goods vehicles also resumed and for those vehicles in this category that currently have a 6 month TEC, they will be called for test when their TEC expires. In addition, the DVA recommenced testing of heavy goods vehicles, trailers and buses.
TECs will continue to be automatically generated from DVA’s system for all eligible vehicles that the DVA does not have the capacity to test at this time.
The current capacity for vehicle testing is approximately 30% in comparison with levels prior to the pandemic and the lift issues. To meet increasing demand, the DVA is in the process of recruiting additional examiners and will also use overtime to provide additional capacity and cover for vehicle tests, if due to a variety of unforeseen reasons such as sick absence or the requirement to self-isolate, examiners are unable to attend work.
Like all public facing services, the Covid-19 restrictions mean that the DVA has had to adapt its services to ensure that they can be provided safely and they would ask customers for their patience at this difficult time. Vehicle testing capacity will increase as restrictions ease and risk assessments are updated until such times as normal service delivery resumes.
It is my priority to ensure that our staff and customers remain safe and the DVA will continue to be guided by the latest public health and scientific advice as we work as quickly as we can to serve all our customers.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209732%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=314478","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=314478"}},{"id":"314477","reference":"AQW 9731/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-04","answerBy":"2020-11-19","answered":"2020-11-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether there are any Barnett consequentials arising from the UK Government’s economic support announcements on 31 October 2020.","answerText":"The funding for business support grants in England which was announced on 31 October is anticipated to attract a Barnett consequential however for 2020-21 COVID funding has been provided to the Executive via the Treasury Guarantee.\n\nThis guarantee is designed to provide upfront COVID-19 funding, avoiding the drip-feed of Barnett consequentials following announcements of English programmes, thereby assisting the Executive to plan appropriately. In that regard it is not possible to confirm the elements which make up the guarantee until funding is reconciled to English programmes at the end of the year.\n\nThe Chancellor’s 5 November announcement included an additional £400 million, bringing the total Guarantee for the Executive to £2.8 billion.","answerHtml":"The funding for business support grants in England which was announced on 31 October is anticipated to attract a Barnett consequential however for 2020-21 COVID funding has been provided to the Executive via the Treasury Guarantee.
This guarantee is designed to provide upfront COVID-19 funding, avoiding the drip-feed of Barnett consequentials following announcements of English programmes, thereby assisting the Executive to plan appropriately. In that regard it is not possible to confirm the elements which make up the guarantee until funding is reconciled to English programmes at the end of the year.
The Chancellor’s 5 November announcement included an additional £400 million, bringing the total Guarantee for the Executive to £2.8 billion.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209731%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=314477","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=314477"}},{"id":"314476","reference":"AQW 9730/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-04","answerBy":"2020-11-19","answered":"2020-11-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether there are any Barnett consequentials arising from the announcement on 1 November that the UK Government would provide £1.8 billion of funding for Transport for London.","answerText":"COVID funding has been provided to the Executive via the Treasury Guarantee. This guarantee is designed to provide upfront COVID-19 funding, avoiding the drip-feed of Barnett consequentials following announcements of English programmes, thereby assisting the Executive to plan appropriately. In that regard it is not possible to distinguish the elements of English funding which make up the guarantee until funding is reconciled to English programmes at the end of the year.\n\nThe Chancellor’s 5 November announcement included an additional £400 million, bringing the total Guarantee for the Executive to £2.8 billion.","answerHtml":"COVID funding has been provided to the Executive via the Treasury Guarantee. This guarantee is designed to provide upfront COVID-19 funding, avoiding the drip-feed of Barnett consequentials following announcements of English programmes, thereby assisting the Executive to plan appropriately. In that regard it is not possible to distinguish the elements of English funding which make up the guarantee until funding is reconciled to English programmes at the end of the year.
The Chancellor’s 5 November announcement included an additional £400 million, bringing the total Guarantee for the Executive to £2.8 billion.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209730%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=314476","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=314476"}},{"id":"314475","reference":"AQW 9729/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-04","answerBy":"2020-11-19","answered":"2020-11-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what exceptional circumstances meant that her Department was the only Department to bid for holiday pay as part of the October monitoring round.","answerText":"Untaken annual leave is required to be recognised as a liability at each financial year end. Under normal circumstances, the liability from one financial year to the next is not usually significantly different for my Department. However, given the unprecedented situation, it is anticipated that the amount of annual leave carried forward will be greater than the previous year end, hence increasing the liability this financial year.\n\nMy Department is facing significant resource pressures as a result of income lost due to the pandemic and simply is not able to absorb any further pressures. Given the challenging financial position, my Department submitted the pressure arising from the estimated increase in the year-end holiday accrual as a bid in the October monitoring round.\n\nThis issue is not unique to DfI. I cannot speculate on the actions of other Departments and why they may or may not have bid for similar pressures.","answerHtml":"Untaken annual leave is required to be recognised as a liability at each financial year end. Under normal circumstances, the liability from one financial year to the next is not usually significantly different for my Department. However, given the unprecedented situation, it is anticipated that the amount of annual leave carried forward will be greater than the previous year end, hence increasing the liability this financial year.
My Department is facing significant resource pressures as a result of income lost due to the pandemic and simply is not able to absorb any further pressures. Given the challenging financial position, my Department submitted the pressure arising from the estimated increase in the year-end holiday accrual as a bid in the October monitoring round.
This issue is not unique to DfI. I cannot speculate on the actions of other Departments and why they may or may not have bid for similar pressures.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209729%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=314475","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=314475"}},{"id":"314474","reference":"AQW 9728/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-04","answerBy":"2020-11-19","answered":"2020-11-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update as to when previously planned works will be carried out at Patton’s Lane, Holywood.","answerText":"The Environmental Improvement scheme planned for Patton’s Lane in Holywood is being delivered in partnership with the Department for Communities.\n\nAt a joint inspection involving my officials and their counterparts from the Department for Communities the scope of the works and the principles for the design were agreed.\n\nMy Department is now seeking to undertake the necessary design work in order to have this work progressed during the current financial year.","answerHtml":"The Environmental Improvement scheme planned for Patton’s Lane in Holywood is being delivered in partnership with the Department for Communities.
At a joint inspection involving my officials and their counterparts from the Department for Communities the scope of the works and the principles for the design were agreed.
My Department is now seeking to undertake the necessary design work in order to have this work progressed during the current financial year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209728%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=314474","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=314474"}},{"id":"314271","reference":"AQW 9645/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-03","answerBy":"2020-11-09","answered":"2020-12-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy for the legal basis to recoup ineligible payments made under the Coronavirus: £10,000 Small Business Support Grant Scheme with respect to (i) wind turbines; (ii) MP/MLA offices; and iii) any other categories.","answerText":"I would refer the Member to the reply I gave to AQW 9546/17-22.","answerHtml":"I would refer the Member to the reply I gave to AQW 9546/17-22.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209645%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=314271","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=314271"}},{"id":"314270","reference":"AQW 9644/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-03","answerBy":"2020-11-18","answered":"2020-11-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether, in the event of a shortage of driving test instructors, DVA will prioritise the resumption of Approved Driving Instructor testing.","answerText":"There are currently around 1,000 Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) and approximately 50 Potential Driving Instructors (PDIs), active on the Register. 8 PDIs, who have obtained their Part 1, are waiting on their Part 2 and Part 3 tests.\n\nThe Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) conducts approximately 47,000 Category B (private car) practical driving tests per annum. The ratio of driving test to ADI is 47 per annum, which does not suggest there is a shortage of driving instructors.\n\nThe DVA is considering the safe resumption of all driver testing services, including the ADI Part 2 and Part 3 qualifying tests, and will directly contact PDIs with details of when these tests will be reinstated and how they can book a test.","answerHtml":"There are currently around 1,000 Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) and approximately 50 Potential Driving Instructors (PDIs), active on the Register. 8 PDIs, who have obtained their Part 1, are waiting on their Part 2 and Part 3 tests.
The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) conducts approximately 47,000 Category B (private car) practical driving tests per annum. The ratio of driving test to ADI is 47 per annum, which does not suggest there is a shortage of driving instructors.
The DVA is considering the safe resumption of all driver testing services, including the ADI Part 2 and Part 3 qualifying tests, and will directly contact PDIs with details of when these tests will be reinstated and how they can book a test.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209644%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=314270","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=314270"}},{"id":"314269","reference":"AQW 9643/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-03","answerBy":"2020-11-18","answered":"2021-02-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy for a full list of ineligible payments made under the Coronavirus: £10,000 Small Business Support Grant Scheme.","answerText":"My Department has not finished its validation and assurance assessment of the Covid Business Grant Schemes and is not yet in a position to provide a sufficiently robust listing of ineligible payments under the £10k Small Business Support Grant Scheme.","answerHtml":"My Department has not finished its validation and assurance assessment of the Covid Business Grant Schemes and is not yet in a position to provide a sufficiently robust listing of ineligible payments under the £10k Small Business Support Grant Scheme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209643%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=314269","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=314269"}},{"id":"314268","reference":"AQW 9642/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-03","answerBy":"2020-11-18","answered":"2021-02-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the date when payments under the Coronavirus: £10,000 Small Business Support Grant Scheme were made ineligible with respect to wind turbines.","answerText":"The decision that wind turbines were ineligible to receive support from the £10,000 Small Business Support Grant Scheme was made by the Department on 28 May 2020.","answerHtml":"The decision that wind turbines were ineligible to receive support from the £10,000 Small Business Support Grant Scheme was made by the Department on 28 May 2020.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209642%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=314268","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=314268"}},{"id":"314267","reference":"AQW 9641/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-03","answerBy":"2020-11-18","answered":"2020-11-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will extend the £19 million Support Fund for Taxi Drivers and Private Coach and Bus Operators to include wedding and event car hire businesses.","answerText":"I recently secured funding of £14m for taxi drivers and £5m for private bus and coach operators from the Executive. The funding for taxi drivers is open to drivers in all classes, including Class C which wedding car drivers fall under. This package, taken together with the £1.5m that I have already put in place to waive fees for the renewal of taxi and bus vehicle licences, will ensure that more drivers will be able to continue in the trade and hence be available for recovery, post-Covid.\n\nThe financial assistance scheme for taxi drivers is open to all self-employed licensed drivers including wedding car drivers who were available to work from 22nd March to 30th September 2020 and is being launched this week. The bespoke support offered will be via a one off payment of £1500. This one off payment will be a contribution to their yearly overhead costs including PPE and recognises the financial pressures sustained by eligible taxi drivers due to Covid-19.","answerHtml":"I recently secured funding of £14m for taxi drivers and £5m for private bus and coach operators from the Executive. The funding for taxi drivers is open to drivers in all classes, including Class C which wedding car drivers fall under. This package, taken together with the £1.5m that I have already put in place to waive fees for the renewal of taxi and bus vehicle licences, will ensure that more drivers will be able to continue in the trade and hence be available for recovery, post-Covid.
The financial assistance scheme for taxi drivers is open to all self-employed licensed drivers including wedding car drivers who were available to work from 22nd March to 30th September 2020 and is being launched this week. The bespoke support offered will be via a one off payment of £1500. This one off payment will be a contribution to their yearly overhead costs including PPE and recognises the financial pressures sustained by eligible taxi drivers due to Covid-19.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209641%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=314267","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=314267"}},{"id":"313960","reference":"AQW 9544/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-02","answerBy":"2020-11-06","answered":"2020-11-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) her assessment of the impact the pandemic has had upon the road haulage sector; (ii) the amount of funding; and (iii) the nature of financial assistance she is seeking for the road haulage sector under the Financial Assistance (Northern Ireland) Act 2009 as a result of the pandemic.","answerText":"At the request of the First and Deputy First Ministers my officials carried out an evidence gathering exercise to see if ‘exceptional circumstances’ applied to the road haulage sector, requiring a financial support scheme, as set out in the Financial Assistance (Northern Ireland) Act 2009. Information was received from representatives from the haulage industry, the Logistics UK Tracker, the NI Haulage Industry Critical Goods Supply Analysis Group (NIHCA), and the Department for Transport. I also contacted the Departments of Finance and Economy.\n\nBased on the evidence received and engagement with the sector there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate ‘exceptional circumstances’ which would justify bespoke financial support for the haulage industry. I will however continue to keep this matter under review and consider the position, if evidence shows that there are exceptional circumstances which would justify bespoke financial support for the haulage industry.","answerHtml":"At the request of the First and Deputy First Ministers my officials carried out an evidence gathering exercise to see if ‘exceptional circumstances’ applied to the road haulage sector, requiring a financial support scheme, as set out in the Financial Assistance (Northern Ireland) Act 2009. Information was received from representatives from the haulage industry, the Logistics UK Tracker, the NI Haulage Industry Critical Goods Supply Analysis Group (NIHCA), and the Department for Transport. I also contacted the Departments of Finance and Economy.
Based on the evidence received and engagement with the sector there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate ‘exceptional circumstances’ which would justify bespoke financial support for the haulage industry. I will however continue to keep this matter under review and consider the position, if evidence shows that there are exceptional circumstances which would justify bespoke financial support for the haulage industry.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209544%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=313960","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=313960"}},{"id":"313959","reference":"AQW 9543/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-02","answerBy":"2020-11-17","answered":"2020-11-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance what assessment he has made of the role that the Rating System can play to disincentivise owners of properties from letting them fall into a state of dereliction.","answerText":"There are a number of pre-existing features of the rating system that aim to help prevent properties falling into a state of dereliction. The policies of non-domestic vacant rating at 50% of the occupied liability, and the rating of empty homes at 100% of occupied liability, both operate with the express policy rationale of encouraging occupation of properties rather than letting them rest as vacant.\n\nMy Department also has statutory enabling powers that can be used to prevent so called ‘deliberate dereliction’ of empty domestic property in order to avoid rates in that sector, where there is a higher risk of dereliction being used as an avoidance step. Likewise the Back in Business scheme (which the Executive have agreed will be reinstated once Covid measures expire), acts alongside non domestic vacant rating to incentivise new business occupiers of long term vacant property to provide a 50% reduction on their first year’s rates bill.\n\nIn terms of the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on the business sector, and to help reduce the likelihood of businesses vacating their property, the Executive has provided an unprecedented £300 million plus in rates support packages for over 25,000 businesses, as well as tailored and sectoral support provision outside the rates system. These policy interventions, alongside other methods to mitigate dereliction or underuse of property remain the subject of ongoing review, in particular within the rating system which is dependent upon rateable property to finance local and central government functions.","answerHtml":"There are a number of pre-existing features of the rating system that aim to help prevent properties falling into a state of dereliction. The policies of non-domestic vacant rating at 50% of the occupied liability, and the rating of empty homes at 100% of occupied liability, both operate with the express policy rationale of encouraging occupation of properties rather than letting them rest as vacant.
My Department also has statutory enabling powers that can be used to prevent so called ‘deliberate dereliction’ of empty domestic property in order to avoid rates in that sector, where there is a higher risk of dereliction being used as an avoidance step. Likewise the Back in Business scheme (which the Executive have agreed will be reinstated once Covid measures expire), acts alongside non domestic vacant rating to incentivise new business occupiers of long term vacant property to provide a 50% reduction on their first year’s rates bill.
In terms of the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on the business sector, and to help reduce the likelihood of businesses vacating their property, the Executive has provided an unprecedented £300 million plus in rates support packages for over 25,000 businesses, as well as tailored and sectoral support provision outside the rates system. These policy interventions, alongside other methods to mitigate dereliction or underuse of property remain the subject of ongoing review, in particular within the rating system which is dependent upon rateable property to finance local and central government functions.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209543%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=313959","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=313959"}},{"id":"313958","reference":"AQW 9542/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-02","answerBy":"2020-11-17","answered":"2020-11-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the enrolment for Bangor Central Integrated Primary School, broken down by local council ward.","answerText":"The most recent validated data relates to the 2019/20 School Census exercise. The Department is currently in the process of collecting and verifying School Census information. Finalised figures will be available in February 2021.\n\nWards resided in by pupils enrolled in Bangor Central Integrated Primary School – 2019/20\n\nWard name\tNumber of pupils resident in ward\nBALLYCROCHAN\t6\nBALLYDUGAN\t*\nBALLYGRAINEY\t80\nBALLYHOLME\t12\nBALLYMAGEE\t9\nBLOOMFIELD\t44\nBROADWAY\t36\nBRYANSBURN\t13\nCARROWDORE\t*\nCARROWREAGH\t*\nCASTLE\t111\nCLANDEBOYE\t30\nDONAGHADEE\t*\nGLEN\t*\nGROOMSPORT\t6\nHARBOUR\t81\nHELEN'S BAY\t*\nKILCOOLEY\t26\nLOUGHRIES\t*\nMOVILLA\t*\nRATHGAEL\t50\nRATHMORE\t*\nSILVERBIRCH\t19\nSILVERSTREAM\t34\nWARREN\t5\nTOTAL\t576\n\nSource: NI school census\n\n‘*’ denotes figure less than 5 suppressed to avoid identification of individual pupils","answerHtml":"The most recent validated data relates to the 2019/20 School Census exercise. The Department is currently in the process of collecting and verifying School Census information. Finalised figures will be available in February 2021.
Wards resided in by pupils enrolled in Bangor Central Integrated Primary School – 2019/20
| Ward name | Number of pupils resident in ward |
| BALLYCROCHAN | 6 |
| BALLYDUGAN | * |
| BALLYGRAINEY | 80 |
| BALLYHOLME | 12 |
| BALLYMAGEE | 9 |
| BLOOMFIELD | 44 |
| BROADWAY | 36 |
| BRYANSBURN | 13 |
| CARROWDORE | * |
| CARROWREAGH | * |
| CASTLE | 111 |
| CLANDEBOYE | 30 |
| DONAGHADEE | * |
| GLEN | * |
| GROOMSPORT | 6 |
| HARBOUR | 81 |
| HELEN'S BAY | * |
| KILCOOLEY | 26 |
| LOUGHRIES | * |
| MOVILLA | * |
| RATHGAEL | 50 |
| RATHMORE | * |
| SILVERBIRCH | 19 |
| SILVERSTREAM | 34 |
| WARREN | 5 |
| TOTAL | 576 |
Source: NI school census
‘*’ denotes figure less than 5 suppressed to avoid identification of individual pupils
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209542%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=313958","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=313958"}},{"id":"313957","reference":"AQW 9541/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-02","answerBy":"2020-11-17","answered":"2020-11-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities for her assessment of the impact upon district council finances following the First-Tier Tribunal decision in respect of VAT claim taken by Mid Ulster District Council.","answerText":"On 17 October 2020, the First-tier Tribunal issued its decision in relation to a dispute concerning the VAT liability of charges paid by members of the public for access to sport and leisure facilities provided by Mid-Ulster District Council. HMRC contended that the charges should bear VAT at the standard rate, while Mid-Ulster District Council contended that the charges in dispute did not attract VAT.\n\nThe appeal by Mid-Ulster District Council was allowed and now the quantum has to be agreed between both parties.\n\nHowever, pursuant to Rule 39 of the Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Tax Chamber) Rules 2009, any party dissatisfied with the decision has a right to apply for permission to appeal not later than 56 days after the date of this decision.\n\nTherefore, at this stage it is too early to assess the impact of this decision on council finances.","answerHtml":"On 17 October 2020, the First-tier Tribunal issued its decision in relation to a dispute concerning the VAT liability of charges paid by members of the public for access to sport and leisure facilities provided by Mid-Ulster District Council. HMRC contended that the charges should bear VAT at the standard rate, while Mid-Ulster District Council contended that the charges in dispute did not attract VAT.
The appeal by Mid-Ulster District Council was allowed and now the quantum has to be agreed between both parties.
However, pursuant to Rule 39 of the Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Tax Chamber) Rules 2009, any party dissatisfied with the decision has a right to apply for permission to appeal not later than 56 days after the date of this decision.
Therefore, at this stage it is too early to assess the impact of this decision on council finances.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209541%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=313957","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=313957"}},{"id":"313956","reference":"AQW 9540/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-11-02","answerBy":"2020-11-17","answered":"2020-11-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the actions her Department is taking to support the fintech sector in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"Northern Ireland has a strong and world renowned FinTech sector. Indeed the Financial Times FDI markets has placed Northern Ireland as the world’s top region for Financial Services technology inward investment projects (fDI markets FT 2020). Northern Ireland has also been identified as a top 3 Fintech location of the future, after London and Singapore (fDI markets FT 2019).\n\nThere are nearly 10,000 people employed in Fintech roles in Northern Ireland and major companies such as Citi, Allstate, First Derivatives, FinTrU, Insurance Office of America, Peak6, Qarik and Aflac have chosen to locate here.\n\nMy Department and Invest NI have been working closely with these and other companies and key stakeholders in this sector for many years with both financial support and sector development through a number of activities including:\n\n Supporting sector specific trade missions and promoting NI at a number of key trade events\n\n Arranging a number of “meet the buyer” events with major banks and financial institutions in strategic markets\n\n Conducting market research and supporting new trade activities in potential new markets.\n\n Working closely with the NI Fintech Envoy and Fintech NI to promote NI’s Fintech capability on a national and global stage.\n\n Engaging with national and cross border Fintech organisations to showcase NI’s capabilities in the sector and increase access to investment and funding.\n\n Working closely with the universities and Further Education colleges along with industry to build a future pipeline of skills and talent for the sector.\n\nMy Assured Skills team also works closely with companies in this sector providing pre-employment training to individuals, from a diverse range of degree backgrounds, through its Academy model. Academy participants gain up-to-date skills delivered by Further and Higher Education Institutions, that are highly sought after by Fintech companies. Many Academy graduates have been employed by our local Fintech employers helping to meet the skills demand of the sector.\n\nInvest NI and my Department will continue to work closely with Fintech businesses, as a key element of the Economic Recovery Plan, and to support them during this challenging time.","answerHtml":"Northern Ireland has a strong and world renowned FinTech sector. Indeed the Financial Times FDI markets has placed Northern Ireland as the world’s top region for Financial Services technology inward investment projects (fDI markets FT 2020). Northern Ireland has also been identified as a top 3 Fintech location of the future, after London and Singapore (fDI markets FT 2019).
There are nearly 10,000 people employed in Fintech roles in Northern Ireland and major companies such as Citi, Allstate, First Derivatives, FinTrU, Insurance Office of America, Peak6, Qarik and Aflac have chosen to locate here.
My Department and Invest NI have been working closely with these and other companies and key stakeholders in this sector for many years with both financial support and sector development through a number of activities including:
Supporting sector specific trade missions and promoting NI at a number of key trade events
Arranging a number of “meet the buyer” events with major banks and financial institutions in strategic markets
Conducting market research and supporting new trade activities in potential new markets.
Working closely with the NI Fintech Envoy and Fintech NI to promote NI’s Fintech capability on a national and global stage.
Engaging with national and cross border Fintech organisations to showcase NI’s capabilities in the sector and increase access to investment and funding.
Working closely with the universities and Further Education colleges along with industry to build a future pipeline of skills and talent for the sector.
My Assured Skills team also works closely with companies in this sector providing pre-employment training to individuals, from a diverse range of degree backgrounds, through its Academy model. Academy participants gain up-to-date skills delivered by Further and Higher Education Institutions, that are highly sought after by Fintech companies. Many Academy graduates have been employed by our local Fintech employers helping to meet the skills demand of the sector.
Invest NI and my Department will continue to work closely with Fintech businesses, as a key element of the Economic Recovery Plan, and to support them during this challenging time.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209540%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=313956","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=313956"}},{"id":"313463","reference":"AQW 9413/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-23","answerBy":"2020-10-28","answered":"2020-12-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she intends to bring forward a grant scheme to assist businesses experiencing a downturn in trade as a result of COVID-19 public health restrictions but are not legally required to close.","answerText":"The Department of Finance’s Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS) seeks to support those businesses in commercial premises which were severely restricted in use or forced to close directly by the Health Protection Regulations.\n\nI recognise that not all businesses who have been directly affected by the restrictions are able to access support through this scheme. I have therefore introduced the Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme (CRBSS) to provide support to restricted businesses which do not qualify for support through LRSS and businesses in the supply chain of restricted businesses.\n\nPart B of the CRBSS was introduced to support businesses who are not required to close as a result of the Health Protection Regulations but have been directly impacted. This part of the scheme is open to business who supply goods or services to a business named in the regulations, or is reliant upon such a business being open and fully operational in order to trade, and has been severely impacted as result. Details of the scheme are available at https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/covid-restrictions-business-support-scheme-part-b.\n\nI will continue to examine and pursue further means to support the local economy and business sectors in whatever way possible. In considering further interventions, including additional funding or packages of financial support, it will be for the Executive collectively, to determine how this will be allocated to best support economic recovery moving forward.","answerHtml":"The Department of Finance’s Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS) seeks to support those businesses in commercial premises which were severely restricted in use or forced to close directly by the Health Protection Regulations.
I recognise that not all businesses who have been directly affected by the restrictions are able to access support through this scheme. I have therefore introduced the Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme (CRBSS) to provide support to restricted businesses which do not qualify for support through LRSS and businesses in the supply chain of restricted businesses.
Part B of the CRBSS was introduced to support businesses who are not required to close as a result of the Health Protection Regulations but have been directly impacted. This part of the scheme is open to business who supply goods or services to a business named in the regulations, or is reliant upon such a business being open and fully operational in order to trade, and has been severely impacted as result. Details of the scheme are available at https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/covid-restrictions-business-support-scheme-part-b.
I will continue to examine and pursue further means to support the local economy and business sectors in whatever way possible. In considering further interventions, including additional funding or packages of financial support, it will be for the Executive collectively, to determine how this will be allocated to best support economic recovery moving forward.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209413%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=313463","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=313463"}},{"id":"313462","reference":"AQW 9412/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-23","answerBy":"2020-11-09","answered":"2020-10-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether consideration is being given to piloting the creation of short-term click and collect on-street parking spaces.","answerText":"My Department considers that, in towns and cities across Northern Ireland, parking within Controlled Parking Zones and limited waiting areas already provides customers with the opportunity to use the spaces for any reason and to park for as long as the local restrictions permit. There are therefore no current plans to pilot new parking measures to exclusively serve click and collect customers.","answerHtml":"My Department considers that, in towns and cities across Northern Ireland, parking within Controlled Parking Zones and limited waiting areas already provides customers with the opportunity to use the spaces for any reason and to park for as long as the local restrictions permit. There are therefore no current plans to pilot new parking measures to exclusively serve click and collect customers.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209412%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=313462","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=313462"}},{"id":"313461","reference":"AQW 9411/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-23","answerBy":"2020-11-09","answered":"2021-01-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the formation of the (i) Compact Civic Advisory Panel; and (ii) Citizens Assembly.","answerText":"We remain committed to the re-establishment of the Compact Civic Advisory Panel and the Convening of at least one Citizens Assembly each year. Preparatory work has begun but COVID-19 has unavoidably impacted both on this work due to the necessary diversion of staffing resources and also on their potential ability to function most effectively due to the current social constraints in which we are operating.","answerHtml":"We remain committed to the re-establishment of the Compact Civic Advisory Panel and the Convening of at least one Citizens Assembly each year. Preparatory work has begun but COVID-19 has unavoidably impacted both on this work due to the necessary diversion of staffing resources and also on their potential ability to function most effectively due to the current social constraints in which we are operating.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209411%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=313461","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=313461"}},{"id":"313460","reference":"AQW 9410/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-23","answerBy":"2020-11-09","answered":"2020-11-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she intends to bring forward a grant scheme to assist Company Directors in Personal Service Contracts experiencing a downturn in trade as a result of COVID-19 public health restrictions.","answerText":"The Localised Restrictions Support Scheme has been introduced to provide financial support to businesses which have been required to close or severely limit operations at their premises under the recent Health Protection Regulations that have been put in place by the NI Executive.\n\nOn 22nd October, I announced the Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme (CRBSS).\n\nThe CRBSS will support businesses which meet the following criteria:\n\nPart A\n\nThe business is restricted within the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 but is not eligible for the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme;\n\nOr\n\nPart B\n\nThe business is within the supply chain of businesses restricted by the Regulations and as a result has been significantly impacted.\n\nThe new CRBSS will apply for the four week period of current restrictions.\n\nApplications for Part A of this scheme opened on Wednesday 28th October, and details on Part B covering the supply chains will be published soon.\n\nIn addition, businesses who do not occupy a commercial premises and experiencing a significant decline in turnover can apply for a grant of £300 per week.\n\nThe Chancellor for the Exchequer has also announced a number of additional support measures, to help businesses and individuals during a time when it is likely that we will still be dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.\n\nThese measures include improved terms for the Job Support Scheme, additional grants for the Self-Employment Scheme and improved repayment terms for the various coronavirus loan schemes.\n\nExecutive Ministers have been asked to bring forward options for additional support for those who may not qualify for these latest schemes, or who may not have been able to avail of previous opportunities.\n\nAll of the latest information on the support available can be found on the NI Business Info and UK Government Coronavirus Business Support websites.","answerHtml":"The Localised Restrictions Support Scheme has been introduced to provide financial support to businesses which have been required to close or severely limit operations at their premises under the recent Health Protection Regulations that have been put in place by the NI Executive.
On 22nd October, I announced the Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme (CRBSS).
The CRBSS will support businesses which meet the following criteria:
Part A
The business is restricted within the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 but is not eligible for the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme;
Or
Part B
The business is within the supply chain of businesses restricted by the Regulations and as a result has been significantly impacted.
The new CRBSS will apply for the four week period of current restrictions.
Applications for Part A of this scheme opened on Wednesday 28th October, and details on Part B covering the supply chains will be published soon.
In addition, businesses who do not occupy a commercial premises and experiencing a significant decline in turnover can apply for a grant of £300 per week.
The Chancellor for the Exchequer has also announced a number of additional support measures, to help businesses and individuals during a time when it is likely that we will still be dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
These measures include improved terms for the Job Support Scheme, additional grants for the Self-Employment Scheme and improved repayment terms for the various coronavirus loan schemes.
Executive Ministers have been asked to bring forward options for additional support for those who may not qualify for these latest schemes, or who may not have been able to avail of previous opportunities.
All of the latest information on the support available can be found on the NI Business Info and UK Government Coronavirus Business Support websites.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209410%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=313460","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=313460"}},{"id":"313459","reference":"AQW 9409/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-23","answerBy":"2020-11-09","answered":"2020-11-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health what provision exists for people to access bariatric surgery (i) locally via the Health Service; and (ii) for referrals to other parts of UK and Ireland.","answerText":"Bariatric surgery is not currently commissioned locally in the Health & Social Care (HSC) service in Northern Ireland. In March 2020, my department announced plans to explore options to develop a regional bariatric service. This work has been temporarily suspended due to the need to respond to the ongoing pandemic and will be resumed when possible.\n\nTransfer for treatment by the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) is known as an Extra Contractual Referral (ECR) and occurs when the HSCB approves a consultant’s request to transfer a patient to a provider outside Northern Ireland for assessment or treatment which the consultant considers necessary but which is not available through HSC facilities locally. This is normally to a provider elsewhere in the United Kingdom but may also be to a provider outside the UK where this is clinically justified. Further information on the ECR process is available on the HSCB website.","answerHtml":"Bariatric surgery is not currently commissioned locally in the Health & Social Care (HSC) service in Northern Ireland. In March 2020, my department announced plans to explore options to develop a regional bariatric service. This work has been temporarily suspended due to the need to respond to the ongoing pandemic and will be resumed when possible.
Transfer for treatment by the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) is known as an Extra Contractual Referral (ECR) and occurs when the HSCB approves a consultant’s request to transfer a patient to a provider outside Northern Ireland for assessment or treatment which the consultant considers necessary but which is not available through HSC facilities locally. This is normally to a provider elsewhere in the United Kingdom but may also be to a provider outside the UK where this is clinically justified. Further information on the ECR process is available on the HSCB website.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209409%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=313459","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=313459"}},{"id":"313219","reference":"AQW 9344/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-22","answerBy":"2020-10-28","answered":"2020-10-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail the Barnett consequentials arising from the Chancellor’s announcement on 22 October 2020.","answerText":"On 9 October, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced an extension of the Treasury Guarantee. This guarantee is designed to provide upfront COVID-19 funding, avoiding the drip-feed of Barnett consequentials following announcements of English programmes, thereby assisting the Executive to plan appropriately.\n\nThe Chancellor’s announcement included an additional £200 million, bringing the total Guarantee for the Executive to £2.4 billion.\n\nAny Barnett Consequentials arising from the subsequent announcement on 22 October announcement will be included in the additional £200 million announced on 9 October.","answerHtml":"On 9 October, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced an extension of the Treasury Guarantee. This guarantee is designed to provide upfront COVID-19 funding, avoiding the drip-feed of Barnett consequentials following announcements of English programmes, thereby assisting the Executive to plan appropriately.
The Chancellor’s announcement included an additional £200 million, bringing the total Guarantee for the Executive to £2.4 billion.
Any Barnett Consequentials arising from the subsequent announcement on 22 October announcement will be included in the additional £200 million announced on 9 October.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209344%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=313219","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=313219"}},{"id":"313218","reference":"AQW 9343/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-22","answerBy":"2020-11-06","answered":"2020-11-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities, in order to assist with the costs associated with renewal of their pilots licence, bringing Northern Ireland in line with the support that is available in the rest of the UK via the Low Value Provision fund, whether she will consider an extension of financial support options available to unemployed pilots in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"The Department for Communities currently operates a scheme called the Adviser Discretion Fund, the objective of which is to provide resources of up to £300 to eligible persons for the purchase of goods or services in order to remove a barrier to employment. The scheme may also be used as a measure to support those who are required to complete a short training course in order to progress into work. I can confirm that the scheme has recently provided assistance to pilots towards the costs of the Licence Proficiency Check and has also assisted with costs associated with medicals required for a licence renewal.\n\nAs part of the Department for Communities labour market response to the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent recession, a review of the Adviser Discretion Fund is underway and will include giving consideration to the current funding limits and flexibilities in terms of support which can be provided.","answerHtml":"The Department for Communities currently operates a scheme called the Adviser Discretion Fund, the objective of which is to provide resources of up to £300 to eligible persons for the purchase of goods or services in order to remove a barrier to employment. The scheme may also be used as a measure to support those who are required to complete a short training course in order to progress into work. I can confirm that the scheme has recently provided assistance to pilots towards the costs of the Licence Proficiency Check and has also assisted with costs associated with medicals required for a licence renewal.
As part of the Department for Communities labour market response to the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent recession, a review of the Adviser Discretion Fund is underway and will include giving consideration to the current funding limits and flexibilities in terms of support which can be provided.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209343%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=313218","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=313218"}},{"id":"313217","reference":"AQW 9342/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-22","answerBy":"2020-11-06","answered":"2020-10-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure how much funding her Department has committed to the development of the Forth Meadow Greenway, broken down by year.","answerText":"In my announcement on 16th September 2020 I committed £375K to the Forth Meadow Greenway project – £250K in 2020/21 and £125K in 2021/22. My officials are currently in discussion with the Council about further funding for the project. No allocations have yet been made as the funds are subject to receipt of an approved business case and Department of Finance approval for the making of the capital grant.\n\nAny decision regarding potential funding in the future will depend on budget allocations to the Department in 2021/22 and beyond.","answerHtml":"In my announcement on 16th September 2020 I committed £375K to the Forth Meadow Greenway project – £250K in 2020/21 and £125K in 2021/22. My officials are currently in discussion with the Council about further funding for the project. No allocations have yet been made as the funds are subject to receipt of an approved business case and Department of Finance approval for the making of the capital grant.
Any decision regarding potential funding in the future will depend on budget allocations to the Department in 2021/22 and beyond.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209342%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=313217","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=313217"}},{"id":"313216","reference":"AQW 9341/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-22","answerBy":"2020-11-06","answered":"2020-10-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 8280/17-22, to detail (i) the average; and (ii) the median response time in days for statutory consultee responses to consultation requests for planning applications, broken down by statutory consultee, for each of the last three years.","answerText":"The table below outlines the mean and median response times (days) to consultation requests for planning applications for key statutory consultees over the last three years.\n\nStatutory Consultee\tMean (Days)\tMedian (Days)\n2017/18\t2018/19\t2019/20\t2017/18\t2018/19\t2019/20\nDfI Roads\t20\t19\t21\t18\t17\t18\nDAERA (Environment Marine and Fisheries Group and NIEA)\t13\t20\t20\t13\t16\t15\nDfI Rivers\t23\t33\t36\t20\t27\t31\nHealth and Safety Executive NI\t21\t18\t30\t11\t7\t13\nDfE / Geological Survey NI\t20\t18\t19\t20\t16\t15\nBelfast International Airport\t15\t15\t21\t13\t13\t20\nBelfast City Airport\t5\t2\t3\t3\t2\t1\nCity of Derry Airport\t5\t1\t5\t4\t1\t2\nNI Water\t12\t14\t14\t6\t5\t3\nDfC Historic Environment Division\t16\t17\t21\t16\t15\t15\nNI Housing Executive\t15\t23\t24\t10\t17\t11\n\nNote: These data are extracted from a live system and will be subject to change overtime. Councils (as statutory consultees) have not been included as numbers of consultations are minimal.","answerHtml":"The table below outlines the mean and median response times (days) to consultation requests for planning applications for key statutory consultees over the last three years.
| Statutory Consultee | Mean (Days) | Median (Days) | ||||
| 2017/18 | 2018/19 | 2019/20 | 2017/18 | 2018/19 | 2019/20 | |
| DfI Roads | 20 | 19 | 21 | 18 | 17 | 18 |
| DAERA (Environment Marine and Fisheries Group and NIEA) | 13 | 20 | 20 | 13 | 16 | 15 |
| DfI Rivers | 23 | 33 | 36 | 20 | 27 | 31 |
| Health and Safety Executive NI | 21 | 18 | 30 | 11 | 7 | 13 |
| DfE / Geological Survey NI | 20 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 16 | 15 |
| Belfast International Airport | 15 | 15 | 21 | 13 | 13 | 20 |
| Belfast City Airport | 5 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| City of Derry Airport | 5 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| NI Water | 12 | 14 | 14 | 6 | 5 | 3 |
| DfC Historic Environment Division | 16 | 17 | 21 | 16 | 15 | 15 |
| NI Housing Executive | 15 | 23 | 24 | 10 | 17 | 11 |
Note: These data are extracted from a live system and will be subject to change overtime. Councils (as statutory consultees) have not been included as numbers of consultations are minimal.
This planning application was determined by Newry, Mourne & Down District Council some time ago on 21 October 2015. I can confirm that my Department has not received a transboundary notification for this application from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
The obligations for the management of such a local application are laid out in legislation and it is a matter for a district council, in its role as local planning authority, to satisfy itself that these obligations have been met.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209340%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=313215","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=313215"}},{"id":"315411","reference":"AQO 1050/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-22","answerBy":"2020-11-09","answered":"2020-11-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for his assessment of the repeal of the exemption for teachers from the Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998.","answerText":"The Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 (FETO) is the legislative responsibility of The Executive Office. Any amendment to that legislation would be a matter for them to address.\n\nI am committed to delivering equality for all school sectors; this includes consideration of an end to the Article 71 Exception of FETO.\n\nMy officials are currently working with TEO to consider the matter further.","answerHtml":"The Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 (FETO) is the legislative responsibility of The Executive Office. Any amendment to that legislation would be a matter for them to address.
I am committed to delivering equality for all school sectors; this includes consideration of an end to the Article 71 Exception of FETO.
My officials are currently working with TEO to consider the matter further.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201050%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=315411","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=315411"}},{"id":"312999","reference":"AQW 9223/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-21","answerBy":"2020-10-27","answered":"2020-12-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she will bring forward a support package to assist (i) sole-traders; and (ii) businesses operating from domestic premises.","answerText":"I would refer the Member to the reply I gave to AQW 8471/17-22.","answerHtml":"I would refer the Member to the reply I gave to AQW 8471/17-22.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209223%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=312999","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=312999"}},{"id":"312998","reference":"AQW 9222/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-21","answerBy":"2020-11-05","answered":"2020-11-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for his assessment of the impact of the ban on combustible materials in England, particularly in consideration of the ongoing review of changes there, in relation to the proposals contained in the consultation on the Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 and the update to technical guidance.","answerText":"The effective ban on combustible materials in England’s Building Regulations was introduced in December 2018. Analysis of the effect on industry in England due to the ban is too early to evaluate. A survey of stakeholders in relation to the ban was commissioned by the Ministry for Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) and conducted by consultants Adroit Economics Ltd. The survey results were published in August 2019.\n\nThere was a commitment to review the effectiveness of the ban in England after one year and a further consultation was carried out in January 2020. That consultation closed on 25 May 2020 and the responses are still being analysed by MHCLG. Officials from my Department’s Building Standards Branch maintain ongoing contact with MHCLG colleagues and are awaiting any proposals for change. Any changes will be considered in the local context with the local Building Advisory Committee (NIBRAC) in advance of finalising proposals here.","answerHtml":"The effective ban on combustible materials in England’s Building Regulations was introduced in December 2018. Analysis of the effect on industry in England due to the ban is too early to evaluate. A survey of stakeholders in relation to the ban was commissioned by the Ministry for Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) and conducted by consultants Adroit Economics Ltd. The survey results were published in August 2019.
There was a commitment to review the effectiveness of the ban in England after one year and a further consultation was carried out in January 2020. That consultation closed on 25 May 2020 and the responses are still being analysed by MHCLG. Officials from my Department’s Building Standards Branch maintain ongoing contact with MHCLG colleagues and are awaiting any proposals for change. Any changes will be considered in the local context with the local Building Advisory Committee (NIBRAC) in advance of finalising proposals here.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209222%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=312998","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=312998"}},{"id":"312997","reference":"AQW 9221/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-21","answerBy":"2020-11-05","answered":"2020-11-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether the option of BS8414 large scale testing is still a possible alternative option for meeting the required safety standards concerning proposed amendment of the Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 and update to technical guidance.","answerText":"My Department’s Building Standards Officials advise that the alternative option of a BS8414 large scale test has been recognised and accepted by industry as a satisfactory way to demonstrate compliance with existing external fire spread requirements in external walls. The proposed amendments to the guidance in Technical Booklet E (Fire safety), would introduce this option into the guidance for the first time as an acceptable route to compliance for ‘non-relevant’ buildings.\n\nUnder the proposed new requirement, BS8414 large scale tests would not be included as a route to compliance for ‘relevant’ buildings. These are seen as higher risk and the priority would be to provide clarity and certainty for designers, installers and enforcement bodies to understand precisely what materials can and cannot be used on these buildings. The new regulation is aimed at providing that certainty.\n\nThe analysis of consultation responses will indicate any views on BS8414 large scale tests as an alternative route to compliance for relevant buildings. This would be referred along with other consultation feedback to the local Building Regulations Advisory Committee (NIBRAC) for its advice to inform final proposals.","answerHtml":"My Department’s Building Standards Officials advise that the alternative option of a BS8414 large scale test has been recognised and accepted by industry as a satisfactory way to demonstrate compliance with existing external fire spread requirements in external walls. The proposed amendments to the guidance in Technical Booklet E (Fire safety), would introduce this option into the guidance for the first time as an acceptable route to compliance for ‘non-relevant’ buildings.
Under the proposed new requirement, BS8414 large scale tests would not be included as a route to compliance for ‘relevant’ buildings. These are seen as higher risk and the priority would be to provide clarity and certainty for designers, installers and enforcement bodies to understand precisely what materials can and cannot be used on these buildings. The new regulation is aimed at providing that certainty.
The analysis of consultation responses will indicate any views on BS8414 large scale tests as an alternative route to compliance for relevant buildings. This would be referred along with other consultation feedback to the local Building Regulations Advisory Committee (NIBRAC) for its advice to inform final proposals.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209221%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=312997","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=312997"}},{"id":"312996","reference":"AQW 9220/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-21","answerBy":"2020-11-05","answered":"2020-11-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail the assessed economic impact specific to Northern Ireland concerning proposed amendment of the Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 and update to technical guidance including the collateral impact of a ban on non-relevant buildings.","answerText":"The draft Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) issued for consultation relates to ‘relevant buildings’, that is, to those buildings directly affected by the proposed amendment.\n\nThe draft RIA indicates that, based on analysis of planning statistics over the three year period from 2016 to 2019, three buildings per year will be affected. It is envisaged that there would be costs of approximately £7k as familiarisation for District Council Building Control enforcement bodies (for the first year after implementation only) and approximately £60k as familiarisation for industry (for the first year after implementation only). Yearly costs to industry after that are anticipated at £127k, giving a total cost for the first year of £194k.","answerHtml":"The draft Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) issued for consultation relates to ‘relevant buildings’, that is, to those buildings directly affected by the proposed amendment.
The draft RIA indicates that, based on analysis of planning statistics over the three year period from 2016 to 2019, three buildings per year will be affected. It is envisaged that there would be costs of approximately £7k as familiarisation for District Council Building Control enforcement bodies (for the first year after implementation only) and approximately £60k as familiarisation for industry (for the first year after implementation only). Yearly costs to industry after that are anticipated at £127k, giving a total cost for the first year of £194k.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209220%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=312996","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=312996"}},{"id":"312995","reference":"AQW 9219/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-21","answerBy":"2020-11-05","answered":"2020-11-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail the engagement which occurred with affected businesses to understand the real economic impact prior to commencement of consultation concerning amendment of the Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 and update to technical guidance.","answerText":"During 2019/20 officials from my Department’s Building Standards Branch (BSB) attended a number of meetings of the local Construction Industry Forum (CIFNI) to brief members on progress with re-establishing the local Building Regulations Advisory Committee (NIBRAC) and proposals for the Building Regulations Work Programme. The views on proposals for consultation on Fire Safety requirements in local Building regulations were taken into account in developing the policy. Officials also consulted with NIBRAC and its relevant Technical Sub-Committee in scoping draft consultation proposals. To date, no issues have been raised in relation to economic impacts by CIFNI members.\n\nA draft Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) was prepared for the consultation proposals and provided as part of the documents issued. The analysis of consultation responses, which include submissions from affected business, when complete and following scrutiny by NIBRAC and the Departmental Committee will inform any revisions in finalising proposals and the RIA.","answerHtml":"During 2019/20 officials from my Department’s Building Standards Branch (BSB) attended a number of meetings of the local Construction Industry Forum (CIFNI) to brief members on progress with re-establishing the local Building Regulations Advisory Committee (NIBRAC) and proposals for the Building Regulations Work Programme. The views on proposals for consultation on Fire Safety requirements in local Building regulations were taken into account in developing the policy. Officials also consulted with NIBRAC and its relevant Technical Sub-Committee in scoping draft consultation proposals. To date, no issues have been raised in relation to economic impacts by CIFNI members.
A draft Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) was prepared for the consultation proposals and provided as part of the documents issued. The analysis of consultation responses, which include submissions from affected business, when complete and following scrutiny by NIBRAC and the Departmental Committee will inform any revisions in finalising proposals and the RIA.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209219%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=312995","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=312995"}},{"id":"312796","reference":"AQW 9118/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-20","answerBy":"2020-10-23","answered":"2020-12-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she will bring forward a grant support scheme to assist driving Instructors affected by the latest COVID-19 regulations.","answerText":"I would refer the Member to the reply I gave to AQW 8471/17-22.","answerHtml":"I would refer the Member to the reply I gave to AQW 8471/17-22.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209118%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=312796","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=312796"}},{"id":"312795","reference":"AQW 9117/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-20","answerBy":"2020-11-04","answered":"2020-11-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 8175/17-22, whether she will publish the Planning Forum’s review of resourcing for statutory consultations within DfI Rivers.","answerText":"One key action of the Planning Forum relates to statutory consultees reviewing resourcing requirements associated with their statutory consultee role against their workloads, to ensure efficient and timely responses to planning consultations.\n\nI can confirm that an internal review of staff resources within my Department’s Rivers Planning Advisory and Modelling Unit has been completed by officials. The review noted the increased workload in the unit, in terms of consultation numbers and their complexity. It also recommended that 3 new Professional and Technical posts and one new Administrative post be added to the staff structure, to deal with this workload and ensure that future planning consultations could be dealt with in a timely manner. The recommended posts have now been created. As the report was internal and dealt with staffing issues, it is not intended for publication however a summary of the key findings are outlined above.","answerHtml":"One key action of the Planning Forum relates to statutory consultees reviewing resourcing requirements associated with their statutory consultee role against their workloads, to ensure efficient and timely responses to planning consultations.
I can confirm that an internal review of staff resources within my Department’s Rivers Planning Advisory and Modelling Unit has been completed by officials. The review noted the increased workload in the unit, in terms of consultation numbers and their complexity. It also recommended that 3 new Professional and Technical posts and one new Administrative post be added to the staff structure, to deal with this workload and ensure that future planning consultations could be dealt with in a timely manner. The recommended posts have now been created. As the report was internal and dealt with staffing issues, it is not intended for publication however a summary of the key findings are outlined above.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209117%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=312795","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=312795"}},{"id":"312794","reference":"AQW 9116/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-20","answerBy":"2020-11-04","answered":"2021-08-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to what extent acupuncturists, and other alternative healthcare providers, are permitted to continue operating under the current Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No2) (Amendment No. 9) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020.","answerText":"In the period since this question was tabled the Executive has taken a series of carefully considered steps to bring us to the current position. As part of these acupuncturists, and other healthcare providers, are permitted to operate, with mitigations in place to reduce the risk of transmission of Covid-19.","answerHtml":"In the period since this question was tabled the Executive has taken a series of carefully considered steps to bring us to the current position. As part of these acupuncturists, and other healthcare providers, are permitted to operate, with mitigations in place to reduce the risk of transmission of Covid-19.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209116%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=312794","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=312794"}},{"id":"312793","reference":"AQW 9115/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-20","answerBy":"2020-11-04","answered":"2020-10-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether permission will be given to district councils to capitalise redundancy payments.","answerText":"Section 19(5) of the Local Government Finance Act (NI) 2011 allows my Department to issue capitalisation directions to councils. This permits, in very limited circumstances, specified items of expenditure normally classified as revenue to be treated as capital expenditure.\n\nAs part of the Reform of Local Government, cost cutting measures such as staff severance costs, were considered to meet the capitalisation criteria during the period 1 April 2015 – 31 December 2019.\n\nMy officials are currently looking at options of how the use of capitalisation directions for staff severance costs could be utilised for the COVID-19 pandemic.","answerHtml":"Section 19(5) of the Local Government Finance Act (NI) 2011 allows my Department to issue capitalisation directions to councils. This permits, in very limited circumstances, specified items of expenditure normally classified as revenue to be treated as capital expenditure.
As part of the Reform of Local Government, cost cutting measures such as staff severance costs, were considered to meet the capitalisation criteria during the period 1 April 2015 – 31 December 2019.
My officials are currently looking at options of how the use of capitalisation directions for staff severance costs could be utilised for the COVID-19 pandemic.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209115%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=312793","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=312793"}},{"id":"312792","reference":"AQW 9114/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-20","answerBy":"2020-11-04","answered":"2020-10-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on engagement with district councils concerning restructuring of loans to aid financial circumstances being experienced as a result of the pandemic.","answerText":"My Department is liaising with councils through Association of Local Government Finance Officers and Society of Local Authority Chief Executives to ascertain the number of loans and the interest rates that apply on those loans, in order to ascertain if there are options to restructure loans that could be utilised.","answerHtml":"My Department is liaising with councils through Association of Local Government Finance Officers and Society of Local Authority Chief Executives to ascertain the number of loans and the interest rates that apply on those loans, in order to ascertain if there are options to restructure loans that could be utilised.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209114%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=312792","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=312792"}},{"id":"312566","reference":"AQW 9044/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-19","answerBy":"2020-10-23","answered":"2020-10-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether he intends to actively explore enhanced Home to School Provision to provide greater social distancing in order to limit the transmission of COVID-19 via (i) increased Translink services; (ii) utilisation of Private Coach Operators; (iii) engagement of private taxis, where relevant regulatory arrangements permit.","answerText":"My Department’s current guidance states that pupils on all buses should always seek to maintain a social distance from others wherever possible, however the guidance for public transport on social distancing does not apply on dedicated school transport. A range of associated mitigating measures have been put in place to minimise the risks. This guidance was developed in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Advisor.\n\nAny form of social distancing on home to school transport vehicles would dramatically reduce the available capacity to a fraction of that required. As a result it would not be possible to transport over 80,000 pupils each day and it would be likely that many pupils would be unable to attend school in this scenario. The risks to pupils’ mental health, social development and educational outcomes for such pupils would be significant.\n\nThe Education Authority continues to work closely with Translink and the Department for Infrastructure to ensure sufficient transport capacity is available to meet the needs of pupils allocated a bus pass for use on either a public bus service or a dedicated school only service, whilst also maintaining bus service capacity for the general public. The provision of school transport whether on dedicated school buses or public buses has been provided through the flexible use of the Translink fleet.\n\nThe Department for Infrastructure has informed me that Translink has worked with the Education Authority and local schools to add additional dedicated school services and has advised that Translink is also providing over 500 additional bus services to supplement the public transport network to facilitate social distancing for all passengers, including school children.\n\nI believe that the range of additional services that have been put in place are sufficient to ensure the implementation of the current guidance, however I will continue to be guided by the relevant medical and scientific advice.","answerHtml":"My Department’s current guidance states that pupils on all buses should always seek to maintain a social distance from others wherever possible, however the guidance for public transport on social distancing does not apply on dedicated school transport. A range of associated mitigating measures have been put in place to minimise the risks. This guidance was developed in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Advisor.
Any form of social distancing on home to school transport vehicles would dramatically reduce the available capacity to a fraction of that required. As a result it would not be possible to transport over 80,000 pupils each day and it would be likely that many pupils would be unable to attend school in this scenario. The risks to pupils’ mental health, social development and educational outcomes for such pupils would be significant.
The Education Authority continues to work closely with Translink and the Department for Infrastructure to ensure sufficient transport capacity is available to meet the needs of pupils allocated a bus pass for use on either a public bus service or a dedicated school only service, whilst also maintaining bus service capacity for the general public. The provision of school transport whether on dedicated school buses or public buses has been provided through the flexible use of the Translink fleet.
The Department for Infrastructure has informed me that Translink has worked with the Education Authority and local schools to add additional dedicated school services and has advised that Translink is also providing over 500 additional bus services to supplement the public transport network to facilitate social distancing for all passengers, including school children.
I believe that the range of additional services that have been put in place are sufficient to ensure the implementation of the current guidance, however I will continue to be guided by the relevant medical and scientific advice.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209044%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=312566","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=312566"}},{"id":"312414","reference":"AQW 8951/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-16","answerBy":"2020-10-22","answered":"2020-10-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she intends to actively explore enhanced Home to School Provision to provide greater social distancing in order to limit the transmission of COVID-19 via (i) increased Translink services; (ii) utilisation of private coach operators; and (iii) engagement of private taxis, where relevant regulatory arrangements permit.","answerText":"I have engaged with the Education Minister on various school transportation issues throughout the pandemic, including how best to provide additional capacity on school services in a way that protects other passengers on our public transport network. As a result of this engagement, Translink agreed to provide an additional 500 school buses, and has also designated some of the public timetabled services as “schools only\".\n\nI have also raised with Minister Weir the potential to utilise private buses and coaches and taxis to provide additional school transport capacity. However, the responsibility for making any such arrangements lies with his Department.","answerHtml":"I have engaged with the Education Minister on various school transportation issues throughout the pandemic, including how best to provide additional capacity on school services in a way that protects other passengers on our public transport network. As a result of this engagement, Translink agreed to provide an additional 500 school buses, and has also designated some of the public timetabled services as “schools only".
I have also raised with Minister Weir the potential to utilise private buses and coaches and taxis to provide additional school transport capacity. However, the responsibility for making any such arrangements lies with his Department.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208951%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=312414","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=312414"}},{"id":"312413","reference":"AQW 8950/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-16","answerBy":"2020-11-02","answered":"2020-11-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs whether he plans to introduce a ban on single use plastics.","answerText":"In the New Decade, New Approach deal, the Executive is tasked with bringing forward actions to address climate change including creating a plan to eliminate plastic pollution.\n\nAn Executive paper will be tabled shortly proposing an action plan to eliminate unnecessary single-use plastics in the government estate. If agreed by the Executive, the plan will be phased in over the following 12 months to enable the necessary changes to purchasing contracts with suppliers to be made.\n\nWith other UK administrations having introduced or consulting on introducing legislative measures on single-use plastics, I will review with my officials whether it would be appropriate to introduce similar measures for Northern Ireland.\n\nOn a more local front, my Department has been supporting the local charities Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful and Sustainable NI in the delivery of a multi-year behaviour change and education project. The ‘Tackling Plastics’ project is working with schools, the general public, local councils, businesses and the public sector to eliminate problem plastics. While legislating to ban or restrict the availability of single use plastic has an important role, changing mind-sets and lifestyles away from single use and thoughtless disposal is equally, if not more important.\n\nI propose to launch a consultation on a review of the Carrier Bag Levy in early 2021 but at a broader level across the UK there are important legislative measures being introduced that will have a significant impact on plastic use. I am working closely with Ministerial colleagues across the UK to introduce legislation to promote a Circular Economy Package which will help to retain the value of plastic resources within the economy and out of the environment. Legislation on a Deposit Return Scheme and Extended Producer Responsibility are also being considered, both of which will help to increase plastic recycling and this would be supported\n\nby a HM Treasury Plastic packaging tax, specifically designed to incentivise the demand for recycled plastic.\n\nI trust this provides reassurance that I am already addressing issues with single-use plastics and that I continue to keep the situation under review.","answerHtml":"In the New Decade, New Approach deal, the Executive is tasked with bringing forward actions to address climate change including creating a plan to eliminate plastic pollution.
An Executive paper will be tabled shortly proposing an action plan to eliminate unnecessary single-use plastics in the government estate. If agreed by the Executive, the plan will be phased in over the following 12 months to enable the necessary changes to purchasing contracts with suppliers to be made.
With other UK administrations having introduced or consulting on introducing legislative measures on single-use plastics, I will review with my officials whether it would be appropriate to introduce similar measures for Northern Ireland.
On a more local front, my Department has been supporting the local charities Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful and Sustainable NI in the delivery of a multi-year behaviour change and education project. The ‘Tackling Plastics’ project is working with schools, the general public, local councils, businesses and the public sector to eliminate problem plastics. While legislating to ban or restrict the availability of single use plastic has an important role, changing mind-sets and lifestyles away from single use and thoughtless disposal is equally, if not more important.
I propose to launch a consultation on a review of the Carrier Bag Levy in early 2021 but at a broader level across the UK there are important legislative measures being introduced that will have a significant impact on plastic use. I am working closely with Ministerial colleagues across the UK to introduce legislation to promote a Circular Economy Package which will help to retain the value of plastic resources within the economy and out of the environment. Legislation on a Deposit Return Scheme and Extended Producer Responsibility are also being considered, both of which will help to increase plastic recycling and this would be supported
by a HM Treasury Plastic packaging tax, specifically designed to incentivise the demand for recycled plastic.
I trust this provides reassurance that I am already addressing issues with single-use plastics and that I continue to keep the situation under review.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208950%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=312413","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=312413"}},{"id":"312412","reference":"AQW 8949/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-16","answerBy":"2020-11-02","answered":"2020-10-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, following their inclusion in works programmes for the 2019/20 financial year, when pedestrian refuge islands with associated (i) signage; (ii) tactile paving; and (iii) central hatching road markings are due to be completed along Belfast Road, Bangor.","answerText":"An initial assessment of pedestrian movements along the Belfast Road in Bangor, in the vicinity of the Springfield flyover, indicated there was merit in giving more detailed consideration for potential provision of a crossing facility of some type (controlled push button, puffin type crossing, or uncontrolled refuge islands). Details of plans to undertake a scheme were in fact included in the 2019/20 Roads Council Report to Ards and North Down Borough Council.\n\nCrossings must adhere to certain standards to ensure safety and visibility for road users and pedestrians. My Department has considered a number of options at this site, however, unfortunately due a number of factors including proximity of junctions and locations of businesses and accesses, it was not possible to identify a safe and suitable location for a pedestrian crossing.\n\nConsequently the 2020/21 Roads Council Report does not include a scheme within the current work programme, however, my officials will continue their efforts to identify and assess potential locations for crossings facilities that address the needs of pedestrians and improve the safety of all road users on the Belfast Road adjacent to Springfield flyover.","answerHtml":"An initial assessment of pedestrian movements along the Belfast Road in Bangor, in the vicinity of the Springfield flyover, indicated there was merit in giving more detailed consideration for potential provision of a crossing facility of some type (controlled push button, puffin type crossing, or uncontrolled refuge islands). Details of plans to undertake a scheme were in fact included in the 2019/20 Roads Council Report to Ards and North Down Borough Council.
Crossings must adhere to certain standards to ensure safety and visibility for road users and pedestrians. My Department has considered a number of options at this site, however, unfortunately due a number of factors including proximity of junctions and locations of businesses and accesses, it was not possible to identify a safe and suitable location for a pedestrian crossing.
Consequently the 2020/21 Roads Council Report does not include a scheme within the current work programme, however, my officials will continue their efforts to identify and assess potential locations for crossings facilities that address the needs of pedestrians and improve the safety of all road users on the Belfast Road adjacent to Springfield flyover.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208949%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=312412","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=312412"}},{"id":"312411","reference":"AQW 8948/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-16","answerBy":"2020-11-02","answered":"2020-10-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail the status of discussions with HM Treasury concerning granting of borrowing powers to the Executive for revenue expenditure.","answerText":"At this stage my focus, along with the Scottish and Welsh Finance Ministers, is to press Treasury for further flexibilities to allow the Executive to manage within the overall budget envelope provided to us – these include the ability to transfer Capital to Resource should the need arise as well as increased flexibility to carry forward unspent funding.\n\nI am however in favour a comprehensive examination of the Executive’s fiscal powers, as has been conducted in Scotland and Wales.","answerHtml":"At this stage my focus, along with the Scottish and Welsh Finance Ministers, is to press Treasury for further flexibilities to allow the Executive to manage within the overall budget envelope provided to us – these include the ability to transfer Capital to Resource should the need arise as well as increased flexibility to carry forward unspent funding.
I am however in favour a comprehensive examination of the Executive’s fiscal powers, as has been conducted in Scotland and Wales.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208948%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=312411","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=312411"}},{"id":"312083","reference":"AQW 8781/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-14","answerBy":"2020-10-19","answered":"2020-10-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether he will be recommending that the £200million in Barnett consequentials announced by the UK Government on the 9 October 2020 be allocated to economic support for businesses affected by COVID-19 public health restrictions.","answerText":"The additional funding of £200 million allocated to the Executive on 9 October 2020 is an uplift to the guaranteed amount of additional Resource DEL funding for 2020-21 announced in the Spring Economic Update. This brings the total funding made available by the British Government to the Executive for its COVID-19 response to £2.4 billion.\n\nIt will be for the Executive to decide on how the additional funding is allocated, based on assessments of need from all Ministers, including the Economy Minister.","answerHtml":"The additional funding of £200 million allocated to the Executive on 9 October 2020 is an uplift to the guaranteed amount of additional Resource DEL funding for 2020-21 announced in the Spring Economic Update. This brings the total funding made available by the British Government to the Executive for its COVID-19 response to £2.4 billion.
It will be for the Executive to decide on how the additional funding is allocated, based on assessments of need from all Ministers, including the Economy Minister.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208781%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=312083","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=312083"}},{"id":"312082","reference":"AQW 8780/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-14","answerBy":"2020-10-29","answered":"2020-10-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether he will publish the advisory guidance and regulations for commercial tenants and commercial landlords on rent collection while COVID-19 public health restrictions are in place.","answerText":"Both the regulations and the guidance have been published.\n\nMy Department inserted a special provision into the Coronavirus Act 2020 to ensure that business tenants here are protected from the threat of eviction because of non-payment of rent at this difficult time. The special provision initially applied during the period from 25 March 2020 to 30 June 2020; I subsequently extended the protection by legislation until 30 September and then recently under to 31 December 2020 under The Business Tenancies (Coronavirus) (Restriction on Forfeiture: Relevant Period) (Northern Ireland) (No 2) Regulations 2020. The regulations have been published at https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2020/209/contents/made.\n\nIn my Press Release on 19 June I welcomed and referenced the publication of the voluntary Code of Practice for landlords and tenants by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, which seeks to promote good practice between tenants and landlords, working together to get through the pandemic. The published guidance remains available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/code-of-practice-for-the-commercial-property-sector","answerHtml":"Both the regulations and the guidance have been published.
My Department inserted a special provision into the Coronavirus Act 2020 to ensure that business tenants here are protected from the threat of eviction because of non-payment of rent at this difficult time. The special provision initially applied during the period from 25 March 2020 to 30 June 2020; I subsequently extended the protection by legislation until 30 September and then recently under to 31 December 2020 under The Business Tenancies (Coronavirus) (Restriction on Forfeiture: Relevant Period) (Northern Ireland) (No 2) Regulations 2020. The regulations have been published at https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2020/209/contents/made.
In my Press Release on 19 June I welcomed and referenced the publication of the voluntary Code of Practice for landlords and tenants by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, which seeks to promote good practice between tenants and landlords, working together to get through the pandemic. The published guidance remains available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/code-of-practice-for-the-commercial-property-sector
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208780%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=312082","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=312082"}},{"id":"312081","reference":"AQW 8779/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-14","answerBy":"2020-10-29","answered":"2020-10-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether a grant support scheme to assist businesses affected by COVID-19 public health restrictions based on turnover reduction, as has been announced in the Republic of Ireland, will be considered by his Department.","answerText":"Following my announcement of a business support scheme on 15 October, the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme opened on 19 October across all council areas for businesses required to close or severely limit their operations by the Health Regulations. Eligible businesses using commercial premises, are able to apply for financial support based in most cases on the total Net Annual Value (NAV) of the property from which the business operates. This means that I will get financial support out on the ground quickly, based on a generous scale of pre-determined weekly payments. Businesses do not need to complete an application process based on turnover and a reduction assessment.\n\nFurther details on this scheme and eligibility requirements are available at https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/LocalisedRestrictionsSupport I recognise that this Scheme will not benefit all business impacted and so I have asked my Executive colleagues to urgently bring forward other proposals which aim to assist the particular sectors for which they have responsibility for.","answerHtml":"Following my announcement of a business support scheme on 15 October, the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme opened on 19 October across all council areas for businesses required to close or severely limit their operations by the Health Regulations. Eligible businesses using commercial premises, are able to apply for financial support based in most cases on the total Net Annual Value (NAV) of the property from which the business operates. This means that I will get financial support out on the ground quickly, based on a generous scale of pre-determined weekly payments. Businesses do not need to complete an application process based on turnover and a reduction assessment.
Further details on this scheme and eligibility requirements are available at https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/LocalisedRestrictionsSupport I recognise that this Scheme will not benefit all business impacted and so I have asked my Executive colleagues to urgently bring forward other proposals which aim to assist the particular sectors for which they have responsibility for.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208779%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=312081","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=312081"}},{"id":"312080","reference":"AQW 8778/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-14","answerBy":"2020-10-29","answered":"2020-10-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance what mechanisms are in place to ensure that businesses that pay their rates via their landlord have access to grant support available as a result of COVID-19 public health restrictions.","answerText":"As you are aware, Land & Property Services (LPS) administered the Small Business Grant Support Scheme and has just commenced administration of the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme.\n\nLPS has put in place mechanisms to ensure that grants are paid to the intended recipient, the occupier of the premises.\n\nFor the Small Business Grant Support Scheme, a dedicated portal was developed for use by occupiers of premises with a Net Annual Value for which liability for the rates rested under legislation with the landlord. The occupier was able to use this portal to make an application and provide proof of occupation.\n\nFor all other non-domestic accounts, where the occupier was liable for rates, but was set up in the name of the landlord, LPS manually checked each application to determine if it was the occupier who made the application for a grant, did investigations to determine the business operating from the property or asked for proof of occupation before paying a grant.\n\nIt is recognised that at the beginning of this scheme when grants were automatically issued to those who paid their rates through direct debit, a small number of owners instead of occupiers were paid. However, when the occupier made an application for a grant these were paid once the necessary investigations were done and proof of occupation supplied. LPS is currently working to recoup all grants paid in error to property owners.\n\nI must point out that under the terms of the Small Business Support Grant Scheme, businesses which rented a space within a property, did not occupy a property which is a distinct property (hereditament) on the Valuation List and are not in receipt of Small Business Rate Relief did not qualify for a grant.\n\nUnder the terms of the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme, all business which have been required to close, or have had business activities at their premises directly curtailed by the Covid-19 health protection restrictions that have been put in place, are eligible for grant support. This includes those business which rent space in a property.\n\nLPS has designed a portal for applications to this new Scheme which is hosted on the nibusinessinfo website. The information given about the Scheme explains eligibility and clearly states that landlords and managing agents must not complete the application on behalf of a tenant business which occupies their property.\n\nLPS will scrutinise and investigate the information on each application to ensure it is the occupier of the premises who receives the grant. The nature of the business affected by the restrictions means LPS can cross reference with District Council information on Food Hygiene Certificates and operating licenses.","answerHtml":"As you are aware, Land & Property Services (LPS) administered the Small Business Grant Support Scheme and has just commenced administration of the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme.
LPS has put in place mechanisms to ensure that grants are paid to the intended recipient, the occupier of the premises.
For the Small Business Grant Support Scheme, a dedicated portal was developed for use by occupiers of premises with a Net Annual Value for which liability for the rates rested under legislation with the landlord. The occupier was able to use this portal to make an application and provide proof of occupation.
For all other non-domestic accounts, where the occupier was liable for rates, but was set up in the name of the landlord, LPS manually checked each application to determine if it was the occupier who made the application for a grant, did investigations to determine the business operating from the property or asked for proof of occupation before paying a grant.
It is recognised that at the beginning of this scheme when grants were automatically issued to those who paid their rates through direct debit, a small number of owners instead of occupiers were paid. However, when the occupier made an application for a grant these were paid once the necessary investigations were done and proof of occupation supplied. LPS is currently working to recoup all grants paid in error to property owners.
I must point out that under the terms of the Small Business Support Grant Scheme, businesses which rented a space within a property, did not occupy a property which is a distinct property (hereditament) on the Valuation List and are not in receipt of Small Business Rate Relief did not qualify for a grant.
Under the terms of the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme, all business which have been required to close, or have had business activities at their premises directly curtailed by the Covid-19 health protection restrictions that have been put in place, are eligible for grant support. This includes those business which rent space in a property.
LPS has designed a portal for applications to this new Scheme which is hosted on the nibusinessinfo website. The information given about the Scheme explains eligibility and clearly states that landlords and managing agents must not complete the application on behalf of a tenant business which occupies their property.
LPS will scrutinise and investigate the information on each application to ensure it is the occupier of the premises who receives the grant. The nature of the business affected by the restrictions means LPS can cross reference with District Council information on Food Hygiene Certificates and operating licenses.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208778%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=312080","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=312080"}},{"id":"312079","reference":"AQW 8777/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-14","answerBy":"2020-10-29","answered":"2020-10-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether driving tests booked for during the four weeks from Friday 16 October will be able to proceed.","answerText":"Driving instructors have been included in the Executive’s regulations on businesses that must close over the next four weeks to help stop the spread of Covid-19. Following this Executive decision driving tests will also cease over this period of increased restrictions based on public health and scientific advice. The booking service is now closed and the DVA will contact those who had their driving tests cancelled to advise them how they can reschedule their appointments.\n\nTo create additional capacity the DVA is planning to open up the booking system for February for these impacted customers only. Further appointments will also be made available in November, December and January as the DVA increases capacity by recruiting additional examiners. These slots, when they are released, will also only be available to these impacted customers.\n\nThe DVA acknowledges that learner drivers are keen to take their driving tests at the earliest opportunity and will continue to work hard to maximise the availability of test slots. However, all driving test services across these islands are experiencing high demand with longer than usual waiting times. Like all public facing services, the Covid-19 restrictions mean that the DVA has had to adapt its services to ensure that they can be provided safely and they would ask customers for their patience at this difficult time.\n\nIt is my priority to ensure that our staff and customers remain safe and the DVA will continue to be guided by the latest public health and scientific advice as we work as quickly as we can to serve all our customers.","answerHtml":"Driving instructors have been included in the Executive’s regulations on businesses that must close over the next four weeks to help stop the spread of Covid-19. Following this Executive decision driving tests will also cease over this period of increased restrictions based on public health and scientific advice. The booking service is now closed and the DVA will contact those who had their driving tests cancelled to advise them how they can reschedule their appointments.
To create additional capacity the DVA is planning to open up the booking system for February for these impacted customers only. Further appointments will also be made available in November, December and January as the DVA increases capacity by recruiting additional examiners. These slots, when they are released, will also only be available to these impacted customers.
The DVA acknowledges that learner drivers are keen to take their driving tests at the earliest opportunity and will continue to work hard to maximise the availability of test slots. However, all driving test services across these islands are experiencing high demand with longer than usual waiting times. Like all public facing services, the Covid-19 restrictions mean that the DVA has had to adapt its services to ensure that they can be provided safely and they would ask customers for their patience at this difficult time.
It is my priority to ensure that our staff and customers remain safe and the DVA will continue to be guided by the latest public health and scientific advice as we work as quickly as we can to serve all our customers.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208777%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=312079","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=312079"}},{"id":"311889","reference":"AQW 8721/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-13","answerBy":"2020-10-16","answered":"2021-08-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether he intends to bring forward a funding bid to assist district councils in costs associated with engagement of Environmental Health Officers concerning enforcement of Coronavirus Regulations with regards to use of face coverings.","answerText":"I have currently no plans to provide funding to assist district councils with these costs.","answerHtml":"I have currently no plans to provide funding to assist district councils with these costs.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208721%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=311889","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=311889"}},{"id":"311888","reference":"AQW 8720/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-13","answerBy":"2020-10-28","answered":"2020-10-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline whether she intends to bring forward a grants scheme for greenway schemes.","answerText":"In September, I announced £2.8 million of capital grants towards the development of six greenway projects, where construction could begin this financial year. I also indicated that I hope to be in a position to fund further greenway projects in the future out of the blue /green infrastructure fund. Officials have already written to Councils encouraging them to submit their business cases for projects where construction could start next year.\n\nDecisions on the extent of funding for any future greenway projects will depend on the budget provided to my Department for 2021/22 and beyond.","answerHtml":"In September, I announced £2.8 million of capital grants towards the development of six greenway projects, where construction could begin this financial year. I also indicated that I hope to be in a position to fund further greenway projects in the future out of the blue /green infrastructure fund. Officials have already written to Councils encouraging them to submit their business cases for projects where construction could start next year.
Decisions on the extent of funding for any future greenway projects will depend on the budget provided to my Department for 2021/22 and beyond.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208720%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=311888","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=311888"}},{"id":"311887","reference":"AQW 8719/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-13","answerBy":"2020-10-28","answered":"2020-10-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for his assessment of the resources in place for Land and Property Services to deliver the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme.","answerText":"LPS has initially identified a small team of staff based mainly in the North West to resource the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme focused in that area. This team worked extensively on the Small Business Grant Scheme and is therefore experienced in the kind of work required to deliver the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme.\n\nLPS and the wider Department of Finance will redeploy staff from other areas of work to scale up the number of staff working on the scheme to deal with any extension of scope, if required.","answerHtml":"LPS has initially identified a small team of staff based mainly in the North West to resource the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme focused in that area. This team worked extensively on the Small Business Grant Scheme and is therefore experienced in the kind of work required to deliver the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme.
LPS and the wider Department of Finance will redeploy staff from other areas of work to scale up the number of staff working on the scheme to deal with any extension of scope, if required.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208719%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=311887","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=311887"}},{"id":"311886","reference":"AQW 8718/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-13","answerBy":"2020-10-28","answered":"2020-10-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether consideration has been given to assisting district Councils with the cost of Voluntary Severance Schemes via utilisation of Capital Borrowing Powers.","answerText":"It would be for the Department for Communities to bring forward any proposals in relation to District Councils’ borrowing powers. I would be happy to consider any proposal that is brought forward, although this would also require Treasury agreement.","answerHtml":"It would be for the Department for Communities to bring forward any proposals in relation to District Councils’ borrowing powers. I would be happy to consider any proposal that is brought forward, although this would also require Treasury agreement.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208718%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=311886","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=311886"}},{"id":"311885","reference":"AQW 8717/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-13","answerBy":"2020-10-28","answered":"2020-10-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for an update on engagement with district Councils concerning restructuring of loans to aid financial circumstances being experienced as a result of the pandemic.","answerText":"Any engagement around this issue would be with the Communities Minister, who has responsibility for the sector. I would be happy to consider any proposal that is brought forward by the Minister for Communities.","answerHtml":"Any engagement around this issue would be with the Communities Minister, who has responsibility for the sector. I would be happy to consider any proposal that is brought forward by the Minister for Communities.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208717%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=311885","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=311885"}},{"id":"311579","reference":"AQW 8610/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-12","answerBy":"2020-10-15","answered":"2020-10-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will (i) suspend closure of Baranailt Road South as part of A6 Dungiven to Drumahoe Dualling Project; and (ii) explore alternatives in light of limited consultation undertaken and the impact that closure will have upon local communities.","answerText":"The closure of the lower Baranailt Road is essential to enable the construction of the new Claudy grade separated junction as part of the ongoing A6 Dungiven to Drumahoe Dualling scheme. For safety reasons it is not be possible to maintain vehicle or pedestrian access through the construction site when the road is closed and alternative construction methods have already been considered and ruled out.\n\nOfficials from my Department, along with staff from the Contractor, have been actively engaged with the community. Following notification of the closure a number of concerns were raised and in response an online ‘Zoom’ meeting was arranged with the community group Claudy Life, local residents, and a number of elected representatives. A number of concerns were discussed and staff from my Department are working to try to address them with mitigating measures. The Department will continue to work with the local community to minimise the impact of these works while also ensuring that works are completed in the quickest timeframe possible.","answerHtml":"The closure of the lower Baranailt Road is essential to enable the construction of the new Claudy grade separated junction as part of the ongoing A6 Dungiven to Drumahoe Dualling scheme. For safety reasons it is not be possible to maintain vehicle or pedestrian access through the construction site when the road is closed and alternative construction methods have already been considered and ruled out.
Officials from my Department, along with staff from the Contractor, have been actively engaged with the community. Following notification of the closure a number of concerns were raised and in response an online ‘Zoom’ meeting was arranged with the community group Claudy Life, local residents, and a number of elected representatives. A number of concerns were discussed and staff from my Department are working to try to address them with mitigating measures. The Department will continue to work with the local community to minimise the impact of these works while also ensuring that works are completed in the quickest timeframe possible.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208610%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=311579","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=311579"}},{"id":"311578","reference":"AQW 8609/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-12","answerBy":"2020-10-27","answered":"2020-10-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) current enrolments; (ii) number of applications received for 2020/21 entry; and (ii) numbers accepted for 2020/21 entry for each primary school in North Down.","answerText":"It is not possible to provide accurate current enrolment numbers for the 2020/21 school year until the annual census exercise completes in December 2020.\n\nThe attached table sets out the total number of applications received by each primary school in North Down for entry in the 2020/21 academic year and the number of pupils accepted. This information has been provided by the Education Authority.\n\nSchool\tTotal number of admission applications received\tTotal number of P1 pupils admitted\nBallyvester Primary School\t14\t14\nHolywood Primary School\t73\t73\nCrawfordsburn Primary School\t39\t30\nBallyholme Primary School\t101\t90\nDonaghadee Primary School\t55\t55\nClandeboye Primary School\t44\t44\nMillisle Primary School\t29\t29\nBloomfield Primary School\t61\t60\nGrange Park Primary School\t67\t60\nKilcooley Primary School\t16\t16\nRathmore Primary School\t89\t89\nTowerview Primary School\t59\t59\nKilmaine Primary School\t91\t87\nBallymagee Primary School\t78\t58\nSt Patrick's Primary School\t33\t33\nSt Anne's Primary School\t9\t9\nSt Comgall's Primary School\t60\t41\nSt Malachy's Primary School\t48\t48\nBangor Central Integrated Primary School\t64\t64\nGlencraig Integrated Primary School\t44\t30\n\n*The total number of admissions applications received relates to all applications received by a school at any preference – i.e. not just first preference applications. As a result, totalling the number of applications in the column does not equate to the number of individual applicants.\n\n**These figures do not include children with a statement of special educational needs, who do not apply for a school place through the competitive admissions process.","answerHtml":"It is not possible to provide accurate current enrolment numbers for the 2020/21 school year until the annual census exercise completes in December 2020.
The attached table sets out the total number of applications received by each primary school in North Down for entry in the 2020/21 academic year and the number of pupils accepted. This information has been provided by the Education Authority.
| School | Total number of admission applications received | Total number of P1 pupils admitted |
| Ballyvester Primary School | 14 | 14 |
| Holywood Primary School | 73 | 73 |
| Crawfordsburn Primary School | 39 | 30 |
| Ballyholme Primary School | 101 | 90 |
| Donaghadee Primary School | 55 | 55 |
| Clandeboye Primary School | 44 | 44 |
| Millisle Primary School | 29 | 29 |
| Bloomfield Primary School | 61 | 60 |
| Grange Park Primary School | 67 | 60 |
| Kilcooley Primary School | 16 | 16 |
| Rathmore Primary School | 89 | 89 |
| Towerview Primary School | 59 | 59 |
| Kilmaine Primary School | 91 | 87 |
| Ballymagee Primary School | 78 | 58 |
| St Patrick's Primary School | 33 | 33 |
| St Anne's Primary School | 9 | 9 |
| St Comgall's Primary School | 60 | 41 |
| St Malachy's Primary School | 48 | 48 |
| Bangor Central Integrated Primary School | 64 | 64 |
| Glencraig Integrated Primary School | 44 | 30 |
*The total number of admissions applications received relates to all applications received by a school at any preference – i.e. not just first preference applications. As a result, totalling the number of applications in the column does not equate to the number of individual applicants.
**These figures do not include children with a statement of special educational needs, who do not apply for a school place through the competitive admissions process.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208609%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=311578","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=311578"}},{"id":"311577","reference":"AQW 8608/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-12","answerBy":"2020-10-27","answered":"2020-10-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the rationale for only seeking £1 million in the October 2020 Monitoring Round to cover (i) minor works; and (ii) local transport and safety measures.","answerText":"My Department has recently submitted a capital bid in October monitoring for £5.5m of which £4.5m is in relation to structural maintenance for resurfacing and £1m for minor works / Local Transport and Safety Measures (LTSM).\n\nThe Department’s bid for minor works and LTSM reflects the uncertainty around delivery given the current COVID 19 conditions, the longer lead-in times required for this type of work and our capacity to successfully deliver those schemes by the end of this financial year.","answerHtml":"My Department has recently submitted a capital bid in October monitoring for £5.5m of which £4.5m is in relation to structural maintenance for resurfacing and £1m for minor works / Local Transport and Safety Measures (LTSM).
The Department’s bid for minor works and LTSM reflects the uncertainty around delivery given the current COVID 19 conditions, the longer lead-in times required for this type of work and our capacity to successfully deliver those schemes by the end of this financial year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208608%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=311577","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=311577"}},{"id":"311576","reference":"AQW 8607/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-12","answerBy":"2020-10-27","answered":"2020-10-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) the location; and (ii) dates when bridges on NI Railways network have been subject to a bridge strike on more than one occasion, in each of the last three financial years.","answerText":"The requested information is contained on the attached page\n\nNIR Bridge No\t01.188\t01.236\t02.270A\t02.282\t02.296\t04.318\t05.073\t06.424\t07.112\t08.129\t08.180\t10.189A\t11.003\nLocal Name\tRed Bridge\tTandragee Rd\tBallinderry Rd\tAntrim St\tUpper\nDunmurry Ln\tBridge End St\tOld Stone Rd\tNorth Rd\tClark's Bridge\n/Toome Road\tDunminning\nCounty Rd\tWindyhall\tMillburn Rd\tBrookhill /\nLissue Rd\nNearest NIR\nStation\tNewry\tPortadown\tPortadown\tLisburn\tDerriaghy\tCentral\tAntrim\tCarrick\tAntrim\tBallymena\tBallymoney\tColeraine\tKnockmore\n2017/18\t\t22/04/17\n26/03/18\t\t20/07/17\n05/09/17\n07/11/17\n16/01/18\n14/02/18\t\t\t08/05/17\n28/09/17\n08/11/17\n24/02/18\t18/04/17\n20/05/17\n22/08/17\t27/04/17\n08/12/17\t01/11/17\n05/02/18\t02/03/18\t18/12/17\n15/01/18\n26/01/18\n2018/19\t16/09/18\n28/01/19\t09/03/19\t28/09/18\n24/12/18\t15/11/18\t08/04/18\n06/07/18\n18/02/19\t\t16/09/18\n20/09/18\n06/03/19\t08/05/18\n14/05/18\n01/02/19\t16/04/18\t25/03/19\t\t02/06/18\n20/03/19\t16/08/18\n09/11/18\n2019/20\t\t23/09/19\t\t04/06/19\t11/03/20\t14/08/19\n27/08/19\t07/06/19\n04/12/19\t17/09/19\t11/03/20\t\t14/06/19\n03/07/19\t16/03/20","answerHtml":"The requested information is contained on the attached page
| NIR Bridge No | 01.188 | 01.236 | 02.270A | 02.282 | 02.296 | 04.318 | 05.073 | 06.424 | 07.112 | 08.129 | 08.180 | 10.189A | 11.003 |
| Local Name | Red Bridge | Tandragee Rd | Ballinderry Rd | Antrim St | Upper Dunmurry Ln | Bridge End St | Old Stone Rd | North Rd | Clark's Bridge /Toome Road | Dunminning County Rd | Windyhall | Millburn Rd | Brookhill / Lissue Rd |
| Nearest NIR Station | Newry | Portadown | Portadown | Lisburn | Derriaghy | Central | Antrim | Carrick | Antrim | Ballymena | Ballymoney | Coleraine | Knockmore |
| 2017/18 | 22/04/17 26/03/18 | 20/07/17 05/09/17 07/11/17 16/01/18 14/02/18 | 08/05/17 28/09/17 08/11/17 24/02/18 | 18/04/17 20/05/17 22/08/17 | 27/04/17 08/12/17 | 01/11/17 05/02/18 | 02/03/18 | 18/12/17 15/01/18 26/01/18 | |||||
| 2018/19 | 16/09/18 28/01/19 | 09/03/19 | 28/09/18 24/12/18 | 15/11/18 | 08/04/18 06/07/18 18/02/19 | 16/09/18 20/09/18 06/03/19 | 08/05/18 14/05/18 01/02/19 | 16/04/18 | 25/03/19 | 02/06/18 20/03/19 | 16/08/18 09/11/18 | ||
| 2019/20 | 23/09/19 | 04/06/19 | 11/03/20 | 14/08/19 27/08/19 | 07/06/19 04/12/19 | 17/09/19 | 11/03/20 | 14/06/19 03/07/19 | 16/03/20 |
The Education Authority coordinates transport for eligible pupils based on the demand for services in the area and within the resources available in the greater transport network.
I am advised by the EA that at this time there are only a small number of eligible applications received for transport assistance to Bangor Central IPS. This volume of eligible applications does not warrant dedicated transport provision and applicants are awarded a parental payment to contribute to transport costs. These arrangements will continue to be reviewed should demand increase as the school relocates to the new site.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208535%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=311404","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=311404"}},{"id":"311403","reference":"AQW 8534/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-09","answerBy":"2020-10-26","answered":"2020-10-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance, pursuant to AQW 7947/17-22, whether he will consider asking for permission from HM Treasury to use capital funding to cover the cost of voluntary redundancies.","answerText":"Funding decisions will be taken by the Executive as part of the Budget process and will be based on an assessment of prioritised need and available resources.","answerHtml":"Funding decisions will be taken by the Executive as part of the Budget process and will be based on an assessment of prioritised need and available resources.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208534%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=311403","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=311403"}},{"id":"311402","reference":"AQW 8533/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-09","answerBy":"2020-10-26","answered":"2020-10-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the extent to which visual impact is a consideration in determining regionally significant planning applications concerning the erection of wind turbines.","answerText":"Planning policy is a material planning consideration which must be taken into account in the determination of all planning applications, including those which are regionally significant. Regional planning policy for renewable energy development in Northern Ireland is contained within the Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS) and Policy RE 1 of Planning Policy Statement 18 – Renewable Energy. PPS 18 is also accompanied by a Supplementary Planning Guidance document entitled ‘Wind Energy Development in Northern Ireland Landscapes’.\n\nBoth the SPPS and PPS 18 advise that development that generates energy from renewable resources will be permitted where the proposal and any associated buildings and infrastructure, will not result in an unacceptable adverse impact on a number of planning considerations which includes visual amenity and landscape character.\n\nAccordingly, the assessment of visual impacts is a significant consideration in the determination of all regionally significant applications for wind energy developments.","answerHtml":"Planning policy is a material planning consideration which must be taken into account in the determination of all planning applications, including those which are regionally significant. Regional planning policy for renewable energy development in Northern Ireland is contained within the Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS) and Policy RE 1 of Planning Policy Statement 18 – Renewable Energy. PPS 18 is also accompanied by a Supplementary Planning Guidance document entitled ‘Wind Energy Development in Northern Ireland Landscapes’.
Both the SPPS and PPS 18 advise that development that generates energy from renewable resources will be permitted where the proposal and any associated buildings and infrastructure, will not result in an unacceptable adverse impact on a number of planning considerations which includes visual amenity and landscape character.
Accordingly, the assessment of visual impacts is a significant consideration in the determination of all regionally significant applications for wind energy developments.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208533%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=311402","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=311402"}},{"id":"311401","reference":"AQW 8532/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-09","answerBy":"2020-10-26","answered":"2020-10-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether local councils are permitted to adopt Local Development Plans and Policies contrary to the Strategic Planning Policy Statement for Northern Ireland.","answerText":"The provisions of the Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS) apply to the whole of Northern Ireland and as stipulated in the Planning (NI) Act 2011 these must be taken into account in the preparation of Local Development Plans. However, councils may tailor their operational policies to suit their own local circumstances.\n\nMy Department is one of a number of statutory consultees within the Local Development Plan process that engages with councils throughout plan preparation and has responded to each of the 7 published draft Plan Strategies, highlighting where regional policy has not been followed.\n\nWhere a Council deviates from the SPPS they must ensure that they have robust evidence to show reasoned justification for such a departure. This will be considered at Independent Examination where the Development Plan Document (draft Plan Strategy and draft Local Policies Plan) will be tested for soundness.","answerHtml":"The provisions of the Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS) apply to the whole of Northern Ireland and as stipulated in the Planning (NI) Act 2011 these must be taken into account in the preparation of Local Development Plans. However, councils may tailor their operational policies to suit their own local circumstances.
My Department is one of a number of statutory consultees within the Local Development Plan process that engages with councils throughout plan preparation and has responded to each of the 7 published draft Plan Strategies, highlighting where regional policy has not been followed.
Where a Council deviates from the SPPS they must ensure that they have robust evidence to show reasoned justification for such a departure. This will be considered at Independent Examination where the Development Plan Document (draft Plan Strategy and draft Local Policies Plan) will be tested for soundness.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208532%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=311401","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=311401"}},{"id":"311400","reference":"AQW 8531/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-09","answerBy":"2020-10-26","answered":"2020-10-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in relation to a recent Nikkon Gas UK & Ireland development, whether Newry, Mourne and Down District Council were obligated, under EU transnational planning directives, to notify or consult with Louth County Council.","answerText":"Transboundary notification and consultation required under the Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017 is undertaken when a council, in its role as local planning authority, becomes aware that an application made to it is for proposed development which is likely to have significant effects on the environment in another EU Member State or any other state which is a party to the European Economic Area agreement.\n\nIn such circumstances the council is required to provide my Department with specific information and then my Department would engage directly with that state. In relation to the application by Nippon Gases (which was granted planning permission by the council in 2015) no such notification was given to my Department by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.","answerHtml":"Transboundary notification and consultation required under the Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017 is undertaken when a council, in its role as local planning authority, becomes aware that an application made to it is for proposed development which is likely to have significant effects on the environment in another EU Member State or any other state which is a party to the European Economic Area agreement.
In such circumstances the council is required to provide my Department with specific information and then my Department would engage directly with that state. In relation to the application by Nippon Gases (which was granted planning permission by the council in 2015) no such notification was given to my Department by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208531%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=311400","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=311400"}},{"id":"311232","reference":"AQW 8458/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-08","answerBy":"2020-10-23","answered":"2020-10-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the resumption of approved driving instructor tests.","answerText":"Driving instructors have been included in the Executive’s regulations on businesses that must close over the next four weeks to help stop the spread of Covid-19. Following this Executive decision driving tests will also cease over this period of increased restrictions based on public health and scientific advice. The booking service is now closed and the DVA will contact those who had their driving tests cancelled to advise them how they can reschedule their appointments.\n\nTo create additional capacity the DVA is planning to open up the booking system for February for these impacted customers only. Further appointments will also be made available in November, December and January as the DVA increases capacity by recruiting additional examiners. These slots, when they are released, will also only be available to these impacted customers.\n\nThe qualifying tests for Approved Driving Instructors had not been reinstated before this period of increased restrictions took effect. The DVA is working hard to reinstate these tests as soon as possible after the restrictions end, however due to the longer duration of the on road driving element of this test, it must be fully risk assessed to ensure it can be delivered safely in line with PHA advice and guidance. Whenever the DVA is in a position to resume this service I will ensure this is clearly communicated to all affected customers.","answerHtml":"Driving instructors have been included in the Executive’s regulations on businesses that must close over the next four weeks to help stop the spread of Covid-19. Following this Executive decision driving tests will also cease over this period of increased restrictions based on public health and scientific advice. The booking service is now closed and the DVA will contact those who had their driving tests cancelled to advise them how they can reschedule their appointments.
To create additional capacity the DVA is planning to open up the booking system for February for these impacted customers only. Further appointments will also be made available in November, December and January as the DVA increases capacity by recruiting additional examiners. These slots, when they are released, will also only be available to these impacted customers.
The qualifying tests for Approved Driving Instructors had not been reinstated before this period of increased restrictions took effect. The DVA is working hard to reinstate these tests as soon as possible after the restrictions end, however due to the longer duration of the on road driving element of this test, it must be fully risk assessed to ensure it can be delivered safely in line with PHA advice and guidance. Whenever the DVA is in a position to resume this service I will ensure this is clearly communicated to all affected customers.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208458%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=311232","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=311232"}},{"id":"311231","reference":"AQW 8457/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-08","answerBy":"2020-10-23","answered":"2020-10-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether (i) he is considering a bid of £20 million for COVID-19 funding for Translink; and (ii) any such money would come from the £55 million pot established for personal protective equipment and sectoral support.","answerText":"In addition to £20m allocated in the 2020-21 Budget to address Translink’s underlying deficit, I understand that the Infrastructure Minister has already allocated £70 million to Translink from the additional allocations provided to her Department in response to COVID-19.\n\nThe Department for Infrastructure had originally submitted a further bid of £20 million for Translink in the recent October Monitoring Round exercise, however following the introduction of greater Covid-19 restrictions Departments have been asked to reconsider their Covid-19 bids as a matter of urgency.\n\nIt is my intention to bring all October Monitoring bids to the Executive for consideration as soon as possible once a clearer picture is known.\n\nIn light of the emerging Covid-19 situation, the Executive will also have to reconsider how much money is being held for specific purposes such as personal protective equipment and sectoral support, and how this is to be used.","answerHtml":"In addition to £20m allocated in the 2020-21 Budget to address Translink’s underlying deficit, I understand that the Infrastructure Minister has already allocated £70 million to Translink from the additional allocations provided to her Department in response to COVID-19.
The Department for Infrastructure had originally submitted a further bid of £20 million for Translink in the recent October Monitoring Round exercise, however following the introduction of greater Covid-19 restrictions Departments have been asked to reconsider their Covid-19 bids as a matter of urgency.
It is my intention to bring all October Monitoring bids to the Executive for consideration as soon as possible once a clearer picture is known.
In light of the emerging Covid-19 situation, the Executive will also have to reconsider how much money is being held for specific purposes such as personal protective equipment and sectoral support, and how this is to be used.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208457%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=311231","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=311231"}},{"id":"313015","reference":"AQO 960/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-08","answerBy":"2020-10-20","answered":"2020-10-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure how she will proceed following receipt of the Ministerial Infrastructure Advisory Panel report and recommendations.","answerText":"You will be aware that the Ministerial Advisory Panel presented their final report and recommendations to me on 2 October 2020.\n\nThe report reflects the extensive stakeholder engagement undertaken by the Panel and sets out a number of detailed findings and recommendations in respect of infrastructure planning and delivery here.\n\nI am engaging with Executive colleagues on the final report and also look forward to discussing the report with the Infrastructure Committee to consider how we might best move forward to support the long term planning and delivery of infrastructure, a critical component in the Executive’s Brexit planning and Covid recovery.","answerHtml":"You will be aware that the Ministerial Advisory Panel presented their final report and recommendations to me on 2 October 2020.
The report reflects the extensive stakeholder engagement undertaken by the Panel and sets out a number of detailed findings and recommendations in respect of infrastructure planning and delivery here.
I am engaging with Executive colleagues on the final report and also look forward to discussing the report with the Infrastructure Committee to consider how we might best move forward to support the long term planning and delivery of infrastructure, a critical component in the Executive’s Brexit planning and Covid recovery.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20960%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=313015","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=313015"}},{"id":"311261","reference":"AQO 924/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-08","answerBy":"2020-10-19","answered":"2020-10-19","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether he will offer targeted rates relief in 2020-21 to those business sectors affected by the pandemic.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Murphy","text":"In the current 2020-21 rating year, I am pleased that over 25,000 businesses are benefiting from the targeted 12-month rate relief or holiday that was introduced to help businesses particularly impacted by COVID-19. This initiative, which is providing £213 million of rates support, is acknowledged by local businesses to be have been essential. This targeted support builds on the £100 million provided in the four-month rates holiday provided earlier this year to all businesses and demonstrates our continued determination to help businesses to get through the pandemic. You will have heard my response to the Member for North Down concerning the newspaper sector. I consider that this would be a small but suitable extension to the scheme."},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"I thank the Minister for his response. The assistance given in this financial year is to be welcomed and should be extended to cover industries affected by the further restrictions now in place. What work is being done to look at relief for the next financial year, 2021-22? I ask that because I know that a number of businesses will continue to suffer a downturn in trade as a result of the pandemic."},{"speaker":"Mr Murphy","text":"I agree with the Member in his last point that it is unlikely that we will be through the economic consequences of the pandemic, whatever about the health consequences, by the end of the financial year. We sincerely hope that there will be some end to the pandemic and that solutions will be found, but, undoubtedly, economic damage will continue. We have already begun the exercise of looking at next year's commercial and non-domestic rates, and we will begin to engage with some business sectors on that. The piece of work that we undertook to target more rates support beyond the first four months that benefited all businesses was undertaken by Ulster University. We have asked it, again, to give assistance in looking forward into next year. The Member will understand that it is very difficult, given how unpredictable the virus has been and the consequences of further restrictions having to be introduced. We are undertaking that work, and we will again engage Ulster University to assist us in looking at the specific sectors that will continue to struggle in the new financial year."},{"speaker":"Mr Allister","text":"I ask the Minister to look at one particular sector in business that has not been provided for in rates relief, namely the B&B sector. Its businesses primarily pay domestic rates, yet they seek to operate businesses that have been devastated. Would it not be fair and appropriate, in that niche, to provide rates relief for B&B operators?"},{"speaker":"Mr Murphy","text":"I am certainly content to look at rates relief for them. It is timely because, in our consideration of the scheme to support businesses that are forced into closure, we have been able to include the smaller bed and breakfasts. It was on the basis of a conversation with them that, as the Member quite rightly identifies, it was identified that they come in under the domestic rating and, therefore, Land and Property Services (LPS) was unable to distinguish between them and ordinary households. LPS advised us that the Tourist Board gives them a certificate of accreditation. It was simply a matter of getting a list. That could have been done earlier in the pandemic, and I regret that it was not, because we could have got support to that sector more easily. We have now been able to include B&Bs in the support package for businesses that are obliged to close down under the new restrictions. It is not the rates relief question that he raises, but it is something. It points out the necessity not just of Departments collaborating but of arm's-length bodies bringing information in to assist."},{"speaker":"","text":"I have asked Departments to adopt a can-do attitude, and the same applies to arm's-length bodies. The sector is vital to the tourism industry here, and some 400 businesses are affected. That should have been picked up on earlier in the year, but I am glad that it now has been."},{"speaker":"Ms Dolan","text":"Minister, do you agree that the business rate policy for the next financial year needs to be set as soon as possible in order to give businesses time to plan?"},{"speaker":"Mr Murphy","text":"Yes. It should be. We have budgetary issues that we have to get clarity on. We are pressing very hard to get that clarity. We want to set policies against the budgets that are available to us. We are planning on the basis that we are into a multi-annual Budget of three years for resource and a four-year one for capital. We have yet to get absolute confirmation from Treasury in that regard. The spending review has begun. We, as well as Scotland and Wales, are very keen to get some information from Treasury on how that is being conducted. I agree with you that the planning should be done as early as possible, but being uncertain about the funding envelope that we have makes it much more difficult to plan."},{"speaker":"Mr Catney","text":"Consideration is being given to extending targeted rate relief to the local arts sector. Does the Minister agree that it is irresponsible to continue to rely solely on the ad hoc handouts from Westminster to address the structural challenges to Northern Ireland's economy that have been thrown up by COVID? What discussions has he had with the Minister for the Economy around developing an economic intervention programme to address the long-term impacts on job and business creation?"},{"speaker":"Mr Murphy","text":"The Executive have discussed the broader issue of economic support, and I have had discussions with the Minister for the Economy as well about support in the here and now. The difficulty, as I identified in my previous answer, with longer-term economic input and providing longer-term support — this is undoubtedly going to be a protracted economic recovery — is in knowing the funding envelope that we have for the years ahead. That is why we need some certainty from the ongoing Whitehall comprehensive spending review (CSR) process. As I said, we need to find out the time frame in which we are operating and the sum that we have attached to that. That is not to say that we should not be engaging with the business sectors and formulating plans, but putting something concrete in place requires us to know the time frame of the Budget and the funding envelope that we have."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20924%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=311261","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2020-10-19&docID=312094#AQO%20924/17-22","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=311261"}},{"id":"311092","reference":"AQW 8381/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-07","answerBy":"2020-10-22","answered":"2020-10-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will include a roll out of further 20mph school speed restriction zones, including North Down schools, within budgets for the next financial year 2021/22.","answerText":"As Minister responsible for promoting and improving road safety, I want to work actively with partners to reduce death and serious injuries on our roads. I believe that reducing the maximum speed traffic can travel at on some of our roads, particularly those near schools, can help in this regard.\n\nI am therefore delighted to have committed funding in this year’s capital budget towards introduction of part-time 20 mph speed limits at around 100 schools. These measures will increase driver awareness and achieve reductions in vehicle speeds outside and near these schools ensuring that parents, children and staff will be safer as they go to and from the schools on a daily basis.\n\nGiven the restricted budgets for works of this nature, as well as the practicalities of delivery, it was necessary to limit the number of schools to 100 in this year’s programme. Unfortunately based on the assessment scores none of the schools in the North Down area were ranked as highly as the other schools included within this year’s programme. However, I do intend to take forward a further tranche of part-time speed limits at schools and the schools in North Down will be considered for inclusion in future programmes the extent and scale of which will be dependent on the funding available to me.","answerHtml":"As Minister responsible for promoting and improving road safety, I want to work actively with partners to reduce death and serious injuries on our roads. I believe that reducing the maximum speed traffic can travel at on some of our roads, particularly those near schools, can help in this regard.
I am therefore delighted to have committed funding in this year’s capital budget towards introduction of part-time 20 mph speed limits at around 100 schools. These measures will increase driver awareness and achieve reductions in vehicle speeds outside and near these schools ensuring that parents, children and staff will be safer as they go to and from the schools on a daily basis.
Given the restricted budgets for works of this nature, as well as the practicalities of delivery, it was necessary to limit the number of schools to 100 in this year’s programme. Unfortunately based on the assessment scores none of the schools in the North Down area were ranked as highly as the other schools included within this year’s programme. However, I do intend to take forward a further tranche of part-time speed limits at schools and the schools in North Down will be considered for inclusion in future programmes the extent and scale of which will be dependent on the funding available to me.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208381%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=311092","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=311092"}},{"id":"311091","reference":"AQW 8380/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-07","answerBy":"2020-10-22","answered":"2020-10-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in light of concerns expressed by local residents in relation to speeding, whether she will consider erecting additional signage on (i) Craigdarragh Road; and (ii) Fort Road, Helen’s Bay, to warn motorists of the 30mph speed limit.","answerText":"The Highway Code for Northern Ireland states, at rule 124, that the presence of street lights indicates that a 30mph speed limit exists, unless otherwise specified. As Fort Road is within this street lit urban setting, repeater 30mph signs would not be considered appropriate.\n\nLeaving Helens Bay, the Fort Road becomes the Craigdarragh Road and the speed limit changes along this road. I have asked officials to review signage on the Craigdarragh Road in the coming weeks to ensure that the speed limits are signed appropriately.\n\nWhere residents have concerns about speeding, I would encourage them to contact the PSNI who are the enforcement authority and can be contacted on their non-emergency number, 101.","answerHtml":"The Highway Code for Northern Ireland states, at rule 124, that the presence of street lights indicates that a 30mph speed limit exists, unless otherwise specified. As Fort Road is within this street lit urban setting, repeater 30mph signs would not be considered appropriate.
Leaving Helens Bay, the Fort Road becomes the Craigdarragh Road and the speed limit changes along this road. I have asked officials to review signage on the Craigdarragh Road in the coming weeks to ensure that the speed limits are signed appropriately.
Where residents have concerns about speeding, I would encourage them to contact the PSNI who are the enforcement authority and can be contacted on their non-emergency number, 101.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208380%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=311091","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=311091"}},{"id":"311090","reference":"AQW 8379/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-07","answerBy":"2020-10-22","answered":"2020-10-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether consideration has been given to introduction of part time 20mph speed limit zone in the vicinity of Eglinton Primary School.","answerText":"As Minister responsible for promoting and improving road safety, I want to work actively with partners to reduce death and serious injuries on our roads. I believe that reducing the maximum speed traffic can travel at on some of our roads, particularly those near schools, can help in this regard.\n\nI am therefore delighted to have committed funding in this year’s capital budget towards introduction of part-time 20 mph speed limits at around 100 schools. These measures will increase driver awareness and achieve reductions in vehicle speeds outside and near these schools ensuring that parents, children and staff will be safer as they go to and from their schools on a daily basis.\n\nI am determined that using the roads around all of our schools will be safer for everyone, and it is my intention that through future programmes many more schools will benefit from a part-time 20 mph speed limit on the roads outside their gates.\n\nGiven the restricted budgets for works of this nature, as well as the practicalities of delivery, it was necessary to limit the number of schools to 100 in this year’s programme. Unfortunately based on its assessment score Eglinton Primary School was not ranked as highly as other schools included within this year’s programme. However, I do intend to take forward a further tranche of part-time speed limits at schools and it will be considered for inclusion in future programmes.","answerHtml":"As Minister responsible for promoting and improving road safety, I want to work actively with partners to reduce death and serious injuries on our roads. I believe that reducing the maximum speed traffic can travel at on some of our roads, particularly those near schools, can help in this regard.
I am therefore delighted to have committed funding in this year’s capital budget towards introduction of part-time 20 mph speed limits at around 100 schools. These measures will increase driver awareness and achieve reductions in vehicle speeds outside and near these schools ensuring that parents, children and staff will be safer as they go to and from their schools on a daily basis.
I am determined that using the roads around all of our schools will be safer for everyone, and it is my intention that through future programmes many more schools will benefit from a part-time 20 mph speed limit on the roads outside their gates.
Given the restricted budgets for works of this nature, as well as the practicalities of delivery, it was necessary to limit the number of schools to 100 in this year’s programme. Unfortunately based on its assessment score Eglinton Primary School was not ranked as highly as other schools included within this year’s programme. However, I do intend to take forward a further tranche of part-time speed limits at schools and it will be considered for inclusion in future programmes.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208379%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=311090","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=311090"}},{"id":"310889","reference":"AQW 8284/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-06","answerBy":"2020-10-12","answered":"2020-10-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for his assessment of the environmental impact of recent actions to release the valves and lowering the water level at Portavoe Reservoir.","answerText":"Departmental officers have visited this site on a number of occasions, most recently on 7 October. Water levels were found to be slightly lower (approximately 20cm below usual level), but within the normal range for a reservoir. There has been no apparent impact on biodiversity, fish or other wildlife from this action, and that should remain the case as long as water levels are not subject to further lowering or unnatural fluctuations.","answerHtml":"Departmental officers have visited this site on a number of occasions, most recently on 7 October. Water levels were found to be slightly lower (approximately 20cm below usual level), but within the normal range for a reservoir. There has been no apparent impact on biodiversity, fish or other wildlife from this action, and that should remain the case as long as water levels are not subject to further lowering or unnatural fluctuations.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208284%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=310889","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=310889"}},{"id":"310888","reference":"AQW 8283/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-06","answerBy":"2020-10-21","answered":"2020-11-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health what provisions are being made to enable the full return of routine Health Service dental care.","answerText":"Routine dental care resumed on 20 July 2020 however, enhanced infection prevention control measures including additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements, fallow time and cleaning after Aerosol Generating Procedures (AGPs) limit the number of patients that can be seen each day.\n\nUpdated operational guidance was issued to General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) on 21 October 2020 and included details on reduction of fallow times. While the new guidelines should allow for an increased number of appointments per day, overall patient throughput is expected to remain below normal levels for the foreseeable future.\n\nTo support the sustainability of practices through this difficult time the Department established the General Dental Services Financial Support Scheme (FSS). In the first six months of 2020/21 the combined level of FSS and net Item of Service (IoS) payments made to GDPs was approximately £32 million. This compares with the £24 million worth of net IoS payments made in the same period in 2019-20.\n\nA further £5m in funding has been approved to address the reduction in revenue from patients, resulting in an additional total investment of £13m. The financial support has been, and will continue to be, conditional on dentists providing care to registered Health Service patients on the basis of need.","answerHtml":"Routine dental care resumed on 20 July 2020 however, enhanced infection prevention control measures including additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements, fallow time and cleaning after Aerosol Generating Procedures (AGPs) limit the number of patients that can be seen each day.
Updated operational guidance was issued to General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) on 21 October 2020 and included details on reduction of fallow times. While the new guidelines should allow for an increased number of appointments per day, overall patient throughput is expected to remain below normal levels for the foreseeable future.
To support the sustainability of practices through this difficult time the Department established the General Dental Services Financial Support Scheme (FSS). In the first six months of 2020/21 the combined level of FSS and net Item of Service (IoS) payments made to GDPs was approximately £32 million. This compares with the £24 million worth of net IoS payments made in the same period in 2019-20.
A further £5m in funding has been approved to address the reduction in revenue from patients, resulting in an additional total investment of £13m. The financial support has been, and will continue to be, conditional on dentists providing care to registered Health Service patients on the basis of need.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208283%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=310888","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=310888"}},{"id":"310887","reference":"AQW 8282/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-06","answerBy":"2020-10-21","answered":"2020-10-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail additional financial support provided to Translink as a result of COVID-19 Barnett conseqentials received.","answerText":"I understand that the Infrastructure Minister has committed £70 million to Translink from the additional allocations she has received from the Executive in response to COVID-19.","answerHtml":"I understand that the Infrastructure Minister has committed £70 million to Translink from the additional allocations she has received from the Executive in response to COVID-19.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208282%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=310887","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=310887"}},{"id":"310886","reference":"AQW 8281/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-06","answerBy":"2020-10-21","answered":"2020-10-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the losses that Translink has suffered that can be attributed to the onset of COVID-19 from March.","answerText":"Analysis of Translink’s results to date for the current financial year indicates an estimated loss of revenue due to the impact of COVID-19 of £110m for the whole year. This figure is subject to change, reflecting the impact of COVID-19 in the remaining months of the financial year.","answerHtml":"Analysis of Translink’s results to date for the current financial year indicates an estimated loss of revenue due to the impact of COVID-19 of £110m for the whole year. This figure is subject to change, reflecting the impact of COVID-19 in the remaining months of the financial year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208281%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=310886","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=310886"}},{"id":"310885","reference":"AQW 8280/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-06","answerBy":"2020-10-21","answered":"2020-10-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 6711/17-22, to detail (i) the number of statutory consultees’ responses to consultation requests for planning applications and; (ii) the percentage of those which were within the statutory time limits, broken down by statutory consultee, for each of the last three years.","answerText":"The following responses were returned to planning application consultations in line with the statutory requirement of 21 days for the reporting periods in question.\n\n2017-18\t2018-19\t2019-20\nTotal statutory consultations returned\tPercentage on time\tTotal statutory consultations returned\tPercentage on time\tTotal statutory consultations returned\tPercentage on time\nDfI Roads\t11537\t71%\t12241\t78%\t10908\t73%\nDAERA Environment Marine and Fisheries\t4315\t87%\t4689\t72%\t4116\t72%\nDfC Historic Environment Division\t2881\t78%\t3266\t76%\t2903\t72%\nNI Water\t3445\t87%\t3159\t84%\t3101\t85%\nDfI Rivers\t2350\t66%\t2571\t29%\t2239\t31%\nHealth Safety Executive NI\t95\t71%\t72\t86%\t87\t63%\nDfE/GSNI\t88\t80%\t86\t86%\t104\t84%\nBelfast International Airport\t82\t87%\t91\t67%\t107\t77%\nBelfast City Airport\t24\t96%\t31\t100%\t69\t100%\nCity of Derry Airport\t6\t100%\t9\t100%\t14\t100%\nBelfast City Council\t5\t0%\t2\t50%\t4\t25%\nNI Housing Executive\t14\t93%\t28\t71%\t25\t64%\nAntrim & Newtownabbey council\t2\t0%\t7\t14%\t6\t17%\nArmagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon council\t1\t0%\tn/a\t\t2\t0%\nCauseway Coast & Glens council\tn/a\t\tn/a\t\t3\t33%\nFermanagh & Omagh council\t2\t100%\tn/a\t\t1\t100%\nMid & East Antrim council\tn/a\t\tn/a\t\tn/a\nMid Ulster council\t2\t0%\tn/a\t\t2\t0%\nNewry, Mourne & Down council\t1\t0%\tn/a\t\tn/a\nArds & North Down council\t2\t100%\tn/a\t\tn/a\nLisburn & Castlereagh council\t1\t0%\tn/a\t\tn/a\nDerry City & Strabane council\t1\t0%\tn/a\t\t1\t0%\n\nn/a signifies no statutory consultations for the period in question.","answerHtml":"The following responses were returned to planning application consultations in line with the statutory requirement of 21 days for the reporting periods in question.
| 2017-18 | 2018-19 | 2019-20 | ||||
| Total statutory consultations returned | Percentage on time | Total statutory consultations returned | Percentage on time | Total statutory consultations returned | Percentage on time | |
| DfI Roads | 11537 | 71% | 12241 | 78% | 10908 | 73% |
| DAERA Environment Marine and Fisheries | 4315 | 87% | 4689 | 72% | 4116 | 72% |
| DfC Historic Environment Division | 2881 | 78% | 3266 | 76% | 2903 | 72% |
| NI Water | 3445 | 87% | 3159 | 84% | 3101 | 85% |
| DfI Rivers | 2350 | 66% | 2571 | 29% | 2239 | 31% |
| Health Safety Executive NI | 95 | 71% | 72 | 86% | 87 | 63% |
| DfE/GSNI | 88 | 80% | 86 | 86% | 104 | 84% |
| Belfast International Airport | 82 | 87% | 91 | 67% | 107 | 77% |
| Belfast City Airport | 24 | 96% | 31 | 100% | 69 | 100% |
| City of Derry Airport | 6 | 100% | 9 | 100% | 14 | 100% |
| Belfast City Council | 5 | 0% | 2 | 50% | 4 | 25% |
| NI Housing Executive | 14 | 93% | 28 | 71% | 25 | 64% |
| Antrim & Newtownabbey council | 2 | 0% | 7 | 14% | 6 | 17% |
| Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon council | 1 | 0% | n/a | 2 | 0% | |
| Causeway Coast & Glens council | n/a | n/a | 3 | 33% | ||
| Fermanagh & Omagh council | 2 | 100% | n/a | 1 | 100% | |
| Mid & East Antrim council | n/a | n/a | n/a | |||
| Mid Ulster council | 2 | 0% | n/a | 2 | 0% | |
| Newry, Mourne & Down council | 1 | 0% | n/a | n/a | ||
| Ards & North Down council | 2 | 100% | n/a | n/a | ||
| Lisburn & Castlereagh council | 1 | 0% | n/a | n/a | ||
| Derry City & Strabane council | 1 | 0% | n/a | 1 | 0% |
n/a signifies no statutory consultations for the period in question.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208280%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=310885","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=310885"}},{"id":"310708","reference":"AQW 8178/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-05","answerBy":"2020-10-09","answered":"2020-10-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether any preparations have been made for provision of support to businesses in the event of a short-term circuit breaker lockdown.","answerText":"On 14th October, the Executive announced a four week period of increased restrictions throughout Northern Ireland in an attempt to curb the very worrying spread of Covid-19.\n\nThis decision was not taken lightly and was deemed necessary, primarily in response to the latest advice and evidence presented to the Executive by medical and scientific experts, as well as lead officials across a number of relevant policy and operational business areas.\n\nIn parallel with this decision on further restrictions, the Finance Minister announced a new support scheme for those businesses that were instructed to close as a consequence. The Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS) will run for the four weeks of enforced restrictions, at an estimated cost of £35million. This scheme opened to new applications from Monday 19th October.\n\nFurther to this, on Thursday 22nd October, I announced an additional support package to help businesses affected by the recent restrictions announced by the Executive.\n\nThe Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme (CRBSS) will support businesses which meet the following criteria:\n\n The business is restricted within the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 but is not eligible for the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS); or\n\n The business is within the supply chain of businesses restricted by the Regulations and as a result has been significantly impacted; and\n\n The business is operating in Northern Ireland and was trading immediately prior to 16 October 2020; and\n\n The business is not included in the scope of funding already allocated to Executive Departments to respond to Covid restrictions.\n\nThe new CRBSS, which also applies for the same four week period, will open for applications as soon as possible. My officials are working with colleagues in InvestNI, who will administer the scheme on our behalf.\n\nIn addition, I have asked my officials to develop a tourism and hospitality scheme to address issues associated with current restrictions and a scheme to support those recently self-employed\n\nAll Executive Ministers have been asked to bring forward options to determine what support options may be considered for those who may not qualify for these latest schemes, or who may not have been able to avail of previous opportunities.","answerHtml":"On 14th October, the Executive announced a four week period of increased restrictions throughout Northern Ireland in an attempt to curb the very worrying spread of Covid-19.
This decision was not taken lightly and was deemed necessary, primarily in response to the latest advice and evidence presented to the Executive by medical and scientific experts, as well as lead officials across a number of relevant policy and operational business areas.
In parallel with this decision on further restrictions, the Finance Minister announced a new support scheme for those businesses that were instructed to close as a consequence. The Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS) will run for the four weeks of enforced restrictions, at an estimated cost of £35million. This scheme opened to new applications from Monday 19th October.
Further to this, on Thursday 22nd October, I announced an additional support package to help businesses affected by the recent restrictions announced by the Executive.
The Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme (CRBSS) will support businesses which meet the following criteria:
The business is restricted within the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 but is not eligible for the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS); or
The business is within the supply chain of businesses restricted by the Regulations and as a result has been significantly impacted; and
The business is operating in Northern Ireland and was trading immediately prior to 16 October 2020; and
The business is not included in the scope of funding already allocated to Executive Departments to respond to Covid restrictions.
The new CRBSS, which also applies for the same four week period, will open for applications as soon as possible. My officials are working with colleagues in InvestNI, who will administer the scheme on our behalf.
In addition, I have asked my officials to develop a tourism and hospitality scheme to address issues associated with current restrictions and a scheme to support those recently self-employed
All Executive Ministers have been asked to bring forward options to determine what support options may be considered for those who may not qualify for these latest schemes, or who may not have been able to avail of previous opportunities.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208178%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=310708","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=310708"}},{"id":"310707","reference":"AQW 8177/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-05","answerBy":"2020-10-20","answered":"2020-10-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance, pursuant to AQW 6775/17-22, why Barnett consequentials of only £6.0 million for 2020/21 arose when HM Treasury issued statement on 2 September 2020 costing Kickstart Scheme at £2 billion.","answerText":"The Chancellor announced a total of £2 billion, at his Summer Economic Update, for a Kickstart Scheme for 16-24 year olds. This funding covered England, Scotland and Wales, and is phased across three years: £215 million for 2020-21, £1,670 million for 2021-22 and £110 million for 2022-23.\n\nThe Barnett consequential of the £215 million for 2020-21 is £6 million. Funding for future years to be included in the Spending Review.\n\nBarnett consequentials are not hypothecated, meaning they do not have to be used for the purpose which gave rise to the consequential.","answerHtml":"The Chancellor announced a total of £2 billion, at his Summer Economic Update, for a Kickstart Scheme for 16-24 year olds. This funding covered England, Scotland and Wales, and is phased across three years: £215 million for 2020-21, £1,670 million for 2021-22 and £110 million for 2022-23.
The Barnett consequential of the £215 million for 2020-21 is £6 million. Funding for future years to be included in the Spending Review.
Barnett consequentials are not hypothecated, meaning they do not have to be used for the purpose which gave rise to the consequential.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208177%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=310707","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=310707"}},{"id":"310706","reference":"AQW 8176/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-05","answerBy":"2020-10-20","answered":"2020-10-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for the nature and value of the UK spending announcement that provided the £25.5 million in Barnett consequentials listed as operational costs of labour market delivery in the Summer Economic Update.","answerText":"The £25.5 million consequential resulted from an allocation of £895 million to DWP for the operational costs of labour market delivery. This included enhanced work search support and increasing the numbers of work coaches in Jobcentre Plus.\n\nIt is for the Executive to decide how to allocate Barnett consequentials based on local needs and priorities.","answerHtml":"The £25.5 million consequential resulted from an allocation of £895 million to DWP for the operational costs of labour market delivery. This included enhanced work search support and increasing the numbers of work coaches in Jobcentre Plus.
It is for the Executive to decide how to allocate Barnett consequentials based on local needs and priorities.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208176%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=310706","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=310706"}},{"id":"310705","reference":"AQW 8175/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-05","answerBy":"2020-10-20","answered":"2020-10-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in respect of the Planning Forum, to detail (i) membership; (ii) purpose; (iii) the number of meetings held; and (iv) outputs thus far.","answerText":"The Planning Forum membership is made up of the main statutory consultees. It is chaired by a Deputy Secretary with responsibility for DfI Planning, and its other members include senior staff from DfI Regional and Strategic Planning Directorates; DfI Roads & Rivers; NI Water; DfC Historic Environment Division; DAERA Environment, Marine & Fisheries; DfE Geological Survey of NI and the NI Housing Executive.\n\nThe purpose of the Forum is to help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the planning system by agreeing, prioritising and monitoring the implementation of recommendations and actions which emerged from the report into the role of statutory consultees in the planning process, which was completed in 2019. The Forum also monitors the performance of central government statutory consultees in relation to live major planning applications and takes forward any other related tasks identified.\n\nThe Forum meets broadly on a quarterly basis and it has now had three meetings since its inception in December 2019. In addition to the establishment of the Forum itself, actions completed include a review of resourcing for statutory consultations within DfI Rivers; and ensuring that the requirements for effective monitoring and reporting of statutory consultations have been included within the specification for the new regional IT system. The Forum will continue to work through a number of areas which involve looking critically at existing practice, procedures and resources with a view to finding ways to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the planning process.","answerHtml":"The Planning Forum membership is made up of the main statutory consultees. It is chaired by a Deputy Secretary with responsibility for DfI Planning, and its other members include senior staff from DfI Regional and Strategic Planning Directorates; DfI Roads & Rivers; NI Water; DfC Historic Environment Division; DAERA Environment, Marine & Fisheries; DfE Geological Survey of NI and the NI Housing Executive.
The purpose of the Forum is to help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the planning system by agreeing, prioritising and monitoring the implementation of recommendations and actions which emerged from the report into the role of statutory consultees in the planning process, which was completed in 2019. The Forum also monitors the performance of central government statutory consultees in relation to live major planning applications and takes forward any other related tasks identified.
The Forum meets broadly on a quarterly basis and it has now had three meetings since its inception in December 2019. In addition to the establishment of the Forum itself, actions completed include a review of resourcing for statutory consultations within DfI Rivers; and ensuring that the requirements for effective monitoring and reporting of statutory consultations have been included within the specification for the new regional IT system. The Forum will continue to work through a number of areas which involve looking critically at existing practice, procedures and resources with a view to finding ways to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the planning process.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208175%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=310705","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=310705"}},{"id":"310704","reference":"AQW 8174/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-05","answerBy":"2020-10-20","answered":"2020-10-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on work to bring forward legislation to outlaw conversion therapy.","answerText":"So-called conversion therapy is an abhorrent and inhuman practice. It is widely opposed by the United Nations, human rights experts and health professionals on the basis that it is a form of torture.\n\nI recently met with Minister Long and Minister Swann, who share my commitment to ensure these harmful practices stop.\n\nAs this is a cross-cutting matter, it will be taken forward in the development of the Executive’s Sexual Orientation Strategy outlined in New Decade, New Approach.\n\nI recently announced the timetable for developing the Social Inclusion Strategies in my remit, one of which is the Sexual Orientation Strategy. Subject to Executive approval, the Sexual Orientation Strategy and Action Plan will be published and launched in December 2021. The Action Plan will include any legislative requirements that flow from this work.","answerHtml":"So-called conversion therapy is an abhorrent and inhuman practice. It is widely opposed by the United Nations, human rights experts and health professionals on the basis that it is a form of torture.
I recently met with Minister Long and Minister Swann, who share my commitment to ensure these harmful practices stop.
As this is a cross-cutting matter, it will be taken forward in the development of the Executive’s Sexual Orientation Strategy outlined in New Decade, New Approach.
I recently announced the timetable for developing the Social Inclusion Strategies in my remit, one of which is the Sexual Orientation Strategy. Subject to Executive approval, the Sexual Orientation Strategy and Action Plan will be published and launched in December 2021. The Action Plan will include any legislative requirements that flow from this work.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208174%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=310704","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=310704"}},{"id":"310573","reference":"AQW 8107/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-02","answerBy":"2020-10-08","answered":"2020-10-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what steps have been taken to ensure that the Driver and Vehicle Agency’s online booking system will be able to cope with demand for bookings when vehicle tests are fully reinstated on 12 October 2020.","answerText":"In anticipation of high demand for bookings when vehicle tests are fully reinstated on 12 October, the Driver and Vehicle Agency has introduced a queueing system to their online booking system to ensure that demand for bookings is managed in a controlled manner and the system is able to cope with the number of customers attempting to book at any given time.\n\nThe queueing system will clearly indicate that the customer is in a queue, confirming their queue position and anticipated waiting time to manage customer expectations and ensure that the system does not crash.","answerHtml":"In anticipation of high demand for bookings when vehicle tests are fully reinstated on 12 October, the Driver and Vehicle Agency has introduced a queueing system to their online booking system to ensure that demand for bookings is managed in a controlled manner and the system is able to cope with the number of customers attempting to book at any given time.
The queueing system will clearly indicate that the customer is in a queue, confirming their queue position and anticipated waiting time to manage customer expectations and ensure that the system does not crash.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208107%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=310573","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=310573"}},{"id":"310572","reference":"AQW 8106/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-02","answerBy":"2020-10-19","answered":"2020-10-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail his current position concerning the designation of Foyle Port as a Free Port.","answerText":"Policy on Freeports is being developed by the Treasury and I wrote to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury in August to call for substantive engagement on this so that the Executive can assess their potential.\n\nWhile my department, in conjunction with relevant Executive departments, has been engaging with the Treasury, limited detail has been shared at this point. My officials continue to press for that to understand fully the implications for our economy and any potential role the Executive might have in creating Freeports locally.","answerHtml":"Policy on Freeports is being developed by the Treasury and I wrote to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury in August to call for substantive engagement on this so that the Executive can assess their potential.
While my department, in conjunction with relevant Executive departments, has been engaging with the Treasury, limited detail has been shared at this point. My officials continue to press for that to understand fully the implications for our economy and any potential role the Executive might have in creating Freeports locally.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208106%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=310572","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=310572"}},{"id":"310571","reference":"AQW 8105/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-02","answerBy":"2020-10-19","answered":"2020-10-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will explore designation of the area in the vicinity of Foyle Port as an Enterprise Zone.","answerText":"Whilst my Department has the power to designate Enterprise Zones under The Enterprise Zones (NI) Order 1981, the post project evaluation of such designations, here and in Britain in the 1980s and 1990s, found only limited success and that it was an ineffective policy that merely displaced business activity, and also resulted in poor quality development.\n\nYou will be aware of the British Government’s recent consultation on free-ports. Officials from my Department, the Departments for the Economy and Finance have been engaged with HM Treasury to inform the development of a ‘Freeports’ policy. The Department of Finance (DoF) is the lead Department in NI and, once the policy has been fully developed and agreed, there will be a competitive process to award Freeport status.\n\nI am committed to continuing to work with my Executive colleagues to explore the possible establishment of a Freeport in the North and will continue to provide support to our ports at this unprecedented time.","answerHtml":"Whilst my Department has the power to designate Enterprise Zones under The Enterprise Zones (NI) Order 1981, the post project evaluation of such designations, here and in Britain in the 1980s and 1990s, found only limited success and that it was an ineffective policy that merely displaced business activity, and also resulted in poor quality development.
You will be aware of the British Government’s recent consultation on free-ports. Officials from my Department, the Departments for the Economy and Finance have been engaged with HM Treasury to inform the development of a ‘Freeports’ policy. The Department of Finance (DoF) is the lead Department in NI and, once the policy has been fully developed and agreed, there will be a competitive process to award Freeport status.
I am committed to continuing to work with my Executive colleagues to explore the possible establishment of a Freeport in the North and will continue to provide support to our ports at this unprecedented time.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208105%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=310571","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=310571"}},{"id":"310570","reference":"AQW 8104/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-02","answerBy":"2020-10-19","answered":"2020-10-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in light of views expressed as a result of consultation previously undertaken, what design elements of the proposed park and ride site at Tillysburn, Belfast, will be amended.","answerText":"In March 2018, a public consultation on this Park & Ride proposal was undertaken. The Planning Application, that was intended to follow the consultation, was delayed to allow for design changes identified from that process to be incorporated. The design has subsequently been amended to address the access and traffic concerns raised in the consultation, specifically in relation to inclusion of a second entrance from the Sydenham By-pass to supplement the main Holywood Road entrance. This will allow vehicles travelling on the A2 Belfast Road to directly access the Park & Ride facility.","answerHtml":"In March 2018, a public consultation on this Park & Ride proposal was undertaken. The Planning Application, that was intended to follow the consultation, was delayed to allow for design changes identified from that process to be incorporated. The design has subsequently been amended to address the access and traffic concerns raised in the consultation, specifically in relation to inclusion of a second entrance from the Sydenham By-pass to supplement the main Holywood Road entrance. This will allow vehicles travelling on the A2 Belfast Road to directly access the Park & Ride facility.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208104%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=310570","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=310570"}},{"id":"310407","reference":"AQO 894/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-10-01","answerBy":"2020-10-12","answered":"2020-10-12","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she will bid for funding from the £55.2 million central fund identified by the Minister of Finance for further sectoral support.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs Dodds","text":"I thank the Member for his question. As I have said many times in the House, I remain committed to working with my Executive colleagues to provide support to as many businesses as possible as we deal with the health, economic and societal impacts of the pandemic. The £55·2 million fund was identified as part of the Executive's discussion on our economic recovery response. Since that time, there has been a concerning rise in the number of cases of the virus. The Executive have now introduced further measures, including enhanced localised lockdown restrictions in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area. It is important that any further support measures are considered within the ever-changing context that we are operating in, and we must retain the flexibility to adapt to the changes in virus spread and public health advice. I have met businesses in the north-west about the impact on them and the restrictions that they now face, and there will be a significant impact on those local businesses. The Minister of Finance has brought forward a scheme to address those local restrictions, and that will be pertinent to other areas, should they experience the same issues."},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"I thank the Minister for her response. It seems inevitable that further restrictions will apply across Northern Ireland as we try to tackle the second wave of COVID-19. Can the Minister give me an assurance that she will bid for additional funding from this pot and from any other moneys available to the Executive to support workers and businesses and ensure that we, in Northern Ireland, do not have a situation where people are excluded from support when we are facing into what really is a cut-price lockdown?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Dodds","text":"I thank the Member for his question. His concerns are absolutely uppermost, I presume, in the minds of most Members across the House today. To satisfy the Member, I will refer to a letter that I sent to the First Minister and the deputy First Minister on Friday after the Chancellor made his statement and it was assumed that around £200 million in Barnett consequentials would be made available to Northern Ireland in light of any restrictions that we would implement here to deal with the pandemic."},{"speaker":"","text":"In that letter, I identified a very full range of supports that are needed in Northern Ireland, including for those who have been excluded so far: manufacturing, microbusinesses, further discretionary funds, councils and, indeed, the need for an economic recovery fund, for which I think that we will need around £500 million in the next year."},{"speaker":"Mr Middleton","text":"The Minister will no doubt be aware that we are facing a situation of further localised lockdowns or a national lockdown; we do not know at this stage. Do the Executive have the financial firepower to protect every job and business and ensure that we come out of this with some sort of economy?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Dodds","text":"I thank the Member for his question. The House will be very aware that I have said that Northern Ireland cannot afford another lockdown. Just this morning, certain economists indicated very small green shoots of recovery for some sections of our economy. Those could be damaged by further restrictions and a further lockdown. I was with the Member in the north-west when we spoke to businesses, the Chamber of Commerce and representatives of tourism and hotels in the maiden city. We all recognise that, by ourselves, the Northern Ireland Executive do not have the financial firepower to support businesses in the way that they were supported in March, April and May. The job retention scheme, for example, during that period was worth £75 million every week to the Northern Ireland economy with the level of support that it gave to jobs. Any subsequent schemes that have been announced by the Chancellor see a restriction of that support and certainly will not support jobs in Northern Ireland at that level. We simply will not be able to do it in the way in which we have done. Therefore, I urge caution in the way in which we proceed during the week."},{"speaker":"Mr Boylan","text":"Minister, during the first lockdown, industries such as construction and tourism suffered heavily. If more restrictions were to be introduced, what can you do to support those industries? They were hit very hard first time around."},{"speaker":"Mrs Dodds","text":"I was heartened to hear a discussion on the radio this morning. They were talking about recovery, particularly in the construction sector, and I think that that is reflected across Northern Ireland. Indeed, I was delighted to be in mid-Ulster, where we announced an additional 130 jobs that were driven by the manufacturing/construction sector and their access to the Great Britain market. That was immensely encouraging. We will have national schemes, but we must at all costs avoid the propensity to rush without the proper facts, assessments and financial supports at our disposal. The Northern Ireland economy will suffer from the impact of COVID-19 and the restrictions for many years to come. Indeed, we see that in hospitality and tourism, in which many businesses are just hanging on and nothing more. Any further restrictions, lockdowns or lessening of their ability to make a living will impact on their viability. We are at that stage, and we must recognise that. If we do that as an Executive, we have a duty to support those companies."},{"speaker":"Mr Stewart","text":"I agree totally that we need to speak with one voice and continue to lobby Her Majesty's Government for as much financial support as they can give to businesses. Back in September, when you were last at the Economy Committee, Minister, you talked about a scoping exercise that your officials were conducting with their Welsh and Scottish counterparts to look at a support package for businesses that had, to date, been unable to avail themselves of any funding and support. Will you give us an idea of how that scoping exercise is going and whether we are likely to see the fruit of their labour any time soon?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Dodds","text":"Yes. I thank the Member for his question. My officials have been in touch with our counterparts in Wales and Scotland on this issue. We want to learn from the difficulties that they have had with the scheme. The main aspect of this that comes up, over and over again, is the fact that we need to have access to that HMRC data in order to make the scheme viable and be able to implement it. Wales and Scotland have highlighted that as a particular difficulty. Again, I refer to my answer and my letter, on Friday of last week, to the First Minister and deputy First Minister, which outlined the amounts that would be required for such bids."},{"speaker":"Mr McCrossan","text":"I thank the Minister for her answers so far. Minister, the Finance Minister recently announced the package for businesses in Derry and Strabane. Largely speaking, the reports are that it is not sufficient, given the challenges that they have faced. Does the Minister believe that it is sufficient? Has she had any conversations about increasing that funding, given that this is the second time that businesses in Strabane and Derry have had to close their doors?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Dodds","text":"I thank the Member for his question. I, too, have spoken to those businesses and to many hotels in that area. The scheme that the Finance Minister introduced was one that was affordable by the Northern Ireland Executive. However, it clearly demonstrates the exact point that I make over and over again: without national interventions and the support of Her Majesty's Government, we will be unable to support businesses at the level at which they require."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20894%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=310407","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2020-10-12&docID=310907#AQO%20894/17-22","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=310407"}},{"id":"310110","reference":"AQW 7947/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-30","answerBy":"2020-10-06","answered":"2020-10-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether existing Capital Borrowing powers can be utilised to cover voluntary redundancies offered by (i) Northern Ireland Civil Service; and (ii) arm's-length bodies.","answerText":"Existing capital borrowing powers cannot be utilised to cover voluntary redundancy schemes without the express permission of the Treasury.","answerHtml":"Existing capital borrowing powers cannot be utilised to cover voluntary redundancy schemes without the express permission of the Treasury.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207947%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=310110","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=310110"}},{"id":"310109","reference":"AQW 7946/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-30","answerBy":"2020-10-15","answered":"2020-10-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether consideration is being given to offering a new voluntary exit scheme within Northern Ireland Civil Service.","answerText":"There are currently no plans to offer a new voluntary exit scheme within the NICS.\n\nGiven the current unprecedented situation, work to ensure existing resources are distributed to ensure delivery of agreed NICS priorities is continuing.","answerHtml":"There are currently no plans to offer a new voluntary exit scheme within the NICS.
Given the current unprecedented situation, work to ensure existing resources are distributed to ensure delivery of agreed NICS priorities is continuing.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207946%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=310109","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=310109"}},{"id":"309943","reference":"AQW 7862/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-29","answerBy":"2020-10-02","answered":"2020-11-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether a face shield visor meets the definition of face covering as set out in The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020.","answerText":"Face covering means a covering of any type which covers a person’s nose and mouth. A face shield or visor may be used as a face covering, however my Department advises that cloth face coverings should be used as they provide better protection from the risk of infection from the virus that causes COVD-19. If a face shield or visor is to be worn, it should be used in combination with a cloth face covering for increased protection.\n\nHowever, face coverings are not a substitute for other measures such as social distancing, hand hygiene, good respiratory etiquette and cleaning of shared contact surfaces, all of which remain critically important.","answerHtml":"Face covering means a covering of any type which covers a person’s nose and mouth. A face shield or visor may be used as a face covering, however my Department advises that cloth face coverings should be used as they provide better protection from the risk of infection from the virus that causes COVD-19. If a face shield or visor is to be worn, it should be used in combination with a cloth face covering for increased protection.
However, face coverings are not a substitute for other measures such as social distancing, hand hygiene, good respiratory etiquette and cleaning of shared contact surfaces, all of which remain critically important.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207862%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=309943","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=309943"}},{"id":"309942","reference":"AQW 7861/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-29","answerBy":"2020-10-14","answered":"2020-10-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in light of the recent decision by Bus Éireann to suspend operations on the route, whether support will be provided to Translink to enable continued provision of the Belfast to Dublin coach service.","answerText":"As a result of the impact of Covid 19 on people’s travel, Bus Éireann, has had to rationalise and consolidate its commercial services. The company has, therefore, decided to indefinitely suspend the Dublin – Belfast route, which was run on a commercial basis. Services on this route are operated on a joint basis between Translink and Bus Éireann. This decision will only affect those services delivered by Bus Éireann, and Translink is continuing to provide services on this route, which is part of its public service commitments.\n\nI am firmly committed to ensuring our public transport services continue to operate and I continue to make bids for support to the Finance Minister and the Executive to ensure that Translink has the budget it requires to deliver all of its services across our island.","answerHtml":"As a result of the impact of Covid 19 on people’s travel, Bus Éireann, has had to rationalise and consolidate its commercial services. The company has, therefore, decided to indefinitely suspend the Dublin – Belfast route, which was run on a commercial basis. Services on this route are operated on a joint basis between Translink and Bus Éireann. This decision will only affect those services delivered by Bus Éireann, and Translink is continuing to provide services on this route, which is part of its public service commitments.
I am firmly committed to ensuring our public transport services continue to operate and I continue to make bids for support to the Finance Minister and the Executive to ensure that Translink has the budget it requires to deliver all of its services across our island.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207861%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=309942","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=309942"}},{"id":"309941","reference":"AQW 7860/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-29","answerBy":"2020-10-14","answered":"2020-10-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) revenue; and (ii) capital financial support provided to Translink during (a) 2020/21 financial year to date; (ii) 2019/21 financial year; and (iii) 2018/19 financial year.","answerText":"My Department has allocated £132m to Translink to date in the 2020/21 financial year. This includes £50m of COVID-19 recovery funding and I will be allocating a further £20m based on the additional COVID-19 recovery funding announced for Translink in August. Capital funding allocated for the same period is £154.6m.\n\nFor 2018/19, my Department allocated £83.1m of revenue funding and £101m of capital funding. The revenue allocation for 2019/20 was £71.4m and a £100m capital allocation.","answerHtml":"My Department has allocated £132m to Translink to date in the 2020/21 financial year. This includes £50m of COVID-19 recovery funding and I will be allocating a further £20m based on the additional COVID-19 recovery funding announced for Translink in August. Capital funding allocated for the same period is £154.6m.
For 2018/19, my Department allocated £83.1m of revenue funding and £101m of capital funding. The revenue allocation for 2019/20 was £71.4m and a £100m capital allocation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207860%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=309941","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=309941"}},{"id":"309940","reference":"AQW 7859/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-29","answerBy":"2020-10-14","answered":"2020-10-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether any evaluation has been undertaken concerning the effectiveness of installations that have been made under the Flood Protection Grant Scheme.","answerText":"My Department’s Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme aims to encourage the owners of homes, located in areas of flood risk, to make modifications to their properties in order for them to be more resistant to flooding. A key element of the scheme is a ‘wet test’ of the flood resistance measures that are installed to demonstrate that they are effective.\n\nIn addition an evaluation of the Scheme, undertaken earlier this year, included a survey of applicants that had works completed. The responses to the survey indicated that the vast majority of responders did not identify any issue with the effectiveness of the measures installed. My Department’s officials will, where possible, continue to engage with homeowners and investigate any issues of non-performance with the measures installed under the scheme as I am keen to ensure any lessons that can be learned are understood to further improve performance in this area of work.","answerHtml":"My Department’s Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme aims to encourage the owners of homes, located in areas of flood risk, to make modifications to their properties in order for them to be more resistant to flooding. A key element of the scheme is a ‘wet test’ of the flood resistance measures that are installed to demonstrate that they are effective.
In addition an evaluation of the Scheme, undertaken earlier this year, included a survey of applicants that had works completed. The responses to the survey indicated that the vast majority of responders did not identify any issue with the effectiveness of the measures installed. My Department’s officials will, where possible, continue to engage with homeowners and investigate any issues of non-performance with the measures installed under the scheme as I am keen to ensure any lessons that can be learned are understood to further improve performance in this area of work.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207859%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=309940","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=309940"}},{"id":"309939","reference":"AQW 7858/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-29","answerBy":"2020-10-14","answered":"2020-10-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities how much of the £29 million funding for arts will be distributed to people and organisations not already clients of the Arts Council for Northern Ireland.","answerText":"The £29m package is not directed solely at the arts but will provide a much needed lifeline and significant boost across our culture, language, arts and heritage sectors, which have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.\n\nGiven the breadth and depth of the need it is my intention that the programmes being created should be open to as wide as possible a range of individuals and organisations across these sectors, including those not currently in receipt of Arts Council funding.\n\nThe details of the new funding schemes will be announced in due course but until funding decisions have actually been taken it is impossible to say how much of the £29 million funding will be distributed to people and organisations not already clients of the Arts Council.\n\nHowever, you may be interested to note that in the first round of funding released under the now £5.5m Creative Support Fund, which was first established by Minister Hargey and to which I allocated a further £4m, a third of the individual recipients and 21 of the 150 organisations that have so far received funding were not previous Arts Council funding recipients.","answerHtml":"The £29m package is not directed solely at the arts but will provide a much needed lifeline and significant boost across our culture, language, arts and heritage sectors, which have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
Given the breadth and depth of the need it is my intention that the programmes being created should be open to as wide as possible a range of individuals and organisations across these sectors, including those not currently in receipt of Arts Council funding.
The details of the new funding schemes will be announced in due course but until funding decisions have actually been taken it is impossible to say how much of the £29 million funding will be distributed to people and organisations not already clients of the Arts Council.
However, you may be interested to note that in the first round of funding released under the now £5.5m Creative Support Fund, which was first established by Minister Hargey and to which I allocated a further £4m, a third of the individual recipients and 21 of the 150 organisations that have so far received funding were not previous Arts Council funding recipients.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207858%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=309939","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=309939"}},{"id":"309724","reference":"AQW 7761/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-28","answerBy":"2020-10-01","answered":"2021-08-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether he intends to make regulations concerning use of party bicycles used by groups of cyclists, in light of the statement from the Executive Office stating that beer bikes will not be permitted to operate.","answerText":"In the period since this question was tabled the Executive has taken a series of carefully considered steps to bring us to the current position. As part of these the hospitality industry is permitted to open, including beer bikes. Business must follow guidelines and put mitigations in place to reduce the risk of transmission of Covid-19. More information regarding this can be accessed at www.nidirect.gov.uk.","answerHtml":"In the period since this question was tabled the Executive has taken a series of carefully considered steps to bring us to the current position. As part of these the hospitality industry is permitted to open, including beer bikes. Business must follow guidelines and put mitigations in place to reduce the risk of transmission of Covid-19. More information regarding this can be accessed at www.nidirect.gov.uk.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207761%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=309724","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=309724"}},{"id":"309723","reference":"AQW 7760/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-28","answerBy":"2020-10-13","answered":"2020-10-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will consider bidding for capital funding to support local councils for the installation of new bus shelters.","answerText":"My Department works closely with Translink on capital planning and securing capital funding for bus shelters across the North. This year, I have provided funding of £300,000 to Translink for the refurbishment and erection of new bus shelters.\n\nThe Executive has initiated a Comprehensive Spending Review, which promises a 4 year capital funding envelope for my Department. I will then be assessing the pressures across my Department reflecting my priorities, the commitments in \"New Decade: New Approach\" and the budget made available.","answerHtml":"My Department works closely with Translink on capital planning and securing capital funding for bus shelters across the North. This year, I have provided funding of £300,000 to Translink for the refurbishment and erection of new bus shelters.
The Executive has initiated a Comprehensive Spending Review, which promises a 4 year capital funding envelope for my Department. I will then be assessing the pressures across my Department reflecting my priorities, the commitments in "New Decade: New Approach" and the budget made available.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207760%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=309723","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=309723"}},{"id":"309722","reference":"AQW 7759/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-28","answerBy":"2020-10-13","answered":"2020-10-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail current contractual arrangements in place for provision of bus shelters in terms of (i) installation of new shelters; and (ii) maintenance of current shelters.","answerText":"Bus shelters are either owned by my Department or local councils. In 2015, the Department requested that Translink take over the management of its stock of approximately 1,400 bus shelters.\n\n(i) Translink manages ongoing requests for new bus shelters on behalf of my Department. These requests are reviewed by Translink Operational Teams and if the potential site falls within their policy for new shelters, a site estimate will be developed and planning application submitted. Should planning be approved and the cost estimate for erecting a shelter in this location be reasonable, it will be entered into the capital programme. Should the site requested not meet the requirements of the policy for a new shelter, then there is always the option for a local council to provide funding itself, should it consider the case merits such investment and ongoing maintenance.\n\n(ii) Translink on behalf of the Department has engaged a contractor who is responsible for cleaning and maintaining the bus shelters, including repairing vandalism. This contract also provides for the installation of new or replacement bus shelters where required.","answerHtml":"Bus shelters are either owned by my Department or local councils. In 2015, the Department requested that Translink take over the management of its stock of approximately 1,400 bus shelters.
(i) Translink manages ongoing requests for new bus shelters on behalf of my Department. These requests are reviewed by Translink Operational Teams and if the potential site falls within their policy for new shelters, a site estimate will be developed and planning application submitted. Should planning be approved and the cost estimate for erecting a shelter in this location be reasonable, it will be entered into the capital programme. Should the site requested not meet the requirements of the policy for a new shelter, then there is always the option for a local council to provide funding itself, should it consider the case merits such investment and ongoing maintenance.
(ii) Translink on behalf of the Department has engaged a contractor who is responsible for cleaning and maintaining the bus shelters, including repairing vandalism. This contract also provides for the installation of new or replacement bus shelters where required.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207759%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=309722","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=309722"}},{"id":"309721","reference":"AQW 7758/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-28","answerBy":"2020-10-13","answered":"2020-10-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail the scale of the efficiencies that he is currently asking Translink to find prior to committing additional funding.","answerText":"Responsibility for Translink lies with the Infrastructure Minister. Minister Mallon recently announced a planned cost reduction programme by Translink aimed at making savings of £10 million.\n\nOf the allocations made to the Department for Infrastructure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, £70 million has been allocated to Translink to address lost income and other COVID pressures. This is in addition to the recurrent £20m which was allocated in the 2020-21 Budget to address Translink’s underlying deficit.\n\nAny consideration of further allocations would be a matter for the Executive.","answerHtml":"Responsibility for Translink lies with the Infrastructure Minister. Minister Mallon recently announced a planned cost reduction programme by Translink aimed at making savings of £10 million.
Of the allocations made to the Department for Infrastructure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, £70 million has been allocated to Translink to address lost income and other COVID pressures. This is in addition to the recurrent £20m which was allocated in the 2020-21 Budget to address Translink’s underlying deficit.
Any consideration of further allocations would be a matter for the Executive.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207758%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=309721","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=309721"}},{"id":"309513","reference":"AQW 7663/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-25","answerBy":"2020-09-30","answered":"2020-09-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail the purpose of funding assigned as one pot of £55.2 million announced in his Written Ministerial Statement of 24 September 2020; and (ii) whether this includes support for Translink, private coach operators, taxis, hauliers, sole traders and private businesses generally.","answerText":"The £55.2 million is being held centrally for further sectoral support and unforeseen PPE costs. Decisions on how this funding is allocated are a matter for the Executive.","answerHtml":"The £55.2 million is being held centrally for further sectoral support and unforeseen PPE costs. Decisions on how this funding is allocated are a matter for the Executive.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207663%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=309513","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=309513"}},{"id":"309512","reference":"AQW 7662/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-25","answerBy":"2020-10-12","answered":"2020-10-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether consideration has been given to enabling multi-modal travel on bus and train for pupils issued with a Translink Travel Pass, in light of current travel challenges relating to COVID-19.","answerText":"The current contractual arrangements between EA and Translink facilitates the issue of either a bus or train ticket for each pupil.\n\nIt is for the EA to determine the most suitable method of assisting pupils and in doing so they are required to have due regard to efficiency and economy.","answerHtml":"The current contractual arrangements between EA and Translink facilitates the issue of either a bus or train ticket for each pupil.
It is for the EA to determine the most suitable method of assisting pupils and in doing so they are required to have due regard to efficiency and economy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207662%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=309512","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=309512"}},{"id":"309511","reference":"AQW 7661/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-25","answerBy":"2020-10-12","answered":"2020-10-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail the number of prosecutions taken for river pollution incidents, in the last three financial years.","answerText":"The number of prosecutions for water pollution incidents in the last three financial years are listed below.\n\nFinancial Year\t2017/18\t2018/19\t2019/20\nNumber of prosecutions\t16\t13\t15","answerHtml":"The number of prosecutions for water pollution incidents in the last three financial years are listed below.
| Financial Year | 2017/18 | 2018/19 | 2019/20 |
| Number of prosecutions | 16 | 13 | 15 |
The HSCB and PHA continue to work with all Health and Social Care Trust genitourinary medical (GUM) teams to agree, disseminate and deliver a service model that is fit for delivery under pandemic circumstances. This will reduce face to face patient contact to the minimum essential for patient safety and therefore will rely heavily on sexually transmitted infections (STI) online testing for monitoring of patients taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
In total there were 1,973 orders for STI home testing kits issued in June; 2,600 in July and 1,886 in August. The statistics for September will not be issued for another 3 weeks.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207660%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=309510","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=309510"}},{"id":"309509","reference":"AQW 7659/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-25","answerBy":"2020-10-12","answered":"2020-10-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for an update on efforts to increase availability of free sexual health home testing kits.","answerText":"The HSCB and PHA continue to work with all Health and Social Care Trust genitourinary medical (GUM) teams to agree, disseminate and deliver a service model that is fit for delivery under pandemic circumstances. This will reduce face to face patient contact to the minimum essential for patient safety and therefore will rely heavily on sexually transmitted infections (STI) online testing for monitoring of patients taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).\n\nIn total there were 1,973 orders for STI home testing kits issued in June; 2,600 in July and 1,886 in August. The statistics for September will not be issued for another 3 weeks.","answerHtml":"The HSCB and PHA continue to work with all Health and Social Care Trust genitourinary medical (GUM) teams to agree, disseminate and deliver a service model that is fit for delivery under pandemic circumstances. This will reduce face to face patient contact to the minimum essential for patient safety and therefore will rely heavily on sexually transmitted infections (STI) online testing for monitoring of patients taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
In total there were 1,973 orders for STI home testing kits issued in June; 2,600 in July and 1,886 in August. The statistics for September will not be issued for another 3 weeks.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207659%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=309509","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=309509"}},{"id":"309199","reference":"AQW 7574/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-24","answerBy":"2020-10-02","answered":"2021-03-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister when the Ministerial Code will be updated to reflect the passing of the Executive Committee Functions Act.","answerText":"We intend to seek the agreement of the Executive Committee in the near future to amendments to the Ministerial Code to reflect the changes in the law introduced by the Executive Committee (Functions) Act 2020. Once agreement has been obtained, we will seek the scheduling of a debate on a motion for the approval of the Assembly.","answerHtml":"We intend to seek the agreement of the Executive Committee in the near future to amendments to the Ministerial Code to reflect the changes in the law introduced by the Executive Committee (Functions) Act 2020. Once agreement has been obtained, we will seek the scheduling of a debate on a motion for the approval of the Assembly.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207574%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=309199","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=309199"}},{"id":"309198","reference":"AQW 7573/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-24","answerBy":"2020-10-09","answered":"2020-10-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether they will commit to continued support for the European Solidarity Corps programme in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) programme is a European Union initiative, managed by the Erasmus+ National Agency. Continuance of this programme due to Brexit is uncertain at this time.","answerHtml":"The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) programme is a European Union initiative, managed by the Erasmus+ National Agency. Continuance of this programme due to Brexit is uncertain at this time.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207573%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=309198","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=309198"}},{"id":"309197","reference":"AQW 7572/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-24","answerBy":"2020-10-09","answered":"2020-09-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether the UK Government’s commitment to providing up to £27.3 million per week under COVID-19 Bus Service Support Grant Restart scheme until it is no longer needed has been reflected in Barnett consequentials thus far.","answerText":"The Guarantee announced on 24 July 2020 provided a minimum of £2.2 billion for the Executive’s COVID-19 response. This has meant that Barnett has not been applied in the usual way and therefore it has not been possible to determine whether individual English measures attract a Barnett consequential.\n\nWork is ongoing with Treasury, to determine how funding under the Guarantee compares with what would have been provided via Barnett consequentials, however that work has not yet concluded.\n\nIt is important to note that Barnett consequentials are unhypothecated, meaning it is for the Executive to decide how to allocate the funding in line with local needs and priorities.","answerHtml":"The Guarantee announced on 24 July 2020 provided a minimum of £2.2 billion for the Executive’s COVID-19 response. This has meant that Barnett has not been applied in the usual way and therefore it has not been possible to determine whether individual English measures attract a Barnett consequential.
Work is ongoing with Treasury, to determine how funding under the Guarantee compares with what would have been provided via Barnett consequentials, however that work has not yet concluded.
It is important to note that Barnett consequentials are unhypothecated, meaning it is for the Executive to decide how to allocate the funding in line with local needs and priorities.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207572%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=309197","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=309197"}},{"id":"309196","reference":"AQW 7571/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-24","answerBy":"2020-10-09","answered":"2020-10-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance how much of the additional monies spent on railways in Great Britain since March 2020 has been distributed to Northern Ireland as Barnett consequentials.","answerText":"Up to July, Barnett consequentials of £116.1 million related to transport have been provided to the Executive.\n\nThe UK Government’s Guarantee announced on 24 July 2020 provided a minimum of £2.2 billion for the Executive’s COVID-19 response. This meant however Barnett has not been applied in the usual way and therefore it is not possible to determine the exact consequentials included from subsequent announcements.\n\nWork is ongoing with Treasury, to determine how funding under the Guarantee compares with what would have been provided via Barnett consequentials, however that work has not yet concluded.","answerHtml":"Up to July, Barnett consequentials of £116.1 million related to transport have been provided to the Executive.
The UK Government’s Guarantee announced on 24 July 2020 provided a minimum of £2.2 billion for the Executive’s COVID-19 response. This meant however Barnett has not been applied in the usual way and therefore it is not possible to determine the exact consequentials included from subsequent announcements.
Work is ongoing with Treasury, to determine how funding under the Guarantee compares with what would have been provided via Barnett consequentials, however that work has not yet concluded.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207571%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=309196","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=309196"}},{"id":"309195","reference":"AQW 7570/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-24","answerBy":"2020-10-09","answered":"2020-10-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether there are any plans to construct a bridge at Bannfoot, where the Upper Bann meets Lough Neagh.","answerText":"A proposal for a walking and cycling bridge at Bannfoot did not feature in the greenway network set out in ‘Exercise – Explore – Enjoy: a Strategic Plan for Greenways’. Part of the reason for that was that it was not included in any Council greenway proposals put forward to the Department.\n\nI am keen that my Department works with Councils and with all stakeholders to deliver on projects that have the potential to improve the lives of people and connect communities. However, a proposal to build a bridge at this location would be for the local Council to consider in the first instance in consultation with the local communities and stakeholders.","answerHtml":"A proposal for a walking and cycling bridge at Bannfoot did not feature in the greenway network set out in ‘Exercise – Explore – Enjoy: a Strategic Plan for Greenways’. Part of the reason for that was that it was not included in any Council greenway proposals put forward to the Department.
I am keen that my Department works with Councils and with all stakeholders to deliver on projects that have the potential to improve the lives of people and connect communities. However, a proposal to build a bridge at this location would be for the local Council to consider in the first instance in consultation with the local communities and stakeholders.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207570%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=309195","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=309195"}},{"id":"309263","reference":"AQO 822/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-24","answerBy":"2020-10-06","answered":"2020-10-06","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what financial support will be required by Translink during the remainder of 2020-21 if current service provision is retained and passenger numbers remain supressed.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Ms Mallon","text":"First, I stress that securing the financial future of our public transport network remains a priority for me as we respond to the pandemic and develop sustainable ways of connecting people and communities to opportunities. My Department’s estimate of the financial support that is required by Translink for the remainder of the current financial year is £20 million, and it will continue to bid for the shortfall. That sum takes into account the planned efficiencies identified by Translink in response to COVID-19 as well as the most up-to-date picture of customer demand. We must also recognise that reduced passenger numbers do not automatically mean a similar reduction in the level of costs for the company. Translink continues to play a vital role in ensuring that our citizens can continue to access their jobs, education and essential services, and I want to be clear that that funding is necessary if we want Translink to continue to provide that service. Protecting a publicly owned public transport network, safeguarding jobs and ensuring that there is a network that is accessible for all and based on need, not solely on profit, remains my priority, and it is one that I know all my Executive colleagues share, given the renewed commitment that I recently secured to ensure that the network is protected and funded."},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"I thank the Minister for her response. I declare an interest, as I was previously an employee of Translink. Significant funds have been allocated across the water to train-operating companies, bus operators and Transport for London. That money came across to Northern Ireland as Barnett consequentials. Does the Minister not agree that the failure to pass that support on to Translink will have a devastating impact on local communities and our efforts to tackle climate change?"},{"speaker":"Ms Mallon","text":"In short, I fully agree with the comments and analysis from the Member. On my desk, I have a very high pile of correspondence from all political parties, asking for additional services, additional train halts and an extension of rail lines. I wish that I was in a position to be able to grant them all. As I said, Translink is facing a hugely difficult situation as a result of COVID, and, as the Member rightly said, we have seen, right across these islands, that Governments have recognised that and recognised the importance of public transport to connecting people and tackling the climate emergency. There is also a social justice element because so many people cannot afford cars and are wholly reliant on our public transport network. So, I will continue to make the case at the Executive and very much look forward to the continued support of the Member in that regard."},{"speaker":"Mr Boylan","text":"Is the transport network meeting the general demand of the public? I ask that in the context of rural areas, because there could be a reduction in services in those areas."},{"speaker":"Ms Mallon","text":"From the onset of COVID, I agreed to a reduction in services. However, throughout the COVID crisis, we have constantly reviewed passenger demand and ensured that we have services on standby to enable social distancing across the network. If the Member has concerns about a particular rural service, I am happy to take them away and look at them. We have been increasing our services across Northern Ireland in line with our risk assessment, the public health advice and the regulations from the Executive. The Member will also know that Translink has put on an additional 500 buses to make sure that we can transport our schoolchildren safely to and from school."},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"I call Paul Frew; there are seconds left."},{"speaker":"Mr Frew","text":"Thank you. Was it not a monumental error, and therefore a matter of regret to the Minister, to not put in place the apparatus to furlough Translink staff? Has the Department calculated how much the furlough scheme could have saved Translink?"},{"speaker":"Ms Mallon","text":"In short, Translink did furlough staff. Translink also provided a very detailed analysis of the scoping potential for furloughing, which was shared with and accepted by the Finance Minister and Executive colleagues."},{"speaker":"","text":"I know that the issue causes great hurt to Translink staff. As one person said to me, \"Every Thursday, people stood clapping for front-line workers\". Translink was at the forefront of the fight against COVID, making sure that essential workers were getting to and from work, going over and beyond. They find it deeply hurtful that, throughout that, people were calling for them to be furloughed when it was clear that the furloughing apparatus did not apply in that instance."},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"That ends the period for listed questions. We move on to topical questions."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20822%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=309263","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2020-10-06&docID=310172#AQO%20822/17-22","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=309263"}},{"id":"309033","reference":"AQW 7494/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-23","answerBy":"2020-09-28","answered":"2021-03-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister when a written response to AQO 628/17-22 will be received.","answerText":"AQW 628/17-22 was answered on 3 December 2020.","answerHtml":"AQW 628/17-22 was answered on 3 December 2020.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207494%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=309033","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=309033"}},{"id":"309032","reference":"AQW 7493/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-23","answerBy":"2020-10-08","answered":"2020-10-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she intends to bring forward an aviation recovery strategy.","answerText":"Civil aviation is a reserved matter for the UK Department for Transport (DfT). In late 2018 DfT published a draft UK Aviation 2050 strategy for public consultation, which DfE responded to last year. In January 2020, in response to the collapse of Flybe, DfT announced a Regional Air Connectivity Review.\n\nBoth of these, unfortunately, have been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. DfT have recently advised that they intend to publish a UK Aviation Recovery Plan in the autumn, which will identify measures to support aviation in the short to medium term.\n\nThe need for, and the content of, an aviation recovery strategy for Northern Ireland will clearly be heavily influenced by the outworkings of these pieces of work from DfT. My Department will continue to engage with DfT to contribute to them, as required.","answerHtml":"Civil aviation is a reserved matter for the UK Department for Transport (DfT). In late 2018 DfT published a draft UK Aviation 2050 strategy for public consultation, which DfE responded to last year. In January 2020, in response to the collapse of Flybe, DfT announced a Regional Air Connectivity Review.
Both of these, unfortunately, have been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. DfT have recently advised that they intend to publish a UK Aviation Recovery Plan in the autumn, which will identify measures to support aviation in the short to medium term.
The need for, and the content of, an aviation recovery strategy for Northern Ireland will clearly be heavily influenced by the outworkings of these pieces of work from DfT. My Department will continue to engage with DfT to contribute to them, as required.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207493%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=309032","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=309032"}},{"id":"309031","reference":"AQW 7492/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-23","answerBy":"2020-10-08","answered":"2020-10-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the progress of the A4 Enniskillen southern bypass.","answerText":"On 10 June 2020 I announced to the Assembly my intention to progress a number of strategic infrastructure and flagship projects in order to deliver for communities and help to address regional imbalance. I asked officials to push forward on the development of these important schemes, one of which is the A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass, and that work is ongoing.\n\nI reaffirm my commitment to moving ahead with the Enniskillen Southern Bypass scheme and am currently considering the next steps.","answerHtml":"On 10 June 2020 I announced to the Assembly my intention to progress a number of strategic infrastructure and flagship projects in order to deliver for communities and help to address regional imbalance. I asked officials to push forward on the development of these important schemes, one of which is the A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass, and that work is ongoing.
I reaffirm my commitment to moving ahead with the Enniskillen Southern Bypass scheme and am currently considering the next steps.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207492%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=309031","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=309031"}},{"id":"309030","reference":"AQW 7491/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-23","answerBy":"2020-10-08","answered":"2020-10-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure why the threshold for the age at which vehicles are required to undergo an MOT test is set at four years.","answerText":"The timing of the first MOT test is set out in the Road Traffic Northern Ireland Order 1995 which aligns with the requirements of EU Directive 2014/45. This requires a first roadworthiness test within 4 years from the date on which the vehicle was first registered.","answerHtml":"The timing of the first MOT test is set out in the Road Traffic Northern Ireland Order 1995 which aligns with the requirements of EU Directive 2014/45. This requires a first roadworthiness test within 4 years from the date on which the vehicle was first registered.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207491%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=309030","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=309030"}},{"id":"309029","reference":"AQW 7490/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-23","answerBy":"2020-10-08","answered":"2020-09-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for an update on the provision of a new school build for Priory Integrated College, Holywood.","answerText":"Priory Integrated College has been selected for a major capital investment project to improve or replace its existing accommodation. The project will cater for the school’s current approved enrolment of 600 pupils.\n\nIn February 2020 the EA successfully completed the appointment of an Integrated Consultant Team to carry out the design of the proposed Priory Integrated College. The business case was approved by the Department of Finance (DoF) in August 2020. This identified the preferred option as a new build school at a site on Redburn Road in Holywood.\n\nThe Integrated Consultant Team is now working on the early stages of the design process.","answerHtml":"Priory Integrated College has been selected for a major capital investment project to improve or replace its existing accommodation. The project will cater for the school’s current approved enrolment of 600 pupils.
In February 2020 the EA successfully completed the appointment of an Integrated Consultant Team to carry out the design of the proposed Priory Integrated College. The business case was approved by the Department of Finance (DoF) in August 2020. This identified the preferred option as a new build school at a site on Redburn Road in Holywood.
The Integrated Consultant Team is now working on the early stages of the design process.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207490%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=309029","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=309029"}},{"id":"308839","reference":"AQW 7392/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-22","answerBy":"2020-09-29","answered":"2020-09-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail the current forecast variance between Estimated Penny Product and Actual Penny Product for 2020/21 for each district Council area.","answerText":"The table below shows the forecast 2020/21 rate revenue for each District Council based on rating data as at 31st August 2020, the rate revenue paid based on the estimated process and the difference (ie the finalisation). Where the forecast rate revenue is higher than the estimate, a positive finalisation is forecast; similarly, where the estimate is higher than the forecast rate revenue raised, a negative finalisation is forecast.\n\nThe forecast rate revenue figures are subject to change throughout the remainder of the 2020/21 rating year as gross income from rate assessments and the various rating losses move, and as such the finalisation can change in a positive or negative way. Land & Property Services officials monitor the figures and provide monthly updates to Council Finance Officers, together with a suite of management information to assist them with their budgetary planning process.\n\nDistrict council\tForecast Rate Revenue\n(£)\tRate Revenue Paid based on EPP (£)\tFinalisation (£)\nAntrim & Newtownabbey\t49,362,274\t48,813,291\t548,983\nArds and North Down\t52,202,956\t51,972,826\t230,130\nArmagh, Banbridge & Craigavon\t68,017,912\t67,010,379\t1,007,533\nBelfast\t161,798,309\t162,028,158\t(229,849)\nCauseway Coast & Glens\t47,639,042\t46,890,320\t748,722\nDerry & Strabane\t58,128,349\t57,847,334\t281,015\nFermanagh & Omagh\t36,489,642\t36,097,855\t391,787\nLisburn & Castlereagh\t48,708,366\t48,682,118\t26,248\nMid & East Antrim\t49,766,791\t49,721,379\t45,412\nMid Ulster\t38,538,341\t37,514,591\t1,023,750\nNewry Mourne & Down\t56,986,289\t56,346,735\t639,554\nTotal\t667,639,377\t662, 924,986\t4,714,391","answerHtml":"The table below shows the forecast 2020/21 rate revenue for each District Council based on rating data as at 31st August 2020, the rate revenue paid based on the estimated process and the difference (ie the finalisation). Where the forecast rate revenue is higher than the estimate, a positive finalisation is forecast; similarly, where the estimate is higher than the forecast rate revenue raised, a negative finalisation is forecast.
The forecast rate revenue figures are subject to change throughout the remainder of the 2020/21 rating year as gross income from rate assessments and the various rating losses move, and as such the finalisation can change in a positive or negative way. Land & Property Services officials monitor the figures and provide monthly updates to Council Finance Officers, together with a suite of management information to assist them with their budgetary planning process.
| District council | Forecast Rate Revenue (£) | Rate Revenue Paid based on EPP (£) | Finalisation (£) |
| Antrim & Newtownabbey | 49,362,274 | 48,813,291 | 548,983 |
| Ards and North Down | 52,202,956 | 51,972,826 | 230,130 |
| Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon | 68,017,912 | 67,010,379 | 1,007,533 |
| Belfast | 161,798,309 | 162,028,158 | (229,849) |
| Causeway Coast & Glens | 47,639,042 | 46,890,320 | 748,722 |
| Derry & Strabane | 58,128,349 | 57,847,334 | 281,015 |
| Fermanagh & Omagh | 36,489,642 | 36,097,855 | 391,787 |
| Lisburn & Castlereagh | 48,708,366 | 48,682,118 | 26,248 |
| Mid & East Antrim | 49,766,791 | 49,721,379 | 45,412 |
| Mid Ulster | 38,538,341 | 37,514,591 | 1,023,750 |
| Newry Mourne & Down | 56,986,289 | 56,346,735 | 639,554 |
| Total | 667,639,377 | 662, 924,986 | 4,714,391 |
I have been advised by NI Water that the works currently under construction at the Brompton Road site, as part of a wider £4m programme to replace waste water pumping stations and sewers in the area, are in line with permissions obtained prior to the commencement of the works.
Construction of a tank, taking place above ground level at the Brompton Road site, is currently underway. When its concrete walls are complete, rock will be carefully excavated below and the tank will gradually sink to its final position below ground level.
Once the tank is fully buried, the area will be landscaped. On completion of the works, the only above ground structure at the Brompton Road site will be the control building for the pumping station. I am informed that this has been designed to resemble an old boat house with natural stone cladding to blend in with the natural environment.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207391%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=308838","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=308838"}},{"id":"308837","reference":"AQW 7390/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-22","answerBy":"2020-10-07","answered":"2020-10-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will review the decision not to permit extension of the 30mph speed limit to the boundary of Crawfordsburn village at Ballyrobert Road near Clandeboye Way.","answerText":"The need for a change in the speed limit on a road is assessed in accordance with the Department’s guidelines titled ‘Setting Local Speed Limits in Northern Ireland’ which can be accessed via the following link: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/setting-local-speed-limits-northern-ireland-rsppg-e051\n\nA previous assessment carried out in accordance with this policy indicated that a reduction of the existing national speed limit would not be appropriate given the level of development and the nature of the road.\n\nThis section of Ballyrobert Road leading towards the A2 Belfast to Bangor dual carriageway is primarily rural in nature with minimal frontage development. It is acknowledged that usage of the existing accesses and the number of direct accesses onto the road has increased. I have therefore asked my officials to carry out a new assessment.","answerHtml":"The need for a change in the speed limit on a road is assessed in accordance with the Department’s guidelines titled ‘Setting Local Speed Limits in Northern Ireland’ which can be accessed via the following link: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/setting-local-speed-limits-northern-ireland-rsppg-e051
A previous assessment carried out in accordance with this policy indicated that a reduction of the existing national speed limit would not be appropriate given the level of development and the nature of the road.
This section of Ballyrobert Road leading towards the A2 Belfast to Bangor dual carriageway is primarily rural in nature with minimal frontage development. It is acknowledged that usage of the existing accesses and the number of direct accesses onto the road has increased. I have therefore asked my officials to carry out a new assessment.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207390%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=308837","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=308837"}},{"id":"308836","reference":"AQW 7389/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-22","answerBy":"2020-10-07","answered":"2020-10-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail how she will encourage the uptake of e-Bikes.","answerText":"As the Member will be aware, I introduced legislation in the Northern Ireland Assembly on 12th May 2020, which made cycling an e-bike on public roads legal, without the need for registration or licensing. This was a major contribution to encouraging the uptake of e-bikes and, the media has reported a surge in demand for both standard bikes and electric bikes since then.\n\nI want to create safer conditions that will encourage more people to replace their everyday journeys by an active and sustainable method of travel where possible whether walking, cycling or using an e-bike.\n\nThe Covid crisis has brought unprecedented challenges and has fundamentally changed the way we live. There is no doubt that it has also created an opportunity for us all to take a closer look at how we travel and consider how we can do things better moving forward.\n\nMy Department will continue to encourage and support active travel choices, including all types of cycling, and related initiatives through our public information campaigns and social media messages.","answerHtml":"As the Member will be aware, I introduced legislation in the Northern Ireland Assembly on 12th May 2020, which made cycling an e-bike on public roads legal, without the need for registration or licensing. This was a major contribution to encouraging the uptake of e-bikes and, the media has reported a surge in demand for both standard bikes and electric bikes since then.
I want to create safer conditions that will encourage more people to replace their everyday journeys by an active and sustainable method of travel where possible whether walking, cycling or using an e-bike.
The Covid crisis has brought unprecedented challenges and has fundamentally changed the way we live. There is no doubt that it has also created an opportunity for us all to take a closer look at how we travel and consider how we can do things better moving forward.
My Department will continue to encourage and support active travel choices, including all types of cycling, and related initiatives through our public information campaigns and social media messages.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207389%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=308836","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=308836"}},{"id":"308835","reference":"AQW 7388/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-22","answerBy":"2020-10-07","answered":"2020-10-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance what progress has been made on implementing the recommendations of the 2019 Northern Ireland Audit Office report on Major Capital Projects.","answerText":"The Northern Ireland Audit Office report on Major Capital Projects from December 2019 is the subject of a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) enquiry which commenced in March 2020.\n\nIt is normal practice to wait for PAC to publish its recommendations so as not to pre-empt the outcome of the enquiry. When the PAC recommendations are published, I will ensure that any recommendations, on the role of procurement in the delivery of major capital projects, are taken up by the Procurement Board.","answerHtml":"The Northern Ireland Audit Office report on Major Capital Projects from December 2019 is the subject of a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) enquiry which commenced in March 2020.
It is normal practice to wait for PAC to publish its recommendations so as not to pre-empt the outcome of the enquiry. When the PAC recommendations are published, I will ensure that any recommendations, on the role of procurement in the delivery of major capital projects, are taken up by the Procurement Board.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207388%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=308835","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=308835"}},{"id":"308637","reference":"AQW 7325/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-21","answerBy":"2020-09-28","answered":"2020-09-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, in light of the increased level of open water swimming, whether he will consider extending the period when bathing water quality testing occurs beyond currently pre-defined timescale of 1 June to 15 September.","answerText":"The current bathing season of 1st June to 15th September is determined by the Quality of Bathing Water Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008. These regulations give effect to the EU Bathing Water Directive (2006/7/EC) which seeks to preserve, protect and improve the quality of the environment and to protect human health in relation to waters that have been identified where bathing is traditionally practiced by large numbers of bathers.\n\nHowever, the arrangements for Northern Ireland Bathing Waters are subject to regular review. A comprehensive review is due to be undertaken post EU exit, when the Department will consult with the public and statutory bodies as to the suitability of current arrangements, and undertake amendment where the evidence suggests it would be beneficial to the public.","answerHtml":"The current bathing season of 1st June to 15th September is determined by the Quality of Bathing Water Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008. These regulations give effect to the EU Bathing Water Directive (2006/7/EC) which seeks to preserve, protect and improve the quality of the environment and to protect human health in relation to waters that have been identified where bathing is traditionally practiced by large numbers of bathers.
However, the arrangements for Northern Ireland Bathing Waters are subject to regular review. A comprehensive review is due to be undertaken post EU exit, when the Department will consult with the public and statutory bodies as to the suitability of current arrangements, and undertake amendment where the evidence suggests it would be beneficial to the public.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207325%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=308637","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=308637"}},{"id":"308636","reference":"AQW 7324/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-21","answerBy":"2020-10-06","answered":"2020-09-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether he has considered making the Cycling Proficiency Scheme mandatory in schools.","answerText":"The Cycling Proficiency Scheme (CPS) is a mixture of theory and practical experience and teaches children in years 6 & 7 to cycle safely, and encourages them to cycle more often. CPS has been delivered by DfI and previously by DOE for over 40 years.\n\nIt is taught as an after school activity delivered by CPS trained teachers. Each year, every Primary School in Northern Ireland is invited to participate in the scheme. However, it is up to each principal to decide whether to join the scheme.\n\nMaking cycling safety training mandatory could discriminate against those children with disabilities or who do not have access to a bicycle. It would also reduce the amount of teaching time which is currently spent on other subjects, consequently there are currently no plans to make the Cycling Proficiency Scheme mandatory in schools.","answerHtml":"The Cycling Proficiency Scheme (CPS) is a mixture of theory and practical experience and teaches children in years 6 & 7 to cycle safely, and encourages them to cycle more often. CPS has been delivered by DfI and previously by DOE for over 40 years.
It is taught as an after school activity delivered by CPS trained teachers. Each year, every Primary School in Northern Ireland is invited to participate in the scheme. However, it is up to each principal to decide whether to join the scheme.
Making cycling safety training mandatory could discriminate against those children with disabilities or who do not have access to a bicycle. It would also reduce the amount of teaching time which is currently spent on other subjects, consequently there are currently no plans to make the Cycling Proficiency Scheme mandatory in schools.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207324%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=308636","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=308636"}},{"id":"308635","reference":"AQW 7323/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-21","answerBy":"2020-10-06","answered":"2020-10-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs whether he will consider increasing water quality sampling at designated bathing sites more frequently than weekly.","answerText":"The current statutory regime of testing is considered sufficient in monitoring the general health of bathing waters. However more frequent sampling of waters is already undertaken in reaction to pollution events which may affect the quality of a bathing water.\n\nAs part of the statutory annual bathing water monitoring programme, all 26 of Northern Ireland’s identified bathing waters are sampled and tested for microbiological parameters on a minimum of 19 occasions between 01 June and 15 September each year (the bathing season), with additional sampling just prior to the commencement of the bathing season. A reduced programme of sampling was carried out during 2020, due to the COVID restrictions.","answerHtml":"The current statutory regime of testing is considered sufficient in monitoring the general health of bathing waters. However more frequent sampling of waters is already undertaken in reaction to pollution events which may affect the quality of a bathing water.
As part of the statutory annual bathing water monitoring programme, all 26 of Northern Ireland’s identified bathing waters are sampled and tested for microbiological parameters on a minimum of 19 occasions between 01 June and 15 September each year (the bathing season), with additional sampling just prior to the commencement of the bathing season. A reduced programme of sampling was carried out during 2020, due to the COVID restrictions.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207323%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=308635","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=308635"}},{"id":"308634","reference":"AQW 7322/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-21","answerBy":"2020-10-06","answered":"2020-10-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs whether plans exist to widen the rollout of real-time updates to alert bathers concerning water quality at additional sites across Northern Ireland.","answerText":"DAERA currently provide funding for the EU’s INTERREG VA, SWIM. This project led by University College Dublin, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful and Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute is a cross-border research programme developing a live bathing water quality prediction system. The system, currently available at 9 locations, 6 of which are Northern Ireland identified bathing waters, will enable short-term pollution events to be predicted. These predictions will be communicated to the general public via electronic beach signage, a smart-phone app, a website and social media.\n\nThis project is due for completion within the next year and DAERA has already secured funding and commenced work with Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute to investigate, model and if appropriate expand the live bathing water quality prediction system across Northern Ireland’s 26 identified bathing waters during the bathing season. It is envisaged that these projects on automated water quality predictions will better inform the public, alerting them to water quality issues.","answerHtml":"DAERA currently provide funding for the EU’s INTERREG VA, SWIM. This project led by University College Dublin, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful and Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute is a cross-border research programme developing a live bathing water quality prediction system. The system, currently available at 9 locations, 6 of which are Northern Ireland identified bathing waters, will enable short-term pollution events to be predicted. These predictions will be communicated to the general public via electronic beach signage, a smart-phone app, a website and social media.
This project is due for completion within the next year and DAERA has already secured funding and commenced work with Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute to investigate, model and if appropriate expand the live bathing water quality prediction system across Northern Ireland’s 26 identified bathing waters during the bathing season. It is envisaged that these projects on automated water quality predictions will better inform the public, alerting them to water quality issues.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207322%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=308634","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=308634"}},{"id":"308633","reference":"AQW 7321/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-21","answerBy":"2020-10-06","answered":"2020-09-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, in light of the increased level of open water swimming, whether he will include waters at (i) Brompton Road, Bangor; and (ii) Skippingstone Beach, Bangor as designated bathing sites for water quality testing.","answerText":"Interested parties who wish to nominate a site for consideration as a formally identified bathing water may do so at any time, subject to the nomination meeting certain criteria. These criteria include:\n\nprovision of initial usage evidence at the site (the selection criteria for candidate sites is over 45 bathers on at least one occasion or over 100 beach users on at least two occasions across a review period)\n\nevidence that bathing is not prohibited or inadvisable for reasons of safety\n\nprovision of information about site facilities for example, signage, litter collection, site access, car parks, lifeguards, changing facilities\n\nconfirmation from an appropriate body (such as a Council) that it is willing to accept the responsibilities as the bathing water operator\n\nOnce the Department is satisfied that the criteria have been met, it shall seek to verify the initial usage data by conducting its own survey at the candidate site during the course of the next bathing season. Should this be verified, and the other criteria continue to be met, the Department would then undertake a public consultation with a recommendation that the candidate site be formally identified as a bathing water.\n\nAny representations, comments or queries in respect of the nomination and identification process should be directed to Marine.InfoRequests@daera-ni.gov.uk.","answerHtml":"Interested parties who wish to nominate a site for consideration as a formally identified bathing water may do so at any time, subject to the nomination meeting certain criteria. These criteria include:
provision of initial usage evidence at the site (the selection criteria for candidate sites is over 45 bathers on at least one occasion or over 100 beach users on at least two occasions across a review period)
evidence that bathing is not prohibited or inadvisable for reasons of safety
provision of information about site facilities for example, signage, litter collection, site access, car parks, lifeguards, changing facilities
confirmation from an appropriate body (such as a Council) that it is willing to accept the responsibilities as the bathing water operator
Once the Department is satisfied that the criteria have been met, it shall seek to verify the initial usage data by conducting its own survey at the candidate site during the course of the next bathing season. Should this be verified, and the other criteria continue to be met, the Department would then undertake a public consultation with a recommendation that the candidate site be formally identified as a bathing water.
Any representations, comments or queries in respect of the nomination and identification process should be directed to Marine.InfoRequests@daera-ni.gov.uk.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207321%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=308633","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=308633"}},{"id":"308395","reference":"AQW 7244/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-18","answerBy":"2020-09-28","answered":"2020-09-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department will prioritise the resumption of practical driving tests for those who require a driving licence to conduct their jobs.","answerText":"As part of the phased resumption of practical driving tests, the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) has reinstated a number of driver testing services, where testing can be done safely in line with Public Health Agency advice and guidance on social distancing requirements. This includes motorcycle driver testing from 6 July and tests for drivers of buses, tractors and module 4 CPC tests for lorry, bus and coach drivers from 20 July.\n\nPractical car and lorry driving tests resumed from 1 September 2020, initially prioritising around 200 high priority workers who have previously requested an urgent driving test and were at that time on a waiting list. The DVA is continuing to process requests for high priority workers and these customers will also be offered driving test appointments. Driving tests are also being offered to those customers who had a driving test booked between March and June, but whose tests were cancelled due to the lockdown measures imposed to prevent the spread of Covid-19.\n\nThe DVA is making good progress in delivering driving tests for these customers and is anticipating a resumption of its normal service delivery from October/ November. I fully appreciate there are many legitimate reasons why customers will want to take their practical driving test at the earliest opportunity, for prioritisation to be effective as I hope you understand, it needs to be focussed and be able to be managed by the DVA. The DVA is planning to reopen bookings for all new customers from 5 October and to increase capacity for driving tests to deal with the likely high demand when normal service resumes. In doing so, this will improve driving tests services for all our customers.","answerHtml":"As part of the phased resumption of practical driving tests, the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) has reinstated a number of driver testing services, where testing can be done safely in line with Public Health Agency advice and guidance on social distancing requirements. This includes motorcycle driver testing from 6 July and tests for drivers of buses, tractors and module 4 CPC tests for lorry, bus and coach drivers from 20 July.
Practical car and lorry driving tests resumed from 1 September 2020, initially prioritising around 200 high priority workers who have previously requested an urgent driving test and were at that time on a waiting list. The DVA is continuing to process requests for high priority workers and these customers will also be offered driving test appointments. Driving tests are also being offered to those customers who had a driving test booked between March and June, but whose tests were cancelled due to the lockdown measures imposed to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
The DVA is making good progress in delivering driving tests for these customers and is anticipating a resumption of its normal service delivery from October/ November. I fully appreciate there are many legitimate reasons why customers will want to take their practical driving test at the earliest opportunity, for prioritisation to be effective as I hope you understand, it needs to be focussed and be able to be managed by the DVA. The DVA is planning to reopen bookings for all new customers from 5 October and to increase capacity for driving tests to deal with the likely high demand when normal service resumes. In doing so, this will improve driving tests services for all our customers.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207244%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=308395","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=308395"}},{"id":"308394","reference":"AQW 7243/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-18","answerBy":"2020-10-05","answered":"2020-09-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on the implementation of a permanent solution following 19 February 2020 Court of Appeal judgment in the case of McKee & Others v Charity Commission for Northern Ireland.","answerText":"The work in respect of the implications of the Judgment and actions required to bring confidence to the charity sector is nearing completion and I hope to make an announcement in the near future.","answerHtml":"The work in respect of the implications of the Judgment and actions required to bring confidence to the charity sector is nearing completion and I hope to make an announcement in the near future.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207243%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=308394","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=308394"}},{"id":"308393","reference":"AQW 7242/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-18","answerBy":"2020-10-05","answered":"2020-09-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she will consider providing additional funding and support for new start-ups in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"I recognise the importance of business start-ups in driving the growth of our economy. Following Local Government reform in 2015, responsibility for local business start-ups, social enterprises and start-ups by under-represented groups passed from Invest NI to the 11 Councils.\n\nThere are a number of support programmes already in place for this important part of our economy. The 11-Council NI Business Start-Up Programme, branded as ‘Go for It’, is supported by Invest NI. This programme is part-funded through the Local Economic Development (LED) Measure of the European Regional Development Fund, with match funding provided by Invest NI and Councils. Over 3½ years until March 2021, this programme will support approximately 15,000 participants to start their own businesses. Recently the 11 Councils secured additional LED Measure and Invest NI funding for a subsequent programme, will run from April 2021 until March 2023 and which will aim to support a further c6,000 individuals to start their own businesses.\n\nIn addition, the LED Measure and Invest NI have also funded a further 36 programmes of support with Councils. These programmes are offering direct support to approximately 11,000 locally focussed businesses through a number of interventions such as mentoring and workshops to help them grow and become more competitive.\n\nInvest NI continues to support the start-up ecosystem through initiatives including its Propel pre-accelerator Programme delivered by IGNITE. The Programme is currently delivered virtually, offering entrepreneurs workshops, tutorials, mentoring, financial support and access to investment.\n\nInvest NI also recently launched the Covid-19 Digital Selling Capability Grant and the Covid-19 Equity Investment Fund, which are available to all eligible NI companies.\n\nFinally, Invest NI’s Innovation Voucher Scheme offers a business up to £5,000 to work with a knowledge provider. The scheme is particularly helpful to small businesses seeking to innovate and grow.","answerHtml":"I recognise the importance of business start-ups in driving the growth of our economy. Following Local Government reform in 2015, responsibility for local business start-ups, social enterprises and start-ups by under-represented groups passed from Invest NI to the 11 Councils.
There are a number of support programmes already in place for this important part of our economy. The 11-Council NI Business Start-Up Programme, branded as ‘Go for It’, is supported by Invest NI. This programme is part-funded through the Local Economic Development (LED) Measure of the European Regional Development Fund, with match funding provided by Invest NI and Councils. Over 3½ years until March 2021, this programme will support approximately 15,000 participants to start their own businesses. Recently the 11 Councils secured additional LED Measure and Invest NI funding for a subsequent programme, will run from April 2021 until March 2023 and which will aim to support a further c6,000 individuals to start their own businesses.
In addition, the LED Measure and Invest NI have also funded a further 36 programmes of support with Councils. These programmes are offering direct support to approximately 11,000 locally focussed businesses through a number of interventions such as mentoring and workshops to help them grow and become more competitive.
Invest NI continues to support the start-up ecosystem through initiatives including its Propel pre-accelerator Programme delivered by IGNITE. The Programme is currently delivered virtually, offering entrepreneurs workshops, tutorials, mentoring, financial support and access to investment.
Invest NI also recently launched the Covid-19 Digital Selling Capability Grant and the Covid-19 Equity Investment Fund, which are available to all eligible NI companies.
Finally, Invest NI’s Innovation Voucher Scheme offers a business up to £5,000 to work with a knowledge provider. The scheme is particularly helpful to small businesses seeking to innovate and grow.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207242%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=308393","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=308393"}},{"id":"308392","reference":"AQW 7241/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-18","answerBy":"2020-10-05","answered":"2020-10-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she intends to bring forward a Capital Funding Scheme to support Local Enterprise Agencies to (i) acquire land; (ii) construct new buildings.","answerText":"I recognise the important work that the Local Enterprise Agency network is carrying out, in particular their focus on supporting small enterprises through these difficult times. Given the nature of the NI economy, with the grass roots development of the micro and small businesses that make up a considerable portion of it, the viability of these sectors is important.\n\nLocal Enterprise Agencies are typically supported at a local Council level, reflecting the economic development remit that was passed to councils in 2015 following the Review of Public Administration. I therefore have no plans to bring forward a capital funding scheme at a local level, but Invest NI has done some relevant work in this area.\n\nIn April 2019 Invest NI launched a Flexible Workspace Scheme offering loans of up to 40% of the total cost of developing new start-up and early stage business accommodation of up to 35,000 sq ft in size. The costs associated with land acquisition were, however, excluded.\n\nThe Scheme was developed following an approach from a Local Enterprise Agency seeking support for its expansion plans. An economic appraisal commissioned by Invest NI concluded there was sufficient evidence to support a Northern Ireland wide pilot exercise.\n\nWhilst support for such projects would normally fall within the remit of Councils, Invest NI agreed that it would take the lead with responsibility for any future schemes sitting with each local authority.\n\nBy the deadline of 30 August 2019 Invest NI had received a total of 14 expressions of interest including four from Local Enterprise Agencies. Whilst two of the LEA applications were not considered to be eligible for support Invest NI continues to engage with the proposers of the remaining two projects.\n\nInvest NI has no plans to reopen the scheme to new applications.","answerHtml":"I recognise the important work that the Local Enterprise Agency network is carrying out, in particular their focus on supporting small enterprises through these difficult times. Given the nature of the NI economy, with the grass roots development of the micro and small businesses that make up a considerable portion of it, the viability of these sectors is important.
Local Enterprise Agencies are typically supported at a local Council level, reflecting the economic development remit that was passed to councils in 2015 following the Review of Public Administration. I therefore have no plans to bring forward a capital funding scheme at a local level, but Invest NI has done some relevant work in this area.
In April 2019 Invest NI launched a Flexible Workspace Scheme offering loans of up to 40% of the total cost of developing new start-up and early stage business accommodation of up to 35,000 sq ft in size. The costs associated with land acquisition were, however, excluded.
The Scheme was developed following an approach from a Local Enterprise Agency seeking support for its expansion plans. An economic appraisal commissioned by Invest NI concluded there was sufficient evidence to support a Northern Ireland wide pilot exercise.
Whilst support for such projects would normally fall within the remit of Councils, Invest NI agreed that it would take the lead with responsibility for any future schemes sitting with each local authority.
By the deadline of 30 August 2019 Invest NI had received a total of 14 expressions of interest including four from Local Enterprise Agencies. Whilst two of the LEA applications were not considered to be eligible for support Invest NI continues to engage with the proposers of the remaining two projects.
Invest NI has no plans to reopen the scheme to new applications.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207241%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=308392","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=308392"}},{"id":"308391","reference":"AQW 7240/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-18","answerBy":"2020-10-05","answered":"2020-10-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the timeframe for the resumption of practical driving tests for taxi drivers.","answerText":"As part of the phased resumption of practical driving tests, the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) has reinstated some driver testing services, where testing can be done safely in line with Public Health Agency advice and guidance on social distancing requirements. This includes motorcycle driver testing from 6 July and tests for drivers of buses, tractors and module 4 CPC tests for lorry, bus and coach drivers from 20 July. Practical car and lorry driving tests resumed from 1 September 2020, initially prioritising those requests from key workers followed by those customers whose tests were cancelled due to lockdown. The online booking service for car and motorcycle practical driving tests is reopening to other customers from 5 October.\n\nThe DVA is working hard to reinstate other practical driving tests as soon as possible, including the practical driving test for taxi drivers. However, due to the longer duration of this test, it must be fully risk assessed to ensure it can be delivered safely in line with PHA advice and guidance. Once this service can resume safely I will ensure this is clearly communicated to all affected customers.","answerHtml":"As part of the phased resumption of practical driving tests, the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) has reinstated some driver testing services, where testing can be done safely in line with Public Health Agency advice and guidance on social distancing requirements. This includes motorcycle driver testing from 6 July and tests for drivers of buses, tractors and module 4 CPC tests for lorry, bus and coach drivers from 20 July. Practical car and lorry driving tests resumed from 1 September 2020, initially prioritising those requests from key workers followed by those customers whose tests were cancelled due to lockdown. The online booking service for car and motorcycle practical driving tests is reopening to other customers from 5 October.
The DVA is working hard to reinstate other practical driving tests as soon as possible, including the practical driving test for taxi drivers. However, due to the longer duration of this test, it must be fully risk assessed to ensure it can be delivered safely in line with PHA advice and guidance. Once this service can resume safely I will ensure this is clearly communicated to all affected customers.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207240%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=308391","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=308391"}},{"id":"308141","reference":"AQW 7159/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-17","answerBy":"2020-09-23","answered":"2020-09-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, with regards that there is insufficient capacity to facilitate booking and conduct of Motor Vehicle Tests, why the decision was taken to end issuance of Temporary Exemption Certificates for four year old vehicles.","answerText":"The Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) conducts periodic motor vehicle tests in compliance with the Roadworthiness Directive 2014/45/EU (“The Directive”). The Directive stipulates the minimum test frequency for motor vehicles, and provides for cars to be first tested from four years old and at least biennially thereafter.\n\nArticle 2(2) of the Directive provides for the frequency of testing to be altered under ‘exceptional conditions’ and the DVA has relied on this provision to defer the testing of motor vehicles affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and the related withdrawal of testing services. However, with the phased reinstatement of vehicle testing services the DVA can no longer rely on this provision to defer the testing of four year old cars in particular, and as a result, the testing of those vehicles resumed on 1 September. Vehicles in this category with a 6 month Temporary Exemption Certificate (TEC) will be called for test when their TEC expires.\n\nMy officials are continuing to carefully monitor staffing levels to ensure there is sufficient capacity to meet the demand for vehicle testing across the test centre network.","answerHtml":"The Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) conducts periodic motor vehicle tests in compliance with the Roadworthiness Directive 2014/45/EU (“The Directive”). The Directive stipulates the minimum test frequency for motor vehicles, and provides for cars to be first tested from four years old and at least biennially thereafter.
Article 2(2) of the Directive provides for the frequency of testing to be altered under ‘exceptional conditions’ and the DVA has relied on this provision to defer the testing of motor vehicles affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and the related withdrawal of testing services. However, with the phased reinstatement of vehicle testing services the DVA can no longer rely on this provision to defer the testing of four year old cars in particular, and as a result, the testing of those vehicles resumed on 1 September. Vehicles in this category with a 6 month Temporary Exemption Certificate (TEC) will be called for test when their TEC expires.
My officials are continuing to carefully monitor staffing levels to ensure there is sufficient capacity to meet the demand for vehicle testing across the test centre network.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207159%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=308141","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=308141"}},{"id":"308140","reference":"AQW 7158/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-17","answerBy":"2020-10-02","answered":"2020-10-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail all schemes that have bid for funding from the Blue/Green Fund that are currently under consideration.","answerText":"I have so far allocated funding from my Blue/Green Fund to support greenways, cycleways, social distancing projects and blue infrastructure.\n\nA number of other proposals are currently being worked up and I will make further announcements shortly. No schemes have been turned down for funding.","answerHtml":"I have so far allocated funding from my Blue/Green Fund to support greenways, cycleways, social distancing projects and blue infrastructure.
A number of other proposals are currently being worked up and I will make further announcements shortly. No schemes have been turned down for funding.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207158%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=308140","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=308140"}},{"id":"308139","reference":"AQW 7157/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-17","answerBy":"2020-10-02","answered":"2020-09-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail all of the schemes that have unsuccessfully bid for funding from the Blue/Green Fund to date.","answerText":"I can confirm that Councils have not made any unsuccessful bids for Greenway funding from the Blue/Green Infrastructure fund.\n\nMy Walking and Cycling Champion wrote to Councils in July seeking an update on the status of their greenway projects. Those Councils who did not identify any greenway projects that were ready for construction this financial year have been asked to submit a business case for the proposals they had identified where construction could start in the next financial year (2021/22), subject to the agreement of a business case and Department of Finance approval.\n\nAny decision regarding potential funding in the future will depend on budget allocations to the Department in 2021/22 and beyond.","answerHtml":"I can confirm that Councils have not made any unsuccessful bids for Greenway funding from the Blue/Green Infrastructure fund.
My Walking and Cycling Champion wrote to Councils in July seeking an update on the status of their greenway projects. Those Councils who did not identify any greenway projects that were ready for construction this financial year have been asked to submit a business case for the proposals they had identified where construction could start in the next financial year (2021/22), subject to the agreement of a business case and Department of Finance approval.
Any decision regarding potential funding in the future will depend on budget allocations to the Department in 2021/22 and beyond.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207157%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=308139","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=308139"}},{"id":"308138","reference":"AQW 7156/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-17","answerBy":"2020-10-02","answered":"2020-10-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail all of the schemes that have successfully bid for funding from the Blue/Green Fund to date.","answerText":"On 10 June 2020 I announced £20 million of funding for blue/green infrastructure to be used to promote active travel and support the transformation of communities by helping shape places for everyone to live in the new normal.\n\nTo date, £2.8 million of capital funding has been allocated to 4 councils to develop six greenway projects that are ready to be taken forward for construction in 2020/21, of which some £1.1m is expected to be spent in 2020/21. This funding will be provided on a match funding basis and will be subject to councils returning robust business cases to the Department to ensure Value for Money. These projects are:\n\n•Forth Meadow Community Greenway (Belfast City Council)\n\n•Lagan Gateway Greenway (Belfast City Council)\n\n•Strabane North Greenway (Derry City and Strabane District Council)\n\n•Strathfoyle Greenway –(Derry City and Strabane District Council)\n\n•Banbridge Riverside Walk (Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council)\n\n•North Down Coastal Path (Ards and North Down Borough Council)\n\nI have also allocated funding from my Blue/Green Fund to support cycleways, social distancing projects and blue infrastructure.\n\nA number of other proposals are currently being worked up and I will make further announcements shortly.","answerHtml":"On 10 June 2020 I announced £20 million of funding for blue/green infrastructure to be used to promote active travel and support the transformation of communities by helping shape places for everyone to live in the new normal.
To date, £2.8 million of capital funding has been allocated to 4 councils to develop six greenway projects that are ready to be taken forward for construction in 2020/21, of which some £1.1m is expected to be spent in 2020/21. This funding will be provided on a match funding basis and will be subject to councils returning robust business cases to the Department to ensure Value for Money. These projects are:
•Forth Meadow Community Greenway (Belfast City Council)
•Lagan Gateway Greenway (Belfast City Council)
•Strabane North Greenway (Derry City and Strabane District Council)
•Strathfoyle Greenway –(Derry City and Strabane District Council)
•Banbridge Riverside Walk (Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council)
•North Down Coastal Path (Ards and North Down Borough Council)
I have also allocated funding from my Blue/Green Fund to support cycleways, social distancing projects and blue infrastructure.
A number of other proposals are currently being worked up and I will make further announcements shortly.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207156%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=308138","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=308138"}},{"id":"308137","reference":"AQW 7155/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-17","answerBy":"2020-10-02","answered":"2020-09-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the spending from the Blue/Green Fund that has been allocated to date.","answerText":"On 10 June 2020 I announced £20 million of funding for blue/green infrastructure to be used to promote active travel and support the transformation of communities by helping shape places for everyone to live in the new normal.\n\nAs part of this, my Department wrote to all councils on 2 July 2020 seeking details of greenway projects which were ready to be taken forward. To date, £2.8 million of capital funding has been allocated to 4 councils to develop six greenway projects that are ready to be taken forward for construction in 2020/21 of which £1.1m is expected to be spent in 2020/21. This funding will be provided on a match funding basis and will be subject to councils returning robust business cases to the Department to ensure Value for Money.\n\nAllocation of the remainder of the £20m funding will be made available for suitable projects in due course. Decisions will be informed by ongoing engagement with stakeholders on their proposals for co-design schemes and used primarily towards projects which will help to define a sense of place and character within communities, by providing/ improving cycleways, footways and green/ blue spaces that will encourage people to walk and cycle as part of their everyday lives.","answerHtml":"On 10 June 2020 I announced £20 million of funding for blue/green infrastructure to be used to promote active travel and support the transformation of communities by helping shape places for everyone to live in the new normal.
As part of this, my Department wrote to all councils on 2 July 2020 seeking details of greenway projects which were ready to be taken forward. To date, £2.8 million of capital funding has been allocated to 4 councils to develop six greenway projects that are ready to be taken forward for construction in 2020/21 of which £1.1m is expected to be spent in 2020/21. This funding will be provided on a match funding basis and will be subject to councils returning robust business cases to the Department to ensure Value for Money.
Allocation of the remainder of the £20m funding will be made available for suitable projects in due course. Decisions will be informed by ongoing engagement with stakeholders on their proposals for co-design schemes and used primarily towards projects which will help to define a sense of place and character within communities, by providing/ improving cycleways, footways and green/ blue spaces that will encourage people to walk and cycle as part of their everyday lives.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207155%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=308137","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=308137"}},{"id":"308034","reference":"AQW 7071/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-16","answerBy":"2020-09-22","answered":"2022-01-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the rationale behind the exemption from the face covering regulations for school transport services; and whether he will consider removing the exemption.","answerText":"The wearing of face coverings on all dedicated school buses and public transport is mandatory for all post-primary children, except for those who are exempt from wearing a face covering or have a reasonable excuse. The best available scientific evidence is that, when used correctly, wearing a face covering may reduce the spread of coronavirus droplets in certain circumstances, helping to protect others, these remain an important part of our defence against COVID-19. In order for the wearing of face coverings to be effective it is estimated that 70%-80% compliance is required.\n\nThe Executive are due to discuss the remaining COVID 19 regulations, including the legal requirement to wear a face covering in various settings, in more detail at their meeting on 10 February.","answerHtml":"The wearing of face coverings on all dedicated school buses and public transport is mandatory for all post-primary children, except for those who are exempt from wearing a face covering or have a reasonable excuse. The best available scientific evidence is that, when used correctly, wearing a face covering may reduce the spread of coronavirus droplets in certain circumstances, helping to protect others, these remain an important part of our defence against COVID-19. In order for the wearing of face coverings to be effective it is estimated that 70%-80% compliance is required.
The Executive are due to discuss the remaining COVID 19 regulations, including the legal requirement to wear a face covering in various settings, in more detail at their meeting on 10 February.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207071%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=308034","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=308034"}},{"id":"308033","reference":"AQW 7070/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-16","answerBy":"2020-10-01","answered":"2020-09-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on implementation of Greater Clarendon (Sailortown) Masterplan.","answerText":"I have recently agreed to formally adopt the Greater Clarendon (Sailortown) Masterplan and associated documents as supplementary policy for the regeneration of Belfast City Centre and the Department is currently exploring options with Belfast City Council, the Harbour Commissioners and other stakeholders for taking forward priority projects contained in the Accessibility and Design Guide.\n\nThe Department for Communities is preparing work that will seek to identify opportunity sites within the Greater Clarendon Masterplan area, particularly those within the emerging Ulster University and City Fringe areas, for future development.\n\nThe Department is currently considering how these projects are prioritised within existing budgets and plans.","answerHtml":"I have recently agreed to formally adopt the Greater Clarendon (Sailortown) Masterplan and associated documents as supplementary policy for the regeneration of Belfast City Centre and the Department is currently exploring options with Belfast City Council, the Harbour Commissioners and other stakeholders for taking forward priority projects contained in the Accessibility and Design Guide.
The Department for Communities is preparing work that will seek to identify opportunity sites within the Greater Clarendon Masterplan area, particularly those within the emerging Ulster University and City Fringe areas, for future development.
The Department is currently considering how these projects are prioritised within existing budgets and plans.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207070%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=308033","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=308033"}},{"id":"308031","reference":"AQW 7068/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-16","answerBy":"2020-10-01","answered":"2020-09-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether consideration is being given to undertaking an independent review of Non Domestic Rating System.","answerText":"I have no plans to have an independent review of the non-domestic rating system undertaken. The Public Consultation, undertaken less than a year ago as part of my Department’s comprehensive Review of Business Rates, provided a broad and extensive range of independent responses. That Review led to the Executive’s reduction of the non-domestic regional rate by 18%, the extension of the Small Business Rate Relief Scheme, and the re-introduction of the Rural ATMs Scheme. That evidence, along with the advice from the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre, helped in the development of the unprecedented £313m in additional rate relief provided by the Executive since April, and I have no doubt it will continue to shape our ongoing response.","answerHtml":"I have no plans to have an independent review of the non-domestic rating system undertaken. The Public Consultation, undertaken less than a year ago as part of my Department’s comprehensive Review of Business Rates, provided a broad and extensive range of independent responses. That Review led to the Executive’s reduction of the non-domestic regional rate by 18%, the extension of the Small Business Rate Relief Scheme, and the re-introduction of the Rural ATMs Scheme. That evidence, along with the advice from the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre, helped in the development of the unprecedented £313m in additional rate relief provided by the Executive since April, and I have no doubt it will continue to shape our ongoing response.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207068%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=308031","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=308031"}},{"id":"308030","reference":"AQW 7067/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-16","answerBy":"2020-10-01","answered":"2020-09-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for a breakdown of the planned £20 million savings to be made by Translink, as announced on 15 September.","answerText":"Translink has identified cost efficiencies in response to the impact of COVID-19 across its cost base. I have been assured by Translink’s Chief Executive, Chris Conway, these will not impact on front line services delivered through the Public Service Agreement. However, since these are linked to a formal redundancy process which is underway, it would not be appropriate to comment further on the detail at this stage.","answerHtml":"Translink has identified cost efficiencies in response to the impact of COVID-19 across its cost base. I have been assured by Translink’s Chief Executive, Chris Conway, these will not impact on front line services delivered through the Public Service Agreement. However, since these are linked to a formal redundancy process which is underway, it would not be appropriate to comment further on the detail at this stage.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207067%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=308030","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=308030"}},{"id":"307814","reference":"AQW 6986/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-15","answerBy":"2020-09-18","answered":"2020-09-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs how the public are alerted of sewerage spills around public beaches and bathing areas.","answerText":"Pollution incidents to any watercourse including beaches should be reported through to the 24 hour Water Pollution Hotline, informing the NIEA Emergency Pollution Team. There are agreed mechanisms and protocols in place which quickly inform relevant authorities including the local council who will erect signs to alert the general public at identified bathing waters. There are 26 identified bathing waters around the coast of Northern Ireland.","answerHtml":"Pollution incidents to any watercourse including beaches should be reported through to the 24 hour Water Pollution Hotline, informing the NIEA Emergency Pollution Team. There are agreed mechanisms and protocols in place which quickly inform relevant authorities including the local council who will erect signs to alert the general public at identified bathing waters. There are 26 identified bathing waters around the coast of Northern Ireland.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206986%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=307814","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=307814"}},{"id":"307813","reference":"AQW 6985/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-15","answerBy":"2020-09-30","answered":"2020-09-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she has considered merging the Active School Travel Programme and the Cycling Proficiency Scheme.","answerText":"The Active School Travel Programme and the Cycling Proficiency Scheme deliver training to primary school children which promotes both active travel and road safety. There is, however, an element of duplication regarding cycle training.\n\nThe Active School Travel Programme is delivered under contract by the service provider Sustrans NI. That contract is now in its final year which provides me with an opportunity to review how my Department will provide Active and Safe Travel training for children in the future.\n\nMy officials along with officials from the Public Health Agency, co-funders of the Active School Travel Programme, have already commenced work which will help inform the way forward.","answerHtml":"The Active School Travel Programme and the Cycling Proficiency Scheme deliver training to primary school children which promotes both active travel and road safety. There is, however, an element of duplication regarding cycle training.
The Active School Travel Programme is delivered under contract by the service provider Sustrans NI. That contract is now in its final year which provides me with an opportunity to review how my Department will provide Active and Safe Travel training for children in the future.
My officials along with officials from the Public Health Agency, co-funders of the Active School Travel Programme, have already commenced work which will help inform the way forward.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206985%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=307813","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=307813"}},{"id":"307812","reference":"AQW 6984/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-15","answerBy":"2020-09-30","answered":"2020-09-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether consideration has been given to the creation of another railway halt between Yorkgate and Whiteabbey rail halts.","answerText":"My Department is currently developing proposals for a new Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan (RSTNTP) which will help inform priorities for future development of the main road and rail networks, including the potential for additional railway stations on existing routes. Once I have identified my preferred options and priorities, a draft document setting these out will be issued for public consultation.\n\nGiven the severe budget pressures facing my Department during COVID-19 and the funding required to ensure the viability of Translink in the current financial year, it will be extremely challenging to fund new additions to our public transport network at this time.","answerHtml":"My Department is currently developing proposals for a new Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan (RSTNTP) which will help inform priorities for future development of the main road and rail networks, including the potential for additional railway stations on existing routes. Once I have identified my preferred options and priorities, a draft document setting these out will be issued for public consultation.
Given the severe budget pressures facing my Department during COVID-19 and the funding required to ensure the viability of Translink in the current financial year, it will be extremely challenging to fund new additions to our public transport network at this time.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206984%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=307812","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=307812"}},{"id":"307810","reference":"AQW 6982/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-15","answerBy":"2020-09-30","answered":"2020-09-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in relation to the backlog caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, what measures are in place to guarantee an efficient MOT telephone answering and booking service.","answerText":"As part of its plan to restore services, the DVA has recently reintroduced further vehicle testing services which has significantly increased the number of customers requiring to book a test. Currently the MOT telephone booking system is the only channel available to the public for booking tests. Call volumes are almost double what they were this time last year with some customers also using the booking line to make general enquiries about DVA services, rather than using other means. Social media and other messaging is being used to help clarify the contact points that customers should use, depending on their query.\n\nThe DVA has urgently explored measures to improve this service and from 23 September introduced a new call messaging service to redirect general calls to nidirect. In addition, the call centre opening hours have been extended by an additional 2 hours from 5pm to 7pm on Monday to Wednesday. To further alleviate pressure on the MOT telephone booking system, the DVA continues to engage directly with the haulage industry, particularly those operators with large fleets, to facilitate bookings at a local test centre level where possible rather than using the booking phone line.\n\nThe DVA is also planning to reinstate its online booking service with a phased implementation from 1 October as set out in the table below.\n\nDate\tService\n1 October\tVehicle tests for HGVs and trailers only\n5 October\tPractical driving tests for all new customers\n12 October\tVehicle tests for all other categories\n\nThis should significantly reduce the demand on the MOT telephone booking system.","answerHtml":"As part of its plan to restore services, the DVA has recently reintroduced further vehicle testing services which has significantly increased the number of customers requiring to book a test. Currently the MOT telephone booking system is the only channel available to the public for booking tests. Call volumes are almost double what they were this time last year with some customers also using the booking line to make general enquiries about DVA services, rather than using other means. Social media and other messaging is being used to help clarify the contact points that customers should use, depending on their query.
The DVA has urgently explored measures to improve this service and from 23 September introduced a new call messaging service to redirect general calls to nidirect. In addition, the call centre opening hours have been extended by an additional 2 hours from 5pm to 7pm on Monday to Wednesday. To further alleviate pressure on the MOT telephone booking system, the DVA continues to engage directly with the haulage industry, particularly those operators with large fleets, to facilitate bookings at a local test centre level where possible rather than using the booking phone line.
The DVA is also planning to reinstate its online booking service with a phased implementation from 1 October as set out in the table below.
| Date | Service |
| 1 October | Vehicle tests for HGVs and trailers only |
| 5 October | Practical driving tests for all new customers |
| 12 October | Vehicle tests for all other categories |
This should significantly reduce the demand on the MOT telephone booking system.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206982%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=307810","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=307810"}},{"id":"307669","reference":"AQW 6894/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-14","answerBy":"2020-09-17","answered":"2020-09-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what action his Department is taking to stop environmental damage arising from draining of Portavoe Reservoir via opening of the valves.","answerText":"My officials have only recently received reports of lowered water levels at Portavoe Reservoir and have not yet visited the site to ascertain any environmental impact or the need for action. They will engage with the site owners to provide advice.","answerHtml":"My officials have only recently received reports of lowered water levels at Portavoe Reservoir and have not yet visited the site to ascertain any environmental impact or the need for action. They will engage with the site owners to provide advice.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206894%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=307669","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=307669"}},{"id":"307668","reference":"AQW 6893/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-14","answerBy":"2020-09-29","answered":"2020-09-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department will be carrying out a traffic survey at Crescent Link Retail Park, Londonderry, to assess the need for a pedestrian crossing in the area.","answerText":"Following receipt of a number of requests, my Department has programmed traffic surveys to inform an assessment for provision of a controlled pedestrian crossing at this location. Once the surveys have been completed the proposal will be assessed against the current policy to determine if it meets the minimum criteria required to merit provision of a pedestrian crossing.","answerHtml":"Following receipt of a number of requests, my Department has programmed traffic surveys to inform an assessment for provision of a controlled pedestrian crossing at this location. Once the surveys have been completed the proposal will be assessed against the current policy to determine if it meets the minimum criteria required to merit provision of a pedestrian crossing.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206893%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=307668","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=307668"}},{"id":"307667","reference":"AQW 6892/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-14","answerBy":"2020-09-29","answered":"2020-09-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail the rationale for the delay in distributing further financial assistance to the arts and cultural sector, following the £33m in Barnett consequentials received by the Executive in early July.","answerText":"It is for the Executive to decide where Barnett consequentials are allocated, however, DfC has submitted a bid for £33m, to secure financial support here to support culture, language, arts and heritage organisations, local musicians, freelancers and artists at a time when they are struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. A Creative Support Fund, of £5.5 million, has already been established by the Department of which, to date, £1.9 million has been paid to small to medium organisations in addition to just over £0.5 million to individuals.","answerHtml":"It is for the Executive to decide where Barnett consequentials are allocated, however, DfC has submitted a bid for £33m, to secure financial support here to support culture, language, arts and heritage organisations, local musicians, freelancers and artists at a time when they are struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. A Creative Support Fund, of £5.5 million, has already been established by the Department of which, to date, £1.9 million has been paid to small to medium organisations in addition to just over £0.5 million to individuals.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206892%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=307667","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=307667"}},{"id":"307666","reference":"AQW 6891/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-14","answerBy":"2020-09-29","answered":"2021-02-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to AQW 6133/17-22, when they intend to table a Transfer of Functions Order to the Executive for approval to transfer responsibility for the statutory functions under the Reservoirs Act (NI) 2015 from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to the Department for Infrastructure.","answerText":"Transfer of responsibility from DAERA to the Department for Infrastructure for the functions exercisable under the Reservoirs (NI) Act 2015 is one of package of transfers of functions for which we intend to seek Executive agreement in the near future.","answerHtml":"Transfer of responsibility from DAERA to the Department for Infrastructure for the functions exercisable under the Reservoirs (NI) Act 2015 is one of package of transfers of functions for which we intend to seek Executive agreement in the near future.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206891%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=307666","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=307666"}},{"id":"307665","reference":"AQW 6890/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-14","answerBy":"2020-09-29","answered":"2020-09-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance what actions are being taken to ensure that additional in-year Barnett consequentials are not surrendered at year-end.","answerText":"The In-year Monitoring process has always provided a formal mechanism for reviewing spending plans in light of the most up to date information to aid good financial management. This process not only ensures that resources are directed to priority areas but also includes the reallocation of resources surrendered by departments to ensure that any underspend at year end is within the limit of what can be carried forward to the next year.\n\nAll departments are encouraged to surrender any easements at an early stage so that the resources can be reallocated to other priority areas and my officials engage with departments regularly throughout the year to gauge the level of expenditure and any potential underspends.\n\nThe response to COVID-19 has provided an unprecedented level of additional Barnett Consequentials to the Executive. This has also required an unprecedented response from the Executive which has reacted in a dynamic way to ensure that allocations are made quickly and outside of the formal in-year processes where the need is critical. This allocations provided to departments are ring-fenced meaning that any unrequired funding should be returned to the Executive for reallocation at the earliest opportunity.","answerHtml":"The In-year Monitoring process has always provided a formal mechanism for reviewing spending plans in light of the most up to date information to aid good financial management. This process not only ensures that resources are directed to priority areas but also includes the reallocation of resources surrendered by departments to ensure that any underspend at year end is within the limit of what can be carried forward to the next year.
All departments are encouraged to surrender any easements at an early stage so that the resources can be reallocated to other priority areas and my officials engage with departments regularly throughout the year to gauge the level of expenditure and any potential underspends.
The response to COVID-19 has provided an unprecedented level of additional Barnett Consequentials to the Executive. This has also required an unprecedented response from the Executive which has reacted in a dynamic way to ensure that allocations are made quickly and outside of the formal in-year processes where the need is critical. This allocations provided to departments are ring-fenced meaning that any unrequired funding should be returned to the Executive for reallocation at the earliest opportunity.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206890%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=307665","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=307665"}},{"id":"307529","reference":"AQW 6806/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-11","answerBy":"2020-09-16","answered":"2021-08-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the travel guidance in areas under localised restrictions further to the announcement made on 10 September 2020.","answerText":"In the period since this question was tabled the Executive has taken a series of carefully considered steps to bring us to the current position in which there are no localised restrictions for specific areas of Northern Ireland.\n\nAlthough localised coronavirus restrictions have eased, regulations and guidance for the whole of Northern Ireland remain in place to help stop the spread of COVID-19. We continue to ask people to follow the public health advice to help keep themselves and everyone else, safe and to help us to continue to make positive progress.","answerHtml":"In the period since this question was tabled the Executive has taken a series of carefully considered steps to bring us to the current position in which there are no localised restrictions for specific areas of Northern Ireland.
Although localised coronavirus restrictions have eased, regulations and guidance for the whole of Northern Ireland remain in place to help stop the spread of COVID-19. We continue to ask people to follow the public health advice to help keep themselves and everyone else, safe and to help us to continue to make positive progress.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206806%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=307529","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=307529"}},{"id":"307528","reference":"AQW 6805/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-11","answerBy":"2020-09-28","answered":"2020-10-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs whether there are plans to reform rights of way access legislation.","answerText":"My Department is currently reviewing legislation related to access to the countryside, with a focus on optimising the benefits and opportunities for outdoor recreation.\n\nThe current review will consider the suitability of the current Access to the Countryside (Northern Ireland) Order 1983 which includes the policies associated with the assertion of Public Rights of Way.","answerHtml":"My Department is currently reviewing legislation related to access to the countryside, with a focus on optimising the benefits and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
The current review will consider the suitability of the current Access to the Countryside (Northern Ireland) Order 1983 which includes the policies associated with the assertion of Public Rights of Way.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206805%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=307528","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=307528"}},{"id":"307527","reference":"AQW 6804/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-11","answerBy":"2020-09-28","answered":"2020-09-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department would consider a reduction in the speed limit from 60mph to 30mph in the area of Cotton village, Newtownards Road, Donaghadee.","answerText":"Changes to speed limits on a public road are assessed in accordance with the Department’s guidelines, entitled Roads Service Policy and Procedure Guide (RSPPG) E051 ‘Setting Local Speed Limits in Northern Ireland’.\n\nI can confirm that my Department will carry out a speed limit review along this stretch of road during the next few months using the criteria set out in our policy document. Officials will advise you of the outcome upon completion of the review.","answerHtml":"Changes to speed limits on a public road are assessed in accordance with the Department’s guidelines, entitled Roads Service Policy and Procedure Guide (RSPPG) E051 ‘Setting Local Speed Limits in Northern Ireland’.
I can confirm that my Department will carry out a speed limit review along this stretch of road during the next few months using the criteria set out in our policy document. Officials will advise you of the outcome upon completion of the review.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206804%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=307527","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=307527"}},{"id":"307526","reference":"AQW 6803/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-11","answerBy":"2020-09-28","answered":"2020-09-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for an update on implementation of the commitment in New Decade, New Approach to publish details of (i) gifts and hospitality received by special advisers; and (ii) meetings with external organisations by special advisers.","answerText":"Details of gifts and hospitality received by special advisers and meetings with external organisations by special advisers are currently being collated and will be published shortly on the Open Data portal.","answerHtml":"Details of gifts and hospitality received by special advisers and meetings with external organisations by special advisers are currently being collated and will be published shortly on the Open Data portal.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206803%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=307526","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=307526"}},{"id":"307525","reference":"AQW 6802/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-11","answerBy":"2020-09-28","answered":"2021-08-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on implementation of the commitment in New Decade, New Approach to publish details of Ministers’ meetings with external organisations.","answerText":"Details of Ministers’ meetings with external organisations are now published and can be found at:\n\nhttps://www.opendatani.gov.uk/dataset/ministers-meetings-with-external-organisations-and-individuals-january-to-june-2020","answerHtml":"Details of Ministers’ meetings with external organisations are now published and can be found at:
https://www.opendatani.gov.uk/dataset/ministers-meetings-with-external-organisations-and-individuals-january-to-june-2020
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206802%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=307525","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=307525"}},{"id":"307297","reference":"AQW 6715/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-10","answerBy":"2020-09-16","answered":"2020-09-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to provide (i) a breakdown of the funding received from Barnett consequentials for COVID-19-related funds; and (ii) allocations to date.","answerText":"The Executive has received £2.2 billion of funding from the Treasury as part of its COVID-19 response.\n\nThe table provided in AQW 6334/17-22 details the breakdown of the funding received from Barnett consequentials.\n\nDetails of the COVID-19 allocations to date can be accessed via the link below:\n\nhttps://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/publications/covid-19-funding-allocations","answerHtml":"The Executive has received £2.2 billion of funding from the Treasury as part of its COVID-19 response.
The table provided in AQW 6334/17-22 details the breakdown of the funding received from Barnett consequentials.
Details of the COVID-19 allocations to date can be accessed via the link below:
https://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/publications/covid-19-funding-allocations
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206715%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=307297","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=307297"}},{"id":"307296","reference":"AQW 6714/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-10","answerBy":"2020-09-25","answered":"2020-09-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether patient blood groups are routinely held on file at GP surgeries.","answerText":"GPs do not check a patient's blood group as a matter of course, therefore do not routinely hold this information in their records.","answerHtml":"GPs do not check a patient's blood group as a matter of course, therefore do not routinely hold this information in their records.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206714%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=307296","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=307296"}},{"id":"307295","reference":"AQW 6713/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-10","answerBy":"2020-09-25","answered":"2020-09-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure when further secure bicycle parks will be rolled out at Translink bus and rail stations and halts.","answerText":"In addition to exploring additional bicycle parks at existing facilities, I can confirm that all future development at Translink bus and rail stations will include the provision of secure bicycle shelters. This is in line with my ambition to increase cycling journeys is reflected in the Programme for Government, and my commitment is to increase the proportion of journeys made by walking, cycling and public transport.","answerHtml":"In addition to exploring additional bicycle parks at existing facilities, I can confirm that all future development at Translink bus and rail stations will include the provision of secure bicycle shelters. This is in line with my ambition to increase cycling journeys is reflected in the Programme for Government, and my commitment is to increase the proportion of journeys made by walking, cycling and public transport.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206713%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=307295","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=307295"}},{"id":"307294","reference":"AQW 6712/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-10","answerBy":"2020-09-25","answered":"2020-09-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she plans to bring forward legislation during the current mandate that would enable the use of low emission zones in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"My Department is working closely with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs which is leading on the development of a long term clean air strategy for Northern Ireland, creating opportunities to identify and implement further measures to improve quality whilst simultaneously cutting carbon emissions. A draft Clean Air Strategy discussion document is being developed for public consultation. During the consultation period, stakeholder views will be sought on a range of issues and it is likely that the issue of Low Emission Zones will be considered through this process.\n\nThe Department for Infrastructure (DfI) continues to identify, plan and implement measures to promote and enable a shift onto more sustainable modes of transport to reduce emissions and improve air quality. In the short term, we continue to support the Councils to help them deliver on their Air Quality Action Plans. In the medium term, DfI is currently preparing a new Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan (BMTP) for the greater Belfast area which will provide the framework for transport policy and investment decisions for the greater Belfast area up until 2035. Working in tandem with Councils’ Local Development Plan processes, the intention is to encourage new development where people can walk, cycle or use public transport making use of existing or new transport facilities planned by DfI and providing opportunities to reduce congestion and emissions.","answerHtml":"My Department is working closely with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs which is leading on the development of a long term clean air strategy for Northern Ireland, creating opportunities to identify and implement further measures to improve quality whilst simultaneously cutting carbon emissions. A draft Clean Air Strategy discussion document is being developed for public consultation. During the consultation period, stakeholder views will be sought on a range of issues and it is likely that the issue of Low Emission Zones will be considered through this process.
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) continues to identify, plan and implement measures to promote and enable a shift onto more sustainable modes of transport to reduce emissions and improve air quality. In the short term, we continue to support the Councils to help them deliver on their Air Quality Action Plans. In the medium term, DfI is currently preparing a new Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan (BMTP) for the greater Belfast area which will provide the framework for transport policy and investment decisions for the greater Belfast area up until 2035. Working in tandem with Councils’ Local Development Plan processes, the intention is to encourage new development where people can walk, cycle or use public transport making use of existing or new transport facilities planned by DfI and providing opportunities to reduce congestion and emissions.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206712%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=307294","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=307294"}},{"id":"307293","reference":"AQW 6711/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-10","answerBy":"2020-09-25","answered":"2020-09-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what percentage of statutory consultee’s responses to consultation requests for planning applications were within the statutory time limits, for each of the last three years.","answerText":"The overall percentage of responses by statutory consultees to consultation requests for planning applications within the statutory time limits in the past three years were as follows:\n\nReport period\tPerformance\n2017-18\t77%\n2018-19\t72%\n2019-20\t70%","answerHtml":"The overall percentage of responses by statutory consultees to consultation requests for planning applications within the statutory time limits in the past three years were as follows:
| Report period | Performance |
| 2017-18 | 77% |
| 2018-19 | 72% |
| 2019-20 | 70% |
The transfer of ownership of the Portavoe Reservoir coincided with a period of Covid 19 restrictions. Departmental officials have agreed to meet with the new owner to discuss access to this water.
Departmental officials will be actively taking this matter forward in the coming weeks.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20735%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=309594","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=309594"}},{"id":"307332","reference":"AQO 712/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-10","answerBy":"2020-09-22","answered":"2020-09-22","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Justice","departmentId":"134","minister":"Minister of Justice","question":"To ask the Minister of Justice for an update on her Department’s preparations for the end of the transition period in December 2020.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"My officials are working at pace with law enforcement partners, other Northern Ireland Executive Departments and the UK Government on operational readiness to ensure that my Department and our justice partners are as prepared as we can be for the end of the transition period on 31 December."},{"speaker":"","text":"Relations between our Northern Ireland justice agencies and their counterparts in Ireland are also good. However, a non-negotiated outcome remains a possibility, and there remain unresolved issues around what measures will be available to law enforcement partners to tackle pan-EU crime and cross-border crime in Ireland."},{"speaker":"","text":"Until we have more clarity on the outcome of the negotiations, and until the outworking of the Northern Ireland protocol is fully implemented, we will be unable to prepare fully for exit from the transition period. The Internal Market Bill, recently introduced at Westminster, has created further confusion and uncertainty. The UK Government's intention to undermine the withdrawal agreement and the Northern Ireland protocol has the potential to impact upon the negotiations on the future security partnership with the EU. That is to be regretted. I met the Home Secretary on 10 September, and, as part of a very constructive meeting, I took the opportunity to reinforce that a lack of detail about the negotiations and about the implementation of the Northern Ireland protocol is hampering our ability to plan fully for exit from the transition period."},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"I thank the Minister for her response. The clock is ticking to the end of the transition period; we are running out of time. Does the Minister agree that lack of agreement thus far on data adequacy and civil justice measures poses a real risk?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"The Member is correct: there is currently no agreement on data adequacy. I have reinforced to UK Ministers the need for measures to mitigate any negative impacts that might arise from a loss of unrestricted cross-border data flows. Data sharing is crucial to law enforcement in Northern Ireland, particularly in tackling cross-border crime. It also underpins many of the EU criminal justice tools and measures relied on for the detection and prosecution of pan-EU crime. I am concerned about the potential loss of access to those justice measures that support the fight against such crime. Loss of access to vital tools such as the Schengen information system (SIS2), the Prüm Convention, and the European criminal records information exchange system (ECRIS) would be detrimental, with the potential to seriously compromise Europe-wide investigations. Therefore, adequate, efficient and effective data sharing with EU countries in the future will be vital in maintaining operational capacity, particularly with Ireland. The PSNI share and receive data with other law enforcement partners daily. We have been engaged with Home Office colleagues to ensure that that future security partnership will be able to take things forward. With respect to the issue of civil justice, it is being negotiated not as part of the future security partnership but as part of the wider trade negotiations, and, as such, is not a priority for the UK Government at this time."},{"speaker":"Mr Sheehan","text":"Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as ucht a freagra. I thank the Minister for her answers so far. Brexit will probably mean the loss of access to some of the important EU justice and security cooperation mechanisms. I wonder, in the light of that, whether the Minister has had any meetings with her Southern counterpart. If so, can she detail what those meetings have been?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"I thank the Member for that question. I have, indeed, had discussions with Minister McEntee, and, obviously, Brexit is one of the issues that has been highlighted. It is also worth Members noting that should the future security partnership not be agreed, as it is coupled at present with the trade negotiations — both have to be agreed for either to be implemented — we would be entirely reliant on the protocol to be able to negotiate bilateral arrangements with Ireland in order to move forward. Therefore there are challenges if we do not have the protocol, in that we move back to the cliff edge. There are about 40 EU justice and security measures that would fall under a no-deal Brexit. Their loss would impact significantly on the ability of the UK law enforcement agencies to address pan-EU crime, including cross-border crime on this island."},{"speaker":"Mr O'Toole","text":"It seems, from what the Justice Minister is saying, that we face a crisis at the end of this year in law enforcement if we crash out without a deal. Will the Minister confirm that the protocol does not cover justice and security measures? Will she further confirm that her permanent secretary told the House of Commons Select Committee this time last year that not having the European arrest warrant would increase the burden on law enforcement agencies to swap information across the border? Will she further raise as a matter of urgency at the North/South Ministerial Council the need to ensure that we have adequate protections in North/South law enforcement on 1 January next year?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"There are a number of threads to the question. First, the future security partnership is making much better progress in negotiations with the EU than the trade partnership appears to be making at this remove. The future security partnership is in everyone's interest. Much of the crime that we have in Northern Ireland is not generated here; equally, crime that is generated here can happen anywhere in the rest of the EU, so there is mutual benefit to us finding an agreed way forward. The difficulty comes if it remains coupled to the trade negotiations and those trade negotiations are unsuccessfully concluded, because we will end up with neither a trade agreement in place nor a future security partnership. It is true to say that, if we do not know exactly what the trade arrangements will be, we risk creating a much more complex landscape for our justice agencies, because we will have layers of non-compliance, from those who are ignorant of the requirements on their business, to those who are deliberately ignoring the requirements on their business, to those who are in the black market. What we do not want to do is punish people who genuinely want to comply with the law by creating any grey areas and forcing them into an area of non-compliance. It is a hugely important and serious issue. We could end up in a situation where, for example, European arrest warrants and other key tools that we have been able to use have to be renegotiated under bilateral agreements with each individual country, if we are not able to do that as part of the overall agreement that is reached with the UK at that level. I do not believe that that is a helpful way forward. We have those tools in place. I think that our focus has to be on getting an agreement on, if nothing else, the future security partnership so that we can at least secure the future and make our population feel safe, even if we do not get to the point where we have an agreed trade agreement."},{"speaker":"Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Beggs)","text":"I encourage Members to continue to rise in their place if they still have a question to ask."},{"speaker":"Miss Woods","text":"Can the Minister outline what budget has been allocated in the Department of Justice to address Brexit issues and whether any funding issues have arisen in the last couple of months?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"I do not have figures to hand on the amount allocated so far to EU developments, but I know that, at the moment, we do not have any additional budget issues. However, we, as responsible account holders, have raised with the Department of Finance the potential for this to become a very expensive process if we end the transition period without an agreement, because, obviously, it will become very difficult and, potentially, more cumbersome for law enforcement agencies as well. At this point, we are not in that situation. As you know, Brexit issues are being handled separately from the normal Budget, so it is not causing pressures in the Department's budget at this point."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20712%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=307332","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2020-09-22&docID=307905#AQO%20712/17-22","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=307332"}},{"id":"307161","reference":"AQW 6617/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-09","answerBy":"2020-09-15","answered":"2020-10-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the average waiting time for a COVID-19 test in each Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"Testing for Covid-19 in Northern Ireland is delivered via two routes. Firstly, the Health and Social Care (HSC) laboratories and the NI Scientific Advisory Consortium, (Pillar 1). Secondly, the National Testing Programme (NTP) managed by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) in London (Pillar 2).\n\nHSC Trusts have indicated that routine tests for patients and tests for symptomatic HSC staff, and for symptomatic family members causing staff to isolate, conducted through Pillar 1 are usually undertaken within 24 Hours (excluding if requested on a Sunday when it will ordinarily be undertaken the next day).\n\nTesting under Pillar 2 is managed through DHSC London and booked using the online portal or by calling 119. DHSC has advised that data on how long on average it takes a person to secure a test, from their first attempt until they are successful, is not captured. Once a test subject is successful in obtaining a test slot, tests are available on the same day as booking or the following day depending on what time the person accesses the booking system.\n\nThe National Testing Programme is currently experiencing an exceptionally high demand due to a number of factors such as the return of schools. Anyone who tries to book a test and is unable to do so, or who is offered a location or time which is not convenient, are encouraged to please wait a few hours and then try again.","answerHtml":"Testing for Covid-19 in Northern Ireland is delivered via two routes. Firstly, the Health and Social Care (HSC) laboratories and the NI Scientific Advisory Consortium, (Pillar 1). Secondly, the National Testing Programme (NTP) managed by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) in London (Pillar 2).
HSC Trusts have indicated that routine tests for patients and tests for symptomatic HSC staff, and for symptomatic family members causing staff to isolate, conducted through Pillar 1 are usually undertaken within 24 Hours (excluding if requested on a Sunday when it will ordinarily be undertaken the next day).
Testing under Pillar 2 is managed through DHSC London and booked using the online portal or by calling 119. DHSC has advised that data on how long on average it takes a person to secure a test, from their first attempt until they are successful, is not captured. Once a test subject is successful in obtaining a test slot, tests are available on the same day as booking or the following day depending on what time the person accesses the booking system.
The National Testing Programme is currently experiencing an exceptionally high demand due to a number of factors such as the return of schools. Anyone who tries to book a test and is unable to do so, or who is offered a location or time which is not convenient, are encouraged to please wait a few hours and then try again.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206617%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=307161","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=307161"}},{"id":"307160","reference":"AQW 6616/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-09","answerBy":"2020-09-24","answered":"2020-09-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether businesses situated outside designated town centre areas could be made eligible for Business Adaption and Improvement Grant Scheme in Ards and North Down.","answerText":"My department has made available funding to Councils for the implementation of COVID-19 Recovery Revitalisation Plans in their areas. In Ards & North Down, £561,000 has already been transferred to the Council to cover immediate first tranche actions across the Borough, including the business support scheme. A further significant tranche of funding aimed at supporting medium to longer-term needs will be made available once the Revitalisation Plan is finalised. It is a matter for the Council to determine eligibility criteria for the provision of funding through this scheme.","answerHtml":"My department has made available funding to Councils for the implementation of COVID-19 Recovery Revitalisation Plans in their areas. In Ards & North Down, £561,000 has already been transferred to the Council to cover immediate first tranche actions across the Borough, including the business support scheme. A further significant tranche of funding aimed at supporting medium to longer-term needs will be made available once the Revitalisation Plan is finalised. It is a matter for the Council to determine eligibility criteria for the provision of funding through this scheme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206616%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=307160","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=307160"}},{"id":"307159","reference":"AQW 6615/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-09","answerBy":"2020-09-24","answered":"2020-09-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for his assessment of the implementation of the Legal Complaints and Regulation Act (NI) 2016, in particular with regards to the establishment of complaints committees to deal with issues of, and provide compensation for, professional negligence.","answerText":"The Legal Complaints and Regulation Act (NI) 2016 (the ‘Act’) provided for the establishment of the post of Legal Services Oversight Commissioner. Ms Marian Cree was appointed to this role for a three year term on 3rd April 2017 and I extended that appointment for a second term in April 2020. Ms Cree continues to work, whilst also performing the role of Lay Observer, with my Department, the Law Society and Bar Council towards the full implementation of the Act’s provisions, the legislation for which will be subject to Assembly scrutiny, including the establishment of complaints committees.","answerHtml":"The Legal Complaints and Regulation Act (NI) 2016 (the ‘Act’) provided for the establishment of the post of Legal Services Oversight Commissioner. Ms Marian Cree was appointed to this role for a three year term on 3rd April 2017 and I extended that appointment for a second term in April 2020. Ms Cree continues to work, whilst also performing the role of Lay Observer, with my Department, the Law Society and Bar Council towards the full implementation of the Act’s provisions, the legislation for which will be subject to Assembly scrutiny, including the establishment of complaints committees.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206615%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=307159","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=307159"}},{"id":"307158","reference":"AQW 6614/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-09","answerBy":"2020-09-24","answered":"2020-09-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will bid for additional funding in the October monitoring round to address the need for road repairs in North Down.","answerText":"The October Monitoring exercise has just launched and my Department is currently assessing all funding requirements, including those for road repairs across Northern Ireland. I will be making decisions shortly regarding my bidding requirements.","answerHtml":"The October Monitoring exercise has just launched and my Department is currently assessing all funding requirements, including those for road repairs across Northern Ireland. I will be making decisions shortly regarding my bidding requirements.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206614%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=307158","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=307158"}},{"id":"307157","reference":"AQW 6613/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-09","answerBy":"2020-09-24","answered":"2020-09-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure which schools in the North Down constituency remain under consideration for the roll-out of 20mph speed limit scheme.","answerText":"As Minister responsible for promoting and improving road safety, I want to work actively with partners to reduce death and serious injuries on our roads. I believe that reducing the maximum speed traffic can travel at on some of our roads, particularly those near schools, can help in this regard.\n\nI am therefore delighted to have committed funding in this year’s capital budget towards introduction of part-time 20 mph speed limits at around 100 schools. These measures will increase driver awareness and achieve reductions in vehicle speeds outside and near these schools ensuring that parents, children and staff will be safer as they go to and from the schools on a daily basis.\n\nAlthough none of the schools in North Down area were ranked highly enough to be included within this year’s programme, it is my intention for this programme to be rolled out over the coming years and therefore other schools, including those in North Down, will be considered for inclusion in future programmes.","answerHtml":"As Minister responsible for promoting and improving road safety, I want to work actively with partners to reduce death and serious injuries on our roads. I believe that reducing the maximum speed traffic can travel at on some of our roads, particularly those near schools, can help in this regard.
I am therefore delighted to have committed funding in this year’s capital budget towards introduction of part-time 20 mph speed limits at around 100 schools. These measures will increase driver awareness and achieve reductions in vehicle speeds outside and near these schools ensuring that parents, children and staff will be safer as they go to and from the schools on a daily basis.
Although none of the schools in North Down area were ranked highly enough to be included within this year’s programme, it is my intention for this programme to be rolled out over the coming years and therefore other schools, including those in North Down, will be considered for inclusion in future programmes.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206613%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=307157","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=307157"}},{"id":"306979","reference":"AQW 6527/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-08","answerBy":"2020-09-14","answered":"2020-09-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities for her assessment of the timeline for recommencement of Parkrun events in Northern Ireland in line with COVID-19 legislation, guidelines, the Parkrun COVID-19 Framework, and in light of recent decision by authorities in England.","answerText":"I can advise that the current Covid Regulations permit sporting and recreational activities to recommence on the basis that the organisers can fully comply with Covid safety guidelines including social distancing, hygiene and the completion of risk assessments.\n\nEvent organisers should also ensure that consideration is given to the potential risks events might present to local communities and other facility users and build these into their plans and protocols.\n\nSport NI continues to provide advice and guidance to the sports sector as the various bodies take steps to ensure a safe return to activities. More details can be found at www.sportni.net/return-to-sport/.\n\nI can also advise that Parkrun Global have developed protocols which were considered by the Return to Sport Expert Group, an advisory body which is chaired by the Department. The Group considered the protocols on 21 August and provided a number of comments.\n\nWith regard to a timeline for Parkrun events to recommence that is a matter for Parkrun Global and the local event organisers who will be responsible for ensuring that events are fully compliant with the Covid Regulations and for providing a safe environment for all those involved including administrators, volunteers and participants.","answerHtml":"I can advise that the current Covid Regulations permit sporting and recreational activities to recommence on the basis that the organisers can fully comply with Covid safety guidelines including social distancing, hygiene and the completion of risk assessments.
Event organisers should also ensure that consideration is given to the potential risks events might present to local communities and other facility users and build these into their plans and protocols.
Sport NI continues to provide advice and guidance to the sports sector as the various bodies take steps to ensure a safe return to activities. More details can be found at www.sportni.net/return-to-sport/.
I can also advise that Parkrun Global have developed protocols which were considered by the Return to Sport Expert Group, an advisory body which is chaired by the Department. The Group considered the protocols on 21 August and provided a number of comments.
With regard to a timeline for Parkrun events to recommence that is a matter for Parkrun Global and the local event organisers who will be responsible for ensuring that events are fully compliant with the Covid Regulations and for providing a safe environment for all those involved including administrators, volunteers and participants.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206527%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=306979","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=306979"}},{"id":"306978","reference":"AQW 6526/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-08","answerBy":"2020-09-23","answered":"2020-09-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the conversations she has had with the Minister for the Economy regarding financial hardship facing the local haulage industry as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.","answerText":"From the onset of the Covid 19 pandemic I recognised the importance of undertaking contingency planning to deal with the impact on the various supply chains and I announced a number of regulatory measures to help the local haulage industry to ensure the continuing flow of goods into and out of Northern Ireland.\n\nI had a meeting with Minister Dodds on 9 April 2020, regarding Freight and Haulage, and I have since stated and written many times to confirm my willingness to work with all Executive colleagues to develop further appropriate support for this and other sectors for which I have regulatory responsibility.\n\nI welcome the recent recognition that my existing legislative powers do not provide the vires for my department to carry out such a function. I have written to the Minister for the Economy and the Finance Minister, to urgently request the information they hold and their support in providing evidence based support to those in this and other sectors.","answerHtml":"From the onset of the Covid 19 pandemic I recognised the importance of undertaking contingency planning to deal with the impact on the various supply chains and I announced a number of regulatory measures to help the local haulage industry to ensure the continuing flow of goods into and out of Northern Ireland.
I had a meeting with Minister Dodds on 9 April 2020, regarding Freight and Haulage, and I have since stated and written many times to confirm my willingness to work with all Executive colleagues to develop further appropriate support for this and other sectors for which I have regulatory responsibility.
I welcome the recent recognition that my existing legislative powers do not provide the vires for my department to carry out such a function. I have written to the Minister for the Economy and the Finance Minister, to urgently request the information they hold and their support in providing evidence based support to those in this and other sectors.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206526%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=306978","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=306978"}},{"id":"306977","reference":"AQW 6525/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-08","answerBy":"2020-09-23","answered":"2020-09-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether she will meet Parkrun representatives to discuss possible recommencement of Parkrun events in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"While the recommencement of Parkrun events, in line with the Executive Covid guidance, is a matter for the Parkrun organisers I am happy to meet with the representatives to hear about their plans and protocols for re-starting Parkrun activities safely and in compliance with the Covid Regulations and guidance.","answerHtml":"While the recommencement of Parkrun events, in line with the Executive Covid guidance, is a matter for the Parkrun organisers I am happy to meet with the representatives to hear about their plans and protocols for re-starting Parkrun activities safely and in compliance with the Covid Regulations and guidance.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206525%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=306977","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=306977"}},{"id":"306976","reference":"AQW 6524/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-08","answerBy":"2020-09-23","answered":"2020-09-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure why no schools in the North Down Constituency were included in the announcement made on 7 September 2020 concerning the roll out of 20mph speed limit schemes at 100 schools.","answerText":"As Minister responsible for promoting and improving road safety, I want to work actively with partners to reduce death and serious injuries on our roads. I believe that reducing the maximum speed traffic can travel at on some of our roads, particularly those near schools, can help in this regard.\n\nI am therefore delighted to have committed funding in this year’s capital budget towards introduction of part-time 20 mph speed limits at around 100 schools. These measures will increase driver awareness and achieve reductions in vehicle speeds outside and near these schools ensuring that parents, children and staff will be safer as they go to and from the schools on a daily basis.\n\nI can confirm that all schools in the North Down area were assessed using the assessment framework contained within my Department’s current road safety at schools policy document. However, although none of the schools in the North Down area were ranked highly enough to be included within this year’s programme, it is my intention for this programme to be rolled out over the coming years and therefore other schools, including those in North Down, will be considered for inclusion in future programmes.","answerHtml":"As Minister responsible for promoting and improving road safety, I want to work actively with partners to reduce death and serious injuries on our roads. I believe that reducing the maximum speed traffic can travel at on some of our roads, particularly those near schools, can help in this regard.
I am therefore delighted to have committed funding in this year’s capital budget towards introduction of part-time 20 mph speed limits at around 100 schools. These measures will increase driver awareness and achieve reductions in vehicle speeds outside and near these schools ensuring that parents, children and staff will be safer as they go to and from the schools on a daily basis.
I can confirm that all schools in the North Down area were assessed using the assessment framework contained within my Department’s current road safety at schools policy document. However, although none of the schools in the North Down area were ranked highly enough to be included within this year’s programme, it is my intention for this programme to be rolled out over the coming years and therefore other schools, including those in North Down, will be considered for inclusion in future programmes.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206524%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=306976","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=306976"}},{"id":"306975","reference":"AQW 6523/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-08","answerBy":"2020-09-23","answered":"2020-09-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the conversations she has had with the Minister for Infrastructure regarding financial hardship facing the local haulage industry as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.","answerText":"Minister Mallon and I represented the NI Executive in a series of Devolved Administration meetings with Ministers and officials from Department for Transport (DfT). These meetings addressed a wide range of transport and connectivity issues, and included discussions on the impact of COVID-19 on the haulage industry across the UK.\n\nAt those meetings we expressed our concerns to DfT around the resilience of the haulage industry, and emphasised our reliance on the haulage of critical goods across the Irish Sea to the DfT Minister on numerous occasions. For Northern Ireland, these are not just economic corridors, but lifelines that connect us with the rest of the UK.\n\nWe were very supportive of DfT’s efforts to come up with a UK wide package for the haulage sector, but ultimately DfT were unable to navigate the high bar required for financial support set by Treasury.\n\nOn the question of lead responsibility for the sector in Northern Ireland, I have written to Minister Mallon in response to a number of correspondence including letters and Executive Papers on the issues facing taxis, hauliers and ferry operators. I informed her that I was of the view that as the Department for Infrastructure has responsibility for the transport industry, it would be best placed to lead on taking forward any agreed support for those areas.\n\nThe Executive subsequently sought advice on which Department was best placed to provide support to the haulage, coach and tour, and taxi industries, taking cognisance of statutory responsibilities. Following the outcome of this the First and deputy First Ministers have written concluding that, on balance, DfI should take the lead responsibility.","answerHtml":"Minister Mallon and I represented the NI Executive in a series of Devolved Administration meetings with Ministers and officials from Department for Transport (DfT). These meetings addressed a wide range of transport and connectivity issues, and included discussions on the impact of COVID-19 on the haulage industry across the UK.
At those meetings we expressed our concerns to DfT around the resilience of the haulage industry, and emphasised our reliance on the haulage of critical goods across the Irish Sea to the DfT Minister on numerous occasions. For Northern Ireland, these are not just economic corridors, but lifelines that connect us with the rest of the UK.
We were very supportive of DfT’s efforts to come up with a UK wide package for the haulage sector, but ultimately DfT were unable to navigate the high bar required for financial support set by Treasury.
On the question of lead responsibility for the sector in Northern Ireland, I have written to Minister Mallon in response to a number of correspondence including letters and Executive Papers on the issues facing taxis, hauliers and ferry operators. I informed her that I was of the view that as the Department for Infrastructure has responsibility for the transport industry, it would be best placed to lead on taking forward any agreed support for those areas.
The Executive subsequently sought advice on which Department was best placed to provide support to the haulage, coach and tour, and taxi industries, taking cognisance of statutory responsibilities. Following the outcome of this the First and deputy First Ministers have written concluding that, on balance, DfI should take the lead responsibility.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206523%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=306975","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=306975"}},{"id":"306841","reference":"AQW 6431/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-07","answerBy":"2020-09-11","answered":"2021-04-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for their assessment of the impact on Northern Ireland of any attempt by the UK Government to unilaterally rewrite the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.","answerText":"The UK Internal Market Act became law on 17 December 2020 “notwithstanding clauses” on implementation were removed prior to the enactment of the legislation.","answerHtml":"The UK Internal Market Act became law on 17 December 2020 “notwithstanding clauses” on implementation were removed prior to the enactment of the legislation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206431%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=306841","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=306841"}},{"id":"306840","reference":"AQW 6430/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-07","answerBy":"2020-09-22","answered":"2020-09-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 6083/17-22, whether she will commit to an accelerated timetable for updating the NI Highway Code to incorporate the changes that she supports that are currently proposed in GB.","answerText":"I am committed to ensuring that the NI Highway Code reflects good practice, and is clear to users. I am supportive of encouraging walking and cycling and wish to assess how best to progress taking account of the changes taking place due to Covid-19. I have asked my officials to keep me informed of the progress on the consultation in GB and will then consider the best time to update the Code.","answerHtml":"I am committed to ensuring that the NI Highway Code reflects good practice, and is clear to users. I am supportive of encouraging walking and cycling and wish to assess how best to progress taking account of the changes taking place due to Covid-19. I have asked my officials to keep me informed of the progress on the consultation in GB and will then consider the best time to update the Code.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206430%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=306840","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=306840"}},{"id":"306839","reference":"AQW 6429/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-07","answerBy":"2020-09-22","answered":"2020-10-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline funding streams available to assist the development of Cairn Wood Forest.","answerText":"My Department, through the Forest Park Enhancement Scheme, has allocated funding of £450,000 towards the cost of a £787,000 scheme to enhance Cairn Wood Forest Park. The project, which is currently being delivered by Ards and North Down Borough Council, involves the provision of toilet amenities, carparking facilities and enhancement of the existing walking trail network.","answerHtml":"My Department, through the Forest Park Enhancement Scheme, has allocated funding of £450,000 towards the cost of a £787,000 scheme to enhance Cairn Wood Forest Park. The project, which is currently being delivered by Ards and North Down Borough Council, involves the provision of toilet amenities, carparking facilities and enhancement of the existing walking trail network.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206429%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=306839","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=306839"}},{"id":"306838","reference":"AQW 6428/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-07","answerBy":"2020-09-22","answered":"2020-09-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether consideration has been given to exploring the use of Kinnegar Logistics Base as a Park and Ride site once it becomes available for use in 2022.","answerText":"I am committed to developing new integrated plans which deliver support for public transport, encourage more walking and cycling, better manage car commuting and promote sustainable development all in an effort to improve the environment and people’s lives.\n\nI recognise the role of Park and Ride schemes in helping to reduce City Centre congestion, and am keen to see such a facility constructed on the eastern side of Belfast. Initial studies have considered a number of sites around the Tillysburn Junction. Work to develop a Park and Ride site in this area is ongoing.","answerHtml":"I am committed to developing new integrated plans which deliver support for public transport, encourage more walking and cycling, better manage car commuting and promote sustainable development all in an effort to improve the environment and people’s lives.
I recognise the role of Park and Ride schemes in helping to reduce City Centre congestion, and am keen to see such a facility constructed on the eastern side of Belfast. Initial studies have considered a number of sites around the Tillysburn Junction. Work to develop a Park and Ride site in this area is ongoing.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206428%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=306838","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=306838"}},{"id":"306837","reference":"AQW 6427/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-07","answerBy":"2020-09-22","answered":"2020-09-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure how much her Department has spent on the (i) Active School Travel Programme; and (ii) Cycling Proficiency Scheme, in each of the last three years.","answerText":"Each year, every primary school in Northern Ireland, is invited to participate in the Cycling Proficiency Scheme (CPS). My Department provides free resources, training and payment to teachers responsible for delivery of the scheme.\n\nIn addition my Department jointly funds the Active School Travel Programme (ASTP) with the Public Health Agency. The ASTP is delivered under contract by Sustrans NI.\n\nThe table below shows details the annual expenditure for each of the two schemes.\n\n2017/18\t2018/19\t2019/20\nCPS\t£68k\t£67k\t£65k\nASTP\t£400k\t£400k\t£400k","answerHtml":"Each year, every primary school in Northern Ireland, is invited to participate in the Cycling Proficiency Scheme (CPS). My Department provides free resources, training and payment to teachers responsible for delivery of the scheme.
In addition my Department jointly funds the Active School Travel Programme (ASTP) with the Public Health Agency. The ASTP is delivered under contract by Sustrans NI.
The table below shows details the annual expenditure for each of the two schemes.
| 2017/18 | 2018/19 | 2019/20 | |
| CPS | £68k | £67k | £65k |
| ASTP | £400k | £400k | £400k |
The Department deals with policy and legislation on statutory nuisance for Northern Ireland. The laws are enforced by the environmental health units of the district councils.
Article 63 of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 defines statutory nuisances. Article 63(1)(d)) includes “Any dust, steam, smell or other effluvia arising on industrial, trade or business premises and being prejudicial to health or a nuisance” as a statutory nuisance. This only applies to a smell arising from industrial and trade or business premises. However, other subsections of article 63 could be relevant, depending on the nature/source of the odour. For example, article 63(1)e indicates that ‘any accumulation or deposit which is prejudicial to health or a nuisance’ could constitute a statutory nuisance.
The statutory nuisance regime, as set out in CNEA is enforced by the District Councils. As such, it would be for an officer of the relevant District Council to investigate any complaint made and determine whether or not it constitutes a statutory nuisance, and what, if any action should be taken.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206362%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=306720","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=306720"}},{"id":"306719","reference":"AQW 6361/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-04","answerBy":"2020-09-21","answered":"2020-09-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the status of the Local Development Plans for each of the eleven local councils as per the Planning (Local Development Plan) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015.","answerText":"All eleven councils are advancing new Local Development Plans (LDPs) for their respective areas. While progress on LDP preparation varies, seven councils have published draft Plan Strategies, of which one is currently pending Independent Examination by the Planning Appeals Commission.\n\nThe current stage of LDP preparation for each of the eleven local councils is outlined in the table below.\n\nCurrent Stage of Local Development Plan Process\tLocal Authority\nPending Independent Examination.\tBelfast City Council\nDraft Plan Strategy published and consultation completed.\tAntrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council\nDerry City & Strabane District Council\nFermanagh & Omagh District Council\nLisburn & Castlereagh City Council\nMid & East Antrim Borough Council\nMid Ulster District Council\nPreparing for publication of draft Plan Strategy.\tArds & North Down Borough Council\nArmagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council\nCauseway Coast & Glens Borough Council\nNewry, Mourne & Down District Council","answerHtml":"All eleven councils are advancing new Local Development Plans (LDPs) for their respective areas. While progress on LDP preparation varies, seven councils have published draft Plan Strategies, of which one is currently pending Independent Examination by the Planning Appeals Commission.
The current stage of LDP preparation for each of the eleven local councils is outlined in the table below.
| Current Stage of Local Development Plan Process | Local Authority |
| Pending Independent Examination. | Belfast City Council |
| Draft Plan Strategy published and consultation completed. | Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council |
| Derry City & Strabane District Council | |
| Fermanagh & Omagh District Council | |
| Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council | |
| Mid & East Antrim Borough Council | |
| Mid Ulster District Council | |
| Preparing for publication of draft Plan Strategy. | Ards & North Down Borough Council |
| Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council | |
| Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council | |
| Newry, Mourne & Down District Council |
The obstruction categories currently available within the ‘Report-a-Fault’ system on the NI Direct website are designed to a cover a wide range of issues that can arise such as fallen vegetation or objects and unauthorised equipment or signs. I can confirm that each category description refers to an obstruction on either the road or footway. After selecting a relevant fault category, customers have the facility to add further details within the additional information text box, for example, to accurately describe the location of the obstruction. The system then sends a notification to the relevant DfI Roads area maintenance office, where the issue is investigated.
It should be noted that parking that causes an obstruction (on the road or footway) has not been decriminalised and responsibility for enforcement currently rests with the PSNI. Footway parking is enforced by Traffic Attendants only where there are parking restrictions in place, such as yellow lines or Clearways, as these apply to both the road and adjacent footway. Further information on parking enforcement can be found at the following link:
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/parking-enforcement.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206360%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=306718","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=306718"}},{"id":"306717","reference":"AQW 6359/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-04","answerBy":"2020-09-21","answered":"2020-09-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether any plans exist to facilitate more outdoor learning.","answerText":"Work is in progress to restart generic Youth provision from October 2020 on a phased approach. In preparation for this, the Education Authority (EA) Youth Service published its guidance to the sector for Youth Restart which is available on www.youthonline.org.uk . This guidance provides the framework for the sector to move towards a full resumption of services in line with the Northern Ireland Assembly 5 step strategy. Currently the EA is advising that they are at step 3 of that process.\n\nA move to reopen Outdoor Learning Centres is scheduled as part of Step 4, though I recently asked the EA to consider the potential for residential activity commencing at an earlier stage than currently planned. This will require development of additional guidance which EA are currently progressing, subject to agreement by Public Health Authority/Department of Health.","answerHtml":"Work is in progress to restart generic Youth provision from October 2020 on a phased approach. In preparation for this, the Education Authority (EA) Youth Service published its guidance to the sector for Youth Restart which is available on www.youthonline.org.uk . This guidance provides the framework for the sector to move towards a full resumption of services in line with the Northern Ireland Assembly 5 step strategy. Currently the EA is advising that they are at step 3 of that process.
A move to reopen Outdoor Learning Centres is scheduled as part of Step 4, though I recently asked the EA to consider the potential for residential activity commencing at an earlier stage than currently planned. This will require development of additional guidance which EA are currently progressing, subject to agreement by Public Health Authority/Department of Health.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206359%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=306717","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=306717"}},{"id":"306716","reference":"AQW 6358/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-04","answerBy":"2020-09-21","answered":"2020-09-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail the number of Compulsory Purchase Orders used by district councils in each of the last five financial years.","answerText":"In the financial years 2015 to 2020, the Department for Communities has approved one Compulsory Purchase Order upon application by a district council (Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council).","answerHtml":"In the financial years 2015 to 2020, the Department for Communities has approved one Compulsory Purchase Order upon application by a district council (Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council).
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206358%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=306716","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=306716"}},{"id":"306559","reference":"AQW 6284/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-03","answerBy":"2020-09-09","answered":"2020-09-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will consider relaxing planning permission requirements for the erection of awnings to assist businesses to adapt in the context of COVID-19.","answerText":"In June 2020 I issued a letter to all councils asking that in exercising their functions under planning legislation including planning enforcement, they should temporarily, take a flexible and pragmatic approach to the use of on-street seating for cafes and bars, beer gardens and similar outdoor areas to accommodate physical/social distancing. In doing so I also made clear that, where development does take place associated with pavement cafes etc, such as for example, decking, permanent fencing and other permanent structures, planning permission may well be necessary and businesses should seek to obtain the appropriate permission(s), as failure to do so could result in the council initiating enforcement action.\n\nThe installation of new commercial awnings would normally be considered operational development under section 23 of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 and require express planning permission. Such fixtures raise a number of important material planning considerations including: the potential health and safety issues arising from their extension over pedestrians and the public pavement; and the effects such fixtures could have on the external appearance of buildings, particularly in the case of high-street establishments, listed buildings and within designated areas such as Conservation Areas or Areas of Townscape Character. In addition, such fixtures to the outside of commercial premises may also require advertisement consent where any branding or logos displayed on the awning are considered as advertisement when in public view.\n\nGiven the nature of the material issues to be considered in the erection of commercial awnings, and within the context of my recent advices to councils, I do not believe there is a strong enough case to merit a relaxation on existing planning requirements in this regard.","answerHtml":"In June 2020 I issued a letter to all councils asking that in exercising their functions under planning legislation including planning enforcement, they should temporarily, take a flexible and pragmatic approach to the use of on-street seating for cafes and bars, beer gardens and similar outdoor areas to accommodate physical/social distancing. In doing so I also made clear that, where development does take place associated with pavement cafes etc, such as for example, decking, permanent fencing and other permanent structures, planning permission may well be necessary and businesses should seek to obtain the appropriate permission(s), as failure to do so could result in the council initiating enforcement action.
The installation of new commercial awnings would normally be considered operational development under section 23 of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 and require express planning permission. Such fixtures raise a number of important material planning considerations including: the potential health and safety issues arising from their extension over pedestrians and the public pavement; and the effects such fixtures could have on the external appearance of buildings, particularly in the case of high-street establishments, listed buildings and within designated areas such as Conservation Areas or Areas of Townscape Character. In addition, such fixtures to the outside of commercial premises may also require advertisement consent where any branding or logos displayed on the awning are considered as advertisement when in public view.
Given the nature of the material issues to be considered in the erection of commercial awnings, and within the context of my recent advices to councils, I do not believe there is a strong enough case to merit a relaxation on existing planning requirements in this regard.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206284%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=306559","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=306559"}},{"id":"306558","reference":"AQW 6283/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-03","answerBy":"2020-09-18","answered":"2020-09-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether the Public Service Vehicles Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1985 make it illegal to consume alcohol on a privately hired coach.","answerText":"Regulation 51 of the Public Service Vehicles Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1985, as amended, provides that a passenger shall not consume alcohol while a vehicle is standing, plying or carrying passengers for hire. A vehicle is defined in those Regulations as a public service vehicle. “Public Service Vehicle” is in turn defined in Article 2 of the Road Traffic (NI) Order 1981 and includes vehicles used to carry passengers for hire.","answerHtml":"Regulation 51 of the Public Service Vehicles Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1985, as amended, provides that a passenger shall not consume alcohol while a vehicle is standing, plying or carrying passengers for hire. A vehicle is defined in those Regulations as a public service vehicle. “Public Service Vehicle” is in turn defined in Article 2 of the Road Traffic (NI) Order 1981 and includes vehicles used to carry passengers for hire.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206283%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=306558","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=306558"}},{"id":"306557","reference":"AQW 6282/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-03","answerBy":"2020-09-18","answered":"2020-09-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the locations of operational rapid electric chargepoints in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"The e-car public charge point network is owned, operated and maintained by the Electricity Supply Board (ESB). As such, my department does not hold data in respect of either the e-car charge point public network or other rapid charge point data of a commercial nature.\n\nFor information in relation to the e-car public network, including rapid charge points, please see the following link: https://www.ecarni.com/charge-point-map. Alternatively, ESB can be contacted at ecars@esb.ie or enquiries can be sent directly to ESB, Two Gateway, East Wall Road, DUBLIN 3, D03 A995.","answerHtml":"The e-car public charge point network is owned, operated and maintained by the Electricity Supply Board (ESB). As such, my department does not hold data in respect of either the e-car charge point public network or other rapid charge point data of a commercial nature.
For information in relation to the e-car public network, including rapid charge points, please see the following link: https://www.ecarni.com/charge-point-map. Alternatively, ESB can be contacted at ecars@esb.ie or enquiries can be sent directly to ESB, Two Gateway, East Wall Road, DUBLIN 3, D03 A995.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206282%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=306557","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=306557"}},{"id":"306556","reference":"AQW 6281/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-03","answerBy":"2020-09-18","answered":"2020-09-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the assessments of local council’s performance or decision-making that her Department has ever conducted as per Part 10 of the 2011 Planning Act.","answerText":"Part 10 of the Planning (NI) Act 2011 enables the Department to conduct an assessment of a Council’s performance or decision making, including an assessment of how a council deals with applications for planning permission and the basis on which determinations have been made.\n\nSince the transfer of the Planning function to Councils in 2015 my Department has not carried out any assessments under Part 10 of the 2011 Act. However, Officials are as part of the Department’s monitoring and oversight role currently considering how best to review specific aspects of the planning system, including the potential use of this part of the Act.","answerHtml":"Part 10 of the Planning (NI) Act 2011 enables the Department to conduct an assessment of a Council’s performance or decision making, including an assessment of how a council deals with applications for planning permission and the basis on which determinations have been made.
Since the transfer of the Planning function to Councils in 2015 my Department has not carried out any assessments under Part 10 of the 2011 Act. However, Officials are as part of the Department’s monitoring and oversight role currently considering how best to review specific aspects of the planning system, including the potential use of this part of the Act.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206281%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=306556","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=306556"}},{"id":"306555","reference":"AQW 6280/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-03","answerBy":"2020-09-18","answered":"2020-09-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Justice","departmentId":"134","minister":"Minister of Justice","question":"To ask the Minister of Justice how many prosecutions have occurred under Section 40 of the Justice NI (2011) Act, covering alcohol on large motor vehicles.","answerText":"For the period from the introduction of the Act in 2011 through to the end of 2019, the most recent year for which information is available, there have been no prosecutions at courts for offences under Section 40 of the Justice (NI) Act 2011.","answerHtml":"For the period from the introduction of the Act in 2011 through to the end of 2019, the most recent year for which information is available, there have been no prosecutions at courts for offences under Section 40 of the Justice (NI) Act 2011.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206280%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=306555","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=306555"}},{"id":"319021","reference":"AQO 628/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-03","answerBy":"2020-09-14","answered":"2020-12-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister, in light of delays encountered to date, whether they intend to publish revised timescales for the implementation of New Decade, New Approach.","answerText":"The New Decade, New Approach document contains a wide range of proposals which, taken together, constitute an ambitious and very challenging package of measures to be taken forward.\n\nWhilst the Executive’s priorities in recent months have been the management of the COVID-19 pandemic and charting the path for recovery, some of the NDNA proposals are already being progressed at a departmental level or are already implemented.\n\nLooking forward, the Executive will soon have the opportunity to consider the totality of the NDNA proposals in the context of work underway on the development of a multi-year PFG from 2021.","answerHtml":"The New Decade, New Approach document contains a wide range of proposals which, taken together, constitute an ambitious and very challenging package of measures to be taken forward.
Whilst the Executive’s priorities in recent months have been the management of the COVID-19 pandemic and charting the path for recovery, some of the NDNA proposals are already being progressed at a departmental level or are already implemented.
Looking forward, the Executive will soon have the opportunity to consider the totality of the NDNA proposals in the context of work underway on the development of a multi-year PFG from 2021.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20628%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=319021","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=319021"}},{"id":"306446","reference":"AQW 6203/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-02","answerBy":"2020-09-08","answered":"2020-09-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure when MOT testing will resume to the same capacity available prior to the lifts failure and the COVID-19 pandemic.","answerText":"There has been a gradual resumption of MOT services from 1 June 2020, when the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) resumed Individual Vehicle Approval testing.\n\nFrom 20 July, the Driver and Vehicle Agency resumed MOT testing for priority vehicle groups, including those vehicles that are not able to avail of a Temporary Exemption Certificate (TEC). This includes taxis and buses due a first time test, vehicles not previously registered in Northern Ireland, vehicles whose MOTs have expired by more than 12 months that includes vehicles previously declared SORN and those sold by car dealerships.\n\nFrom 1 September, MOT testing for four year old cars and motorbikes and three year old light goods vehicles also resumed and for those vehicles in this category that currently have a 6 month TEC, they will be called for test when their TEC expires. In addition, the DVA recommenced testing of heavy goods vehicles, trailers and buses.\n\nIt is my priority to ensure that our staff and customers remain safe. The DVA will continue to be guided by the latest public health advice to ensure that necessary and proportionate control measures relating to Covid-19 are incorporated into its risk assessments for safe vehicle testing. Like many other public facing services, vehicle testing capacity will increase as restrictions ease and as risk assessments are updated and this is being kept under constant review. In the interim period, the DVA is continuing to carefully manage the TEC process to prevent customers from being disadvantaged and to ensure all eligible vehicles can legally remain on the road.","answerHtml":"There has been a gradual resumption of MOT services from 1 June 2020, when the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) resumed Individual Vehicle Approval testing.
From 20 July, the Driver and Vehicle Agency resumed MOT testing for priority vehicle groups, including those vehicles that are not able to avail of a Temporary Exemption Certificate (TEC). This includes taxis and buses due a first time test, vehicles not previously registered in Northern Ireland, vehicles whose MOTs have expired by more than 12 months that includes vehicles previously declared SORN and those sold by car dealerships.
From 1 September, MOT testing for four year old cars and motorbikes and three year old light goods vehicles also resumed and for those vehicles in this category that currently have a 6 month TEC, they will be called for test when their TEC expires. In addition, the DVA recommenced testing of heavy goods vehicles, trailers and buses.
It is my priority to ensure that our staff and customers remain safe. The DVA will continue to be guided by the latest public health advice to ensure that necessary and proportionate control measures relating to Covid-19 are incorporated into its risk assessments for safe vehicle testing. Like many other public facing services, vehicle testing capacity will increase as restrictions ease and as risk assessments are updated and this is being kept under constant review. In the interim period, the DVA is continuing to carefully manage the TEC process to prevent customers from being disadvantaged and to ensure all eligible vehicles can legally remain on the road.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206203%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=306446","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=306446"}},{"id":"306445","reference":"AQW 6202/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-02","answerBy":"2020-09-17","answered":"2020-11-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs whether funding will be allocated to enable the repair of paths and footbridges under the remit of his Department that have been damaged as a result of recent flooding in Newcastle.","answerText":"I am very aware of the popularity and importance of our forest parks to local people and visitors. Our forests are a fantastic natural resource and make a major contribution to tourism and recreation in addition to many health and well-being benefits. Tollymore Forest Park is one of our premier sites attracting approximately 150,000 annual visits.\n\nStorm Francis caused severe flooding in the Newcastle area on 25 August and the recreation infrastructure in Tollymore Forest Park was also significantly impacted by the storm. Forest Service has already commenced the repair work and I can confirm that funding has been allocated from within existing budgets to complete the repair works.\n\nIn the meantime, safety measures including trail diversions and signage are in place to ensure visitors are able to continue to visit the Forest Park safely as repair works are ongoing.","answerHtml":"I am very aware of the popularity and importance of our forest parks to local people and visitors. Our forests are a fantastic natural resource and make a major contribution to tourism and recreation in addition to many health and well-being benefits. Tollymore Forest Park is one of our premier sites attracting approximately 150,000 annual visits.
Storm Francis caused severe flooding in the Newcastle area on 25 August and the recreation infrastructure in Tollymore Forest Park was also significantly impacted by the storm. Forest Service has already commenced the repair work and I can confirm that funding has been allocated from within existing budgets to complete the repair works.
In the meantime, safety measures including trail diversions and signage are in place to ensure visitors are able to continue to visit the Forest Park safely as repair works are ongoing.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206202%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=306445","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=306445"}},{"id":"306444","reference":"AQW 6201/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-02","answerBy":"2020-09-17","answered":"2020-09-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail timescales for when a decision will be made concerning the inclusion of a bypass for Moira village within future plans.","answerText":"Moira is situated within Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council area and its future transport needs will be considered as part of the new Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan (BMTP) being developed by the Department. The BMTP will take account of the growth ambitions of the Councils in Belfast’s catchment area.\n\nThe BMTP will consider a range of future options to meet local and regional objectives; these will include improved public transport and improvements to local roads, such as the A3 through Moira. The possibility of a Moira Bypass will therefore be considered in that Plan. However, as it will be integrated with the formal Local Development Plan processes, the timescales for the completion of the Draft Plan and its release for public consultation are still being reviewed.","answerHtml":"Moira is situated within Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council area and its future transport needs will be considered as part of the new Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan (BMTP) being developed by the Department. The BMTP will take account of the growth ambitions of the Councils in Belfast’s catchment area.
The BMTP will consider a range of future options to meet local and regional objectives; these will include improved public transport and improvements to local roads, such as the A3 through Moira. The possibility of a Moira Bypass will therefore be considered in that Plan. However, as it will be integrated with the formal Local Development Plan processes, the timescales for the completion of the Draft Plan and its release for public consultation are still being reviewed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206201%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=306444","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=306444"}},{"id":"306443","reference":"AQW 6200/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-02","answerBy":"2020-09-17","answered":"2020-09-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether he intends to investigate upstream land management as a possible way to mitigate against further floods in Newcastle.","answerText":"My Department is taking forward the Shimna Flood Alleviation Scheme and this project will involve the construction of approximately 1400m of flood defences and cost approximately £6.5million.\n\nAs part of the Scheme development my Department considered and investigated a number of flood alleviation options including the use of upstream storage to mitigate against further flooding in Newcastle. However, the use of upstream storage was ruled out due to the topography of the catchment. The most feasible option was found to be the provision of flood walls to prevent water from leaving the Shimna River, both upstream and downstream of the Bryansford Road Bridge.","answerHtml":"My Department is taking forward the Shimna Flood Alleviation Scheme and this project will involve the construction of approximately 1400m of flood defences and cost approximately £6.5million.
As part of the Scheme development my Department considered and investigated a number of flood alleviation options including the use of upstream storage to mitigate against further flooding in Newcastle. However, the use of upstream storage was ruled out due to the topography of the catchment. The most feasible option was found to be the provision of flood walls to prevent water from leaving the Shimna River, both upstream and downstream of the Bryansford Road Bridge.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206200%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=306443","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=306443"}},{"id":"306442","reference":"AQW 6199/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-02","answerBy":"2020-09-17","answered":"2020-09-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline arrangements in place to ensure the regular removal of detritus near the Blue Bridges, Newcastle, in order to reduce flooding in the area.","answerText":"A partial blockage to a bridge on the Bryansford Road, known locally as the Blue Bridges, occurred as a result of the high water levels in the Shimna River carrying debris down the watercourse on 25 August 2020. This blockage is thought to have been a contributory factor to the flooding that occurred.\n\nMy Department inspects the Shimna River at the Bryansford Road annually and if works are identified these will be added to a programme for maintenance. In addition my Department also responds to any reports made by the public or elected representatives of debris building up in this watercourse.\n\nMy Department is mindful of the need to provide and maintain its infrastructure. However, it is not always possible to ensure that flooding can be avoided. During severe weather events the volume of rainfall can exceed the design capacity of drainage infrastructure and blockages similar to what occurred at the Bryansford Road, despite the vigilance of my operational teams, can occur.","answerHtml":"A partial blockage to a bridge on the Bryansford Road, known locally as the Blue Bridges, occurred as a result of the high water levels in the Shimna River carrying debris down the watercourse on 25 August 2020. This blockage is thought to have been a contributory factor to the flooding that occurred.
My Department inspects the Shimna River at the Bryansford Road annually and if works are identified these will be added to a programme for maintenance. In addition my Department also responds to any reports made by the public or elected representatives of debris building up in this watercourse.
My Department is mindful of the need to provide and maintain its infrastructure. However, it is not always possible to ensure that flooding can be avoided. During severe weather events the volume of rainfall can exceed the design capacity of drainage infrastructure and blockages similar to what occurred at the Bryansford Road, despite the vigilance of my operational teams, can occur.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206199%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=306442","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=306442"}},{"id":"306215","reference":"AQW 6137/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-01","answerBy":"2020-09-04","answered":"2020-11-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to AQW 6085/17-22, for their assessment of the response from the Minister for Infrastructure concerning the Executive Committee (Functions) Bill.","answerText":"We have noted the response of the Minister for Infrastructure.","answerHtml":"We have noted the response of the Minister for Infrastructure.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206137%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=306215","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=306215"}},{"id":"306214","reference":"AQW 6136/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-01","answerBy":"2020-09-16","answered":"2020-10-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether her Department intends to explore the creation of eHubs to enable office working in towns and villages.","answerText":"Local provision of facilities to support economic development tends to be delivered at Council level as part of their economic development remit following the transfer under the Review of Public Administration in 2015.\n\nIt is worth noting that such accommodation is already available at a local level across all 11 District Council areas through the network of Local Enterprise Agencies.\n\nThe Enterprise Northern Ireland network operates through 28 Local Enterprise agencies with 44 various locations across all eleven Council areas. All locations have serviced office space available on a rental basis. Several Belfast-based organisations have taken small satellite offices to service regionally-based hub activity.\n\nMany locations have co-working and/or hot-desking space available on a desk or micro-pod basis with a small fee payable (per hour or per day). This is already a popular facility with remote workers.\n\nI understand that some of the locations have open/free of charge access meeting spaces with desks/tables and welfare facilities. Enterprise NI have confirmed that all have excellent digital connectivity and have invested in layout design, team training, PPE, sanitisation equipment and Covid-19 awareness signage to ensure safe and secure meeting and working space.\n\nIn addition to this, the Local Economic Development Company (LEDCOM) has established a presence in Ballyclare to provide co-working space, a hot desk facility and business incubation services. The opening of this facility has been delayed due to Covid-19 but it is expected to officially open in January 2021.","answerHtml":"Local provision of facilities to support economic development tends to be delivered at Council level as part of their economic development remit following the transfer under the Review of Public Administration in 2015.
It is worth noting that such accommodation is already available at a local level across all 11 District Council areas through the network of Local Enterprise Agencies.
The Enterprise Northern Ireland network operates through 28 Local Enterprise agencies with 44 various locations across all eleven Council areas. All locations have serviced office space available on a rental basis. Several Belfast-based organisations have taken small satellite offices to service regionally-based hub activity.
Many locations have co-working and/or hot-desking space available on a desk or micro-pod basis with a small fee payable (per hour or per day). This is already a popular facility with remote workers.
I understand that some of the locations have open/free of charge access meeting spaces with desks/tables and welfare facilities. Enterprise NI have confirmed that all have excellent digital connectivity and have invested in layout design, team training, PPE, sanitisation equipment and Covid-19 awareness signage to ensure safe and secure meeting and working space.
In addition to this, the Local Economic Development Company (LEDCOM) has established a presence in Ballyclare to provide co-working space, a hot desk facility and business incubation services. The opening of this facility has been delayed due to Covid-19 but it is expected to officially open in January 2021.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206136%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=306214","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=306214"}},{"id":"306213","reference":"AQW 6135/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-01","answerBy":"2020-09-16","answered":"2020-09-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she intends to review the legal position concerning party bicycles used by groups of cyclists","answerText":"I am aware that these party bicycles have been in operation in Belfast and other jurisdictions for some time. However, as these vehicles are not motorised and are deemed to be bicycles, my Department does not have the powers to legislate for them. As the vehicle is controlled and steered by a person who is not drinking alcohol, there is no breach of the rules about drinking and being in control of a cycle, as defined in The Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1995. Additionally my Department does not have any vires in relation to drinking in public places.\n\nI am therefore not in a position to review the legal position around these vehicles.","answerHtml":"I am aware that these party bicycles have been in operation in Belfast and other jurisdictions for some time. However, as these vehicles are not motorised and are deemed to be bicycles, my Department does not have the powers to legislate for them. As the vehicle is controlled and steered by a person who is not drinking alcohol, there is no breach of the rules about drinking and being in control of a cycle, as defined in The Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1995. Additionally my Department does not have any vires in relation to drinking in public places.
I am therefore not in a position to review the legal position around these vehicles.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206135%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=306213","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=306213"}},{"id":"306212","reference":"AQW 6134/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-01","answerBy":"2020-09-16","answered":"2020-09-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether the current policy concerning the erection of banners on street lighting columns is suspended due to a judicial review.","answerText":"I am aware that my Department has in the past granted permission to local Councils to erect suitable banners, such as those advertising civic events or displaying artwork, on its equipment. While I appreciate the positive impact these banners can have in city and town centres, the issue of signs on Departmental property has been the subject of legal proceedings and as a result I am unable to grant formal authorisation for the erection of banners on street lighting columns.","answerHtml":"I am aware that my Department has in the past granted permission to local Councils to erect suitable banners, such as those advertising civic events or displaying artwork, on its equipment. While I appreciate the positive impact these banners can have in city and town centres, the issue of signs on Departmental property has been the subject of legal proceedings and as a result I am unable to grant formal authorisation for the erection of banners on street lighting columns.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206134%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=306212","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=306212"}},{"id":"306211","reference":"AQW 6133/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-01","answerBy":"2020-09-16","answered":"2020-09-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on transfer of functions concerning the Reservoirs Act.","answerText":"A Transfer of Functions Order is required to transfer responsibility for the statutory functions under the Reservoirs Act (NI) 2015 from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to the Department for Infrastructure. At the request of the DAERA Minister, and with my agreement, the First Minister and deputy First Minister have agreed to the transfer of function and to include the provision to transfer in a Transfer of Functions Order.\n\nThe next stage is for the First Minister and deputy First Minister to seek Executive approval to the making of the Order. Following Executive approval, and scrutiny by the relevant Committees, the Order will be laid and a debate scheduled for Assembly agreement. The Order will come into operation on the day after it is affirmed by resolution of the Assembly.","answerHtml":"A Transfer of Functions Order is required to transfer responsibility for the statutory functions under the Reservoirs Act (NI) 2015 from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to the Department for Infrastructure. At the request of the DAERA Minister, and with my agreement, the First Minister and deputy First Minister have agreed to the transfer of function and to include the provision to transfer in a Transfer of Functions Order.
The next stage is for the First Minister and deputy First Minister to seek Executive approval to the making of the Order. Following Executive approval, and scrutiny by the relevant Committees, the Order will be laid and a debate scheduled for Assembly agreement. The Order will come into operation on the day after it is affirmed by resolution of the Assembly.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206133%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=306211","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=306211"}},{"id":"306221","reference":"AQO 550/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-09-01","answerBy":"2020-09-07","answered":"2020-09-07","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline how she intends to meet the targets set out in the Bicycle Strategy for Northern Ireland.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Ms Mallon (The Minister for Infrastructure)","text":"The bicycle strategy that the Member refers to was published by one of my predecessors in August 2015. The strategy was based on three pillars: to build a comprehensive network for the bicycle; to support people who choose to travel by bicycle; and to promote the bicycle as a mode of transport for everyday journeys. There were no specific targets set out in the strategy, but there were a number of Ministerial ambitions related to significantly increasing the proportion of shorter journeys made by bicycle. That desire to increase cycling journeys is reflected in the Programme for Government, and my commitment is to increase the proportion of journeys made by walking, cycling and public transport. In order to achieve that, I want to ensure that in all transportation interventions my Department includes measures to improve walking and cycling as key components of the project, particularly in urban areas. I want to build infrastructure that makes walking and cycling journeys easier, safer and more convenient to undertake, including segregated and separated lanes and paths on the road, quiet streets where motor traffic is not allowed to predominate and traffic-free paths away from roads. Finally, I want to support councils in their development of greenways across the North."},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"I thank the Minister for her response. The Belfast Bicycle Network, which arises from the strategy, has targets that to be met would require 12,500 metres of cycleway being created each year. In 2019-2020, only 120 metres of cycleway was created. The Republic of Ireland's Programme for Government has committed to allocating 20% of its transport capital budget to active travel. I declare an interest as I was previously an employee of Translink. Will the Minister commit to making a similar allocation in the budget for the next financial year?"},{"speaker":"Ms Mallon","text":"I thank the Member for his question. One of the positives from COVID is that we are seeing an increase in people engaging in active travel, particularly cycling. As the Member will know, I have appointed a walking and cycling champion in my Department to demonstrate that this policy area and commitment is at the centre of the work of my Department. The Member will also be aware that I have allocated a new blue/green fund of £20 million, and we are very keen to see more cycling infrastructure and the further development of greenways. The Member referred to the Belfast Bicycle Network. I hope to publish a document on the Belfast Bicycle Network before the end of the year, which will set out the priority cycling routes for Belfast. I am very keen to see that agenda progressing across council areas and would be very keen to see that replicated in towns and cities across Northern Ireland."},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"Before I call the next questioner, I remind Members that questions 7 and 9 have been withdrawn. I call Trevor Clarke. Oh, sorry, I am way ahead of myself — I need to bring back Roy or Christopher. [Laughter.]"},{"speaker":"","text":"I call Michelle McIlveen."},{"speaker":"Miss McIlveen","text":"I thank the Minister for her responses. As she will be aware, momentum is growing in certain areas to move greenway projects forward. Will the Minister commit to contacting councils to encourage them to fully consult with landowners, with a view to reaching agreement for routes to avoid vesting land?"},{"speaker":"Ms Mallon","text":"I thank the Member for her question. My walking and cycling champion wrote to all of the councils in July, if recollect correctly, asking them to submit proposals on greenways. So, we are very keen to work in partnership with councils to address the areas that you highlighted. I would like us to be a much more advantageous situation with greenways, but there is money in my blue/green fund to work on design and feasibility and to work in partnership, which is really important, with landowners, local communities and councils to try to address and pre-empt any difficulties that might emerge so that we can make as much progress as possible."},{"speaker":"Ms Mullan","text":"Minister, the Department's recent survey on student travel behaviour showed that only 3% of students cycle as part of their journey to school, even though 50% of young people live less than 3 kilometres from their school. What is the Department doing to encourage cycling as well as working to expand educational programmes such as Active School Travel?"},{"speaker":"Ms Mallon","text":"The Member makes a very important point. The survey showed, as has almost every survey conducted on active travel, particularly on cycling, that more people, of all ages, would cycle if they had safer infrastructure and the space to be able to cycle. We are engaging in a number of pilot projects and working with Sustrans so that we can have cycling proficiency in schools, which is important for the required cultural change. We are looking at a number of schools to see how we can progress cycling routes. The Member will be aware that I announced funding for a 20 mph speed limit to be rolled out around 100 schools in this financial year. That does not solve the problem, but, again, it is about creating an environment for children to be able to walk and cycle safely to school."},{"speaker":"Miss Woods","text":"How much funding is allocated to the bicycle strategy for this financial year?"},{"speaker":"Ms Mallon","text":"I thank the Member for her question. We have not allocated money as such to the strategy itself. Given that it is capital money, we are hoping to utilise it to advance a number of projects in the scheme and consider any ideas that councils or communities come forward with in terms of advancing the whole cycling agenda."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20550%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=306221","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2020-09-07&docID=306459#AQO%20550/17-22","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=306221"}},{"id":"305998","reference":"AQW 6085/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-08-18","answerBy":"2020-08-21","answered":"2020-08-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will have legal authority to decide on regionally significant planning applications once Royal Assent is received for the Executive Committee (Functions) Bill.","answerText":"I am satisfied that once the Executive Committee (Functions) Bill is granted Royal Assent and comes into effect that I may lawfully take planning decisions on regionally significant planning applications.","answerHtml":"I am satisfied that once the Executive Committee (Functions) Bill is granted Royal Assent and comes into effect that I may lawfully take planning decisions on regionally significant planning applications.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206085%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=305998","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=305998"}},{"id":"305997","reference":"AQW 6084/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-08-18","answerBy":"2020-09-03","answered":"2020-09-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department will commission a feasibility study concerning the extension of the segregated cycle lane beside the A2 Bangor to Belfast Road, from Ballyrobert to Holywood.","answerText":"I am committed to delivering safe routes that give people the freedom and confidence to walk and cycle as part of their everyday routine. This is an important way to achieve higher levels of sustainable transport and fewer car journeys.\n\nWhile the concept of a segregated cycle lane along the A2 road between Ballyrobert and Holywood has merit, I am advised by officials that developing it would present significant challenges. I have asked for further information on this.\n\nI am grateful for the many requests that my Department has received from elected representatives, Councils and other stakeholders. These requests are being considered as resources permit and, if feasible, will be prioritised alongside other schemes.","answerHtml":"I am committed to delivering safe routes that give people the freedom and confidence to walk and cycle as part of their everyday routine. This is an important way to achieve higher levels of sustainable transport and fewer car journeys.
While the concept of a segregated cycle lane along the A2 road between Ballyrobert and Holywood has merit, I am advised by officials that developing it would present significant challenges. I have asked for further information on this.
I am grateful for the many requests that my Department has received from elected representatives, Councils and other stakeholders. These requests are being considered as resources permit and, if feasible, will be prioritised alongside other schemes.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206084%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=305997","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=305997"}},{"id":"305996","reference":"AQW 6083/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-08-18","answerBy":"2020-09-03","answered":"2020-09-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) for her assessment of the proposed changes of the Highway Code in GB announced on 28 July; (ii) when Northern Ireland’s Highway Code was last reviewed; and (iii) whether she has plans for a substantial review of the Highway Code as has taken place in GB.","answerText":"The proposed changes to the GB Highway Code announced on 28 July 2020 concern improved road safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders. The main changes propose introducing an explicit road user hierarchy with the vulnerable road users at the top. These proposals would mean priority for those walking or cycling over those turning into side streets and include;\n\nclarifying existing rules on pedestrian priority on pavements, to advise that drivers and riders should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road;\n\nproviding guidance on cyclist priority at junctions to advise drivers to give priority to cyclists at junctions when travelling straight ahead;\n\nestablishing guidance on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking cyclists and horse riders (1.5m space if driving under 30mph, and 2m if driving over 30 mph);\n\nDetail on road priority and riding two abreast which aims to clarify a common source of conflict and confusion.\n\nThe proposals are out to consultation which closes on 27 October 2020. If the proposals are supported, a number of legislative changes will be required before they will be included in the Highway Code (GB).\n\nI support the changes proposed that are aimed at improving safety for those walking or cycling. Road safety is a devolved matter and, as the consultation proceeds, I will consider whether similar measures should be introduced in Northern Ireland.\n\nThe NI Highway Code is normally reviewed when it is approaching its reprint date. The Northern Ireland version of the Highway Code was last reprinted as the ‘Twentieth impression 2020’ in January 2020. The current estimated reprint date is January 2022.","answerHtml":"The proposed changes to the GB Highway Code announced on 28 July 2020 concern improved road safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders. The main changes propose introducing an explicit road user hierarchy with the vulnerable road users at the top. These proposals would mean priority for those walking or cycling over those turning into side streets and include;
clarifying existing rules on pedestrian priority on pavements, to advise that drivers and riders should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road;
providing guidance on cyclist priority at junctions to advise drivers to give priority to cyclists at junctions when travelling straight ahead;
establishing guidance on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking cyclists and horse riders (1.5m space if driving under 30mph, and 2m if driving over 30 mph);
Detail on road priority and riding two abreast which aims to clarify a common source of conflict and confusion.
The proposals are out to consultation which closes on 27 October 2020. If the proposals are supported, a number of legislative changes will be required before they will be included in the Highway Code (GB).
I support the changes proposed that are aimed at improving safety for those walking or cycling. Road safety is a devolved matter and, as the consultation proceeds, I will consider whether similar measures should be introduced in Northern Ireland.
The NI Highway Code is normally reviewed when it is approaching its reprint date. The Northern Ireland version of the Highway Code was last reprinted as the ‘Twentieth impression 2020’ in January 2020. The current estimated reprint date is January 2022.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206083%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=305996","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=305996"}},{"id":"305995","reference":"AQW 6082/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-08-18","answerBy":"2020-09-03","answered":"2020-09-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on when the Inspector’s report will be published for the A1 Junctions Phase 2 Public Inquiry.","answerText":"At the end of the A1 Junctions Phase 2 Public Inquiry, the Inspector indicated that he wished to undertake a number of site meetings to ensure that he gives full consideration to all the issues raised. Due to the restrictions imposed by the Covid19 pandemic, these meetings were delayed.\n\nThe Department is now expecting the A1 Junctions Phase 2 Public Inquiry Inspector’s report by early October. I will carefully consider the findings once received.","answerHtml":"At the end of the A1 Junctions Phase 2 Public Inquiry, the Inspector indicated that he wished to undertake a number of site meetings to ensure that he gives full consideration to all the issues raised. Due to the restrictions imposed by the Covid19 pandemic, these meetings were delayed.
The Department is now expecting the A1 Junctions Phase 2 Public Inquiry Inspector’s report by early October. I will carefully consider the findings once received.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206082%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=305995","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=305995"}},{"id":"305994","reference":"AQW 6081/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-08-18","answerBy":"2020-09-03","answered":"2020-09-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether sufficient capacity exists within Translink’s network to accommodate schools restarting in line with public health guidelines.","answerText":"I fully recognise the impact COVID-19 has had on our children’s education. While home to school transport, including guidance, is the responsibility of the Minister of Education I am grateful for the work that has been undertaken by my officials, Translink and the Education Authority in respect of planning our transport needs for the start of the new school year. This is particularly important given that in addition to dedicated home to school services, many pupils use the main public transport network to travel to and from school.\n\nSafety is always my top priority and work has been ongoing to introduce appropriate school transport from 1st September that aims to maximise services in order to help manage the number of pupils travelling at peak times. This will include operating extra school services and more \"school only\" services, to provide increased capacity as required. In addition, a number of mitigating safety measures are also being put in place such as recommending the use of face coverings, promoting good hygiene measures, encouraging parents to use alternative ways of getting to school such as walking or cycling, use of pre-paid tickets and advising that any children showing symptoms of COVID-19 should not travel to school.","answerHtml":"I fully recognise the impact COVID-19 has had on our children’s education. While home to school transport, including guidance, is the responsibility of the Minister of Education I am grateful for the work that has been undertaken by my officials, Translink and the Education Authority in respect of planning our transport needs for the start of the new school year. This is particularly important given that in addition to dedicated home to school services, many pupils use the main public transport network to travel to and from school.
Safety is always my top priority and work has been ongoing to introduce appropriate school transport from 1st September that aims to maximise services in order to help manage the number of pupils travelling at peak times. This will include operating extra school services and more "school only" services, to provide increased capacity as required. In addition, a number of mitigating safety measures are also being put in place such as recommending the use of face coverings, promoting good hygiene measures, encouraging parents to use alternative ways of getting to school such as walking or cycling, use of pre-paid tickets and advising that any children showing symptoms of COVID-19 should not travel to school.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206081%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=305994","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=305994"}},{"id":"305506","reference":"AQW 5992/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-07-28","answerBy":"2020-08-03","answered":"2020-08-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for an update on any discussions he has had with HM Treasury regarding greater flexibility for the Executive in terms of borrowing powers, including for resource spending.","answerText":"The Executive is able to access up to £200 million of borrowing each year under the Reinvestment and Reform Initiative. This borrowing can only be used for capital purposes.\n\nI, along with my counterparts in Scotland and Wales, have raised the issue of budget flexibilities, including the use of borrowing for resource spending, with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on a number of occasions. Unfortunately we have not been able to secure agreement to this at the present time.","answerHtml":"The Executive is able to access up to £200 million of borrowing each year under the Reinvestment and Reform Initiative. This borrowing can only be used for capital purposes.
I, along with my counterparts in Scotland and Wales, have raised the issue of budget flexibilities, including the use of borrowing for resource spending, with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on a number of occasions. Unfortunately we have not been able to secure agreement to this at the present time.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205992%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=305506","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=305506"}},{"id":"305505","reference":"AQW 5991/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-07-28","answerBy":"2020-08-12","answered":"2020-08-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether any plans exist to fund the roll out of the Sustrans One Path Initiative to more areas across Northern Ireland.","answerText":"The One Path Initiative was carried out on the Comber Greenway in 2018 and was funded by my Department together with Belfast City Council, Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and Ards and North Down Borough Council. The initiative was developed and implemented by Sustrans. My Department is prepared to work with any other Councils or Government Departments who feel there is merit in promoting this initiative through their parks and on their traffic-free paths.","answerHtml":"The One Path Initiative was carried out on the Comber Greenway in 2018 and was funded by my Department together with Belfast City Council, Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and Ards and North Down Borough Council. The initiative was developed and implemented by Sustrans. My Department is prepared to work with any other Councils or Government Departments who feel there is merit in promoting this initiative through their parks and on their traffic-free paths.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205991%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=305505","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=305505"}},{"id":"305504","reference":"AQW 5990/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-07-28","answerBy":"2020-08-12","answered":"2020-08-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the (i) dates; and (ii) content of any recent engagements her Department has had with Scottish Government counterparts concerning the (a) South West Scotland Transport Study; and (b) upgrade of A75 and A77 in Scotland.","answerText":"Departmental officials have engaged with Transport Scotland on a number of occasions regarding the importance of the A75 and A77 as road freight routes to Scotland, England and onwards to Europe.\n\nThese engagements have included:\n\nMeetings of the Strategic Roads in Britain Group hosted by the Department for Transport on 10th April 2019 and 20th March 2020 when there was discussion of BREXIT considerations and inter-regional Strategic Road improvements\n\nThe Scottish Transport Conference on 13th June 2019 in the context of the Scottish Transport Strategy and the forthcoming South West Scotland Transport Study\n\nDiscussion of the South West Scotland Transport Study on 6th July 2020 in the context of input to the consultation on the forthcoming Strategic Transport Project Review 2 which will consider the A75 and A77 upgrades in detail.","answerHtml":"Departmental officials have engaged with Transport Scotland on a number of occasions regarding the importance of the A75 and A77 as road freight routes to Scotland, England and onwards to Europe.
These engagements have included:
Meetings of the Strategic Roads in Britain Group hosted by the Department for Transport on 10th April 2019 and 20th March 2020 when there was discussion of BREXIT considerations and inter-regional Strategic Road improvements
The Scottish Transport Conference on 13th June 2019 in the context of the Scottish Transport Strategy and the forthcoming South West Scotland Transport Study
Discussion of the South West Scotland Transport Study on 6th July 2020 in the context of input to the consultation on the forthcoming Strategic Transport Project Review 2 which will consider the A75 and A77 upgrades in detail.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205990%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=305504","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=305504"}},{"id":"305503","reference":"AQW 5989/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-07-28","answerBy":"2020-08-12","answered":"2020-07-31","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether any plans exist to assist private coach operators as a result of downturn in trade due to COVID-19.","answerText":"Regulation and support for the transport sector is the responsibility of the Department for Infrastructure. However, I am aware that coach operators have been particularly badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Challenges facing our coach sector have been stressed to me via the Tourism Recovery Steering Group and Working Group that I established to help our tourism industry to emerge from COVID-19. I recognise that they are a key component in our transport infrastructure and the connectivity provided by coaches is particularly important to our tourism industry. I will continue to work with my Executive colleagues to consider what further support we can provide as we plan for economic recovery. Any decisions on funding of further support measures will require be a matter for Executive agreement.\n\nCoach operators were eligible to apply to the Business Support Schemes implemented by my Department. Approximately 20 companies listed as coach / bus hire or tour businesses availed of these grants, receiving either £10k or £25k, depending on their circumstances. Coach businesses were also able to apply for the NI Microbusiness Hardship Fund, again provided the eligibility criteria were met.\n\nOutside of the Business Support Schemes implemented by my Department, other local and UK-wide support have been available to businesses. In Northern Ireland, all businesses have received a four months rates holiday, and a full year’s rates relief has been introduced for businesses in the retail, hospitality, tourism and leisure sectors. A range of UK-wide measures are available such as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme. Details of these schemes can be found at https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/business-support/coronavirus","answerHtml":"Regulation and support for the transport sector is the responsibility of the Department for Infrastructure. However, I am aware that coach operators have been particularly badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Challenges facing our coach sector have been stressed to me via the Tourism Recovery Steering Group and Working Group that I established to help our tourism industry to emerge from COVID-19. I recognise that they are a key component in our transport infrastructure and the connectivity provided by coaches is particularly important to our tourism industry. I will continue to work with my Executive colleagues to consider what further support we can provide as we plan for economic recovery. Any decisions on funding of further support measures will require be a matter for Executive agreement.
Coach operators were eligible to apply to the Business Support Schemes implemented by my Department. Approximately 20 companies listed as coach / bus hire or tour businesses availed of these grants, receiving either £10k or £25k, depending on their circumstances. Coach businesses were also able to apply for the NI Microbusiness Hardship Fund, again provided the eligibility criteria were met.
Outside of the Business Support Schemes implemented by my Department, other local and UK-wide support have been available to businesses. In Northern Ireland, all businesses have received a four months rates holiday, and a full year’s rates relief has been introduced for businesses in the retail, hospitality, tourism and leisure sectors. A range of UK-wide measures are available such as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme. Details of these schemes can be found at https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/business-support/coronavirus
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205989%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=305503","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=305503"}},{"id":"305502","reference":"AQW 5988/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-07-28","answerBy":"2020-08-12","answered":"2020-08-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she will establish a hardship fund for the newly self-employed.","answerText":"I and my Executive colleagues are aware of the difficulties faced by those who are recently self-employed who have not been able to receive financial support via the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS). This is affecting many individuals across the United Kingdom. Equally, many of these people in Northern Ireland would not have been eligible to receive a grant from any of the Business Support Schemes established by my Department or to benefit from the business rates relief.\n\nThere would be specific challenges in establishing a specific NI scheme for the newly self-employed as access to the national tax database would be required. Agreement would be required from HMRC to either provide data or to validate information.\n\nThe Department of Finance has contacted HM Treasury regarding a number of issues of the UK-wide schemes including widening the eligibility criteria of the SEISS. The Treasury responded that there are a number of operational reasons why the scheme is designed in this way and that it would not be possible in their view to broaden the eligibility criteria.\n\nThe Executive is also currently considering different measures available to support our economy and to promote our economic recovery. In considering further interventions, it will be for the Executive to collectively determine how funding can be allocated to support economic recovery moving forward.","answerHtml":"I and my Executive colleagues are aware of the difficulties faced by those who are recently self-employed who have not been able to receive financial support via the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS). This is affecting many individuals across the United Kingdom. Equally, many of these people in Northern Ireland would not have been eligible to receive a grant from any of the Business Support Schemes established by my Department or to benefit from the business rates relief.
There would be specific challenges in establishing a specific NI scheme for the newly self-employed as access to the national tax database would be required. Agreement would be required from HMRC to either provide data or to validate information.
The Department of Finance has contacted HM Treasury regarding a number of issues of the UK-wide schemes including widening the eligibility criteria of the SEISS. The Treasury responded that there are a number of operational reasons why the scheme is designed in this way and that it would not be possible in their view to broaden the eligibility criteria.
The Executive is also currently considering different measures available to support our economy and to promote our economic recovery. In considering further interventions, it will be for the Executive to collectively determine how funding can be allocated to support economic recovery moving forward.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205988%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=305502","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=305502"}},{"id":"305392","reference":"AQW 5921/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-07-27","answerBy":"2020-07-31","answered":"2020-07-31","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to outline the rationale for excluding Allied Health Professional businesses in Independent Practice from full non-domestic rates relief for 2020/21.","answerText":"As the Member is aware because of Covid-19 I took the decision to support all businesses here with a 4-month rates holiday from 1 April. The Executive then decided to target rate relief from 1 August to the sectors identified as having the greatest need, supporting in the region of 30,000 businesses. That identification and targeting did not include the health professional businesses in independent practice. The approach not to include this sector is consistent with that adopted in separate business rate relief schemes in England, Scotland and Wales.","answerHtml":"As the Member is aware because of Covid-19 I took the decision to support all businesses here with a 4-month rates holiday from 1 April. The Executive then decided to target rate relief from 1 August to the sectors identified as having the greatest need, supporting in the region of 30,000 businesses. That identification and targeting did not include the health professional businesses in independent practice. The approach not to include this sector is consistent with that adopted in separate business rate relief schemes in England, Scotland and Wales.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205921%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=305392","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=305392"}},{"id":"305391","reference":"AQW 5920/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-07-27","answerBy":"2020-08-11","answered":"2020-08-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for her assessment of the likely impact on capital project (i) costs; and (ii) timescales as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.","answerText":"The Department’s capital projects are on track to spend their current 2020/21 allocations. No significant additional costs have been incorporated into contracts in relation to COVID 19 as contractors and suppliers adapt working practices to continue delivery of existing projects.\n\nSome projects have been delayed however others as a result have been accelerated to ensure spending the full capital budget available in-year.\n\nThe longer term impact of new working practices are not fully understood yet however I do not anticipate any significant additional costs or time delays arising this financial year that would result in lost opportunities.","answerHtml":"The Department’s capital projects are on track to spend their current 2020/21 allocations. No significant additional costs have been incorporated into contracts in relation to COVID 19 as contractors and suppliers adapt working practices to continue delivery of existing projects.
Some projects have been delayed however others as a result have been accelerated to ensure spending the full capital budget available in-year.
The longer term impact of new working practices are not fully understood yet however I do not anticipate any significant additional costs or time delays arising this financial year that would result in lost opportunities.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205920%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=305391","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=305391"}},{"id":"305390","reference":"AQW 5919/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-07-27","answerBy":"2020-08-11","answered":"2020-08-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy for the (i) number; and (ii) detail of legal challenges to Coronavirus Grant Support Schemes, including those covered by Pre-Action Protocol for Judicial Review.","answerText":"I can confirm that my Department has received correspondence relating to COVID-19 grant support. However, taking account of data protection provisions, it would not be appropriate to discuss the nature of the correspondence.","answerHtml":"I can confirm that my Department has received correspondence relating to COVID-19 grant support. However, taking account of data protection provisions, it would not be appropriate to discuss the nature of the correspondence.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205919%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=305390","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=305390"}},{"id":"305389","reference":"AQW 5918/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-07-27","answerBy":"2020-08-11","answered":"2020-08-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether his Department intends to update the Building Regulations to require (i) electric vehicle charge points; and (ii) full-fibre connectivity for (a) new; and (b) existing buildings.","answerText":"Policy on electric vehicles is the responsibility of the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), whilst the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) in Britain has policy responsibility for broadband connectivity as a reserved matter. The role of Building Regulations as a vehicle to support delivery of electric vehicle charging points and full fibre broadband connectivity is under consideration.\n\nHowever Building Regulations provide requirements only where building work is being carried out, so any changes would not require retrospective measures for existing buildings where no work is being carried out.","answerHtml":"Policy on electric vehicles is the responsibility of the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), whilst the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) in Britain has policy responsibility for broadband connectivity as a reserved matter. The role of Building Regulations as a vehicle to support delivery of electric vehicle charging points and full fibre broadband connectivity is under consideration.
However Building Regulations provide requirements only where building work is being carried out, so any changes would not require retrospective measures for existing buildings where no work is being carried out.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205918%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=305389","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=305389"}},{"id":"305388","reference":"AQW 5917/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-07-27","answerBy":"2020-08-11","answered":"2020-08-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether consideration has been given to partnership arrangements to enable the utilisation of pre-existing car parks to enhance Park and Ride provision in the North Down area.","answerText":"Officials will continue to liaise with the Ards & North Down Borough Council regarding the council’s parking strategy and indeed wider parking provision and this will help identify any sharing opportunities that could enhance Park and Ride.\n\nAs previously advised and in support of my commitment to active travel and our Green Recovery, Translink is currently rolling out enhanced cycle storage facilities at stations and halts across the network, and it is intended to include Bangor in this programme.","answerHtml":"Officials will continue to liaise with the Ards & North Down Borough Council regarding the council’s parking strategy and indeed wider parking provision and this will help identify any sharing opportunities that could enhance Park and Ride.
As previously advised and in support of my commitment to active travel and our Green Recovery, Translink is currently rolling out enhanced cycle storage facilities at stations and halts across the network, and it is intended to include Bangor in this programme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205917%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=305388","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=305388"}},{"id":"305083","reference":"AQW 5820/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-07-21","answerBy":"2020-07-27","answered":"2020-07-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) for her assessment of the levels of compliance with the mandatory face covering rule on public transport; and (ii) what action she proposes, if any, to increase compliance.","answerText":"Since the introduction of the mandatory requirement for face coverings on public transport on 10 July 2020, Translink have reported anecdotal compliance rates of between 60-85% of passengers wearing face coverings across bus and rail services, compared to 10% previously. This corresponds with compliance figures from GB and reflects the significant educational and promotional measures undertaken by my Department and Translink to raise awareness and encourage compliance with the new legislation.\n\nWhile these initial figures are positive, there is still room for improvement and my Department and Translink continue to focus on engagement, encouragement and education to increase compliance. In line with that, Translink continues to communicate to passengers through social media, information posters in vehicles and in stations, and a public information campaign has been initiated to help educate passengers. Staff are leading by example by wearing assigned PPE and, in the early days of implementation, passengers had access to staff in various locations who offered advice and handed out free disposable face coverings. Translink staff have also been asked to remind passengers of their legal obligation and actively encourage them to wear face coverings. The measures outlined above will continue and going forward will be supported by an Executive public information campaign to encourage the wearing of face coverings in all indoor settings where social distance is difficult to maintain.","answerHtml":"Since the introduction of the mandatory requirement for face coverings on public transport on 10 July 2020, Translink have reported anecdotal compliance rates of between 60-85% of passengers wearing face coverings across bus and rail services, compared to 10% previously. This corresponds with compliance figures from GB and reflects the significant educational and promotional measures undertaken by my Department and Translink to raise awareness and encourage compliance with the new legislation.
While these initial figures are positive, there is still room for improvement and my Department and Translink continue to focus on engagement, encouragement and education to increase compliance. In line with that, Translink continues to communicate to passengers through social media, information posters in vehicles and in stations, and a public information campaign has been initiated to help educate passengers. Staff are leading by example by wearing assigned PPE and, in the early days of implementation, passengers had access to staff in various locations who offered advice and handed out free disposable face coverings. Translink staff have also been asked to remind passengers of their legal obligation and actively encourage them to wear face coverings. The measures outlined above will continue and going forward will be supported by an Executive public information campaign to encourage the wearing of face coverings in all indoor settings where social distance is difficult to maintain.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205820%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=305083","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=305083"}},{"id":"305082","reference":"AQW 5819/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-07-21","answerBy":"2020-08-05","answered":"2020-08-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the feasibility study as referenced in New Decade, New Approach concerning the upgrade of the Belfast to Dublin rail link to a high speed connection.","answerText":"I am committed to improving connectivity between Belfast and Dublin as this is key in delivering opportunities for better connecting the island of Ireland and enhancing our respective economies. Our rail network, whilst relatively small, does present a unique opportunity in this regard.\n\nIn line with this and the commitments within the New Decade New Approach, I am committed to delivering high speed rail. I recently met with Minister Ryan to discuss the improvement of transport links and hope to be in a position to provide a further update in due course.","answerHtml":"I am committed to improving connectivity between Belfast and Dublin as this is key in delivering opportunities for better connecting the island of Ireland and enhancing our respective economies. Our rail network, whilst relatively small, does present a unique opportunity in this regard.
In line with this and the commitments within the New Decade New Approach, I am committed to delivering high speed rail. I recently met with Minister Ryan to discuss the improvement of transport links and hope to be in a position to provide a further update in due course.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205819%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=305082","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=305082"}},{"id":"305081","reference":"AQW 5818/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-07-21","answerBy":"2020-08-05","answered":"2020-08-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on when practical driving tests will resume.","answerText":"The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) reinstated some driver testing services in July for those licence categories, where testing can be done safely in line with Public Health Agency advice and guidance on social distancing requirements. This includes motorbike driver testing from 6 July and tests for drivers of buses, tractors and module 4 CPC tests for lorry, bus and coach drivers from 20 July.\n\nOn 28 July, I announced that the DVA plans to resume practical driving tests for cars and lorries from 1 September, initially prioritising those requests from key workers followed by those customers whose tests were cancelled due to lockdown. The DVA will continue to work with staff and Trade Union side in the coming weeks to ensure the risk assessments for these driving tests take full account of all relevant public health advice and guidance to ensure the safety of all during the testing process. These changes will be communicated to driving instructors and learner drivers as soon as possible.\n\nThere is likely to be a significant demand for driving tests when all services are reinstated and while the DVA will endeavour to facilitate appointments at the earliest opportunity, initial waiting times for driving tests will be longer than usual. In order to help mitigate the impact on customers, I recently announced plans to amend the Driving Licence Regulations that will allow an eight month extension to the validity of theory test pass certificates, which expire between 1 March and 31 October 2020 and a 6 month extension to the validity of off-road motorcycle test pass certificates, which expire between 1 March 2020 and 31 August 2020.","answerHtml":"The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) reinstated some driver testing services in July for those licence categories, where testing can be done safely in line with Public Health Agency advice and guidance on social distancing requirements. This includes motorbike driver testing from 6 July and tests for drivers of buses, tractors and module 4 CPC tests for lorry, bus and coach drivers from 20 July.
On 28 July, I announced that the DVA plans to resume practical driving tests for cars and lorries from 1 September, initially prioritising those requests from key workers followed by those customers whose tests were cancelled due to lockdown. The DVA will continue to work with staff and Trade Union side in the coming weeks to ensure the risk assessments for these driving tests take full account of all relevant public health advice and guidance to ensure the safety of all during the testing process. These changes will be communicated to driving instructors and learner drivers as soon as possible.
There is likely to be a significant demand for driving tests when all services are reinstated and while the DVA will endeavour to facilitate appointments at the earliest opportunity, initial waiting times for driving tests will be longer than usual. In order to help mitigate the impact on customers, I recently announced plans to amend the Driving Licence Regulations that will allow an eight month extension to the validity of theory test pass certificates, which expire between 1 March and 31 October 2020 and a 6 month extension to the validity of off-road motorcycle test pass certificates, which expire between 1 March 2020 and 31 August 2020.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205818%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=305081","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=305081"}},{"id":"305080","reference":"AQW 5817/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-07-21","answerBy":"2020-08-05","answered":"2020-07-31","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the criteria used to determine eligibility for the £25,000 Retail, Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Grant where the business is not entirely engaged in retail, hospitality, tourism or leisure.","answerText":"The £25,000 grant was available to eligible businesses that have a Total Net Annual Value (NAV) of between £15,001 and £51,000 and operate within the retail, hospitality, tourism and leisure sectors, subject to some exclusions.\n\nThe range of activities undertaken by businesses that applied for the 25k scheme was very broad and did not always fit neatly into the broad descriptions of the four eligible sectors, retail, hospitality, leisure and tourism. Indeed the sectors themselves are not easily defined and there is not a comprehensive database from which identification of the cohort of eligible businesses in these sectors could be made.\n\nIn cases where the business is not entirely engaged in retail, hospitality, tourism or leisure, assuming all other criteria is satisfied, an application would be deemed eligible if there is evidence of reasonable activity within one of the eligible sectors. This was determined on a case by case basis on the evidence available.\n\nBusinesses within the four eligible sectors were among the first to experience an adverse economic impact of the pandemic and the most vulnerable as they rely on people to be able to travel, shop and socialise. The aim of the scheme was to provide support to as many businesses as possible in order to prevent closures and to retain jobs.","answerHtml":"The £25,000 grant was available to eligible businesses that have a Total Net Annual Value (NAV) of between £15,001 and £51,000 and operate within the retail, hospitality, tourism and leisure sectors, subject to some exclusions.
The range of activities undertaken by businesses that applied for the 25k scheme was very broad and did not always fit neatly into the broad descriptions of the four eligible sectors, retail, hospitality, leisure and tourism. Indeed the sectors themselves are not easily defined and there is not a comprehensive database from which identification of the cohort of eligible businesses in these sectors could be made.
In cases where the business is not entirely engaged in retail, hospitality, tourism or leisure, assuming all other criteria is satisfied, an application would be deemed eligible if there is evidence of reasonable activity within one of the eligible sectors. This was determined on a case by case basis on the evidence available.
Businesses within the four eligible sectors were among the first to experience an adverse economic impact of the pandemic and the most vulnerable as they rely on people to be able to travel, shop and socialise. The aim of the scheme was to provide support to as many businesses as possible in order to prevent closures and to retain jobs.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205817%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=305080","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=305080"}},{"id":"305079","reference":"AQW 5816/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-07-21","answerBy":"2020-08-05","answered":"2020-07-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the current laws (i) to prevent trespassing; and (ii) to ensure proper use of user worked crossings on heritage railways.","answerText":"The current law to prevent trespassing on heritage railways is the Regulation of Railways Act 1868 (which is still extant) Sections 2, and 23. Fines are imposed on people trespassing on the lines.\n\nThe law to ensure the proper use of user worked crossings on heritage railways is Section 6 of the Railway Safety Act 2002. This Act gives the Department powers to prescribe in regulations for the placing of signs and barriers at private crossings. The Department subsequently made the Private Crossings (Signs and Barriers) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007 which would apply to heritage railways.","answerHtml":"The current law to prevent trespassing on heritage railways is the Regulation of Railways Act 1868 (which is still extant) Sections 2, and 23. Fines are imposed on people trespassing on the lines.
The law to ensure the proper use of user worked crossings on heritage railways is Section 6 of the Railway Safety Act 2002. This Act gives the Department powers to prescribe in regulations for the placing of signs and barriers at private crossings. The Department subsequently made the Private Crossings (Signs and Barriers) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007 which would apply to heritage railways.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205816%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=305079","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=305079"}},{"id":"304778","reference":"AQW 5715/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-07-10","answerBy":"2020-07-29","answered":"2020-07-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether consideration will be given to updating the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, in light of the Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee May 2020 recommendations concerning pavement café licensing.","answerText":"The Licensing of Pavement Cafés Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 empowers District Councils to manage Pavement Café requests. The Department for Communities (DfC) has published guidelines to assist district councils with the implementation of this statutory licensing scheme, however my Department takes an active role and is a key partner in that process.\n\nWithin the DfC guidance it is recognised that there are many factors that need to be taken into account when considering the potential for pavement cafes with traffic volumes and footfall being key considerations as well as the type of premises and facilities available. Minimum standards are identified within the DfC guidelines and I have suggested to Councils that when considering individual sites, solutions need to be developed that best meets the needs of the various stakeholders, including IMTAC and other disability groups, to ensure their concerns are taken into account.\n\nTo help with the evaluation of each site my Department has drafted further, more detailed guidance on the siting of pavement cafes on our streets and this has drawn upon various sources of guidance, including the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges and Inclusive Mobility, which is the Department for Transport guide to best practice on making transport accessible for passengers and pedestrians. My Department is currently in the process of finalising this guidance including statutory S75 Equality considerations.\n\nI welcome the interest of IMTAC in the design of pavement cafés and fully appreciate the concerns raised. I have emphasised to Councils the need to consider the needs of all groups, including those with visual and mobility difficulties, when considering proposals for pavement cafes.","answerHtml":"The Licensing of Pavement Cafés Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 empowers District Councils to manage Pavement Café requests. The Department for Communities (DfC) has published guidelines to assist district councils with the implementation of this statutory licensing scheme, however my Department takes an active role and is a key partner in that process.
Within the DfC guidance it is recognised that there are many factors that need to be taken into account when considering the potential for pavement cafes with traffic volumes and footfall being key considerations as well as the type of premises and facilities available. Minimum standards are identified within the DfC guidelines and I have suggested to Councils that when considering individual sites, solutions need to be developed that best meets the needs of the various stakeholders, including IMTAC and other disability groups, to ensure their concerns are taken into account.
To help with the evaluation of each site my Department has drafted further, more detailed guidance on the siting of pavement cafes on our streets and this has drawn upon various sources of guidance, including the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges and Inclusive Mobility, which is the Department for Transport guide to best practice on making transport accessible for passengers and pedestrians. My Department is currently in the process of finalising this guidance including statutory S75 Equality considerations.
I welcome the interest of IMTAC in the design of pavement cafés and fully appreciate the concerns raised. I have emphasised to Councils the need to consider the needs of all groups, including those with visual and mobility difficulties, when considering proposals for pavement cafes.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205715%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=304778","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=304778"}},{"id":"304777","reference":"AQW 5714/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-07-10","answerBy":"2020-07-29","answered":"2020-07-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether any consideration has been given to making it the default position in Northern Ireland that pavement parking is illegal, as is the case in Scotland.","answerText":"My Department is committed to increasing the level of sustainable travel in Northern Ireland and I am aware that cars parked inconsiderately on footways present real challenges for footway users. Consequently my Department carries out enforcement action against cars parked on footways where there are parking restrictions on the adjacent carriageway. The PSNI also can and does take enforcement action against cars found to be obstructing footways. To promote and encourage compliance, regular reminders of the relevant Highway Code rule on footway parking are also posted on our road safety and sustainable travel social media channels. I am, however, keen to explore if further measures may be necessary.","answerHtml":"My Department is committed to increasing the level of sustainable travel in Northern Ireland and I am aware that cars parked inconsiderately on footways present real challenges for footway users. Consequently my Department carries out enforcement action against cars parked on footways where there are parking restrictions on the adjacent carriageway. The PSNI also can and does take enforcement action against cars found to be obstructing footways. To promote and encourage compliance, regular reminders of the relevant Highway Code rule on footway parking are also posted on our road safety and sustainable travel social media channels. I am, however, keen to explore if further measures may be necessary.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205714%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=304777","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=304777"}},{"id":"304776","reference":"AQW 5713/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-07-10","answerBy":"2020-07-29","answered":"2020-07-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) how many; (ii) what percentage of regionally significant planning decisions were appealed to the Planning Appeals Commission; and (iii) the outcomes of each appeal, in each of the last three financial years.","answerText":"In each of the last three financial years, no Regionally Significant planning decisions were appealed to the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC). In accordance with the Planning Act (NI) 2011 and unlike decisions made by councils, the decision of the Department on an application for planning permission made to it or referred to it shall be final. In this regard there is no provision available to appeal the decision to the PAC.","answerHtml":"In each of the last three financial years, no Regionally Significant planning decisions were appealed to the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC). In accordance with the Planning Act (NI) 2011 and unlike decisions made by councils, the decision of the Department on an application for planning permission made to it or referred to it shall be final. In this regard there is no provision available to appeal the decision to the PAC.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205713%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=304776","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=304776"}},{"id":"304774","reference":"AQW 5711/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-07-10","answerBy":"2020-07-29","answered":"2020-07-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance, pursuant to AQW 5017/17-22, whether there are plans to review the current Civil Service email retention policy that was introduced in 2007.","answerText":"The current Civil Service email retention policy is in place to ensure that all members of staff apply the principles of good record keeping to emails by correctly storing them in the official records repository HPRM “TRIM” if they are to be retained.\n\nEmail systems such as Microsoft Outlook are intended to manage correspondence and do not meet the record keeping requirements in respect of accessibility or security as a long term records management repository. The NICS is reviewing its record management policies and practices, including consideration of the most effective records management system to meet the evolving needs of the civil service in the modern digital era.","answerHtml":"The current Civil Service email retention policy is in place to ensure that all members of staff apply the principles of good record keeping to emails by correctly storing them in the official records repository HPRM “TRIM” if they are to be retained.
Email systems such as Microsoft Outlook are intended to manage correspondence and do not meet the record keeping requirements in respect of accessibility or security as a long term records management repository. The NICS is reviewing its record management policies and practices, including consideration of the most effective records management system to meet the evolving needs of the civil service in the modern digital era.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205711%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=304774","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=304774"}},{"id":"304305","reference":"AQW 5516/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-07-06","answerBy":"2020-07-23","answered":"2020-07-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what consideration has been given to increasing park and ride provision in the Bangor area.","answerText":"I appreciate the important role of Park & Ride and Park & Share in encouraging a shift from the private car to public transport, both bus and train. I am also aware of the high demand for Park & Ride spaces in the Bangor area and that existing provision at Bangor, Carnalea and Bangor West (over 350 spaces) is fully utilised on a typical day. Site availability is a major obstacle in providing additional capacity and unfortunately, despite extensive searches, Translink is not aware of any suitable, available land at this time. In partnership with Translink, I remain committed to prioritising, planning and delivering Park & Ride facilities through the joint Park & Ride Programme Board, and I remain keen to pursue additional capacity in Bangor, should suitable land become available.\n\nMy Department and Translink are also keen to promote active travel as part of the solution and Translink has previously met with senior officials from Ards & North Down Council to discuss a multi-agency approach to improving walking and cycling connectivity to public transport interchanges.\n\nIn support of this initiative and my commitment to active travel and our Green Recovery, Translink is currently rolling out enhanced cycle storage facilities at stations and halts across the network, and plans to include Bangor in this programme.","answerHtml":"I appreciate the important role of Park & Ride and Park & Share in encouraging a shift from the private car to public transport, both bus and train. I am also aware of the high demand for Park & Ride spaces in the Bangor area and that existing provision at Bangor, Carnalea and Bangor West (over 350 spaces) is fully utilised on a typical day. Site availability is a major obstacle in providing additional capacity and unfortunately, despite extensive searches, Translink is not aware of any suitable, available land at this time. In partnership with Translink, I remain committed to prioritising, planning and delivering Park & Ride facilities through the joint Park & Ride Programme Board, and I remain keen to pursue additional capacity in Bangor, should suitable land become available.
My Department and Translink are also keen to promote active travel as part of the solution and Translink has previously met with senior officials from Ards & North Down Council to discuss a multi-agency approach to improving walking and cycling connectivity to public transport interchanges.
In support of this initiative and my commitment to active travel and our Green Recovery, Translink is currently rolling out enhanced cycle storage facilities at stations and halts across the network, and plans to include Bangor in this programme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205516%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=304305","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=304305"}},{"id":"304229","reference":"AQW 5483/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-07-03","answerBy":"2020-07-09","answered":"2020-07-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy when she intends to bring forward new grant support initiatives to assist businesses previously excluded from Coronavirus Grant Support Schemes.","answerText":"I recognise that the impacts of the Covid-19 crisis continue to be felt across the Northern Ireland economy. Whilst I welcome that around £320million has been provided in support through the three existing business support measures, I recognise that there remains gaps in coverage and not all businesses have been able to avail of that support.\n\nThis is an evolving situation and I remain committed, along with Executive colleagues to provide support to as many local businesses as possible. Any decision on the further business support measures will require consideration and consensus by the Executive. I am working with the Minister of Finance to bring forward further options for discussion and decision by the Executive.","answerHtml":"I recognise that the impacts of the Covid-19 crisis continue to be felt across the Northern Ireland economy. Whilst I welcome that around £320million has been provided in support through the three existing business support measures, I recognise that there remains gaps in coverage and not all businesses have been able to avail of that support.
This is an evolving situation and I remain committed, along with Executive colleagues to provide support to as many local businesses as possible. Any decision on the further business support measures will require consideration and consensus by the Executive. I am working with the Minister of Finance to bring forward further options for discussion and decision by the Executive.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205483%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=304229","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=304229"}},{"id":"304228","reference":"AQW 5482/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-07-03","answerBy":"2020-07-22","answered":"2020-07-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what steps she is taking to ensure that charge points for electric cars are included in new (i) infrastructure projects; and (ii) homes.","answerText":"In the UK-wide Road to Zero Strategy, the UK Government set out its intention for all new homes to be electric vehicle ready and committed to consult on requirements for every new home to have a charge point, where appropriate. The UK Government consultation exercise also outlined how it proposes to transpose the requirements from the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (Article 8) to set minimum requirements for electric vehicle charging infrastructure in new residential and new and existing non-residential buildings. The consultation report is still awaited.\n\nThe transposition of Article 8 of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) 2018 will require amendment of the Northern Ireland Buildings Regulations. In addition, new legislation to implement parts of the Directive in respect of charging infrastructure in existing buildings will also be required. Officials in my department are currently working with officials in the Department of Finance and the Department for Transport on this matter. My officials are also looking at how this would impact on new infrastructure projects.\n\nI am committed to exploring all options and new solutions to enhance the charge point infrastructure, improve lives and tackle the climate emergency. My Department continues to closely monitor funding opportunities for the installation of additional charge point infrastructure and will work with commercial providers to ensure that the installation of any additional charge point infrastructure remains fit for purpose commensurate with growth.","answerHtml":"In the UK-wide Road to Zero Strategy, the UK Government set out its intention for all new homes to be electric vehicle ready and committed to consult on requirements for every new home to have a charge point, where appropriate. The UK Government consultation exercise also outlined how it proposes to transpose the requirements from the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (Article 8) to set minimum requirements for electric vehicle charging infrastructure in new residential and new and existing non-residential buildings. The consultation report is still awaited.
The transposition of Article 8 of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) 2018 will require amendment of the Northern Ireland Buildings Regulations. In addition, new legislation to implement parts of the Directive in respect of charging infrastructure in existing buildings will also be required. Officials in my department are currently working with officials in the Department of Finance and the Department for Transport on this matter. My officials are also looking at how this would impact on new infrastructure projects.
I am committed to exploring all options and new solutions to enhance the charge point infrastructure, improve lives and tackle the climate emergency. My Department continues to closely monitor funding opportunities for the installation of additional charge point infrastructure and will work with commercial providers to ensure that the installation of any additional charge point infrastructure remains fit for purpose commensurate with growth.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205482%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=304228","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=304228"}},{"id":"304227","reference":"AQW 5481/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-07-03","answerBy":"2020-07-22","answered":"2020-07-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance (i) why, in the June Monitoring Round, £25m of Financial Transaction Capital (FTC) was replaced with £25m of grant funding for the new Ulster University, Belfast campus; and (ii) how much of the original £25m of FTC was originally expected to be paid back to the Executive, either through loan repayments or equity investments.","answerText":"While the original intention was to provide £126 million of FTC, the Department for the Economy (DfE) has now made a case for providing £25 million as a capital grant now, with the remainder provided as a FTC loan.\n\nBoth the grant funding and the loan are subject to the outcome of the appraisal process. Therefore the £25m capital grant allocation is ring-fenced funding and which will only be provided to the Ulster University once the appraisal has been successfully completed.\n\nThe FTC loan will be repayable over a 30 year period, with a five year capital repayment moratorium, at a rate of 0.25%.","answerHtml":"While the original intention was to provide £126 million of FTC, the Department for the Economy (DfE) has now made a case for providing £25 million as a capital grant now, with the remainder provided as a FTC loan.
Both the grant funding and the loan are subject to the outcome of the appraisal process. Therefore the £25m capital grant allocation is ring-fenced funding and which will only be provided to the Ulster University once the appraisal has been successfully completed.
The FTC loan will be repayable over a 30 year period, with a five year capital repayment moratorium, at a rate of 0.25%.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205481%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=304227","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=304227"}},{"id":"304226","reference":"AQW 5480/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-07-03","answerBy":"2020-07-22","answered":"2020-07-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance, pursuant to AWQ 4588-17-22, (i) what percentage of NICS staff are primarily desk-based and, therefore, could potentially work remotely; and (ii) to detail any guidance given on remote working to NICS staff, covering both those who benefit from remote working and those who would prefer a return to the office.","answerText":"The Department of Finance does not hold information on the percentage of NICS staff that are primarily desk-based and, therefore, could potentially work remotely.\n\nA range of guidance on Working from Home has been provided for staff and managers through the Coronavirus Hub. Recently this was drawn together into one document with links to where more detailed advice on particular aspects can be obtained. This is iterative guidance and will be updated as the situation evolves. The document is available on the Department of Finance Internet site at https://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/publications/covid-19-working-home-guidance\n\nGuidance has also been provided in relation to return to the workplace. This is also available on the Department of Finance Internet Site at\n\nhttps://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/publications/nics-recovery-plan-guidance","answerHtml":"The Department of Finance does not hold information on the percentage of NICS staff that are primarily desk-based and, therefore, could potentially work remotely.
A range of guidance on Working from Home has been provided for staff and managers through the Coronavirus Hub. Recently this was drawn together into one document with links to where more detailed advice on particular aspects can be obtained. This is iterative guidance and will be updated as the situation evolves. The document is available on the Department of Finance Internet site at https://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/publications/covid-19-working-home-guidance
Guidance has also been provided in relation to return to the workplace. This is also available on the Department of Finance Internet Site at
https://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/publications/nics-recovery-plan-guidance
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205480%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=304226","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=304226"}},{"id":"304225","reference":"AQW 5479/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-07-03","answerBy":"2020-07-22","answered":"2020-07-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance, in relation to the £100m of funding announced for viable capital projects that are complementary to the City/Growth Deals, to detail the (i) specific criteria for eligible projects; and (ii) decision making process for awarding the funding.","answerText":"The Executive £100m City/ Growth Deals Complementary Fund is open to viable, capital projects which are complementary to City/Growth Deals and aimed at bringing greater prosperity and social benefits to the whole community. Actual allocations will depend on the strength of the proposals and the release of funding will be subject to expenditure approval through the business case process. Proposals should be brought to the City Deals Oversight Group to consider if complementary to the City/ Growth Deal and suitable for funding. Once the Oversight Group is content, I will bring a paper to the Executive for approval of each project.","answerHtml":"The Executive £100m City/ Growth Deals Complementary Fund is open to viable, capital projects which are complementary to City/Growth Deals and aimed at bringing greater prosperity and social benefits to the whole community. Actual allocations will depend on the strength of the proposals and the release of funding will be subject to expenditure approval through the business case process. Proposals should be brought to the City Deals Oversight Group to consider if complementary to the City/ Growth Deal and suitable for funding. Once the Oversight Group is content, I will bring a paper to the Executive for approval of each project.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205479%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=304225","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=304225"}},{"id":"303846","reference":"AQW 5319/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-06-29","answerBy":"2020-07-16","answered":"2020-07-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in light of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council's expressed view in its official minutes dated 26 May 2020, that it should not be its responsibility to monitor the decisions of her Department, (i) whether it is the role of her Department to ensure that the operators of the Cavanacaw gold mine are fully compliant with all planning permissions granted by Strategic Planning Division (SPD); and (ii) what monitoring of planning conditions the SPD has carried out since 1 April 2015.","answerText":"The former Department of the Environment granted planning permission for the operations at Cavanacaw in 2015 subject to 59 conditions, several of which contained requirements for submissions to the Department.\n\nAccordingly, my Department has implemented an ongoing monitoring regime for the goldmine at Cavanacaw in collaboration with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. Monitoring includes site inspections, review of the submissions required by conditions, e.g. noise and dust reports; and assessment of progress on matters such as landscaping and restoration.\n\nMy Department will notify the local council of alleged breaches and provide follow up assessments of compliance.\n\nI understand that the local council has already taken enforcement action subsequent to the receipt of complaints from the Department and its own investigations.","answerHtml":"The former Department of the Environment granted planning permission for the operations at Cavanacaw in 2015 subject to 59 conditions, several of which contained requirements for submissions to the Department.
Accordingly, my Department has implemented an ongoing monitoring regime for the goldmine at Cavanacaw in collaboration with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. Monitoring includes site inspections, review of the submissions required by conditions, e.g. noise and dust reports; and assessment of progress on matters such as landscaping and restoration.
My Department will notify the local council of alleged breaches and provide follow up assessments of compliance.
I understand that the local council has already taken enforcement action subsequent to the receipt of complaints from the Department and its own investigations.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205319%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=303846","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=303846"}},{"id":"303385","reference":"AQW 5191/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-06-24","answerBy":"2020-07-09","answered":"2020-07-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) capital spend; and (ii) resource spend on (a) public transport infrastructure; and (b) roads infrastructure, broken down by the last three financial years and the budgeted spend for 2020/21.","answerText":"Details of resource and capital expenditure on roads infrastructure and public transport infrastructure for the past 3 years and the budget for 2020-21 have been provided in the tables below.\n\nExpenditure\tBudget\nResource\t2017-18 £m\t2018-19 £m\t2019-20 £m\t2020-21 £m\nRoads\t104.3\t105.3\t106.9\t105.5\nPublic Transport\t48.2\t53.9\t54.6\t58.9\n\nExpenditure\tBudget\nCapital\t2017-18 £m\t2018-19 £m\t2019-20 £m\t2020-21 £m\nRoads\t166.8\t234.1\t239.0\t207.6\nPublic Transport\t84.7\t112.5\t109.1\t154.6","answerHtml":"Details of resource and capital expenditure on roads infrastructure and public transport infrastructure for the past 3 years and the budget for 2020-21 have been provided in the tables below.
| Expenditure | Budget | |||
| Resource | 2017-18 £m | 2018-19 £m | 2019-20 £m | 2020-21 £m |
| Roads | 104.3 | 105.3 | 106.9 | 105.5 |
| Public Transport | 48.2 | 53.9 | 54.6 | 58.9 |
| Expenditure | Budget | |||
| Capital | 2017-18 £m | 2018-19 £m | 2019-20 £m | 2020-21 £m |
| Roads | 166.8 | 234.1 | 239.0 | 207.6 |
| Public Transport | 84.7 | 112.5 | 109.1 | 154.6 |
It is evident that COVID-19 has had a severe impact on our public transport service and is reflected in the suppressed passenger numbers being experienced by Translink. This is expected as the NI Executive Recovery Plan to COVID-19 continues to promote working from home which impacts on our commuter services. As we move through the Recovery Plan, we are slowly seeing an increase in passenger numbers and my focus is to continue to ensure that our public transport network has sufficient capacity to facilitate social distancing with appropriate mitigations to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. In line with this, I secured Executive agreement to make face coverings mandatory on our public transport network from 10th July 2020, adding an additional layer of protection for passengers and staff from covid 19.
In respect of future plans for public transport, it is too early to determine what the long term impact of COVID-19 will be on our public transport network. However I can confirm that my officials and Translink will continue to analyse passenger demand with a view to responding to increased demand and informing future plans for our network. Whilst COVID 19 has changed the context within which we operate, my priority remains to deliver increased connectivity with a clear focus on public transport and active travel. In addition to planning for the future, that requires immediate action to respond to the unprecedented impact of COVID 19 on passenger numbers and the financial viability of our public transport network and I welcome the commitment of Executive colleagues in this regard.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205190%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=303384","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=303384"}},{"id":"303383","reference":"AQW 5189/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-06-24","answerBy":"2020-07-09","answered":"2020-07-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she will bring forward legislation to support the Right to Disconnect, to ensure that employees are not obliged to be contacted and work at given times, out of hours.","answerText":"There are currently Regulations in place safeguarding working time limits in Northern Ireland.\n\nThe Working Time Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016 make a positive contribution to the Northern Ireland employment relations framework, laying down minimum conditions relating to weekly working time, rest entitlements and annual leave, and making special provision for working hours and health assessment in relation to night workers.\n\nUnder the Working Time Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016, a worker is entitled to an uninterrupted rest period of 11 hours between each working day and one uninterrupted weekly rest period of not less than 24 hours in each seven-day period.\n\nThe weekly rest period can be taken as either two periods of at least 24 hours in each 14-day period or one uninterrupted period of no less than 48 hours in each 14-day period.\n\nI have no plans at present to amend current working time legislation for Northern Ireland. In the immediate term, Departmental resources will be focused on Northern Ireland’s economic recovery as it emerges from lockdown.\n\nHowever, I am always open to working with Executive Colleagues, the Assembly and stakeholders regarding wider plans for ensuring our employment legislation framework meets the needs of our regional economy.","answerHtml":"There are currently Regulations in place safeguarding working time limits in Northern Ireland.
The Working Time Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016 make a positive contribution to the Northern Ireland employment relations framework, laying down minimum conditions relating to weekly working time, rest entitlements and annual leave, and making special provision for working hours and health assessment in relation to night workers.
Under the Working Time Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016, a worker is entitled to an uninterrupted rest period of 11 hours between each working day and one uninterrupted weekly rest period of not less than 24 hours in each seven-day period.
The weekly rest period can be taken as either two periods of at least 24 hours in each 14-day period or one uninterrupted period of no less than 48 hours in each 14-day period.
I have no plans at present to amend current working time legislation for Northern Ireland. In the immediate term, Departmental resources will be focused on Northern Ireland’s economic recovery as it emerges from lockdown.
However, I am always open to working with Executive Colleagues, the Assembly and stakeholders regarding wider plans for ensuring our employment legislation framework meets the needs of our regional economy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205189%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=303383","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=303383"}},{"id":"303280","reference":"AQW 5153/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-06-23","answerBy":"2020-07-08","answered":"2020-07-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she intends to bring a funding proposal to the Minister of Finance concerning a qualified support package for the haulage industry, to assist those facing extreme hardship in light of financial pressures experienced as a result of COVID-19.","answerText":"I am aware of the hardship faced by businesses across the economy, including the haulage sector, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, regulation and policy for haulage is the responsibility of the Department for Infrastructure. I will continue to work with my Executive colleagues to consider what further support we can provide as we seek to make our economic recovery. Any decisions on funding of further business support measures, and the respective employment and business sectors within these, will require Executive agreement.\n\nMy Department has launched two support schemes, for which hauliers were eligible to apply, subject to the eligibility criteria being met. The £10,000 Small Business Support Grant Scheme was available to businesses in receipt of Small Business Rates Relief or Industrial derating. The NI Microbusiness Hardship Fund provided up to £10,000 of support to businesses that employ between one and nine employees via PAYE. Further details of the schemes are available at https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/business-support/coronavirus.\n\nHauliers are able to avail of UK-wide schemes such as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and other local measures including the non-domestic rates holiday. Details of the all business support schemes are available at https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/business-support/coronavirus.","answerHtml":"I am aware of the hardship faced by businesses across the economy, including the haulage sector, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, regulation and policy for haulage is the responsibility of the Department for Infrastructure. I will continue to work with my Executive colleagues to consider what further support we can provide as we seek to make our economic recovery. Any decisions on funding of further business support measures, and the respective employment and business sectors within these, will require Executive agreement.
My Department has launched two support schemes, for which hauliers were eligible to apply, subject to the eligibility criteria being met. The £10,000 Small Business Support Grant Scheme was available to businesses in receipt of Small Business Rates Relief or Industrial derating. The NI Microbusiness Hardship Fund provided up to £10,000 of support to businesses that employ between one and nine employees via PAYE. Further details of the schemes are available at https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/business-support/coronavirus.
Hauliers are able to avail of UK-wide schemes such as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and other local measures including the non-domestic rates holiday. Details of the all business support schemes are available at https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/business-support/coronavirus.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205153%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=303280","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=303280"}},{"id":"302885","reference":"AQW 5018/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-06-18","answerBy":"2020-06-23","answered":"2020-06-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the reasons for the higher recorded infection rate from Pillar 1 testing in the Ards and North Down council area during June 2020; and why this has not been published to provide guidance and reassurance to the public.","answerText":"As of 21 June 2020 the rate of positive cases was recorded as 245 per 100K population in the Ards and North Down area. This is lower than the overall rate for Northern Ireland which on the same date was recorded as 259 positive cases per 100K population. The total number of positive cases in the Ards and North Down area identified during June was 44.\n\nOur contact tracing service (Test, Trace & Protect) was introduced on 18 May 2020. The Public Health Agency has advised that no potential clusters or outbreaks have been identified in the Ards and North Down council area to date by the service.","answerHtml":"As of 21 June 2020 the rate of positive cases was recorded as 245 per 100K population in the Ards and North Down area. This is lower than the overall rate for Northern Ireland which on the same date was recorded as 259 positive cases per 100K population. The total number of positive cases in the Ards and North Down area identified during June was 44.
Our contact tracing service (Test, Trace & Protect) was introduced on 18 May 2020. The Public Health Agency has advised that no potential clusters or outbreaks have been identified in the Ards and North Down council area to date by the service.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205018%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=302885","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=302885"}},{"id":"302884","reference":"AQW 5017/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-06-18","answerBy":"2020-07-03","answered":"2020-07-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance when, and by whom, the current Civil Service Email Retention Policy was approved.","answerText":"The NICS undertook a major programme of work in 2007 to implement an electronic records management system, known as TRIM. The current email retention policy was introduced as part of that work. The policy was approved by the Programme Board and endorsed for implementation by each Accounting Officer and Departmental Board.","answerHtml":"The NICS undertook a major programme of work in 2007 to implement an electronic records management system, known as TRIM. The current email retention policy was introduced as part of that work. The policy was approved by the Programme Board and endorsed for implementation by each Accounting Officer and Departmental Board.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205017%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=302884","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=302884"}},{"id":"302904","reference":"AQO 506/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-06-18","answerBy":"2020-06-30","answered":"2020-06-30","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to outline the guidance his Department provides to post-primary schools on admissions.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Weir","text":"I thank the Member for his question. My Department provides guidance to, amongst others, principals and boards of governors of post-primary schools on the arrangements for transfer from primary to post-primary. Information is contained in a number of circulars, the most recent being 'Circular 2016/15 - The procedure for transfer from primary to post-primary education'. The circular includes information and advice on a range of issues and lays out the respective roles of the Department of Education, the Education Authority, post-primary schools, primary schools and parents. It provides information on boards of governors’ statutory obligations to set admissions criteria to be used in the event of a school being oversubscribed with applicants. It also provides examples of criteria that my Department recommends and recommends against. How a school sets its criteria will determine a rank order of pupils for each school. The circular also provides advice on areas such as the age that a child is eligible to transfer to post-primary education; the process for setting admissions and enrolment numbers, and the process for varying those numbers; how the admissions procedures should operate; the arrangements for admissions appeals; the exceptional circumstances procedure; and the operation of waiting lists. As the Member can see, it is not only comprehensive but complex. Boards of governors have a legal duty to have regard to the Department’s guidance when setting admissions criteria."},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"For the record, I declare that I am on the board of governors for Priory Integrated College in Holywood. Over recent times, the Minister has said that there needs to an alternative proposed to academic selection and the transfer test. The Department issued it. After months of disrupted learning, why does the Minister not advocate that all schools follow the guidance that has already been issued by his Department?"},{"speaker":"Mr Weir","text":"Sorry, I did not say that there should be an alternative to academic selection, and I am sure one of the Members sitting opposite would be very quick to point that out. I have said that some of those who are advocating the setting aside of a transfer test, for instance, for this year, have not provided an alternative. That is different. Ultimately, it is within schools' powers and constraints to apply their own admissions criteria. I have raised concern about some of the schools that are seeking to move away from academic selection for next year. At present, what they suggest as the most likely route is one that seems to be based on the pupil's connections with the school. For example, a sibling at the school, their mother or father went to the school or a staff member at the school is a parent. That runs the danger of places at those schools being selected, effectively, by the old school tie, a hereditary grammar school place. Anyone making an argument that that is a fairer system to the complexities or constraints of a test is not providing a sensible solution."},{"speaker":"","text":"I am aware that there will be some schools of a bilateral nature that may move between having a percentage of their pupils who are non-selective and some who are selective. In many ways there is a logic that if they want to adjust between those criteria then that is perfectly fine. However, the point is that I do not believe that a fair alternative has not been provided. I support the right of schools to use academic selection when they are oversubscribed, and I also believe that the use of academic selection has, overall, worked well for our society and our school system."},{"speaker":"Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Beggs)","text":"Members, our time is up for questions to the Minister of Education."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20506%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=302904","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2020-06-30&docID=303726#AQO%20506/17-22","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=302904"}},{"id":"302684","reference":"AQW 4927/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-06-16","answerBy":"2020-07-01","answered":"2020-06-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether there are plans to pilot public hire schemes for e-Bikes.","answerText":"As the Member will be aware, I am very keen to increase the proportion of journeys made by walking, cycling and public transport right across Northern Ireland. I want to do what I can to remove barriers for people who want to walk and cycle more as they go about their everyday lives. That is why I introduced legislation in the Assembly to make e-bikes legal in Northern Ireland and help make cycling accessible to more people. It is also why I announced a £20 million fund for blue / green infrastructure.\n\nThe current public bike hire scheme in Belfast is run by Belfast City Council although it is temporarily suspended due to the current Covid-19 pandemic. A pilot public hire scheme for e-Bikes might be the kind of project that could be supported from the blue / green infrastructure fund and I would be willing to consider any proposal put forward by Councils.","answerHtml":"As the Member will be aware, I am very keen to increase the proportion of journeys made by walking, cycling and public transport right across Northern Ireland. I want to do what I can to remove barriers for people who want to walk and cycle more as they go about their everyday lives. That is why I introduced legislation in the Assembly to make e-bikes legal in Northern Ireland and help make cycling accessible to more people. It is also why I announced a £20 million fund for blue / green infrastructure.
The current public bike hire scheme in Belfast is run by Belfast City Council although it is temporarily suspended due to the current Covid-19 pandemic. A pilot public hire scheme for e-Bikes might be the kind of project that could be supported from the blue / green infrastructure fund and I would be willing to consider any proposal put forward by Councils.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204927%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=302684","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=302684"}},{"id":"302683","reference":"AQW 4926/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-06-16","answerBy":"2020-07-01","answered":"2020-07-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline planned improvements in (i) pedestrian; and (ii) cycle access for the area surrounding the new Ulster University Belfast Campus.","answerText":"You will be aware I announced the creation of a Walking and Cycling Champion in my Department with responsibility for taking forward work to deliver safe routes that give people the freedom and confidence to walk and cycle as part of their everyday routine. This is an important way to achieve higher levels of sustainable transport and fewer car journeys.\n\nI am fully committed to working with partners in the Executive including the Minister for Communities to look at opportunities to provide better walking and cycling facilities around the Ulster University Belfast Campus and better walking and cycling infrastructure to make good connections to it from across Belfast city centre.\n\nThe area round the new Ulster University Belfast Campus is part of the Department for Communities Belfast Streets Ahead Phase 3 project. As part of the design proposals for this scheme, improved pedestrian crossings on York Street and Frederick Street are proposed. In addition, new cycle stands on Frederick Street are planned along with shared cycle lanes along York Street and Royal Avenue. Funding for the construction phase of the project has not yet been confirmed. However, the Department for Communities is working with the Department for Infrastructure and Belfast City Council to explore how improvements for pedestrians and cyclists can be achieved ahead of the Phase 3 project.","answerHtml":"You will be aware I announced the creation of a Walking and Cycling Champion in my Department with responsibility for taking forward work to deliver safe routes that give people the freedom and confidence to walk and cycle as part of their everyday routine. This is an important way to achieve higher levels of sustainable transport and fewer car journeys.
I am fully committed to working with partners in the Executive including the Minister for Communities to look at opportunities to provide better walking and cycling facilities around the Ulster University Belfast Campus and better walking and cycling infrastructure to make good connections to it from across Belfast city centre.
The area round the new Ulster University Belfast Campus is part of the Department for Communities Belfast Streets Ahead Phase 3 project. As part of the design proposals for this scheme, improved pedestrian crossings on York Street and Frederick Street are proposed. In addition, new cycle stands on Frederick Street are planned along with shared cycle lanes along York Street and Royal Avenue. Funding for the construction phase of the project has not yet been confirmed. However, the Department for Communities is working with the Department for Infrastructure and Belfast City Council to explore how improvements for pedestrians and cyclists can be achieved ahead of the Phase 3 project.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204926%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=302683","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=302683"}},{"id":"302682","reference":"AQW 4925/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-06-16","answerBy":"2020-07-01","answered":"2020-06-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether the forthcoming review of the implementation of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 will consider whether responsibility for regionally significant and called-in planning applications should be transferred from her Department to an independent body, similar to An Bord Pleanála in the Republic of Ireland.","answerText":"I am currently considering the terms of the review of the implementation of the Act, which I intend to take to the Committee for Infrastructure shortly.","answerHtml":"I am currently considering the terms of the review of the implementation of the Act, which I intend to take to the Committee for Infrastructure shortly.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204925%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=302682","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=302682"}},{"id":"302681","reference":"AQW 4924/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-06-16","answerBy":"2020-07-01","answered":"2020-07-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for her assessment of the need for Northern Ireland to have a regional infrastructure panel, similar to the Infrastructure Commission for Scotland, to provide independent, informed advice on infrastructure and to create a long-term infrastructure strategy.","answerText":"Modern and sustainable infrastructure is a key building block of prosperity for any society. It is essential if we are to grow our economy, address regional imbalance, and support a thriving region where people want to live, work and invest. Investing in our infrastructure is also going to be an important element of economic recovery in the months ahead.\n\nGiven the timescales involved in delivering many infrastructure schemes and the investment needed to build and then maintain our infrastructure, I believe that a more strategic approach to how we plan, deliver and maintain our infrastructure is badly needed. One year budgets, for example, make little sense when looking at plans that should be designed to meet the needs of people here for decades.\n\nI have therefore been following the approach taken in Scotland with interest and I am engaging with a range of stakeholders to identify options going forward.","answerHtml":"Modern and sustainable infrastructure is a key building block of prosperity for any society. It is essential if we are to grow our economy, address regional imbalance, and support a thriving region where people want to live, work and invest. Investing in our infrastructure is also going to be an important element of economic recovery in the months ahead.
Given the timescales involved in delivering many infrastructure schemes and the investment needed to build and then maintain our infrastructure, I believe that a more strategic approach to how we plan, deliver and maintain our infrastructure is badly needed. One year budgets, for example, make little sense when looking at plans that should be designed to meet the needs of people here for decades.
I have therefore been following the approach taken in Scotland with interest and I am engaging with a range of stakeholders to identify options going forward.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204924%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=302681","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=302681"}},{"id":"302617","reference":"AQW 4876/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-06-15","answerBy":"2020-06-23","answered":"2020-06-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure when Approved Driving Instructors can book lessons with learners.","answerText":"While my Department is responsible for regulating the Approved Driver Instructor (ADI) industry, through the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA), it does not employ ADIs in the capacity of delivering driving instruction. The Department has no remit to suspend their services or determine when they might return to work.\n\nThe Registrar for ADIs/ AMIs in the DVA has advised driving instructors of this position and signposted them to the latest public health advice on social distancing and safe working practices.","answerHtml":"While my Department is responsible for regulating the Approved Driver Instructor (ADI) industry, through the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA), it does not employ ADIs in the capacity of delivering driving instruction. The Department has no remit to suspend their services or determine when they might return to work.
The Registrar for ADIs/ AMIs in the DVA has advised driving instructors of this position and signposted them to the latest public health advice on social distancing and safe working practices.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204876%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=302617","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=302617"}},{"id":"302367","reference":"AQW 4763/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-06-11","answerBy":"2020-06-26","answered":"2020-06-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail planned (i) structural maintenance works; and (ii) strategic road improvement schemes in the North Down constituency during 2020/21.","answerText":"Unfortunately my Department has been forced to revise its original programme of structural maintenance works in North Down as a result of the impact of Covid-19. I understand officials from the local Section Office have made the Member aware of this recently and confirmed that two schemes, one in Holywood and one in Bangor, have been deferred until next Spring. I can confirm that the following resurfacing schemes are planned for the current year and additional schemes may be added as finance permits:\n\nChurch Drive, Bangor;\n\nManse Road, Bangor; and\n\nCultra Avenue, Holywood.\n\nIn relation to strategic road improvement (SRI) schemes, I can confirm that there are currently no SRI schemes planned for in the North Down constituency in 2020/21.","answerHtml":"Unfortunately my Department has been forced to revise its original programme of structural maintenance works in North Down as a result of the impact of Covid-19. I understand officials from the local Section Office have made the Member aware of this recently and confirmed that two schemes, one in Holywood and one in Bangor, have been deferred until next Spring. I can confirm that the following resurfacing schemes are planned for the current year and additional schemes may be added as finance permits:
Church Drive, Bangor;
Manse Road, Bangor; and
Cultra Avenue, Holywood.
In relation to strategic road improvement (SRI) schemes, I can confirm that there are currently no SRI schemes planned for in the North Down constituency in 2020/21.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204763%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=302367","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=302367"}},{"id":"302366","reference":"AQW 4762/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-06-11","answerBy":"2020-06-26","answered":"2020-06-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the planned marketing budget allocation to (i) Tourism NI; and (ii) Tourism Ireland for 2020/21 in order to attract tourists following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.","answerText":"We are working with both Tourism NI and Tourism Ireland to consider their financial requirements in light of the impact of Covid-19 on tourism both domestically and worldwide. Both organisations have commissioned research to determine people’s propensity to travel both within, and to Northern Ireland, and this will help to inform decisions.","answerHtml":"We are working with both Tourism NI and Tourism Ireland to consider their financial requirements in light of the impact of Covid-19 on tourism both domestically and worldwide. Both organisations have commissioned research to determine people’s propensity to travel both within, and to Northern Ireland, and this will help to inform decisions.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204762%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=302366","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=302366"}},{"id":"302365","reference":"AQW 4761/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-06-11","answerBy":"2020-06-26","answered":"2020-06-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail how the 100 schools will be selected for 20mph restrictions within the vicinity of their premises.","answerText":"As Minister responsible for promoting and improving road safety, I want to work actively with partners to reduce death and serious injuries on our roads. I believe that reducing the maximum speed traffic can travel at on some of our roads, particularly those near schools, can help in this regard.\n\nI am delighted to further demonstrate my commitment by allocating funding to introduce part-time 20 mph speed limits at around 100 schools in Northern Ireland so that parents, children and staff will be safer as they go to and from school on a daily basis. Priority listings are currently being developed for each Division. These listings will be based on scores calculated using the assessment framework contained within the Department’s road safety at schools policy document. I also anticipate further requests from other schools and these will also have to be assessed before any of the listings can be finalised. I am committed to moving at pace in the roll out of these new 20mph zones.","answerHtml":"As Minister responsible for promoting and improving road safety, I want to work actively with partners to reduce death and serious injuries on our roads. I believe that reducing the maximum speed traffic can travel at on some of our roads, particularly those near schools, can help in this regard.
I am delighted to further demonstrate my commitment by allocating funding to introduce part-time 20 mph speed limits at around 100 schools in Northern Ireland so that parents, children and staff will be safer as they go to and from school on a daily basis. Priority listings are currently being developed for each Division. These listings will be based on scores calculated using the assessment framework contained within the Department’s road safety at schools policy document. I also anticipate further requests from other schools and these will also have to be assessed before any of the listings can be finalised. I am committed to moving at pace in the roll out of these new 20mph zones.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204761%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=302365","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=302365"}},{"id":"302364","reference":"AQW 4760/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-06-11","answerBy":"2020-06-26","answered":"2020-06-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) the purpose; and (ii) the scope of the Blue/Green Fund.","answerText":"The £20m Blue/Green fund that I have announced will act as a catalyst for positive infrastructure and cultural change in the way citizens live and travel, building on current initiatives that I have already introduced.\n\nI want to make sure that there is an inclusive approach to determining the deployment of this fund with a wide range of stakeholders having had the opportunity to identify innovative solutions that will transform communities for the better.\n\nI therefore intend to meet with a wide range of stakeholders in the coming weeks to swiftly explore and seek support for co-design ideas and initiatives that can be taken forward under the fund immediately.","answerHtml":"The £20m Blue/Green fund that I have announced will act as a catalyst for positive infrastructure and cultural change in the way citizens live and travel, building on current initiatives that I have already introduced.
I want to make sure that there is an inclusive approach to determining the deployment of this fund with a wide range of stakeholders having had the opportunity to identify innovative solutions that will transform communities for the better.
I therefore intend to meet with a wide range of stakeholders in the coming weeks to swiftly explore and seek support for co-design ideas and initiatives that can be taken forward under the fund immediately.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204760%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=302364","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=302364"}},{"id":"302363","reference":"AQW 4759/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-06-11","answerBy":"2020-06-26","answered":"2020-07-31","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy what financial support she intends to provide to Allied Health professional businesses in independent practice unable to access the Coronavirus Business Support Grant Schemes and the NI Micro-business Hardship Fund.","answerText":"I am aware of the hardship faced by businesses across the economy, including Allied Health Professional businesses, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, regulation and policy for Allied Health Professionals is the responsibility of the Department of Health. I will continue to work with my Executive colleagues to consider what further support we can provide as we seek to make our economic recovery. Any decisions on funding of further business support measures, and the respective employment and business sectors within these, will require Executive agreement.\n\nAllied Health Professional businesses were eligible to apply for both the Small Business Support Grant scheme and the NI Microbusiness Hardship Fund provided the eligibility criteria were met.\n\nOutside of the Business Support Schemes implemented by my Department, other local and UK-wide support has been available to businesses. In Northern Ireland, all businesses have received a four months rates holiday, and a full year’s rates relief has been introduced for businesses in the retail, hospitality, tourism and leisure sectors. A range of UK-wide measures are available such as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme. Details of these schemes can be found at https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/business-support/coronavirus.","answerHtml":"I am aware of the hardship faced by businesses across the economy, including Allied Health Professional businesses, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, regulation and policy for Allied Health Professionals is the responsibility of the Department of Health. I will continue to work with my Executive colleagues to consider what further support we can provide as we seek to make our economic recovery. Any decisions on funding of further business support measures, and the respective employment and business sectors within these, will require Executive agreement.
Allied Health Professional businesses were eligible to apply for both the Small Business Support Grant scheme and the NI Microbusiness Hardship Fund provided the eligibility criteria were met.
Outside of the Business Support Schemes implemented by my Department, other local and UK-wide support has been available to businesses. In Northern Ireland, all businesses have received a four months rates holiday, and a full year’s rates relief has been introduced for businesses in the retail, hospitality, tourism and leisure sectors. A range of UK-wide measures are available such as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme. Details of these schemes can be found at https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/business-support/coronavirus.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204759%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=302363","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=302363"}},{"id":"302370","reference":"AQO 466/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-06-11","answerBy":"2020-06-23","answered":"2020-06-23","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities what support will be given to the advice sector to help it return to normal business and continue to help vulnerable people following lockdown.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Ms Ní Chuilín (The Minister for Communities)","text":"I thank the Member for his question. It is a very good question. During the current crisis, the advice sector has been critical in assisting the most vulnerable people in our society and advice organisations across our community continue to deliver front-line support. I want to acknowledge that work and thank them for what they have delivered on the ground every day as we now move into a period in which restrictions are being eased. I am committed to protecting those who are in most need across our society and access to community-based, independent advice services is critical in meeting that commitment. My officials have worked closely with regional and local front-line advice organisations on a co-design production approach to develop support mechanisms. Transition planning is now well under way to assist regional and grassroots organisations to return to normal business, whilst ensuring that those who have been affected by COVID-19 continue to receive much-needed support. The community helpline will continue to connect the most vulnerable people to local support services through our stakeholders in the voluntary and community sector, and I have allocated additional funding to support that. Some £1·8 million of additional funding for debt-related advice will provide much-needed support to the individuals and small businesses that are experiencing financial problems due to coronavirus, and my officials are exploring options to ensure that that funding achieves the maximum impact. My Department continues to provide significant direct financial support of over £6·4 million per annum, which supports 360 jobs in the sector and delivers independent, community-based advice services to over 230,000 citizens."},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"I thank the Minister for her response. I also welcome her to her role and pass on my and my party's best wishes to Deirdre Hargey for a speedy recovery after her period of illness. We are emerging from a public health emergency and moving into an economic crisis and recession. Will the Minister meet the advice sector to explore further what support measures are required to ensure that it can assist people as we go through the economic downturn ahead?"},{"speaker":"Ms Ní Chuilín","text":"The short answer is yes; I will absolutely continue the work that Deirdre Hargey started and will work with officials to do so. I saw some of the social media commentary on advice from the very start of the crisis. Everyone possible, all the partnerships, have worked together and the advice sector has loomed large. It is important that we talk to the experts, learn lessons from the lived experience and try to adjust the services so that they go to those who are in need. We also need to listen to the experiences of those who are delivering the services to ensure that the services are effective and on the ground and that people get a better outcome. I am happy to meet the structural and independent advice sectors. Those at the grassroots who have been working throughout the crisis definitely need a hearing."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20466%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=302370","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2020-06-23&docID=302713#AQO%20466/17-22","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=302370"}},{"id":"302056","reference":"AQW 4626/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-06-08","answerBy":"2020-06-23","answered":"2020-07-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she intends to provide grant assistance to leisure and entertainment businesses with non-domestic properties net asset value over £51,000.","answerText":"There are no immediate plans to introduce such a grant, however, this is an evolving situation and my Department, along with Executive colleagues, continue to consider all potential options to identify further means of offering support to as many local businesses as possible during the Covid-19 pandemic.","answerHtml":"There are no immediate plans to introduce such a grant, however, this is an evolving situation and my Department, along with Executive colleagues, continue to consider all potential options to identify further means of offering support to as many local businesses as possible during the Covid-19 pandemic.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204626%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=302056","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=302056"}},{"id":"302055","reference":"AQW 4625/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-06-08","answerBy":"2020-06-23","answered":"2020-06-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she will bring forward a grant assistance scheme to support businesses with costs arising as a result of public health requirements and social distancing guidelines due to COVID-19.","answerText":"My Department, along with Executive colleagues, continue to explore all potential options to identify further means of offering support to as many local businesses as possible during the Covid-19 pandemic.\n\nHowever, to date the NI Executive and the UK Government have introduced an unprecedented number of interventions and packages of financial support to help those who have been affected by the consequences of Covid-19. These interventions have included three grant schemes brought forward by my Department.\n\nThe money provided by these schemes was provided with no stipulation on their usage and could therefore be used to offset the costs arising from following social distancing guidelines.","answerHtml":"My Department, along with Executive colleagues, continue to explore all potential options to identify further means of offering support to as many local businesses as possible during the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, to date the NI Executive and the UK Government have introduced an unprecedented number of interventions and packages of financial support to help those who have been affected by the consequences of Covid-19. These interventions have included three grant schemes brought forward by my Department.
The money provided by these schemes was provided with no stipulation on their usage and could therefore be used to offset the costs arising from following social distancing guidelines.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204625%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=302055","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=302055"}},{"id":"301969","reference":"AQW 4590/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-06-05","answerBy":"2020-06-10","answered":"2020-06-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy how businesses can ascertain whether they are permitted to re-open in line with (i) The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2020; and (ii) the Northern Ireland Executive Pathway to Recovery.","answerText":"It is the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2020 which set the legal position in relation to which businesses can open in which circumstances. Amendments update those regulations to reflect the latest position in terms of the circumstances under which businesses can open. Those regulations and amendments are publicly available on the Department of Health website for all to access. In addition there are supporting communications from the Executive and within NIBusinessinfo (nibusinessinfo.co.uk) that help explain and publicise that update.","answerHtml":"It is the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2020 which set the legal position in relation to which businesses can open in which circumstances. Amendments update those regulations to reflect the latest position in terms of the circumstances under which businesses can open. Those regulations and amendments are publicly available on the Department of Health website for all to access. In addition there are supporting communications from the Executive and within NIBusinessinfo (nibusinessinfo.co.uk) that help explain and publicise that update.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204590%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=301969","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=301969"}},{"id":"301968","reference":"AQW 4589/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-06-05","answerBy":"2020-06-22","answered":"2020-06-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for an update on the outcome of the Review of the Non-Domestic Rating System.","answerText":"Significant progress continues to be made on key matters raised in the business rates public consultation. The overall high level of business rates was a major concern and in response I reduced the Regional Rate by 18%. I also extended the Small Business Rate Relief scheme and I am re-introducing the Rural ATM scheme, both as a result of positive feedback. As a result of the consultation I decided to re-introduce the Back in Business scheme; however, this has been superseded by my decision that all retail properties will receive 100% rate relief for this rating year.\n\nThe Review needs to be considered in the context of a completely different set of circumstances and in the light of £313m additional rate relief in this financial year.","answerHtml":"Significant progress continues to be made on key matters raised in the business rates public consultation. The overall high level of business rates was a major concern and in response I reduced the Regional Rate by 18%. I also extended the Small Business Rate Relief scheme and I am re-introducing the Rural ATM scheme, both as a result of positive feedback. As a result of the consultation I decided to re-introduce the Back in Business scheme; however, this has been superseded by my decision that all retail properties will receive 100% rate relief for this rating year.
The Review needs to be considered in the context of a completely different set of circumstances and in the light of £313m additional rate relief in this financial year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204589%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=301968","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=301968"}},{"id":"301967","reference":"AQW 4588/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-06-05","answerBy":"2020-06-22","answered":"2020-06-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance what percentage of civil servants are currently able to work from home on a full-time or part-time basis.","answerText":"Based on the latest management information, there are 21.5k people employed by the NICS (excluding NI Prison Service and staff on career break or secondments). At 2nd June 2020, management information indicates that 52% are working from home. The information cannot be broken down further to indicate full-time or part-time basis.","answerHtml":"Based on the latest management information, there are 21.5k people employed by the NICS (excluding NI Prison Service and staff on career break or secondments). At 2nd June 2020, management information indicates that 52% are working from home. The information cannot be broken down further to indicate full-time or part-time basis.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204588%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=301967","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=301967"}},{"id":"301966","reference":"AQW 4587/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-06-05","answerBy":"2020-06-22","answered":"2020-06-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will introduce a discount voucher scheme for the repair and purchase of bicycles.","answerText":"My officials have been examining the proposals in England, to introduce a voucher scheme for bicycle servicing and repair. I understand that the proposed scheme is not available for the purchase of bicycles. I will give further consideration to the benefits of a scheme in Northern Ireland.","answerHtml":"My officials have been examining the proposals in England, to introduce a voucher scheme for bicycle servicing and repair. I understand that the proposed scheme is not available for the purchase of bicycles. I will give further consideration to the benefits of a scheme in Northern Ireland.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204587%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=301966","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=301966"}},{"id":"301635","reference":"AQW 4425/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-06-01","answerBy":"2020-06-16","answered":"2020-06-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health what plans he has to address the underfunding issues of Health and Social Care providers that look after people with learning difficulties and complex special needs, such as Camphill Community at Glencraig.","answerText":"The Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) have advised that the Camphill Community Glencraig are paid at the agreed regional tariff rate for residents of care homes. However, Glencraig have recently indicated to South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT) that the needs of many of their residents, have over time, become more complex. The SEHSCT is currently in a process with the provider to reassess the needs of individual residents at Camphill and will adjust the level of funding in line with the reassessed needs and complexity of individuals.","answerHtml":"The Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) have advised that the Camphill Community Glencraig are paid at the agreed regional tariff rate for residents of care homes. However, Glencraig have recently indicated to South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT) that the needs of many of their residents, have over time, become more complex. The SEHSCT is currently in a process with the provider to reassess the needs of individual residents at Camphill and will adjust the level of funding in line with the reassessed needs and complexity of individuals.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204425%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=301635","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=301635"}},{"id":"301634","reference":"AQW 4424/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-06-01","answerBy":"2020-06-16","answered":"2020-06-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether any financial assistance will be provided to accommodation providers registered for domestic rates and required to close due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.","answerText":"Although, the Business Support Grant schemes were only available to businesses who paid business rates, the NI Microbusiness Hardship Fund had no such criteria. The scheme was open to accommodation providers that employ between one and nine people paid via PAYE. Further information is available at https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/coronavirus-ni-micro-business-hardship-fund.\n\nThis is an evolving situation and my Department, along with Executive colleagues, will continue to explore all potential options to identify further means of offering support to as many local businesses as possible, including accommodation providers, during the Covid-19 pandemic.\n\nI welcome the reopening for certain businesses within the tourism sector, dependent upon scientific and medical advice. This is an important step on the road to recovery and enabling the sector to plan ahead. My Department is working with Tourism NI to bring forward the necessary support and guidance to help tourism and hospitality sector businesses plan for social distancing and hygiene measures and aid further recovery of the sectors.","answerHtml":"Although, the Business Support Grant schemes were only available to businesses who paid business rates, the NI Microbusiness Hardship Fund had no such criteria. The scheme was open to accommodation providers that employ between one and nine people paid via PAYE. Further information is available at https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/coronavirus-ni-micro-business-hardship-fund.
This is an evolving situation and my Department, along with Executive colleagues, will continue to explore all potential options to identify further means of offering support to as many local businesses as possible, including accommodation providers, during the Covid-19 pandemic.
I welcome the reopening for certain businesses within the tourism sector, dependent upon scientific and medical advice. This is an important step on the road to recovery and enabling the sector to plan ahead. My Department is working with Tourism NI to bring forward the necessary support and guidance to help tourism and hospitality sector businesses plan for social distancing and hygiene measures and aid further recovery of the sectors.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204424%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=301634","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=301634"}},{"id":"301565","reference":"AQW 4377/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-05-29","answerBy":"2020-06-15","answered":"2020-06-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) for a list of planning applications under the remit of her Department that have yet to be determined; and (ii) how long each application has been awaiting a decision.","answerText":"Data extracted from my Department’s Planning Portal shows the following list of live planning applications with my Department at 31 December 2019. This is taken from the latest published information.\n\nFigures up until the end of March 2020 will be published on 2 July 2020.\n\nCurrent DfI planning applications at 31 December 2019\nApplication number\tTime in the system (weeks)\nT/2005/0977/F\t698.6\nT/2005/1054/F\t695.6\nH/2009/0264/O\t529.0\nH/2009/0270/F\t527.2\nH/2009/0271/LB\t527.2\nP/2015/0218/F\t236.6\nLA03/2015/0234/F\t224.6\nLA05/2015/0342/O\t224.6\nLA10/2015/0292/F\t224.2\nLA09/2016/0232/F\t180.0\nLA08/2016/0676/DCA\t179.6\nLA02/2016/0968/F\t151.6\nLA01/2017/0250/LBC\t141.4\nLA01/2017/0251/F\t141.4\nLA04/2017/0541/HSC\t141.2\nLA04/2017/0474/F\t141.0\nLA03/2017/0310/F\t138.6\nLA01/2017/0689/F\t130.2\nLA02/2017/0453/LBC\t129.4\nLA06/2017/0778/RM\t125.8\nLA11/2017/0586/RM\t125.8\nLA01/2017/1287/F\t112.0\nLA01/2017/1289/LBC\t112.0\nLA10/2017/1249/F\t103.8\nLA01/2018/0446/LBC\t85.2\nLA03/2018/0605/O\t75.8\nLA06/2018/0997/RM\t65.4\nLA11/2018/0926/RM\t62.6\nLA06/2018/1295/RM\t54.0\nLA03/2018/1116/RM\t51.4\nLA04/2019/0871/F\t35.0\nLA06/2019/0568/RM\t29.6\nLA03/2019/0751/F\t18.4\nLA10/2019/1386/F\t3.2\nLA11/2019/1000/F\t3.2\nLA06/2019/1252/RM\t1.6\nLA06/2019/1265/RM\t1.2\nLA06/2020/0129/RM\t1.2\n\nMy Department’s Strategic Planning Directorate is also continuing to process 3 other applications remitted back to the Department by the Courts [one in July 2018 and the other 2 in February 2019] following their original determination/approval.\n\nYou will note the extensive timescales taken to process some of these applications. The timescales reflect the inherent complexity and often controversial nature of some of these applications, the volume of information comprising the application, the level of representations received, the conducting of Inquiry and Hearings into the applications and the tendency for legal challenges to a number of these controversial proposals.","answerHtml":"Data extracted from my Department’s Planning Portal shows the following list of live planning applications with my Department at 31 December 2019. This is taken from the latest published information.
Figures up until the end of March 2020 will be published on 2 July 2020.
| Current DfI planning applications at 31 December 2019 | |
| Application number | Time in the system (weeks) |
| T/2005/0977/F | 698.6 |
| T/2005/1054/F | 695.6 |
| H/2009/0264/O | 529.0 |
| H/2009/0270/F | 527.2 |
| H/2009/0271/LB | 527.2 |
| P/2015/0218/F | 236.6 |
| LA03/2015/0234/F | 224.6 |
| LA05/2015/0342/O | 224.6 |
| LA10/2015/0292/F | 224.2 |
| LA09/2016/0232/F | 180.0 |
| LA08/2016/0676/DCA | 179.6 |
| LA02/2016/0968/F | 151.6 |
| LA01/2017/0250/LBC | 141.4 |
| LA01/2017/0251/F | 141.4 |
| LA04/2017/0541/HSC | 141.2 |
| LA04/2017/0474/F | 141.0 |
| LA03/2017/0310/F | 138.6 |
| LA01/2017/0689/F | 130.2 |
| LA02/2017/0453/LBC | 129.4 |
| LA06/2017/0778/RM | 125.8 |
| LA11/2017/0586/RM | 125.8 |
| LA01/2017/1287/F | 112.0 |
| LA01/2017/1289/LBC | 112.0 |
| LA10/2017/1249/F | 103.8 |
| LA01/2018/0446/LBC | 85.2 |
| LA03/2018/0605/O | 75.8 |
| LA06/2018/0997/RM | 65.4 |
| LA11/2018/0926/RM | 62.6 |
| LA06/2018/1295/RM | 54.0 |
| LA03/2018/1116/RM | 51.4 |
| LA04/2019/0871/F | 35.0 |
| LA06/2019/0568/RM | 29.6 |
| LA03/2019/0751/F | 18.4 |
| LA10/2019/1386/F | 3.2 |
| LA11/2019/1000/F | 3.2 |
| LA06/2019/1252/RM | 1.6 |
| LA06/2019/1265/RM | 1.2 |
| LA06/2020/0129/RM | 1.2 |
My Department’s Strategic Planning Directorate is also continuing to process 3 other applications remitted back to the Department by the Courts [one in July 2018 and the other 2 in February 2019] following their original determination/approval.
You will note the extensive timescales taken to process some of these applications. The timescales reflect the inherent complexity and often controversial nature of some of these applications, the volume of information comprising the application, the level of representations received, the conducting of Inquiry and Hearings into the applications and the tendency for legal challenges to a number of these controversial proposals.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204377%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=301565","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=301565"}},{"id":"301564","reference":"AQW 4376/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-05-29","answerBy":"2020-06-15","answered":"2020-06-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline (i) when she intends to set the terms of review with regards to the implementation of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011; and (ii) a timescale for the publication of a report.","answerText":"Due to the current COVID 19 pandemic my priority has been taking through a number of pieces of legislation that will help address immediate issues faced by the public during these challenging times. I intend to look at setting the terms of the review and aim to bring a draft statutory rule to the Infrastructure Committee before summer recess, if possible. Whenever the terms have been set and the regulations made, my aim is to publish the report as soon as is practicably possible.","answerHtml":"Due to the current COVID 19 pandemic my priority has been taking through a number of pieces of legislation that will help address immediate issues faced by the public during these challenging times. I intend to look at setting the terms of the review and aim to bring a draft statutory rule to the Infrastructure Committee before summer recess, if possible. Whenever the terms have been set and the regulations made, my aim is to publish the report as soon as is practicably possible.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204376%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=301564","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=301564"}},{"id":"301563","reference":"AQW 4375/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-05-29","answerBy":"2020-06-15","answered":"2020-06-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for an update on the establishment of a fiscal council, as outlined in New Decade, New Approach.","answerText":"My officials had begun work earlier in the year in examining the options for establishing a Fiscal Council that will deliver on the commitment as set out in New Decade New Approach.\n\nThis included learning from the experience of the other Fiscal Councils in place across Britain, the south of Ireland and further afield, and considering what the Council’s terms of reference might be, and how members could be appointed.\n\nWork in this regard however has not progressed as intended as the Department has had to focus on the immediate COVID-19 response. I remain committed to establishing a Fiscal Council and my officials will be refocussing on this commitment once the demand for resources to tackle COVID-19 eases.","answerHtml":"My officials had begun work earlier in the year in examining the options for establishing a Fiscal Council that will deliver on the commitment as set out in New Decade New Approach.
This included learning from the experience of the other Fiscal Councils in place across Britain, the south of Ireland and further afield, and considering what the Council’s terms of reference might be, and how members could be appointed.
Work in this regard however has not progressed as intended as the Department has had to focus on the immediate COVID-19 response. I remain committed to establishing a Fiscal Council and my officials will be refocussing on this commitment once the demand for resources to tackle COVID-19 eases.
On 28th March 2020, the First Minister and deputy First Minister, announced a series of enhanced containment measures, agreed by the Executive, designed to restrict the spread of the Coronavirus.
In addition, the Executive and the UK Government have since introduced a number of interventions and packages of financial support to help those who have been affected by the consequences of COVID-19. These include but are not limited to the following:
- Business Grants Schemes;
- Self-Employment Income Support Scheme;
- Job Retention Scheme;
- Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme;
- Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme; and
- Relief packages with non-domestic Rates
On 16th May 2020, I announced a new ‘Hardship Fund’ to help Northern Ireland based micro-businesses and social enterprises who meet the criteria and who have been unable to access other regional and national support measures. My Department will make up to £40 million available through this fund, which is being administered by Invest Northern Ireland.
Details of the Hardship Fund including the eligibility checker have been published on the NI Business Info website: https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/coronavirus-ni-micro-business-hardship-fund
Information on all of current and evolving support options are being updated continuously at https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk. In addition, the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland, provides advice and guidance for small businesses and organisations experiencing difficulties during this challenging period.
Despite government’s best efforts, and the significant funding that has been made available in such a short period of time, I do understand that some businesses, employers, organisations and individuals have been unable to avail of all or some of the support options thus far, nor do I underestimate how difficult a time this is for all concerned.
I have recently provided the Executive with an options paper on how any underspend in the grant schemes could be used to best serve those needing support. Some of those schemes would be delivered by other Ministers who
have responsibility for those areas, and any decision on how to use that money is for the Executive, collectively.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204306%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=301445","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=301445"}},{"id":"301255","reference":"AQW 4230/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-05-21","answerBy":"2020-06-08","answered":"2020-06-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities why Model Engineers' Society (NI) Ltd cannot remain at Ulster Transport Museum, Cultra.","answerText":"National Museums NI is developing a new masterplan for the Cultra site and looking at how they can more fully unlock its potential in the future to meet long term objectives. In this context they reviewed the relationship with the Model Engineers Society NI, who for over 50 years have been given access to the Walled Garden within the Transport Museum site to operate their model engines.\n\nNational Museums NI have stated that they no longer consider this to be sustainable for the following reasons:\n\nThe Walled Garden is a key heritage asset and there is a responsibility to unlock greater public value from it – from both a social impact perspective and commercially. As part of the master planning work National Museums NI are actively developing a project to restore the Walled Garden and give it a new lease of life in a manner sympathetic to its original role.\n\nThe use of the site by the Society is creating increasing operational challenges and risks, particularly when they interface with visitors.\n\nFrom a governance and accountability perspective it is increasingly difficult to justify exclusive free access and use of a key part of the site when other organisations have expressed an interest.\n\nWith these considerations in mind, National Museums NI indicated to the Society in October 2019 that their continued use of the Walled Garden would not form part of the future plans for the site.\n\nNational Museums NI have not yet given the Society formal written notice to vacate. They are obliged to give six months’ notice and they intend to issue that notice over the summer 2020.\n\nNational Museums NI advise that an important part of this project will involve assisting the Society’s move to an alternative location.","answerHtml":"National Museums NI is developing a new masterplan for the Cultra site and looking at how they can more fully unlock its potential in the future to meet long term objectives. In this context they reviewed the relationship with the Model Engineers Society NI, who for over 50 years have been given access to the Walled Garden within the Transport Museum site to operate their model engines.
National Museums NI have stated that they no longer consider this to be sustainable for the following reasons:
The Walled Garden is a key heritage asset and there is a responsibility to unlock greater public value from it – from both a social impact perspective and commercially. As part of the master planning work National Museums NI are actively developing a project to restore the Walled Garden and give it a new lease of life in a manner sympathetic to its original role.
The use of the site by the Society is creating increasing operational challenges and risks, particularly when they interface with visitors.
From a governance and accountability perspective it is increasingly difficult to justify exclusive free access and use of a key part of the site when other organisations have expressed an interest.
With these considerations in mind, National Museums NI indicated to the Society in October 2019 that their continued use of the Walled Garden would not form part of the future plans for the site.
National Museums NI have not yet given the Society formal written notice to vacate. They are obliged to give six months’ notice and they intend to issue that notice over the summer 2020.
National Museums NI advise that an important part of this project will involve assisting the Society’s move to an alternative location.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204230%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=301255","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=301255"}},{"id":"301171","reference":"AQW 4188/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-05-19","answerBy":"2020-06-04","answered":"2020-05-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for an update on the roll out of Peace Plus funding following the end of the consultation period on 28 February 2020.","answerText":"The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) are currently preparing proposals for a draft Programme for consideration by the Executive, NSMC and the European Commission. A formal consultation is planned for the autumn with the programme finalised by the end of the year to allow it to commence in 2021.","answerHtml":"The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) are currently preparing proposals for a draft Programme for consideration by the Executive, NSMC and the European Commission. A formal consultation is planned for the autumn with the programme finalised by the end of the year to allow it to commence in 2021.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204188%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=301171","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=301171"}},{"id":"301030","reference":"AQW 4130/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-05-14","answerBy":"2020-06-01","answered":"2020-05-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure when she intends to announce funding for greenway schemes.","answerText":"The Member will be aware that I have announced the creation of a Walking and Cycling Champion position in my Department with responsibility for taking forward work to deliver safe routes that give people the freedom and confidence to walk and cycle as part of their everyday routine.\n\nCurrently, I am considering carefully how I can assist in the development of greenways as part of my vision to enable greater sustainable transport options that connect communities, tackle the impact of climate change and improve lives.\n\nMy Department continues to operate under challenging budget constraints and the current COVID-19 emergency has added additional load to that budget. However, as I have indicated, I am keen to take decisions in relation to funding as soon as possible.","answerHtml":"The Member will be aware that I have announced the creation of a Walking and Cycling Champion position in my Department with responsibility for taking forward work to deliver safe routes that give people the freedom and confidence to walk and cycle as part of their everyday routine.
Currently, I am considering carefully how I can assist in the development of greenways as part of my vision to enable greater sustainable transport options that connect communities, tackle the impact of climate change and improve lives.
My Department continues to operate under challenging budget constraints and the current COVID-19 emergency has added additional load to that budget. However, as I have indicated, I am keen to take decisions in relation to funding as soon as possible.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204130%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=301030","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=301030"}},{"id":"300971","reference":"AQW 4117/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-05-13","answerBy":"2020-05-29","answered":"2020-06-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she will create a central point of contact where businesses can receive an update on the status of their Coronavirus Business Support Grant applications.","answerText":"A central point of contact does not exist for the schemes. However, the status of applications can be checked by the following means.\n\nA helpline is available for applicants to the Small Business Support Grant scheme. The helpline number is 0300 200 7809 and is open from Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm.\n\nFor the £25,000 Retail, Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Grant, queries on the status of applications should be sent to Business-Support-Grant-Scheme@economy-ni.gov.uk.","answerHtml":"A central point of contact does not exist for the schemes. However, the status of applications can be checked by the following means.
A helpline is available for applicants to the Small Business Support Grant scheme. The helpline number is 0300 200 7809 and is open from Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm.
For the £25,000 Retail, Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Grant, queries on the status of applications should be sent to Business-Support-Grant-Scheme@economy-ni.gov.uk.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204117%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=300971","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=300971"}},{"id":"300820","reference":"AQW 4057/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-05-07","answerBy":"2020-05-26","answered":"2020-05-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in relation to Individual Vehicle Approval Tests, whether (i) timescales exist for resumption; or (ii) remote assessment procedures are being considered as an alternative to resumption.","answerText":"I am aware that the decision to suspend all testing has caused inconvenience for some customers who use our services, including where an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test is required and a Temporary Exemption Certificate is not applicable.\n\nGiven the impact that the suspension of testing has had on businesses, I am keeping the position under review with the aim of reintroducing IVA services as soon as it is safe to do so, taking account of guidance on social distancing and in line with the NI Executive’s Pathway to Recovery, to ensure the safety of staff and customers during the testing process.\n\nThe IVA test requires the physical examination of a vehicle and, therefore, remote assessment procedures are not considered to be a viable option at this time. When I am satisfied that it is safe to resume IVA testing again, I will ensure this is communicated immediately to our customers.","answerHtml":"I am aware that the decision to suspend all testing has caused inconvenience for some customers who use our services, including where an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test is required and a Temporary Exemption Certificate is not applicable.
Given the impact that the suspension of testing has had on businesses, I am keeping the position under review with the aim of reintroducing IVA services as soon as it is safe to do so, taking account of guidance on social distancing and in line with the NI Executive’s Pathway to Recovery, to ensure the safety of staff and customers during the testing process.
The IVA test requires the physical examination of a vehicle and, therefore, remote assessment procedures are not considered to be a viable option at this time. When I am satisfied that it is safe to resume IVA testing again, I will ensure this is communicated immediately to our customers.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204057%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=300820","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=300820"}},{"id":"300755","reference":"AQW 4019/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-05-05","answerBy":"2020-05-21","answered":"2020-06-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail what her Department can offer to the taxi industry in terms of (i) financial support measures; and (ii) guidance in relation to implementation of social distancing requirements.","answerText":"Schedules 1 and 3 to the Budget Act 2020 allocate funding to the Department for Infrastructure for “transport licensing, enforcement and regulation”, as well as “support for transport services including grants in respect of rail and road passenger services including fare concessions”. Taxis are clearly regarded as “transport services”.\n\nWithin this context I have set out below my own Department’s actions, as well as those of the Executive and UK government, in providing financial support and guidance to this industry.\n\nFinancial Support measures for the Taxi Industry\n\nThe Executive and UK Government has introduced an unprecedented number of interventions and packages of financial support to help those who have been affected by the consequences of Covid-19.\n\nInformation on current and evolving support options are being updated continuously on the NI Business Info website:\n\nhttps://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/campaign/coronavirus-updates-support-your-business\n\nI understand that over 30 taxi firms which met the eligibility criteria, were able to access the business support grants available in Northern Ireland. In addition taxi firms and self-employed taxi drivers who met the relevant criteria are able to access national support packages including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS), which have both been extended to October 2020.\n\nHealth and Safety Guidance, including social distancing\n\nNeither the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) nor my Department are responsible for providing specific advice or direction on the application of the public health guidance on social distancing and safe working practice for the transport industry, which includes taxi companies, owners and drivers. To reiterate, these are public health matters, with specific policy responsibility for this industry residing with the Department for Infrastructure.\n\nA safety guidance document, Covid-19: Working Through This Together, A Practical Guide to Making Workplaces Safer’, is available on the NI Business Info website and has been informed by input from the Public Health Authority (PHA) and HSENI:\n\nhttps://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/sites/default/files/Covid-19-Working-Through-This-Together.pdf\n\nThere are a large number and wide variety of businesses and working environments, and an assessment of each has to be fact-specific. It is, therefore, for each business, in light of its own legal advice, to determine whether it can continue to, or start to operate in accordance with the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 and the guidance that has been produced.","answerHtml":"Schedules 1 and 3 to the Budget Act 2020 allocate funding to the Department for Infrastructure for “transport licensing, enforcement and regulation”, as well as “support for transport services including grants in respect of rail and road passenger services including fare concessions”. Taxis are clearly regarded as “transport services”.
Within this context I have set out below my own Department’s actions, as well as those of the Executive and UK government, in providing financial support and guidance to this industry.
Financial Support measures for the Taxi Industry
The Executive and UK Government has introduced an unprecedented number of interventions and packages of financial support to help those who have been affected by the consequences of Covid-19.
Information on current and evolving support options are being updated continuously on the NI Business Info website:
https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/campaign/coronavirus-updates-support-your-business
I understand that over 30 taxi firms which met the eligibility criteria, were able to access the business support grants available in Northern Ireland. In addition taxi firms and self-employed taxi drivers who met the relevant criteria are able to access national support packages including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS), which have both been extended to October 2020.
Health and Safety Guidance, including social distancing
Neither the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) nor my Department are responsible for providing specific advice or direction on the application of the public health guidance on social distancing and safe working practice for the transport industry, which includes taxi companies, owners and drivers. To reiterate, these are public health matters, with specific policy responsibility for this industry residing with the Department for Infrastructure.
A safety guidance document, Covid-19: Working Through This Together, A Practical Guide to Making Workplaces Safer’, is available on the NI Business Info website and has been informed by input from the Public Health Authority (PHA) and HSENI:
https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/sites/default/files/Covid-19-Working-Through-This-Together.pdf
There are a large number and wide variety of businesses and working environments, and an assessment of each has to be fact-specific. It is, therefore, for each business, in light of its own legal advice, to determine whether it can continue to, or start to operate in accordance with the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 and the guidance that has been produced.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204019%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=300755","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=300755"}},{"id":"300683","reference":"AQW 3979/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-05-01","answerBy":"2020-05-19","answered":"2020-05-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she intends to extend the COVID-19 Business Support Grant Scheme to be on a one grant per premises as opposed to one per business model.","answerText":"My Department acknowledges that many businesses operate out of multiple premises but will only be eligible for one grant under either the Small Business Support Grant, or the £25,000 Business Support Grant for the retail, hospitality, tourism and leisure sectors.\n\nThere is limited funding available for the schemes and the Executive has taken the decision, at this stage, to limit eligible businesses with multiple premises to one grant so that support could be offered to all potentially eligible businesses.\n\nAs you will appreciate, this is an evolving situation and my Department, along with Executive colleagues, will keep existing means of support under review, as well as working to identify other support to local businesses during this difficult time.\n\nMy Department recognises the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic crisis on businesses. There is a range of further support available including the three months business rates holiday for all Northern Ireland businesses and UK-wide level support including the Coronavirus Business interruption Schemes, Bounce Back Loan Scheme and Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Information on further support can be found at NI Business Info: https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/business-support/coronavirus","answerHtml":"My Department acknowledges that many businesses operate out of multiple premises but will only be eligible for one grant under either the Small Business Support Grant, or the £25,000 Business Support Grant for the retail, hospitality, tourism and leisure sectors.
There is limited funding available for the schemes and the Executive has taken the decision, at this stage, to limit eligible businesses with multiple premises to one grant so that support could be offered to all potentially eligible businesses.
As you will appreciate, this is an evolving situation and my Department, along with Executive colleagues, will keep existing means of support under review, as well as working to identify other support to local businesses during this difficult time.
My Department recognises the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic crisis on businesses. There is a range of further support available including the three months business rates holiday for all Northern Ireland businesses and UK-wide level support including the Coronavirus Business interruption Schemes, Bounce Back Loan Scheme and Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Information on further support can be found at NI Business Info: https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/business-support/coronavirus
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203979%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=300683","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=300683"}},{"id":"300682","reference":"AQW 3978/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-05-01","answerBy":"2020-05-19","answered":"2020-05-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy what support she plans to provide to estate agents who are unable to access the COVID-19: Small Business Support Grant Scheme.","answerText":"The Small Business Support Grant Scheme is open to all businesses who are in receipt of Small Business Rates Relief or Industrial Derating and who have a Total Net Annual Value (NAV) of £15,000 or below.\n\nBusinesses with a Total NAV of between £15,001 and £51,000 in the retail, hospitality, tourism and leisure sectors are eligible to apply for the £25,000 Business Support Grant scheme. However, this does not include estate agents as they are not classified under these sectors for rating purposes. This scheme was launched as the retail, hospitality, tourism and leisure sectors have been some of the most significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nThe Department acknowledges that not all businesses can avail of the support provided by the existing grant schemes which were agreed by the Executive. As you will appreciate, this is an evolving situation and my Department, along with Executive colleagues, is working to identify means of offering support to local businesses during this difficult time.\n\nThe Executive has approved an additional £40 million for a Hardship Fund which is aimed at microbusinesses who do not qualify for the existing schemes and require financial support. The Hardship Fund was announced on 5 May. An estimated 8,000 businesses will be eligible for this scheme. Further details including eligibility and application arrangements will be announced in the week commencing 11 May 2020.\n\nThe Department recognises the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic crisis on businesses. For those businesses who do not meet the criteria required for the Business Support Grant Schemes, there is a range of further support available including the three months business rates holiday for all Northern Ireland businesses and UK-wide level support including the Coronavirus Business interruption Schemes, Bounce Back Loan Scheme and Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Information on further support can be found at NI Business Info: www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/business-support/coronavirus","answerHtml":"The Small Business Support Grant Scheme is open to all businesses who are in receipt of Small Business Rates Relief or Industrial Derating and who have a Total Net Annual Value (NAV) of £15,000 or below.
Businesses with a Total NAV of between £15,001 and £51,000 in the retail, hospitality, tourism and leisure sectors are eligible to apply for the £25,000 Business Support Grant scheme. However, this does not include estate agents as they are not classified under these sectors for rating purposes. This scheme was launched as the retail, hospitality, tourism and leisure sectors have been some of the most significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Department acknowledges that not all businesses can avail of the support provided by the existing grant schemes which were agreed by the Executive. As you will appreciate, this is an evolving situation and my Department, along with Executive colleagues, is working to identify means of offering support to local businesses during this difficult time.
The Executive has approved an additional £40 million for a Hardship Fund which is aimed at microbusinesses who do not qualify for the existing schemes and require financial support. The Hardship Fund was announced on 5 May. An estimated 8,000 businesses will be eligible for this scheme. Further details including eligibility and application arrangements will be announced in the week commencing 11 May 2020.
The Department recognises the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic crisis on businesses. For those businesses who do not meet the criteria required for the Business Support Grant Schemes, there is a range of further support available including the three months business rates holiday for all Northern Ireland businesses and UK-wide level support including the Coronavirus Business interruption Schemes, Bounce Back Loan Scheme and Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Information on further support can be found at NI Business Info: www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/business-support/coronavirus
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203978%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=300682","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=300682"}},{"id":"299122","reference":"AQW 3767/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-03-16","answerBy":"2020-03-23","answered":"2020-03-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance what measures he plans to take in relation to non-domestic rates, in light of challenges being experienced by businesses due to COVID-19.","answerText":"I have now announced emergency measures to reduce the cost of rates on businesses at this unprecedented time. As part of this package, all businesses will pay zero rates in April, May and June, effectively a reduction of 25% applied to the billable amount after all other reliefs are applied. This will save businesses £100m. I am also deferring the issuing of all rate bills from April until June to help businesses with short-term cash flow and I will deliver a reduction in the Regional Rate for businesses.","answerHtml":"I have now announced emergency measures to reduce the cost of rates on businesses at this unprecedented time. As part of this package, all businesses will pay zero rates in April, May and June, effectively a reduction of 25% applied to the billable amount after all other reliefs are applied. This will save businesses £100m. I am also deferring the issuing of all rate bills from April until June to help businesses with short-term cash flow and I will deliver a reduction in the Regional Rate for businesses.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203767%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=299122","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=299122"}},{"id":"299121","reference":"AQW 3766/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-03-16","answerBy":"2020-04-01","answered":"2020-03-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether he intends to offer (i) payment holidays; and (ii) ability to defer payments for non-domestic ratepayers until the economy recovers after COVID-19.","answerText":"I refer the Member to AQW 3767/17-22.","answerHtml":"I refer the Member to AQW 3767/17-22.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203766%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=299121","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=299121"}},{"id":"299120","reference":"AQW 3765/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-03-16","answerBy":"2020-04-01","answered":"2020-03-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance, in light of downturn experienced as a result of COVID-19, whether planned Reval 2020 non-domestic rates revaluation process can be suspended for sectors facing significant rises.","answerText":"The new non domestic Valuation List will come into force on 1 April.\n\nIt is not possible, within the terms of the legislation, to suspend changes in Net Annual Value for some, but not all, of the entries in the List at a general revaluation.","answerHtml":"The new non domestic Valuation List will come into force on 1 April.
It is not possible, within the terms of the legislation, to suspend changes in Net Annual Value for some, but not all, of the entries in the List at a general revaluation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203765%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=299120","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=299120"}},{"id":"298703","reference":"AQW 3633/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-03-12","answerBy":"2020-03-30","answered":"2020-03-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure when are vehicles allowed to park on designated cycle lanes.","answerText":"My Department is committed to increasing the level of sustainable travel in Northern Ireland and cycling infrastructure has an important role to play in facilitating this. I want to encourage people to cycle and support people to make more sustainable choices. Cars parked inconsiderately on cycle lanes present real challenges to this.\n\nThere are two different types of on carriageway cycle lane. Mandatory cycle lanes are bounded by a solid white line and all other vehicles are prohibited from entering or parking in them. Advisory cycle lanes are bounded by a broken white line and signify that other vehicles should not enter unless it is safe to do so. Advisory cycle lanes are provided without the need for an Order, so there is no legal basis to prevent parking. Drivers are, however, asked not to park in advisory cycle lanes in the Highway Code for Northern Ireland. Vehicles are prohibited from parking in advisory cycle lanes if there are parking restrictions, such as clearways, or waiting restrictions, on the same stretch of road. My Department’s road safety and sustainable travel social media channels posts reminders of the relevant Highway Code rules to road users on a regular basis.","answerHtml":"My Department is committed to increasing the level of sustainable travel in Northern Ireland and cycling infrastructure has an important role to play in facilitating this. I want to encourage people to cycle and support people to make more sustainable choices. Cars parked inconsiderately on cycle lanes present real challenges to this.
There are two different types of on carriageway cycle lane. Mandatory cycle lanes are bounded by a solid white line and all other vehicles are prohibited from entering or parking in them. Advisory cycle lanes are bounded by a broken white line and signify that other vehicles should not enter unless it is safe to do so. Advisory cycle lanes are provided without the need for an Order, so there is no legal basis to prevent parking. Drivers are, however, asked not to park in advisory cycle lanes in the Highway Code for Northern Ireland. Vehicles are prohibited from parking in advisory cycle lanes if there are parking restrictions, such as clearways, or waiting restrictions, on the same stretch of road. My Department’s road safety and sustainable travel social media channels posts reminders of the relevant Highway Code rules to road users on a regular basis.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203633%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=298703","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=298703"}},{"id":"298702","reference":"AQW 3632/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-03-12","answerBy":"2020-03-30","answered":"2020-03-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what are the enforcement mechanisms to prevent vehicles from parking in cycle lanes.","answerText":"My Department is committed to increasing the level of sustainable travel in Northern Ireland and cycling infrastructure has an important role to play in facilitating this. I want to encourage people to cycle and support people to make more sustainable choices. Cars parked inconsiderately on cycle lanes present real challenges to this.\n\nThere are two different types of on carriageway cycle lane. Mandatory cycle lanes are bounded by a solid white line, prohibiting all other vehicles from entering them. A Penalty Charge Notice can be issued if a vehicle is found parked in a mandatory cycle lane. Advisory cycle lanes are bounded by a broken white line, signifying that other vehicles should not enter unless it is safe to do so. Advisory cycle lanes are provided without the need for an Order, so there is no legal basis for carrying out enforcement. Drivers are, however, asked not to park in advisory cycle lanes in the Highway Code for Northern Ireland and a Penalty Charge Notice can be issued if there are parking restrictions, such as clearways, or waiting restrictions, on the same stretch of road. My Department’s Road Safety and Sustainable Travel social media channels also posts reminders of the relevant rules to road users, on a regular basis.","answerHtml":"My Department is committed to increasing the level of sustainable travel in Northern Ireland and cycling infrastructure has an important role to play in facilitating this. I want to encourage people to cycle and support people to make more sustainable choices. Cars parked inconsiderately on cycle lanes present real challenges to this.
There are two different types of on carriageway cycle lane. Mandatory cycle lanes are bounded by a solid white line, prohibiting all other vehicles from entering them. A Penalty Charge Notice can be issued if a vehicle is found parked in a mandatory cycle lane. Advisory cycle lanes are bounded by a broken white line, signifying that other vehicles should not enter unless it is safe to do so. Advisory cycle lanes are provided without the need for an Order, so there is no legal basis for carrying out enforcement. Drivers are, however, asked not to park in advisory cycle lanes in the Highway Code for Northern Ireland and a Penalty Charge Notice can be issued if there are parking restrictions, such as clearways, or waiting restrictions, on the same stretch of road. My Department’s Road Safety and Sustainable Travel social media channels also posts reminders of the relevant rules to road users, on a regular basis.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203632%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=298702","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=298702"}},{"id":"298701","reference":"AQW 3631/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-03-12","answerBy":"2020-03-30","answered":"2020-03-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will consider amending the online portal to allow customers to report (i) pavement parking that blocks access for pedestrians; and (ii) vehicles blocking cycle lanes.","answerText":"I fully appreciate the difficulties presented by cars parked inconsiderately on footways and cycleways and the impact this can have on many people.\n\nI can advise that My Department’s on-line reporting platform already allows for the reporting of problems associated with obstruction of the public road, footway and cycleway however it should be noted that in the majority of cases, enforcement will lie with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).\n\nMy officials will continue to liaise with the PSNI which has an extremely important role to play in resolving the issues you raise.","answerHtml":"I fully appreciate the difficulties presented by cars parked inconsiderately on footways and cycleways and the impact this can have on many people.
I can advise that My Department’s on-line reporting platform already allows for the reporting of problems associated with obstruction of the public road, footway and cycleway however it should be noted that in the majority of cases, enforcement will lie with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
My officials will continue to liaise with the PSNI which has an extremely important role to play in resolving the issues you raise.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203631%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=298701","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=298701"}},{"id":"298700","reference":"AQW 3630/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-03-12","answerBy":"2020-03-30","answered":"2020-03-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether there are plans to (i) improve enforcement measures to prevent pavement parking; or (ii) make it illegal, as it is in England.","answerText":"My Department is committed to increasing the level of sustainable travel in Northern Ireland and I am aware that cars parked inconsiderately on footways present real challenges for footway users. Because of this, my Department already carries out enforcement action against cars parked on footways where there are parking restrictions on the adjacent carriageway. PSNI officers can and do also take enforcement action against cars found to be obstructing footways. Our road safety and sustainable travel social media channels also regularly post reminders of the relevant Highway Code rule on footway parking.\n\nI am, however, keen to explore what further can be done. I will monitor closely the current consultation exercise in England and consider any learning points.","answerHtml":"My Department is committed to increasing the level of sustainable travel in Northern Ireland and I am aware that cars parked inconsiderately on footways present real challenges for footway users. Because of this, my Department already carries out enforcement action against cars parked on footways where there are parking restrictions on the adjacent carriageway. PSNI officers can and do also take enforcement action against cars found to be obstructing footways. Our road safety and sustainable travel social media channels also regularly post reminders of the relevant Highway Code rule on footway parking.
I am, however, keen to explore what further can be done. I will monitor closely the current consultation exercise in England and consider any learning points.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203630%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=298700","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=298700"}},{"id":"298775","reference":"AQO 435/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-03-12","answerBy":"2020-03-24","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Northern Ireland Assembly Commission","departmentId":"2","minister":"Assembly Commission","question":"To ask the Assembly Commission for an update on the consultation on the Independent Financial Review Panel.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20435%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=298775","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=298775"}},{"id":"299759","reference":"AQO 435/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-03-12","answerBy":"2020-03-24","answered":"2020-03-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Northern Ireland Assembly Commission","departmentId":"2","minister":"Assembly Commission","question":"To ask the Assembly Commission for an update on the consultation on the Independent Financial Review Panel.","answerText":"The Independent Financial Review Panel (“IFRP”) was established pursuant to the Assembly Members (Independent Financial Review and Standards) Act (NI) 2011 (“the 2011 Act”). Under the 2011 Act, the IFRP is required to be independent and is not, in the exercise of its functions, subject to the direction or control of the Assembly or the Assembly Commission.\n\nThe Chair and two other Panel members are appointed by the Assembly Commission for a term of five years. The terms of office of persons appointed to the IFRP expired in July 2016. The Assembly Commission considered a range of options for the reform of the IFRP during 2015 and early 2016, but agreed that the incoming Assembly Commission that would be appointed following the May 2016 Assembly elections, should itself consider the options.\n\nFollowing initial consultation with Assembly Commission Members during the summer of 2016, a comprehensive consultation document entitled “Independent Financial Review Panel: Reform” was issued to Assembly Commission Members on 28 October 2016, requesting an outline of their Party’s views on the matters by 13 January 2017.\n\nThis work was overtaken by political events, namely that the Assembly did not resume normal business after the March 2017 election until 11 January 2020. The Assembly Commission was mindful that it was inappropriate for it to prioritise issues related to Members’ salaries and allowances when the Assembly was not meeting.\n\nIt was anticipated that this work would recommence once normal Assembly business resumed and a new Assembly Commission could be appointed. In order to enable officials to undertake some preparatory work in advance of a potential return to normal Assembly business, at its meeting on 5 September 2019, the Assembly Commission asked officials to issue a fresh consultation document in order to seek the views of the Parties represented on the Assembly Commission and identify areas of agreement for possible reform of the IFRP. It was also agreed that following this, a wider consultation with all Members could take place.\n\nA further consultation document was issued to Assembly Commission Members on 21 November 2019, requiring written responses from their Parties on the key issues outlined, by 17 January 2020. This deadline was extended to 7 February 2020 following appointment of the new Assembly Commission. There have been two responses to the consultation to date.\n\nDiscussions have taken place at the first meeting of the new Assembly Commission on 19 February 2020 and options for the potential reform of the system for determination of Members’ salaries, expenses/allowances and pensions was considered by an Assembly Commission working meeting on 18 March 2020.\n\nFollowing those discussions, officials are now working to develop the detail of a potential way forward for the Assembly Commission to consider.","answerHtml":"The Independent Financial Review Panel (“IFRP”) was established pursuant to the Assembly Members (Independent Financial Review and Standards) Act (NI) 2011 (“the 2011 Act”). Under the 2011 Act, the IFRP is required to be independent and is not, in the exercise of its functions, subject to the direction or control of the Assembly or the Assembly Commission.
The Chair and two other Panel members are appointed by the Assembly Commission for a term of five years. The terms of office of persons appointed to the IFRP expired in July 2016. The Assembly Commission considered a range of options for the reform of the IFRP during 2015 and early 2016, but agreed that the incoming Assembly Commission that would be appointed following the May 2016 Assembly elections, should itself consider the options.
Following initial consultation with Assembly Commission Members during the summer of 2016, a comprehensive consultation document entitled “Independent Financial Review Panel: Reform” was issued to Assembly Commission Members on 28 October 2016, requesting an outline of their Party’s views on the matters by 13 January 2017.
This work was overtaken by political events, namely that the Assembly did not resume normal business after the March 2017 election until 11 January 2020. The Assembly Commission was mindful that it was inappropriate for it to prioritise issues related to Members’ salaries and allowances when the Assembly was not meeting.
It was anticipated that this work would recommence once normal Assembly business resumed and a new Assembly Commission could be appointed. In order to enable officials to undertake some preparatory work in advance of a potential return to normal Assembly business, at its meeting on 5 September 2019, the Assembly Commission asked officials to issue a fresh consultation document in order to seek the views of the Parties represented on the Assembly Commission and identify areas of agreement for possible reform of the IFRP. It was also agreed that following this, a wider consultation with all Members could take place.
A further consultation document was issued to Assembly Commission Members on 21 November 2019, requiring written responses from their Parties on the key issues outlined, by 17 January 2020. This deadline was extended to 7 February 2020 following appointment of the new Assembly Commission. There have been two responses to the consultation to date.
Discussions have taken place at the first meeting of the new Assembly Commission on 19 February 2020 and options for the potential reform of the system for determination of Members’ salaries, expenses/allowances and pensions was considered by an Assembly Commission working meeting on 18 March 2020.
Following those discussions, officials are now working to develop the detail of a potential way forward for the Assembly Commission to consider.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20435%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=299759","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=299759"}},{"id":"298761","reference":"AQO 421/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-03-12","answerBy":"2020-03-24","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether regulation 25 of the Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Job Seeker's Allowance and Employment Support Allowance (Claims and Payments) Regulations (NI) 2016 is being applied by her Department.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20421%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=298761","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=298761"}},{"id":"299745","reference":"AQO 421/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-03-12","answerBy":"2020-03-24","answered":"2020-03-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether regulation 25 of the Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Job Seeker's Allowance and Employment Support Allowance (Claims and Payments) Regulations (NI) 2016 is being applied by her Department.","answerText":"Answer\n\nRegulation 25 of the Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance (Claims and Payment) Regulations (NI) 2016 allows the Department to backdate a claim for Universal Credit for up to one month in a limited number of circumstances. This is to protect the most vulnerable who may be delayed in claiming through no fault of their own.\n\nOnce an application is made and it is accepted that the provisions of this Regulation apply, backdating is always granted. Accordingly, my Department is fully aware of this provision, already applies it and will continue to do so as appropriate.","answerHtml":"Answer
Regulation 25 of the Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance (Claims and Payment) Regulations (NI) 2016 allows the Department to backdate a claim for Universal Credit for up to one month in a limited number of circumstances. This is to protect the most vulnerable who may be delayed in claiming through no fault of their own.
Once an application is made and it is accepted that the provisions of this Regulation apply, backdating is always granted. Accordingly, my Department is fully aware of this provision, already applies it and will continue to do so as appropriate.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20421%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=299745","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=299745"}},{"id":"298474","reference":"AQW 3558/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-03-11","answerBy":"2020-03-16","answered":"2020-03-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in relation to COVID-19, whether she plans to assist the logistics industry by (i) the temporary relaxation of drivers' hours rules; and (ii) the lifting of night-time delivery restrictions.","answerText":"I will quickly consider any requests for temporary relaxation of drivers’ hours in urgent cases where the emergency exemption does not apply. An emergency exemption can already be used, in limited circumstances, to prevent, amongst other things, danger to life or health. It can be used by operators if the Coronovirus outbreak leads to a chronic shortage of drivers, and there is an immediate need on health grounds to deliver essential supplies. This does not require prior authorisation from my Department.\n\nIn addition, a temporary relaxation of the enforcement of the rules can be considered in urgent cases where the emergency exemption would not apply. My Department’s prior agreement is required before any relaxation can take effect. Operators who are seeking a relaxation are required to provide a “Statement of Case”, justifying the relaxation request and I would ask that they contact my Department if they need to do so. I am determined that my Department will do all that it can to support communities and help alleviate, where we may, any short term consequences of the coronavirus.\n\nIn relation to the lifting of the night-time delivery restrictions, I have written to all local councils making it clear that they should temporarily withhold any planning enforcement action which could result in unnecessarily restricting deliveries of food and other essential supplies, in order to support the response to Covid-19.","answerHtml":"I will quickly consider any requests for temporary relaxation of drivers’ hours in urgent cases where the emergency exemption does not apply. An emergency exemption can already be used, in limited circumstances, to prevent, amongst other things, danger to life or health. It can be used by operators if the Coronovirus outbreak leads to a chronic shortage of drivers, and there is an immediate need on health grounds to deliver essential supplies. This does not require prior authorisation from my Department.
In addition, a temporary relaxation of the enforcement of the rules can be considered in urgent cases where the emergency exemption would not apply. My Department’s prior agreement is required before any relaxation can take effect. Operators who are seeking a relaxation are required to provide a “Statement of Case”, justifying the relaxation request and I would ask that they contact my Department if they need to do so. I am determined that my Department will do all that it can to support communities and help alleviate, where we may, any short term consequences of the coronavirus.
In relation to the lifting of the night-time delivery restrictions, I have written to all local councils making it clear that they should temporarily withhold any planning enforcement action which could result in unnecessarily restricting deliveries of food and other essential supplies, in order to support the response to Covid-19.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203558%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=298474","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=298474"}},{"id":"298473","reference":"AQW 3557/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-03-11","answerBy":"2020-03-27","answered":"2020-03-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure when she expects to announce the outcome of the Concessionary Fares Scheme survey undertaken in 2019.","answerText":"My Department worked with a range of voluntary and community sector organisations to develop and promote the Concessionary Fares Scheme survey which was undertaken to seek views on how the Scheme improves access to public transport and to demonstrate the contribution of the Scheme towards Outcome 8 of the Outcomes Delivery Plan – “we care for others and help those in need”.\n\nAnalysis of the survey is ongoing and I will publish a survey report when I receive it in coming months.","answerHtml":"My Department worked with a range of voluntary and community sector organisations to develop and promote the Concessionary Fares Scheme survey which was undertaken to seek views on how the Scheme improves access to public transport and to demonstrate the contribution of the Scheme towards Outcome 8 of the Outcomes Delivery Plan – “we care for others and help those in need”.
Analysis of the survey is ongoing and I will publish a survey report when I receive it in coming months.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203557%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=298473","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=298473"}},{"id":"298280","reference":"AQW 3489/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-03-10","answerBy":"2020-03-13","answered":"2020-03-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what action is being taken by Translink in light of COVID-19, including whether consideration has been given to enhanced cleaning of buses.","answerText":"The Department has received advice from the Chief Medical Officer in relation to the Coronavirus epidemic which has been shared with Translink. In addition to ensuring that my Department and all the Arm Length Bodies Business Continuity Plans are in place, my officials continue to engage with colleagues across the NI Civil Service and Whitehall in relation to our readiness and resilience.\n\nIn addition to the precautionary measures Translink is also undertaking through regular deep cleaning of its fleet. It will continue to engage with the Public Health Authority in respect of its day to day operations. I can confirm that the safety of its customers and staff will remain the organisation’s main priority.","answerHtml":"The Department has received advice from the Chief Medical Officer in relation to the Coronavirus epidemic which has been shared with Translink. In addition to ensuring that my Department and all the Arm Length Bodies Business Continuity Plans are in place, my officials continue to engage with colleagues across the NI Civil Service and Whitehall in relation to our readiness and resilience.
In addition to the precautionary measures Translink is also undertaking through regular deep cleaning of its fleet. It will continue to engage with the Public Health Authority in respect of its day to day operations. I can confirm that the safety of its customers and staff will remain the organisation’s main priority.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203489%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=298280","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=298280"}},{"id":"298279","reference":"AQW 3488/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-03-10","answerBy":"2020-03-26","answered":"2020-04-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail assistance being provided to staff made redundant as a result of the collapse of Flybe.","answerText":"Following a commercial decision by the company, on 5 March 2020 Flybe filed for insolvency with all flights being cancelled.\n\nRedundancy Payments Service (RPS) staff met with Unite Union and Flybe representatives at the Unite premises on the morning of 5th March following the announcement of administration. RPS advised that they would contribute to any subsequent meetings/clinics, etc, to help with completion of Redundancy Claim forms and to answer any queries regarding redundancy and insolvency payments, and provided the RP1 Redundancy Application forms for distribution to the ex-employees.\n\nThe Department for the Economy’s Careers Service is also working with the Department for Communities to support Flybe workers facing redundancy.\n\nStarting from Monday 9th March, the Careers Service has been attending a series of redundancy clinics to provide professional and impartial careers\n\ninformation, advice and guidance tailored to the individual needs of the Flybe employees. RPS will also attend these clinics.\n\nThe Careers Service will keep in contact with those who request ongoing support, which can be provided by careers advisers either face to face, using telephony, email and webchat.","answerHtml":"Following a commercial decision by the company, on 5 March 2020 Flybe filed for insolvency with all flights being cancelled.
Redundancy Payments Service (RPS) staff met with Unite Union and Flybe representatives at the Unite premises on the morning of 5th March following the announcement of administration. RPS advised that they would contribute to any subsequent meetings/clinics, etc, to help with completion of Redundancy Claim forms and to answer any queries regarding redundancy and insolvency payments, and provided the RP1 Redundancy Application forms for distribution to the ex-employees.
The Department for the Economy’s Careers Service is also working with the Department for Communities to support Flybe workers facing redundancy.
Starting from Monday 9th March, the Careers Service has been attending a series of redundancy clinics to provide professional and impartial careers
information, advice and guidance tailored to the individual needs of the Flybe employees. RPS will also attend these clinics.
The Careers Service will keep in contact with those who request ongoing support, which can be provided by careers advisers either face to face, using telephony, email and webchat.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203488%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=298279","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=298279"}},{"id":"298278","reference":"AQW 3487/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-03-10","answerBy":"2020-03-26","answered":"2020-03-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail assistance being provided to George Best Belfast City Airport as a result of the collapse of Flybe.","answerText":"Civil aviation in the UK is a reserved matter for the UK Department of Transport, and they are working with industry to identify opportunities to re-establish key routes, and engaging with Airlines UK and airlines directly to emphasise and accelerate this. Alongside this, I, and my Department, will continue to work closely with the Belfast City Airport in the forthcoming days and weeks, as maintaining air connectivity to GB is vital to Northern Ireland.\n\nBelfast City Airport have recently stated that negotiations with a number of carriers to take up air routes formerly operated by Flybe are underway, and I am delighted that the Chief Executive Officer of the airport has already been able to reach agreement with Loganair who will take up two of the routes, and Eastern Airways who will take up another of the routes, all starting in the next two weeks.","answerHtml":"Civil aviation in the UK is a reserved matter for the UK Department of Transport, and they are working with industry to identify opportunities to re-establish key routes, and engaging with Airlines UK and airlines directly to emphasise and accelerate this. Alongside this, I, and my Department, will continue to work closely with the Belfast City Airport in the forthcoming days and weeks, as maintaining air connectivity to GB is vital to Northern Ireland.
Belfast City Airport have recently stated that negotiations with a number of carriers to take up air routes formerly operated by Flybe are underway, and I am delighted that the Chief Executive Officer of the airport has already been able to reach agreement with Loganair who will take up two of the routes, and Eastern Airways who will take up another of the routes, all starting in the next two weeks.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203487%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=298278","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=298278"}},{"id":"298117","reference":"AQW 3402/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-03-09","answerBy":"2020-03-25","answered":"2020-03-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) the average; (ii) the shortest; and (iii) the longest time taken by her Department to determine a planning application within its remit, in each of the last five years.","answerText":"Details of the time taken to determine planning applications within my Department are set out in the attached tables.\n\nTime taken to determine1 Departmental planning applications, 2015/16 to Q2 2019/20\n\nShortest time (weeks)\tAverage time (weeks)2\tLongest time (weeks)\n2015/16\t2.6\t137.2\t382.4\n2016/17\t11.0\t125.9\t560.2\n2017/18\t16.8\t64.6\t403.8\n2018/19\t86.2\t260.9\t556.8\n2019/20 (up to end of Q2)3\t16.2\t56.4\t177.4\n\nNotes\n1. The time to taken to determine (or process) an application is calculated from the date on which an application is deemed valid to the date on which the decision is issued or the application is withdrawn. The only exception is for called in applications, i.e. those initially made to councils where the Minister/Department directs that these should fall to the Department for determination. For called in applications, the time taken to determine (or process) an application is calculated from the date on which the application is called in by the Department to the date on which the decision is issued or the application is withdrawn.\n2. The median is used for the average processing time as any extreme values have the potential to inflate the mean, leading to a result that may not be considered as \"typical\".\n3. Figures are provided up to the end of Q2 2019/20 (i.e. end of September 2019) in line with the most recently published Official Statistics. Quarterly estimates for 2019/20 are provisional and will be subject to revision ahead of finalised annual figures, to be published in June / July 2020.","answerHtml":"Details of the time taken to determine planning applications within my Department are set out in the attached tables.
| Time taken to determine1 Departmental planning applications, 2015/16 to Q2 2019/20 | |||
| Shortest time (weeks) | Average time (weeks)2 | Longest time (weeks) | |
| 2015/16 | 2.6 | 137.2 | 382.4 |
| 2016/17 | 11.0 | 125.9 | 560.2 |
| 2017/18 | 16.8 | 64.6 | 403.8 |
| 2018/19 | 86.2 | 260.9 | 556.8 |
| 2019/20 (up to end of Q2)3 | 16.2 | 56.4 | 177.4 |
| Notes | |||
| 1. The time to taken to determine (or process) an application is calculated from the date on which an application is deemed valid to the date on which the decision is issued or the application is withdrawn. The only exception is for called in applications, i.e. those initially made to councils where the Minister/Department directs that these should fall to the Department for determination. For called in applications, the time taken to determine (or process) an application is calculated from the date on which the application is called in by the Department to the date on which the decision is issued or the application is withdrawn. | |||
| 2. The median is used for the average processing time as any extreme values have the potential to inflate the mean, leading to a result that may not be considered as "typical". | |||
| 3. Figures are provided up to the end of Q2 2019/20 (i.e. end of September 2019) in line with the most recently published Official Statistics. Quarterly estimates for 2019/20 are provisional and will be subject to revision ahead of finalised annual figures, to be published in June / July 2020. |
The Communities in Transition Project is one of 38 actions within the wider Executive Action Plan on Tackling Paramilitarism, Criminality and Organised Crime and, as such, decisions on funding across the wider Programme are taken by the Tackling Paramilitarism Programme Board, chaired by the Head of the Civil Service.
To date, contracts awarded through the procurement approach undertaken in respect of the Communities in Transition Project are multi annual. This is based on delivery through until March 2021, in line with the wider Programme, with the potential to further extend should additional funding become available.
Ending the harm caused by paramilitary groups was a stated commitment in the New Decade New Approach document and will be a priority in a new multi-year Programme for Government, underpinned by a multi-year budget.
While no decision has yet been taken on funding after March 2021, officials are working with colleagues across the Executive and with delivery partners to ensure that the learning generated through implementing the existing commitments is built into delivery going forward.
More generally, the New Decade New Approach document includes a commitment for the Executive to put in place multi-year budgets (of a minimum of 3 years) from 2021/22 onwards.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203401%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=298116","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=298116"}},{"id":"297523","reference":"AQW 3188/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-03-04","answerBy":"2020-03-10","answered":"2020-03-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the provision of the Minority Ethnic Development Fund for 2020/21.","answerText":"The Minority Ethnic Development Fund (MEDF) continues to be a key element of our policy for racial equality and good race relations in our society. It is intended to be aligned with and support our Racial Equality Strategy 2015 - 2025 and provides support for voluntary and community organisations working with minority ethnic people and groups.\n\nThe application process to the 20/21 Minority Ethnic Development Fund has commenced and closes on 2nd April 2020. It is intended that applicants will be told the outcome of that process before the end of April 2020.\n\nIn parallel, a review of the MEDF is underway and the findings will inform the operation of the fund beyond 20/21.","answerHtml":"The Minority Ethnic Development Fund (MEDF) continues to be a key element of our policy for racial equality and good race relations in our society. It is intended to be aligned with and support our Racial Equality Strategy 2015 - 2025 and provides support for voluntary and community organisations working with minority ethnic people and groups.
The application process to the 20/21 Minority Ethnic Development Fund has commenced and closes on 2nd April 2020. It is intended that applicants will be told the outcome of that process before the end of April 2020.
In parallel, a review of the MEDF is underway and the findings will inform the operation of the fund beyond 20/21.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203188%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=297523","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=297523"}},{"id":"297160","reference":"AQW 3032/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-03-02","answerBy":"2020-03-06","answered":"2020-03-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance on what dates (i) domestic; and (ii) non-domestic rates bills will be issued.","answerText":"Both domestic and non-domestic Rate Bills will be issued in April 2020 after the Regional Rates Order is made.","answerHtml":"Both domestic and non-domestic Rate Bills will be issued in April 2020 after the Regional Rates Order is made.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203032%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=297160","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=297160"}},{"id":"297159","reference":"AQW 3031/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-03-02","answerBy":"2020-03-18","answered":"2020-03-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance what contingency plans are in place if rates bills cannot be issued for collection in April 2020.","answerText":"Preparations for the issue of the 2020/21 rate bills are well advanced and on schedule.\n\nA key component of the billing process is the availability of a Regional Rate to allow rate bills to be calculated. LPS has administered the delivery of rate bills in each of the last three years with a degree of uncertainty over when a Regional Rate would be struck and made available. As a consequence, LPS has well developed contingency plans in place to accommodate any potential delays. These include:\n\nbilling delivery plans for a range of dates when a Regional Rate might be available;\n\nliaison with suppliers for a series of bill generation, printing and post delivery slots; and\n\ncommunication plans to keep ratepayers informed if delays are expected to be significant.","answerHtml":"Preparations for the issue of the 2020/21 rate bills are well advanced and on schedule.
A key component of the billing process is the availability of a Regional Rate to allow rate bills to be calculated. LPS has administered the delivery of rate bills in each of the last three years with a degree of uncertainty over when a Regional Rate would be struck and made available. As a consequence, LPS has well developed contingency plans in place to accommodate any potential delays. These include:
billing delivery plans for a range of dates when a Regional Rate might be available;
liaison with suppliers for a series of bill generation, printing and post delivery slots; and
communication plans to keep ratepayers informed if delays are expected to be significant.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203031%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=297159","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=297159"}},{"id":"297158","reference":"AQW 3030/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-03-02","answerBy":"2020-03-18","answered":"2020-03-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance what proportion of households currently pay domestic rates bills in instalments via Direct Debit.","answerText":"As at 1st March 2020, 51.1% of domestic occupancies pay their rate bill via Direct Debit where an occupancy represents a liable ratepayer at a property at a given time. Housing Executive and Housing Association domestic properties are not included in this figure as the rates on these properties are paid through a different process.","answerHtml":"As at 1st March 2020, 51.1% of domestic occupancies pay their rate bill via Direct Debit where an occupancy represents a liable ratepayer at a property at a given time. Housing Executive and Housing Association domestic properties are not included in this figure as the rates on these properties are paid through a different process.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203030%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=297158","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=297158"}},{"id":"297157","reference":"AQW 3029/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-03-02","answerBy":"2020-03-18","answered":"2020-03-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline any plans for a wider roll out of eCar charging points.","answerText":"There are currently 320 22kWh (Fast) charge points at 160 locations and a further 17 50kWh DC rapid charge point in the North. The e-car public charge point network is owned, operated and maintained by the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) and the market is also open to other commercial operators who would wish to provide charging infrastructure. Over the next few months, the Utility Regulator will be publishing its findings from the recent consultation on the Maximum Resale Price (MRP) of Electricity as it applies to electric vehicles. This should give clarity for operators wishing to provide commercial services in the North. I look forward to the outcome of the consultation exercise and, ultimately, to a solution that will strengthen network provision and contribute to the Northern Ireland Executive’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions.\n\nI am committed to seeing this infrastructure increased as part of my Department’s climate change action and I have met with the DAERA Minister to begin working collaboratively to promote the use of electric vehicles and specifically to improve the charge point network across the North. I fully recognise the importance of having modern, reliable public electric vehicle charging infrastructure in providing confidence for users of ultra-low emission vehicles and in respect of the connectivity improvements this would bring. My Department closely monitors funding opportunities for the installation of additional infrastructure and is liaising with commercial providers and the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) to ensure the charging infrastructure continues to remain fit for purpose, commensurate with growth.","answerHtml":"There are currently 320 22kWh (Fast) charge points at 160 locations and a further 17 50kWh DC rapid charge point in the North. The e-car public charge point network is owned, operated and maintained by the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) and the market is also open to other commercial operators who would wish to provide charging infrastructure. Over the next few months, the Utility Regulator will be publishing its findings from the recent consultation on the Maximum Resale Price (MRP) of Electricity as it applies to electric vehicles. This should give clarity for operators wishing to provide commercial services in the North. I look forward to the outcome of the consultation exercise and, ultimately, to a solution that will strengthen network provision and contribute to the Northern Ireland Executive’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
I am committed to seeing this infrastructure increased as part of my Department’s climate change action and I have met with the DAERA Minister to begin working collaboratively to promote the use of electric vehicles and specifically to improve the charge point network across the North. I fully recognise the importance of having modern, reliable public electric vehicle charging infrastructure in providing confidence for users of ultra-low emission vehicles and in respect of the connectivity improvements this would bring. My Department closely monitors funding opportunities for the installation of additional infrastructure and is liaising with commercial providers and the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) to ensure the charging infrastructure continues to remain fit for purpose, commensurate with growth.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203029%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=297157","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=297157"}},{"id":"297156","reference":"AQW 3028/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-03-02","answerBy":"2020-03-18","answered":"2020-03-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department has any plans to fund construction of Strathfoyle Greenway, Derry/Londonderry.","answerText":"As outlined in my answer to AQW 1170/17-22, I am keen to work with other Ministers and with all stakeholders to deliver on projects that have the potential to improve the lives of people and connect communities. However, before I take decisions in relation to funding, I will need to consider carefully the budget position after the 2020/21 budget is made known.","answerHtml":"As outlined in my answer to AQW 1170/17-22, I am keen to work with other Ministers and with all stakeholders to deliver on projects that have the potential to improve the lives of people and connect communities. However, before I take decisions in relation to funding, I will need to consider carefully the budget position after the 2020/21 budget is made known.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203028%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=297156","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=297156"}},{"id":"296663","reference":"AQO 303/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-02-27","answerBy":"2020-03-09","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to outline her plans to protect and develop an all-island economy in the context of Brexit.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20303%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=296663","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=296663"}},{"id":"298139","reference":"AQO 303/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-02-27","answerBy":"2020-03-09","answered":"2020-03-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to outline her plans to protect and develop an all-island economy in the context of Brexit.","answerText":"I have no plans to develop an all-island economy. Our approach to Brexit needs to work for all of our trade flows; north-south, east-west and globally. The Minister wants to grow trade in all directions to benefit all in our economy.\n\nIt is important that Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland continue to co-operate on areas of mutual economic interest.\n\nGreat Britain is by far our largest external market, accounting for £24.6 billion of sales and purchases in goods and services annually. It is vital to ensure that access to that valuable market is maintained.\n\nI recently made these points to the Minister of State for Business and the Minister of State for International Trade.\n\nI will continue to press UK Government to ensure that it meets its commitments to guarantee unfettered access for Northern Ireland’s businesses to the whole of the UK internal market, to engage with the Executive on measures to protect and strengthen our place in the UK internal market, and to develop an international trade policy that works for the whole of the UK.","answerHtml":"I have no plans to develop an all-island economy. Our approach to Brexit needs to work for all of our trade flows; north-south, east-west and globally. The Minister wants to grow trade in all directions to benefit all in our economy.
It is important that Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland continue to co-operate on areas of mutual economic interest.
Great Britain is by far our largest external market, accounting for £24.6 billion of sales and purchases in goods and services annually. It is vital to ensure that access to that valuable market is maintained.
I recently made these points to the Minister of State for Business and the Minister of State for International Trade.
I will continue to press UK Government to ensure that it meets its commitments to guarantee unfettered access for Northern Ireland’s businesses to the whole of the UK internal market, to engage with the Executive on measures to protect and strengthen our place in the UK internal market, and to develop an international trade policy that works for the whole of the UK.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20303%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=298139","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=298139"}},{"id":"296213","reference":"AQW 2695/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-02-25","answerBy":"2020-02-28","answered":"2020-02-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance when he plans to lay The Rates (Regional Rates) Order (Northern Ireland) 2020.","answerText":"The annual Regional Rates Order will be laid following the decision of the Executive on the 2020/21 Budget.","answerHtml":"The annual Regional Rates Order will be laid following the decision of the Executive on the 2020/21 Budget.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202695%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=296213","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=296213"}},{"id":"297358","reference":"AQO 246/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-02-20","answerBy":"2020-03-02","answered":"2020-03-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline her plans for investment in water and sewerage infrastructure to allow new connections and avoid an increase in pollution incidents.","answerText":"I am aware of the increasing issues at wastewater treatment works and in the sewerage system. I am concerned that this is having an impact on the environment and on planning decisions in respect of housing and business developments seeking connection to the sewerage network.\n\nThrough the Price Control process, my Department, NI Water and other key water stakeholders will work together to prepare a priority list of schemes, for delivery in PC21(which runs from 2021 to 2027), and beyond, to help address potential development constraints and ensure that our environment is protected.\n\nI welcome the commitments made in the New Decade, New Approach agreement to address years of underfunding in waste water, and I am working with the Finance Minister and my Executive colleagues to secure the level of budget required.\n\nAlthough I am determined to prioritise investment in water and wastewater infrastructure, as Minister, I have inherited a range of capital pressures and, I am also conscious of the need to address regional imbalance, improve connectivity and address climate change within current budget restrictions.","answerHtml":"I am aware of the increasing issues at wastewater treatment works and in the sewerage system. I am concerned that this is having an impact on the environment and on planning decisions in respect of housing and business developments seeking connection to the sewerage network.
Through the Price Control process, my Department, NI Water and other key water stakeholders will work together to prepare a priority list of schemes, for delivery in PC21(which runs from 2021 to 2027), and beyond, to help address potential development constraints and ensure that our environment is protected.
I welcome the commitments made in the New Decade, New Approach agreement to address years of underfunding in waste water, and I am working with the Finance Minister and my Executive colleagues to secure the level of budget required.
Although I am determined to prioritise investment in water and wastewater infrastructure, as Minister, I have inherited a range of capital pressures and, I am also conscious of the need to address regional imbalance, improve connectivity and address climate change within current budget restrictions.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20246%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=297358","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=297358"}},{"id":"295652","reference":"AQO 224/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-02-20","answerBy":"2020-03-02","answered":"2020-03-02","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister what commitment they can give that the Executive, and all Ministers, will act to implement the revised protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs Foster","text":"Our priority is to ensure that the needs of Northern Ireland are understood and reflected as we move forward. Although political differences exist, the Executive are working together to ensure the best possible outcome for people living here. We are working to ensure that our businesses do not face increased costs, especially in terms of movement of goods North/South or east-west. We are in a unique position here, and we have concerns that the interdependencies between the protocol and the trade negotiations are not fully recognised. We have requested a meeting with the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, the Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, where we will raise those concerns. We will also wish to ensure that our economy can flourish. That will require that the United Kingdom Government uphold their commitments to guarantee unfettered access for Northern Ireland businesses to the whole of the United Kingdom internal market and to engage with us on measures to protect and strengthen the UK internal market."},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"As the First Minister will be aware, Europe is watching carefully to ensure that everyone lives up to their obligations arising from the protocol, which is not a backstop but, indeed, a full stop. How does the First Minister reassure the European Union that there will be no bad faith in the context of the view most recently expressed by the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, when he stated that he would resist pressure to implement checks at Northern Ireland ports and had no intention of putting infrastructure in place?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Foster","text":"I am sure that the Member is not suggesting that we should fetter the trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland and from Northern Ireland into Great Britain, because that, of course, would mean that we would not have a border on the island of Ireland but would have a border between different countries within the same United Kingdom. That would be wrong, and it is important for us to engage with the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster so that we can find out what he means when he says that there will not be any barriers and then work through all of that. We are, of course, aware of what the European Union says about the matter, but we are very interested to hear what the United Kingdom Government have to say on the issue because they are the negotiating power in terms of Northern Ireland. Therefore, we need to hear what they propose in relation to the protocol and, indeed, in relation to our free trade agreements."},{"speaker":"Mr Robinson","text":"What is the First Minister's view of the United Kingdom mandate for negotiation that was published last week?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Foster","text":"I am sure that the Member has read in great detail the United Kingdom's mandate for negotiations. It is very high-level. The deputy First Minister and I noted, when the mandate was published, that it is crucial that we are involved in the decisions that affect directly the people and businesses of Northern Ireland, and, although political differences exist on the issue of leaving the European Union, we are working together as a whole to ensure the best possible outcome for the people living here. We need to have our voice heard, and the deputy First Minister and I have requested an urgent meeting with the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster so that we can raise our concerns and so that we are heard to make sure that there is not a cost put on our businesses — indeed, costs that could then be transferred to our consumers. We want to make sure that we have the answers to that, and that is why that meeting with the Rt Hon Michael Gove MP is important."},{"speaker":"Mr O'Toole","text":"First Minister, we have heard conflicting and contradictory things from different parts of the UK Government regarding unfettered access for Northern Ireland to Great Britain markets and contradictory things about the upholding of the protocol that was signed and is now binding in a treaty that is legally held at the United Nations. Given that, will the First Minister agree with me that by far the best outcome for Northern Ireland from the trade talks between the UK and EU is the closest possible relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union, and will she and the deputy First Minister make those representations on behalf of Northern Ireland?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Foster","text":"I thank the Member for his question. The best possible outcome, of course, is a free trade arrangement between the United Kingdom Government and the European Union. That would do away with the current protocol and mean that there would be free trade with the European Union right across the United Kingdom. We will work with the Government to try to achieve that. Whether the European Union will be interested in it is another matter. Certainly, that is where the Government wish to go, and I, for one, will support them in so doing."},{"speaker":"Ms Sheerin","text":"North/South trade is vital to the economy. It is worth billions of pounds in goods and services. Will the Minister outline how the protocol will address concerns about the cross-border provision of tradable services and the sharing of data across the island?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Foster","text":"Services are not covered by the protocol. We very much want that area to be dealt with so that east-west and North/South services can continue. The Republic of Ireland is an important destination for our goods and services, but the Great Britain market is by far the largest market for those goods and services. In 2017, it was worth £24·6 billion to the Northern Ireland economy, compared with £6·5 billion for the Republic of Ireland. It is very important that we have all those relationships — North/South and east-west — dealt with in a way that does not damage the economy and helps businesses that want to grow."},{"speaker":"Mr Nesbitt","text":"Does the First Minister agree that it is matter of regret that we do not have a Northern Ireland-specific shortage occupation list, as recommended by the Migration Advisory Council as early as May 2019? Will she call on her colleague in the Department for the Economy to rectify the situation as a matter of urgency?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Foster","text":"As I understand from the recent announcement by the Home Secretary, she has agreed to a Northern Ireland shortage occupation list. That will come forward now. As the Member will know, that announcement was made very recently. We support the fact that there is that shortage occupation list. We will want to ensure that it is populated in the most timely manner possible. We would like it to be an iterative list so that it can be changed over time as opposed to being stuck in time. Certainly, the Department for the Economy will work with the Home Office to ensure that that list is put in place."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20224%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=295652","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2020-03-02&docID=296419#AQO%20224/17-22","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=295652"}},{"id":"295475","reference":"AQW 2388/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-02-19","answerBy":"2020-03-05","answered":"2020-03-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether she will explore the possibility of increasing the availability of the Lost Lives book in local libraries.","answerText":"My Department has allocated Libraries NI additional in year funding of £3.472m to buy additional book stock. This brings Libraries NI’s total spend on book stock in 2019/20 to £4.372m.\n\nLibraries NI has informed me that it has 21 copies of the Lost Lives book in stock and is keen to purchase additional copies as the book is in high demand. However, the book is currently out of print so this has not been possible. Libraries NI checks this regularly with its suppliers and will continue to do so.","answerHtml":"My Department has allocated Libraries NI additional in year funding of £3.472m to buy additional book stock. This brings Libraries NI’s total spend on book stock in 2019/20 to £4.372m.
Libraries NI has informed me that it has 21 copies of the Lost Lives book in stock and is keen to purchase additional copies as the book is in high demand. However, the book is currently out of print so this has not been possible. Libraries NI checks this regularly with its suppliers and will continue to do so.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202388%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=295475","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=295475"}},{"id":"295474","reference":"AQW 2387/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-02-19","answerBy":"2020-03-05","answered":"2020-02-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether he will explore the possibility of increasing the availability of the Lost Lives book in local schools.","answerText":"The curriculum gives teachers and schools the flexibility to deliver tailored lessons to meet the needs of the pupils in the classroom. It is a matter for individual schools, using their delegated budget, to choose the resources, materials and textbooks they use to support their teaching. It is also up to schools to determine their provision within school libraries, including the availability of the Lost Lives book to pupils.","answerHtml":"The curriculum gives teachers and schools the flexibility to deliver tailored lessons to meet the needs of the pupils in the classroom. It is a matter for individual schools, using their delegated budget, to choose the resources, materials and textbooks they use to support their teaching. It is also up to schools to determine their provision within school libraries, including the availability of the Lost Lives book to pupils.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202387%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=295474","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=295474"}},{"id":"295306","reference":"AQW 2320/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-02-18","answerBy":"2020-03-04","answered":"2020-03-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she has plans to introduce a measure similar to Section 22 community bus service permits in Great Britain.","answerText":"I am aware that some non-profit making bodies in Great Britain provide bus services under Section 22 Permits and that these services are open to the general public at separate fares, while Northern Ireland bus services provided under 10b Permits are closed to specific groups of passengers.\n\nIn December 2019 the High Court in London provided an important judgement in respect of community bus service permits. Officials are working with DFT officials to determine the outworkings of this judgement in consideration of my options going forward.","answerHtml":"I am aware that some non-profit making bodies in Great Britain provide bus services under Section 22 Permits and that these services are open to the general public at separate fares, while Northern Ireland bus services provided under 10b Permits are closed to specific groups of passengers.
In December 2019 the High Court in London provided an important judgement in respect of community bus service permits. Officials are working with DFT officials to determine the outworkings of this judgement in consideration of my options going forward.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202320%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=295306","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=295306"}},{"id":"295305","reference":"AQW 2319/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-02-18","answerBy":"2020-03-04","answered":"2020-03-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail whether she has plans to ensure drivers of vehicles operated under a 10b permit will have the same rights as those in Great Britain.","answerText":"Prior to my appointment, the Department consulted with key stakeholders on 10b Bus Permits and minibus driving licences in 2017. Following the consultation the Department wrote to 10b Permit stakeholders clarifying the circumstances in which non- profit making organisations may require a Bus Operator Licence.\n\nhttps://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/letter-regarding-issue-and-use-section-10b-permits-road-passenger-transport-and-minibus-driving\n\nThe Department also published driving licence guidance to clarify the Department’s interpretation on the general requirements for driving minibuses.\n\nhttps://www.nidirect.gov.uk/publications/driver-licensing-requirements-minibuses\n\nIn December 2019 the High Court in London provided an important judgement in respect of community bus service permits. Officials are working with DFT officials to determine the outworkings of this judgement in consideration of my options going forward.","answerHtml":"Prior to my appointment, the Department consulted with key stakeholders on 10b Bus Permits and minibus driving licences in 2017. Following the consultation the Department wrote to 10b Permit stakeholders clarifying the circumstances in which non- profit making organisations may require a Bus Operator Licence.
https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/letter-regarding-issue-and-use-section-10b-permits-road-passenger-transport-and-minibus-driving
The Department also published driving licence guidance to clarify the Department’s interpretation on the general requirements for driving minibuses.
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/publications/driver-licensing-requirements-minibuses
In December 2019 the High Court in London provided an important judgement in respect of community bus service permits. Officials are working with DFT officials to determine the outworkings of this judgement in consideration of my options going forward.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202319%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=295305","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=295305"}},{"id":"295139","reference":"AQW 2229/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-02-17","answerBy":"2020-02-21","answered":"2020-02-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the number of (i) Just Park parking sessions to date; (ii) Just Park parking sessions invoiced incorrectly to date, as a result of the Just Park app problems; and (iii) Penalty Charge Notices issued in error to date as a result of the Just Park app problems.","answerText":"There have been 156,000 JustPark parking sessions to date. Details of the number of Penalty Charge Notices issued in error and number of invoices invoiced incorrectly, because of problems with the JustPark app, remains unchanged from my reply to you on 3rd February 2020 in AQW 1136/17-22.","answerHtml":"There have been 156,000 JustPark parking sessions to date. Details of the number of Penalty Charge Notices issued in error and number of invoices invoiced incorrectly, because of problems with the JustPark app, remains unchanged from my reply to you on 3rd February 2020 in AQW 1136/17-22.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202229%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=295139","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=295139"}},{"id":"295138","reference":"AQW 2228/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-02-17","answerBy":"2020-03-03","answered":"2020-03-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether he will consider reviewing the model used to calculate Net Annual Values for the hospitality sector as part of Reval 2020.","answerText":"The statutory requirement on Land & Property Services (LPS) for Reval 2020 is to assess a Net Annual Value for all properties at 1 April 2018. All business rates are based on rental value. If the evidence of a rent isn’t available, different methods are needed to determine the rental value.\n\nIn economic sectors where there is limited direct market rental evidence, the established methodology for assessing the rental value is the Receipts and Expenditure Method. This is used in the valuation of, for example, cinemas, markets, petrol filling stations, quarries, utilities, hotels and pubs. The Receipts and Expenditure methodology is the established approach for these kinds of businesses agreed between professional valuation bodies such as the RICS and government valuation bodies in England and Wales and Scotland, as well as here.\n\nThe Receipts and Expenditure Method of Valuation for Non-Domestic Rating is used by LPS to value pubs and hotels because anyone considering renting a pub or hotel would want to know how it is trading. That is why valuers call for accounts and evidence of turnover. There are no plans to review the use of this methodology for the hospitality sector.","answerHtml":"The statutory requirement on Land & Property Services (LPS) for Reval 2020 is to assess a Net Annual Value for all properties at 1 April 2018. All business rates are based on rental value. If the evidence of a rent isn’t available, different methods are needed to determine the rental value.
In economic sectors where there is limited direct market rental evidence, the established methodology for assessing the rental value is the Receipts and Expenditure Method. This is used in the valuation of, for example, cinemas, markets, petrol filling stations, quarries, utilities, hotels and pubs. The Receipts and Expenditure methodology is the established approach for these kinds of businesses agreed between professional valuation bodies such as the RICS and government valuation bodies in England and Wales and Scotland, as well as here.
The Receipts and Expenditure Method of Valuation for Non-Domestic Rating is used by LPS to value pubs and hotels because anyone considering renting a pub or hotel would want to know how it is trading. That is why valuers call for accounts and evidence of turnover. There are no plans to review the use of this methodology for the hospitality sector.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202228%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=295138","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=295138"}},{"id":"295137","reference":"AQW 2227/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-02-17","answerBy":"2020-03-03","answered":"2020-03-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether he will consider ensuring an independent review of recommendations arising from the review into Non-Domestic Rating System.","answerText":"As I advised the Member in my previous answer to AQW 447/17-22, my officials have been examining the broad and extensive range of independent responses from the Public Consultation on Business Rates in order to develop the options available to the Executive in terms of short, medium and long term policy objectives.","answerHtml":"As I advised the Member in my previous answer to AQW 447/17-22, my officials have been examining the broad and extensive range of independent responses from the Public Consultation on Business Rates in order to develop the options available to the Executive in terms of short, medium and long term policy objectives.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202227%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=295137","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=295137"}},{"id":"295136","reference":"AQW 2226/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-02-17","answerBy":"2020-03-03","answered":"2020-02-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail the average change in Net Annual Values as a result of Reval 2020, broken down by business sectors.","answerText":"As a result of Reval 2020, the total Net Annual Value of the non-domestic Valuation List increased from £1,559 million to £1,665 million, an overall growth of 1.068 or 6.8%.\n\nThe change in total Net Annual Value and growth for each primary property class as a result of Reval 2020 is set out in Annex A.\n\nThis shows the number of rateable properties in each primary property class and the percentage of properties that have a decrease, increase, or no change in Net Annual Value.\n\nANNEX A\n\nPrimary Property Class\tNo. Properties in Primary Class\tPercentage of Properties -\nDecrease in NAV\tPercentage of Properties -\nNo Change in NAV\tPercentage of Properties -\nIncrease in NAV\tCurrent Valuation List\nTotal NAV\tDraft Schedule\nTotal NAV\tGrowth\nAdvertising Stations and Signs\t1,013\t46.0%\t51.4%\t2.6%\t£1,111,998\t£1,092,748\t0.98\nCar Parks\t3,223\t14.7%\t75.7%\t9.6%\t£20,385,696\t£22,178,758\t1.09\nCaravan Sites, Camp Sites and Holiday Chalets\t128\t3.9%\t5.5%\t90.6%\t£3,335,576\t£4,855,781\t1.46\nChurches, Church Halls\t3,022\t23.2%\t0.6%\t76.1%\t£43,341,887\t£43,881,866\t1.01\nCommercial Unclassified\t1,002\t50.6%\t13.0%\t36.4%\t£38,396,705\t£30,945,893\t0.83\nDefence Hereditaments and Coast Guard\t33\t3.0%\t6.1%\t90.9%\t£10,875,286\t£11,205,585\t1.03\nFilling Stations\t631\t23.6%\t41.4%\t35.0%\t£4,436,944\t£6,168,627\t1.39\nFreight Transport (other than Public Utility\t17\t5.9%\t76.5%\t17.6%\t£2,996,647\t£3,010,789\t1.00\nHospitals, Clinics, Surgeries, Homes\t1,460\t1.9%\t1.4%\t96.7%\t£60,513,419\t£78,704,036\t1.30\nHotels Licensed\t157\t5.1%\t19.7%\t75.2%\t£17,127,320\t£23,920,230\t1.38\nHotels Unlicensed\t796\t8.5%\t3.3%\t88.2%\t£2,697,770\t£2,980,488\t1.14\nLaw and Order Establishments\t94\t7.4%\t6.4%\t86.2%\t£25,419,943\t28,797,669\t1.13\nLibraries\t61\t9.8%\t27.9%\t62.3%\t£4,420,920\t£5,248,456\t1.22\nLicensed Premises\t1,232\t16.5%\t23.1%\t60.5%\t£24,177,117\t£29,137,612\t1.20\nManufactories\t4,245\t20.1%\t21.8%\t58.1%\t£151,520,946\t£156,382,962\t1.02\nMarkets, Marts\t40\t20.0%\t17.5%\t62.5%\t£690,559\t£784,065\t1.12\nMiscellaneous Education, Cultural, Scientific\t15\t0.0%\t26.7%\t73.3%\t£988,710\t£1,265,631\t1.19\nMiscellaneous Land Use\t15\t20.0%\t0.0%\t80.0%\t£41,477\t£58,240\t1.41\nMiscellaneous Public Service Properties\t1,142\t7.2%\t3.0%\t89.8%\t£24,006,123\t£29,343,299\t1.21\nNon Sporting Rec Facility\t2,273\t4.7%\t5.0%\t90.3%\t£32,497,935\t£39,159,291\t1.19\nNurseries and Garden Centres\t87\t42.5%\t13.8%\t43.7%\t£1,517,336\t£1,521,927\t1.00\nOffices (Includes Banks and Post Offices)\t16,626\t14.3%\t37.8%\t47.9%\t£261,018,541\t£283,203,820\t1.08\nQuarries, Sand Pits and Mines\t136\t28.7%\t4.4%\t66.9%\t£8,281,541\t£9,260,687\t1.10\nRights and Tolls\t9\t44.4%\t44.4%\t11.1%\t£30,081\t£23,565\t0.75\nSchools\t1,833\t13.2%\t0.8%\t86.0%\t£117,539,375\t£150,806,040\t1.27\nShops, Showrooms, Supermarkets\t19,944\t16.3%\t58.8%\t24.8%\t£399,574,689\t£394,143,159\t0.99\nSites and Yards\t1,113\t5.8%\t57.0%\t37.3%\t£4,763,808\t£5,812,536\t1.30\nSporting Recreational\t1,064\t35.1%\t2.7%\t62.2%\t£32,049,947\t£38,086,268\t1.19\nTelecommunications\t1,138\t70.0%\t1.0%\t29.0%\t£6,798,946\t£6,434,942\t0.96\nUtilities\t111\t19.8%\t11.7%\t68.5%\t£95,853,487\t£90,800,819\t0.95\nWarehouses, Stores, Workshops, (Non-Industrial) Garages\t13,838\t15.1%\t28.2%\t56.7%\t£153,881,817\t£159,199,719\t1.02\n\nData is from the current Valuation List and Schedule of Draft Values as at 13 December 2019.","answerHtml":"As a result of Reval 2020, the total Net Annual Value of the non-domestic Valuation List increased from £1,559 million to £1,665 million, an overall growth of 1.068 or 6.8%.
The change in total Net Annual Value and growth for each primary property class as a result of Reval 2020 is set out in Annex A.
This shows the number of rateable properties in each primary property class and the percentage of properties that have a decrease, increase, or no change in Net Annual Value.
ANNEX A
| Primary Property Class | No. Properties in Primary Class | Percentage of Properties - Decrease in NAV | Percentage of Properties - No Change in NAV | Percentage of Properties - Increase in NAV | Current Valuation List Total NAV | Draft Schedule Total NAV | Growth |
| Advertising Stations and Signs | 1,013 | 46.0% | 51.4% | 2.6% | £1,111,998 | £1,092,748 | 0.98 |
| Car Parks | 3,223 | 14.7% | 75.7% | 9.6% | £20,385,696 | £22,178,758 | 1.09 |
| Caravan Sites, Camp Sites and Holiday Chalets | 128 | 3.9% | 5.5% | 90.6% | £3,335,576 | £4,855,781 | 1.46 |
| Churches, Church Halls | 3,022 | 23.2% | 0.6% | 76.1% | £43,341,887 | £43,881,866 | 1.01 |
| Commercial Unclassified | 1,002 | 50.6% | 13.0% | 36.4% | £38,396,705 | £30,945,893 | 0.83 |
| Defence Hereditaments and Coast Guard | 33 | 3.0% | 6.1% | 90.9% | £10,875,286 | £11,205,585 | 1.03 |
| Filling Stations | 631 | 23.6% | 41.4% | 35.0% | £4,436,944 | £6,168,627 | 1.39 |
| Freight Transport (other than Public Utility | 17 | 5.9% | 76.5% | 17.6% | £2,996,647 | £3,010,789 | 1.00 |
| Hospitals, Clinics, Surgeries, Homes | 1,460 | 1.9% | 1.4% | 96.7% | £60,513,419 | £78,704,036 | 1.30 |
| Hotels Licensed | 157 | 5.1% | 19.7% | 75.2% | £17,127,320 | £23,920,230 | 1.38 |
| Hotels Unlicensed | 796 | 8.5% | 3.3% | 88.2% | £2,697,770 | £2,980,488 | 1.14 |
| Law and Order Establishments | 94 | 7.4% | 6.4% | 86.2% | £25,419,943 | 28,797,669 | 1.13 |
| Libraries | 61 | 9.8% | 27.9% | 62.3% | £4,420,920 | £5,248,456 | 1.22 |
| Licensed Premises | 1,232 | 16.5% | 23.1% | 60.5% | £24,177,117 | £29,137,612 | 1.20 |
| Manufactories | 4,245 | 20.1% | 21.8% | 58.1% | £151,520,946 | £156,382,962 | 1.02 |
| Markets, Marts | 40 | 20.0% | 17.5% | 62.5% | £690,559 | £784,065 | 1.12 |
| Miscellaneous Education, Cultural, Scientific | 15 | 0.0% | 26.7% | 73.3% | £988,710 | £1,265,631 | 1.19 |
| Miscellaneous Land Use | 15 | 20.0% | 0.0% | 80.0% | £41,477 | £58,240 | 1.41 |
| Miscellaneous Public Service Properties | 1,142 | 7.2% | 3.0% | 89.8% | £24,006,123 | £29,343,299 | 1.21 |
| Non Sporting Rec Facility | 2,273 | 4.7% | 5.0% | 90.3% | £32,497,935 | £39,159,291 | 1.19 |
| Nurseries and Garden Centres | 87 | 42.5% | 13.8% | 43.7% | £1,517,336 | £1,521,927 | 1.00 |
| Offices (Includes Banks and Post Offices) | 16,626 | 14.3% | 37.8% | 47.9% | £261,018,541 | £283,203,820 | 1.08 |
| Quarries, Sand Pits and Mines | 136 | 28.7% | 4.4% | 66.9% | £8,281,541 | £9,260,687 | 1.10 |
| Rights and Tolls | 9 | 44.4% | 44.4% | 11.1% | £30,081 | £23,565 | 0.75 |
| Schools | 1,833 | 13.2% | 0.8% | 86.0% | £117,539,375 | £150,806,040 | 1.27 |
| Shops, Showrooms, Supermarkets | 19,944 | 16.3% | 58.8% | 24.8% | £399,574,689 | £394,143,159 | 0.99 |
| Sites and Yards | 1,113 | 5.8% | 57.0% | 37.3% | £4,763,808 | £5,812,536 | 1.30 |
| Sporting Recreational | 1,064 | 35.1% | 2.7% | 62.2% | £32,049,947 | £38,086,268 | 1.19 |
| Telecommunications | 1,138 | 70.0% | 1.0% | 29.0% | £6,798,946 | £6,434,942 | 0.96 |
| Utilities | 111 | 19.8% | 11.7% | 68.5% | £95,853,487 | £90,800,819 | 0.95 |
| Warehouses, Stores, Workshops, (Non-Industrial) Garages | 13,838 | 15.1% | 28.2% | 56.7% | £153,881,817 | £159,199,719 | 1.02 |
Data is from the current Valuation List and Schedule of Draft Values as at 13 December 2019.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202226%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=295136","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=295136"}},{"id":"295135","reference":"AQW 2225/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-02-17","answerBy":"2020-03-03","answered":"2020-03-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the plans for Tillysburn Park and Ride.","answerText":"Following a consultation on the proposed Tillysburn Park & Ride scheme in 2018, a number of issues were raised in relation to the access, traffic concerns and cycling provision. A revised layout is being prepared to address these concerns so the project could be progressed through the planning process. The proposal is part of the overall traffic management strategy for the York Street interchange project and aims to remove some of the private car trips from the road network and transfer these to public transport.\n\nI have inherited severe and challenging budget constraints, but I am committed to working to find solutions that deliver better for our communities and improve lives across Northern Ireland. I am currently assessing the pressures across my department reflecting on my priorities and the commitments in \"New Decade: New Approach”.","answerHtml":"Following a consultation on the proposed Tillysburn Park & Ride scheme in 2018, a number of issues were raised in relation to the access, traffic concerns and cycling provision. A revised layout is being prepared to address these concerns so the project could be progressed through the planning process. The proposal is part of the overall traffic management strategy for the York Street interchange project and aims to remove some of the private car trips from the road network and transfer these to public transport.
I have inherited severe and challenging budget constraints, but I am committed to working to find solutions that deliver better for our communities and improve lives across Northern Ireland. I am currently assessing the pressures across my department reflecting on my priorities and the commitments in "New Decade: New Approach”.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202225%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=295135","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=295135"}},{"id":"294923","reference":"AQW 2164/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-02-14","answerBy":"2020-02-19","answered":"2020-02-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on (i) extent and nature of recent attacks upon the Translink network; and (ii) whether any data has been compromised.","answerText":"Translink has made me aware of difficulties it is experiencing with its internal IT systems. I am receiving regular updates and the incident has been reported to the PSNI. While Translink are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, bus and train services have not been affected. Translink’s website and journey planner are also not affected.\n\nInvestigations are ongoing, however, there is no evidence that any data has been compromised","answerHtml":"Translink has made me aware of difficulties it is experiencing with its internal IT systems. I am receiving regular updates and the incident has been reported to the PSNI. While Translink are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, bus and train services have not been affected. Translink’s website and journey planner are also not affected.
Investigations are ongoing, however, there is no evidence that any data has been compromised
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202164%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=294923","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=294923"}},{"id":"296426","reference":"AQO 187/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-02-13","answerBy":"2020-02-25","answered":"2020-02-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for an update on the progress on the establishment of a fiscal council as outlined in New Decade, New Approach.","answerText":"My officials are currently examining the options for establishing a Fiscal Council, what its specific terms of reference might be, and how it is appointed.","answerHtml":"My officials are currently examining the options for establishing a Fiscal Council, what its specific terms of reference might be, and how it is appointed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20187%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=296426","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=296426"}},{"id":"294466","reference":"AQW 1998/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-02-12","answerBy":"2020-02-27","answered":"2020-02-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail plans for the development of a new road safety strategy for 2021 onwards.","answerText":"As Minister responsible for promoting and improving road safety, I want to work collaboratively with partners to reduce death and serious injury on our roads.\n\nThe current Northern Ireland Road Safety Strategy expires in December 2020. The initial work to inform the way forward has commenced, although it is still at an early stage.\n\nReducing road death and serious injuries is an important aspect of improving wellbeing for all. Therefore I want to take the time to ensure my decision on how we proceed following the expiry of the current Strategy is as informed as possible.\n\nI expect to be in a position to make a decision on the current Strategy’s successor later this year.","answerHtml":"As Minister responsible for promoting and improving road safety, I want to work collaboratively with partners to reduce death and serious injury on our roads.
The current Northern Ireland Road Safety Strategy expires in December 2020. The initial work to inform the way forward has commenced, although it is still at an early stage.
Reducing road death and serious injuries is an important aspect of improving wellbeing for all. Therefore I want to take the time to ensure my decision on how we proceed following the expiry of the current Strategy is as informed as possible.
I expect to be in a position to make a decision on the current Strategy’s successor later this year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201998%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=294466","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=294466"}},{"id":"294465","reference":"AQW 1997/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-02-12","answerBy":"2020-02-27","answered":"2020-02-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure when the evaluation will take place of the pilot 20 mph zones without self-enforcing engineering measures.","answerText":"As Minister responsible for promoting and improving road safety, I want to work actively with partners to reduce death and serious injuries on our roads. I believe that reducing the maximum speed traffic can travel at on some of our roads can help.\n\nMy Department is committed to introducing measures that reduce the speed of traffic on our roads. We are currently trialling the effectiveness of ‘signed only’ 20mph limits, which could be used more widely in appropriate environments, such as residential areas with schools, than would be possible with the current approach of providing 20mph limits along with traffic calming features. I am expecting receipt of the findings of the trial in the next month or so, and I fully intend to see what potential there is, to build on the work already underway.","answerHtml":"As Minister responsible for promoting and improving road safety, I want to work actively with partners to reduce death and serious injuries on our roads. I believe that reducing the maximum speed traffic can travel at on some of our roads can help.
My Department is committed to introducing measures that reduce the speed of traffic on our roads. We are currently trialling the effectiveness of ‘signed only’ 20mph limits, which could be used more widely in appropriate environments, such as residential areas with schools, than would be possible with the current approach of providing 20mph limits along with traffic calming features. I am expecting receipt of the findings of the trial in the next month or so, and I fully intend to see what potential there is, to build on the work already underway.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201997%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=294465","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=294465"}},{"id":"294273","reference":"AQW 1919/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-02-11","answerBy":"2020-02-26","answered":"2020-02-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she intends to bring forward remote working legislation, setting out legal rights for employees to request placement at a different location or to work from home.","answerText":"The right to request flexible working was extended to all employees with qualifying service in April 2015. An application may include a request to work from home or some other location.","answerHtml":"The right to request flexible working was extended to all employees with qualifying service in April 2015. An application may include a request to work from home or some other location.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201919%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=294273","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=294273"}},{"id":"294272","reference":"AQW 1918/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-02-11","answerBy":"2020-02-26","answered":"2020-02-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for an update on his Department's Brexit preparations in line with the Northern Ireland protocol; and how many people are working on ensuring compliance with the protocol.","answerText":"An Executive sub-committee on EU Exit issues has been established and within that my Department leads on Future Policy and Finance issues. This work includes working with other departments to understand the financial implications of ensuring compliance with the Protocol. I have written to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury outlining the requirement for funding to be provided to cover the costs of managing and administering the Protocol.\n\nNo members of DoF staff are currently engaged directly on ensuring compliance with the Protocol. A number of people in my department are engaged in assisting other departments in their work on the Protocol, including the provision of staff, legal advice and budgetary cover.","answerHtml":"An Executive sub-committee on EU Exit issues has been established and within that my Department leads on Future Policy and Finance issues. This work includes working with other departments to understand the financial implications of ensuring compliance with the Protocol. I have written to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury outlining the requirement for funding to be provided to cover the costs of managing and administering the Protocol.
No members of DoF staff are currently engaged directly on ensuring compliance with the Protocol. A number of people in my department are engaged in assisting other departments in their work on the Protocol, including the provision of staff, legal advice and budgetary cover.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201918%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=294272","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=294272"}},{"id":"294271","reference":"AQW 1917/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-02-11","answerBy":"2020-02-26","answered":"2020-02-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on her Department's Brexit preparations in line with the Northern Ireland protocol; and how many people are working on ensuring compliance with the protocol.","answerText":"My Department’s Brexit preparations support the work of the Executive’s sub-committee on EU Exit Issues (of which I am a member). The sub-committee will be a key mechanism in the co-ordination of our response to the outworkings of the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Northern Ireland Protocol.\n\nThe First Minister and deputy First Minister have written to the Prime Minister to seek a meeting to discuss his Government’s commitments in the New Decade, New Approach deal, including those associated with the Protocol as well as the differing statements by the UK Government and the European Commission on the implications of the Protocol for the movement of goods from GB to NI.\n\nSpecifically, in Department for Infrastructure preparation terms, work is focused in two key areas:\n\nby identifying key Departmental issues within the wider context of Northern Ireland ‘asks’, to ensure the continued delivery of Transport, Water and Planning services and to ensure that North/South operations are underpinned by harmonised and compatible regulations and practices.\n\nand secondly by ensuring a capability to effectively contribute to Future Economic Partnership negotiations. My officials are engaging with Whitehall counterparts and are working as part of a cross departmental team to influence negotiations by ensuring the NI implications are strongly articulated.\n\nPresently, there are 19 people across my Department spending between 50% and 100% of their time on this work.","answerHtml":"My Department’s Brexit preparations support the work of the Executive’s sub-committee on EU Exit Issues (of which I am a member). The sub-committee will be a key mechanism in the co-ordination of our response to the outworkings of the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Northern Ireland Protocol.
The First Minister and deputy First Minister have written to the Prime Minister to seek a meeting to discuss his Government’s commitments in the New Decade, New Approach deal, including those associated with the Protocol as well as the differing statements by the UK Government and the European Commission on the implications of the Protocol for the movement of goods from GB to NI.
Specifically, in Department for Infrastructure preparation terms, work is focused in two key areas:
by identifying key Departmental issues within the wider context of Northern Ireland ‘asks’, to ensure the continued delivery of Transport, Water and Planning services and to ensure that North/South operations are underpinned by harmonised and compatible regulations and practices.
and secondly by ensuring a capability to effectively contribute to Future Economic Partnership negotiations. My officials are engaging with Whitehall counterparts and are working as part of a cross departmental team to influence negotiations by ensuring the NI implications are strongly articulated.
Presently, there are 19 people across my Department spending between 50% and 100% of their time on this work.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201917%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=294271","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=294271"}},{"id":"294122","reference":"AQW 1850/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-02-10","answerBy":"2020-02-13","answered":"2020-02-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) the extent and nature of the Just Park data breach reported on 07 February 2020; and (ii) what steps are being taken to rectify problems with Just Park.","answerText":"On 7 February 2020, JustPark was made aware of a data incident, where a Corporate Account client had been given elevated permission to their back office systems. The client used this elevated permission, which had been granted in error, to access data in respect of a number of parking sessions in a Belfast car park and for one other location outside Northern Ireland. No bank account information could be viewed and no data was released into the wider public domain. JustPark notified the Information Commissioner’s Office of this issue and after completing a pre report questionnaire, they were advised that a report was not required.\n\nJustpark removed the elevated permission as soon as they identified the source of the problem and have put in place additional controls to prevent a repetition. My Department’s officials are in daily contact via conference calls with our parking enforcement service provider (NSL) and their sub-contractor, (JustPark), to monitor the service and deal with any issues raised relating to the JustPark app or the service provided to customers, and to ensure they are resolved quickly. I have asked for an urgent report on the incident and a review of the contract in place with JustPark to ensure that its terms and conditions are rigorously enforced.","answerHtml":"On 7 February 2020, JustPark was made aware of a data incident, where a Corporate Account client had been given elevated permission to their back office systems. The client used this elevated permission, which had been granted in error, to access data in respect of a number of parking sessions in a Belfast car park and for one other location outside Northern Ireland. No bank account information could be viewed and no data was released into the wider public domain. JustPark notified the Information Commissioner’s Office of this issue and after completing a pre report questionnaire, they were advised that a report was not required.
Justpark removed the elevated permission as soon as they identified the source of the problem and have put in place additional controls to prevent a repetition. My Department’s officials are in daily contact via conference calls with our parking enforcement service provider (NSL) and their sub-contractor, (JustPark), to monitor the service and deal with any issues raised relating to the JustPark app or the service provided to customers, and to ensure they are resolved quickly. I have asked for an urgent report on the incident and a review of the contract in place with JustPark to ensure that its terms and conditions are rigorously enforced.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201850%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=294122","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=294122"}},{"id":"294121","reference":"AQW 1849/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-02-10","answerBy":"2020-02-25","answered":"2020-02-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the number of key fobs registered for use at each of the Translink secure cycle shelters.","answerText":"Since 19 December 2017 Translink have sold 145 key fobs. The registered fobs can be programmed to unlock single sites or more than one site up to all 9 sites. The table below identifies the number of fobs registered for use at each site:\n\nSite\tNumber of Registered fobs\nLisburn\t46\nLanyon\t25\nHolywood\t22\nPortadown\t8\nHolywood Arches\t4\nUlster Hospital\t1\nDundonald P&R\t1\nCarrickfergus\t1\nColin Connect\t0\nMulti-Sites\t37\nTotal\t145","answerHtml":"Since 19 December 2017 Translink have sold 145 key fobs. The registered fobs can be programmed to unlock single sites or more than one site up to all 9 sites. The table below identifies the number of fobs registered for use at each site:
| Site | Number of Registered fobs |
| Lisburn | 46 |
| Lanyon | 25 |
| Holywood | 22 |
| Portadown | 8 |
| Holywood Arches | 4 |
| Ulster Hospital | 1 |
| Dundonald P&R | 1 |
| Carrickfergus | 1 |
| Colin Connect | 0 |
| Multi-Sites | 37 |
| Total | 145 |
European funding of the project requires the Hub to be fully operational by 31st December 2020. Phase 1 of the project was completed in October 2019 with the opening of the old Waterside Railway Station. The second phase, which will see the opening of the sustainable travel centre, park and ride facilities and bus drop off facilities remains ahead of this schedule with completion due in the summer of this year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201848%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=294120","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=294120"}},{"id":"293962","reference":"AQW 1775/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-02-07","answerBy":"2020-02-24","answered":"2020-02-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail potential annual recurring costs associated with moving Half Fare SmartPass to full fare concession.","answerText":"The potential annual recurring costs associated with moving half fare SmartPass to full fare concession based on existing levels of usage are in excess of £1 million, which would take the full cost of the Northern Ireland Concessionary Fares Scheme to the region of £52 million per annum. The calculation of additional cost is caveated as this figure can be affected by a number of factors including the number of people who hold a half fare SmartPass and their pattern of usage; the rate of reimbursement to the service provider and public transport fare increases. It is highly likely that the recurring additional costs would be significantly higher than £1million based on the experience of Gilder where the result of introducing free travel for half fare SmartPass holders has been a substantial increase in patronage by half fare SmartPass holders.","answerHtml":"The potential annual recurring costs associated with moving half fare SmartPass to full fare concession based on existing levels of usage are in excess of £1 million, which would take the full cost of the Northern Ireland Concessionary Fares Scheme to the region of £52 million per annum. The calculation of additional cost is caveated as this figure can be affected by a number of factors including the number of people who hold a half fare SmartPass and their pattern of usage; the rate of reimbursement to the service provider and public transport fare increases. It is highly likely that the recurring additional costs would be significantly higher than £1million based on the experience of Gilder where the result of introducing free travel for half fare SmartPass holders has been a substantial increase in patronage by half fare SmartPass holders.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201775%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=293962","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=293962"}},{"id":"293638","reference":"AQW 1692/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-02-06","answerBy":"2020-02-11","answered":"2020-02-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities for her assessment of the financial and governance situation at Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.","answerText":"I am aware of the financial position of Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council and my officials have met with the Chief Executive of Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council regarding the Council’s current financial and governance situation.\n\nAs a result of these meetings, I wrote to both the Mayor and the Chief Executive of Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council on 7 February 2020 directing the Council, under section 104 of the Local Government Act (NI) 2014, to supply my Department with:\n\ndetailed information on the Council’s current financial position;\n\na proposed Recovery Plan; and\n\ninformation on how, and the timescales within which, the Council intends to address the issues raised by the NI Audit Office in both the Report To Those Charged With Governance and the Improvement Assessment.","answerHtml":"I am aware of the financial position of Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council and my officials have met with the Chief Executive of Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council regarding the Council’s current financial and governance situation.
As a result of these meetings, I wrote to both the Mayor and the Chief Executive of Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council on 7 February 2020 directing the Council, under section 104 of the Local Government Act (NI) 2014, to supply my Department with:
detailed information on the Council’s current financial position;
a proposed Recovery Plan; and
information on how, and the timescales within which, the Council intends to address the issues raised by the NI Audit Office in both the Report To Those Charged With Governance and the Improvement Assessment.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201692%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=293638","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=293638"}},{"id":"293637","reference":"AQW 1691/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-02-06","answerBy":"2020-02-21","answered":"2020-02-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail the powers held by her Department to intervene and remedy governance or financial management issues identified within district councils.","answerText":"The Department has a number of powers of intervention which are summarised in the following table:\n\nThe Local Government Act (NI) 2014\nSection 100\tWhere the Department is satisfied that the council is failing or likely to fail with the requirements of Performance Improvement, the Department may direct a council to-\nprepare or amend an improvement plan or to follow specified procedures in relation to such a plan;\ncarry out a review of its exercise of specified functions;\nenter into specified arrangements with another council;\nset specified improvement objectives for itself under section 85.\nAny Department may direct a council to take any action it considers necessary to secure the council’s compliance with the requirements of Performance Improvement.\nWhere this section applies, any Department may direct-\nthat a specified function of a council must be exercised by that Department; and\nthe council must comply with any instructions of that Department in relation to the exercise of that function and must provide assistance as required by that Department.\nSection 104\tAny Department may direct a council to make a report or return or supply specific information with respect to the exercise of the council’s functions.\nSection 105\tAny Department may cause such local and other inquiries to be held along with such investigations it sees fit in connection with the administration of any statutory provision relating to the functions of a council/committee/sub-committee.\nSection 106\tAny Department may, after an inquiry or investigation has been completed and the Department is satisfied that the council has failed to discharge any if its functions, make an order that the council is in default and direct a council to take action, within a specified period.\nIf the direction is not complied with the Department may under an order empower an officer of the Department to exercise or procure the exercise of, the function in question.\nThe Department must pay the expenses of an officer but these must be re-paid by the council.\nSection 107\tIf any Northern Ireland department considers that any action proposed to be taken by a council would be incompatible with any international obligations, that department may direct that the proposed action must not be taken.\nIf any Northern Ireland department considers that any action capable of being taken by a council is required for the purpose of giving effect to any international obligations, that department may direct that the action shall be taken.\nA direction under this section must give the reasons for making the direction and may make provision having retrospective effect\nThe Local Government (NI) Order 2005\nArticle 22\tThe Department may at any time direct the local government auditor to hold an extraordinary audit of the accounts of a local government body and that an extraordinary audit may be held after 3 days’ notice in writing given to the body whose accounts are to be audited.\nArticle 26\tThe Local Government Auditor shall, if required by the Department or the chief local government auditor, undertake comparative and other studies designed to enable them to make recommendations for improving economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the provision of services by councils","answerHtml":"The Department has a number of powers of intervention which are summarised in the following table:
| The Local Government Act (NI) 2014 | |
| Section 100 | Where the Department is satisfied that the council is failing or likely to fail with the requirements of Performance Improvement, the Department may direct a council to- prepare or amend an improvement plan or to follow specified procedures in relation to such a plan; carry out a review of its exercise of specified functions; enter into specified arrangements with another council; set specified improvement objectives for itself under section 85. Any Department may direct a council to take any action it considers necessary to secure the council’s compliance with the requirements of Performance Improvement. Where this section applies, any Department may direct- that a specified function of a council must be exercised by that Department; and the council must comply with any instructions of that Department in relation to the exercise of that function and must provide assistance as required by that Department. |
| Section 104 | Any Department may direct a council to make a report or return or supply specific information with respect to the exercise of the council’s functions. |
| Section 105 | Any Department may cause such local and other inquiries to be held along with such investigations it sees fit in connection with the administration of any statutory provision relating to the functions of a council/committee/sub-committee. |
| Section 106 | Any Department may, after an inquiry or investigation has been completed and the Department is satisfied that the council has failed to discharge any if its functions, make an order that the council is in default and direct a council to take action, within a specified period. If the direction is not complied with the Department may under an order empower an officer of the Department to exercise or procure the exercise of, the function in question. The Department must pay the expenses of an officer but these must be re-paid by the council. |
| Section 107 | If any Northern Ireland department considers that any action proposed to be taken by a council would be incompatible with any international obligations, that department may direct that the proposed action must not be taken. If any Northern Ireland department considers that any action capable of being taken by a council is required for the purpose of giving effect to any international obligations, that department may direct that the action shall be taken. A direction under this section must give the reasons for making the direction and may make provision having retrospective effect |
| The Local Government (NI) Order 2005 | |
| Article 22 | The Department may at any time direct the local government auditor to hold an extraordinary audit of the accounts of a local government body and that an extraordinary audit may be held after 3 days’ notice in writing given to the body whose accounts are to be audited. |
| Article 26 | The Local Government Auditor shall, if required by the Department or the chief local government auditor, undertake comparative and other studies designed to enable them to make recommendations for improving economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the provision of services by councils |
District councils are separate legal entities and are statutorily responsible for setting the non-domestic and the domestic district rate for their district council area by 15 February each year.
However, as the setting of the district rates is a statutory function of councils, if the Department was concerned about any aspect of this process the Department could, under Part 14 of the Local Government Act (NI) 2014, sections 104 to 107, direct a council to make a report and return, and give the Department such information with respect to the exercise of the council’s functions as may be specified in the direction. The Department may also request an inquiry to be held or an investigation to be carried out under the above legislation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201690%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=293636","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=293636"}},{"id":"293635","reference":"AQW 1689/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-02-06","answerBy":"2020-02-21","answered":"2020-02-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities how her Department ensures ongoing good governance and financial management by district councils.","answerText":"Councils are separate legal entities and as such are responsible for their own administration. My Department has responsibility for the following legislation which sets the governance and accountability framework in which councils operate:\n\nthe Local Government (NI) Order 2005 and the Local Government (Accounts and Audit) Regulations (NI) 2015 set out the requirements placed on councils in relation to their keeping of accounts, the provisions in relation to the audit of those accounts and the powers of my Department and the Local Government Auditor in relation to the accounts;\n\nthe Local Government Finance Act (NI) 2011 provides for the financial administration of councils and places a duty on a council to make arrangements for the proper administration of its financial affairs; and\n\nthe Local Government Act (NI) 2014 makes provision for:\n\nthe democratic governance arrangements including the allocation of positions of responsibility and committee places across the political parties and independents represented on a council,\n\nthe making of arrangements for the discharging of council functions,\n\nthe permitted forms of governance and decision-making arrangements to provide for fair, transparent and efficient decision-making,\n\narrangements for the regulation of the proceedings and business of a council,\n\nopenness and transparency arrangements including access to meetings and documents,\n\nthe ethical standards framework, including the mandatory Code of Conduct for councillors, associated investigation, adjudication and appeals mechanisms and the role of the Local Government Commissioner for Standards,\n\nthe Performance Improvement framework to support the continuous improvement in the delivery of council services, and\n\nthe general intervention powers available to all Departments.\n\nPart 12 of the Local Government Act (NI) 2014 provides a performance improvement framework for councils which includes a duty for councils to make arrangements to secure continuous improvement in the exercise of its functions. Statutory guidance issued by my Department clarifies this as “a Council must have in place arrangements that assess the effectiveness of its functions and services, including clear and appropriate arrangements for political and managerial scrutiny and accountability.”\n\nPart 12 also includes the provisions in relation to the NI Audit Office audit to determine whether a council has discharged its duties under Part 12 and also assess whether a council is likely to comply with the requirements of this Part.\n\nMy Department receives a copy of each council’s audit report and will discuss any issues with the council concerned. As part of ongoing collaboration my Department meets with local government and the NI Audit Office on a regular basis to discuss performance improvement and any issues that may arise.\n\nMy officials also hold quarterly meetings with all Council Finance Officers, NI Audit Office and a representative from the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE NI) to discuss financial, audit and governance issues.","answerHtml":"Councils are separate legal entities and as such are responsible for their own administration. My Department has responsibility for the following legislation which sets the governance and accountability framework in which councils operate:
the Local Government (NI) Order 2005 and the Local Government (Accounts and Audit) Regulations (NI) 2015 set out the requirements placed on councils in relation to their keeping of accounts, the provisions in relation to the audit of those accounts and the powers of my Department and the Local Government Auditor in relation to the accounts;
the Local Government Finance Act (NI) 2011 provides for the financial administration of councils and places a duty on a council to make arrangements for the proper administration of its financial affairs; and
the Local Government Act (NI) 2014 makes provision for:
the democratic governance arrangements including the allocation of positions of responsibility and committee places across the political parties and independents represented on a council,
the making of arrangements for the discharging of council functions,
the permitted forms of governance and decision-making arrangements to provide for fair, transparent and efficient decision-making,
arrangements for the regulation of the proceedings and business of a council,
openness and transparency arrangements including access to meetings and documents,
the ethical standards framework, including the mandatory Code of Conduct for councillors, associated investigation, adjudication and appeals mechanisms and the role of the Local Government Commissioner for Standards,
the Performance Improvement framework to support the continuous improvement in the delivery of council services, and
the general intervention powers available to all Departments.
Part 12 of the Local Government Act (NI) 2014 provides a performance improvement framework for councils which includes a duty for councils to make arrangements to secure continuous improvement in the exercise of its functions. Statutory guidance issued by my Department clarifies this as “a Council must have in place arrangements that assess the effectiveness of its functions and services, including clear and appropriate arrangements for political and managerial scrutiny and accountability.”
Part 12 also includes the provisions in relation to the NI Audit Office audit to determine whether a council has discharged its duties under Part 12 and also assess whether a council is likely to comply with the requirements of this Part.
My Department receives a copy of each council’s audit report and will discuss any issues with the council concerned. As part of ongoing collaboration my Department meets with local government and the NI Audit Office on a regular basis to discuss performance improvement and any issues that may arise.
My officials also hold quarterly meetings with all Council Finance Officers, NI Audit Office and a representative from the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE NI) to discuss financial, audit and governance issues.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201689%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=293635","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=293635"}},{"id":"293634","reference":"AQW 1688/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-02-06","answerBy":"2020-02-21","answered":"2020-02-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail the current General Fund balances as a percentage of operating expenditure for each district council.","answerText":"The requested figures have been extracted from the 2018-19 certified accounts for each district council and are shown in the table below:\n\n2018-19 Certified Accounts Figures\nCouncil\tGeneral Fund\n£’000\tOperating Expenditure\n£’000\tGeneral Fund as Percentage of Operating Expenditure\nAntrim & Newtownabbey\t7,341\t55,271\t13.3%\nArds & North Down\t3,422\t70,255\t4.9%\nArmagh, Banbridge & Craigavon\t19,798\t85,555\t23.1%\nBelfast City Council\t25,797\t181,081\t14.3%\nCauseway Coast & Glens\t3,672\t60,818\t6.2%\nDerry & Strabane\t5,119\t71,453\t7.2%\nFermanagh & Omagh\t3,502\t43,992\t8.0%\nLisburn & Castlereagh City Council\t18,776\t56,758\t33.1%\nMid & East Antrim Council\t4,201\t68,278\t6.2%\nMid Ulster Council\t5,030\t46,961\t10.7%\nNewry Mourne & Down\t11,870\t74,099\t16.0%","answerHtml":"The requested figures have been extracted from the 2018-19 certified accounts for each district council and are shown in the table below:
| 2018-19 Certified Accounts Figures | |||
| Council | General Fund £’000 | Operating Expenditure £’000 | General Fund as Percentage of Operating Expenditure |
| Antrim & Newtownabbey | 7,341 | 55,271 | 13.3% |
| Ards & North Down | 3,422 | 70,255 | 4.9% |
| Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon | 19,798 | 85,555 | 23.1% |
| Belfast City Council | 25,797 | 181,081 | 14.3% |
| Causeway Coast & Glens | 3,672 | 60,818 | 6.2% |
| Derry & Strabane | 5,119 | 71,453 | 7.2% |
| Fermanagh & Omagh | 3,502 | 43,992 | 8.0% |
| Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council | 18,776 | 56,758 | 33.1% |
| Mid & East Antrim Council | 4,201 | 68,278 | 6.2% |
| Mid Ulster Council | 5,030 | 46,961 | 10.7% |
| Newry Mourne & Down | 11,870 | 74,099 | 16.0% |
A consultation on ‘A Fundamental Review of Social Housing Allocations’ ran from September to December 2017.
This was the culmination of a Department-led review to examine the Housing Selection Scheme.
During previous phases of the Review, stakeholders commented that they valued aspects of the current Scheme, including the principle of universal access and that allocations should prioritise applicants in greatest need.
However some stakeholders also raised concerns, saying, for example, that applicants with intimidation points are given too much priority over other applicants who have received threats of violence or experienced violence, such as victims of domestic abuse.
Taken together, the proposals contained in the consultation document are intended to produce five key outcomes:
A greater range of solutions to meet housing need;
An improved system for the most vulnerable applicants;
A more accurate waiting list that reflects current housing circumstances;
Those in greatest housing need receive priority, with recognition of their time in need; and
Better use of public resources by ensuring the waiting list moves smoothly.
While improvements to the allocations system cannot physically deliver more social homes, they can ensure we make the best use of our existing resources.
Analysis of stakeholder feedback has been completed by my Departmental officials.
I will be considering the Review, options and next steps in the coming weeks.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20160%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=295404","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=295404"}},{"id":"293061","reference":"AQW 1452/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-02-03","answerBy":"2020-02-18","answered":"2020-02-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance, in light of the commitment given in New Decade, New Approach, to detail his plan to address the costs associated with delivering public services in a divided society.","answerText":"The New Decade, New Approach document acknowledges the significant challenge that arises in seeking to tackle the financial burden associated with delivering public services in a divided society.\n\nAs set out in the document, I would expect that, in developing new policies and, over time, in reviewing existing ones, the Executive will take steps to eliminate all such costs. In the first instance it will be for individual Ministers to ensure that the services they provide are appropriate and cost effective.\n\nThe enhanced strategic focus, highlighted in the document, within the Programme for Government on ending sectarianism will ultimately reduce the costs of division.\n\nMy officials are currently costing the delivery of the priorities identified in the New Decade, New Approach document. When this work is completed there will be further discussion with the Treasury around an appropriate financial package.","answerHtml":"The New Decade, New Approach document acknowledges the significant challenge that arises in seeking to tackle the financial burden associated with delivering public services in a divided society.
As set out in the document, I would expect that, in developing new policies and, over time, in reviewing existing ones, the Executive will take steps to eliminate all such costs. In the first instance it will be for individual Ministers to ensure that the services they provide are appropriate and cost effective.
The enhanced strategic focus, highlighted in the document, within the Programme for Government on ending sectarianism will ultimately reduce the costs of division.
My officials are currently costing the delivery of the priorities identified in the New Decade, New Approach document. When this work is completed there will be further discussion with the Treasury around an appropriate financial package.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201452%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=293061","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=293061"}},{"id":"292711","reference":"AQW 1278/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-01-30","answerBy":"2020-02-14","answered":"2020-02-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) the legal requirements; and (ii) the policy concerning features and levels of provision required for service areas and other roadside facilities on motorways.","answerText":"The Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993 contains the power for the provision of service areas on our motorways. The three motorway service areas provided to date were led by developers from the private sector and these schemes, including the features and levels of provision proposed, were considered on their merits through the usual planning process.\n\nThe slip roads into and out of the services were designed using the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges and these roads were designated and constructed as part of the motorway, under the powers of Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993.","answerHtml":"The Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993 contains the power for the provision of service areas on our motorways. The three motorway service areas provided to date were led by developers from the private sector and these schemes, including the features and levels of provision proposed, were considered on their merits through the usual planning process.
The slip roads into and out of the services were designed using the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges and these roads were designated and constructed as part of the motorway, under the powers of Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201278%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=292711","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=292711"}},{"id":"292710","reference":"AQW 1277/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-01-30","answerBy":"2020-02-14","answered":"2020-02-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether she plans to revise licensing legislation to enable local producers of beer, cider and spirits to sell their products directly to the public; and, if so, when the legislation will be brought forward.","answerText":"The reform of licensing laws is an Executive priority under the New Decade, New Approach Deal, and is one that I am keen to move forward as soon as possible.\n\nI am currently considering a draft outcome report on the Department’s recent consultation on liquor licensing laws, which includes a number of representations from local producers of beer, cider and spirits. I will announce how I intend to proceed in due course.","answerHtml":"The reform of licensing laws is an Executive priority under the New Decade, New Approach Deal, and is one that I am keen to move forward as soon as possible.
I am currently considering a draft outcome report on the Department’s recent consultation on liquor licensing laws, which includes a number of representations from local producers of beer, cider and spirits. I will announce how I intend to proceed in due course.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201277%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=292710","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=292710"}},{"id":"292709","reference":"AQW 1276/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-01-30","answerBy":"2020-02-14","answered":"2020-02-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will extend the existing MOT exemption for motor vehicles first registered prior to 1960 to cover all Vehicles of Historic Interest, similar to what is already in place in Great Britain","answerText":"I am aware that this exemption was introduced in Great Britain in 2018 which has led to a difference as to how Vehicles of Historic Interest (VHIs) are treated in GB and NI.\n\nI am also aware that following interest from both elected representatives and members of the public that my Department ran a public consultation exercise in 2019 seeking views as to whether this exemption should be considered here.\n\nThis is an issue that I wish to examine carefully, and I will consider the consultation responses before I decide how best to proceed.","answerHtml":"I am aware that this exemption was introduced in Great Britain in 2018 which has led to a difference as to how Vehicles of Historic Interest (VHIs) are treated in GB and NI.
I am also aware that following interest from both elected representatives and members of the public that my Department ran a public consultation exercise in 2019 seeking views as to whether this exemption should be considered here.
This is an issue that I wish to examine carefully, and I will consider the consultation responses before I decide how best to proceed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201276%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=292709","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=292709"}},{"id":"292773","reference":"AQO 98/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-01-30","answerBy":"2020-02-10","answered":"2020-02-10","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for her assurance that illegally erected flags and emblems will no longer be displayed from departmental property.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Ms Mallon (The Minister for Infrastructure)","text":"I thank the Member for the question. I am aware of the problem of the erection of illegal flags and emblems on street furniture. It is a persistent problem and one that needs to be dealt with in a comprehensive manner. The flying of flags and the attachment of emblems to departmental street lighting columns is an offence under the Roads Order 1993, and my Department has the power to remove them from its property. One of my Department’s primary considerations is the safety of the public, and where unauthorised flags or attachments pose a hazard to road users, my Department will always seek to remove that danger. While recognising my Department's responsibility, the reality is that if we as a society are to find a sustainable and lasting solution to the problem of illegal flags and emblems, we must all step up, as Ministers, as a united Executive, as leaders and members of all parties in the Assembly, with councils, landowners and agencies, including the Housing Executive and PSNI, and, importantly, with and in support of communities. I understand this is an area being explored — with a view to finding consensus — by the Commission on Flags, Identity, Culture and Tradition, set up as part of the Fresh Start Agreement, with a report due to the First Minister and deputy First Minister. I also note the commitments to accommodating and respecting identities and cultures in the New Decade, New Approach agreement. It is long past time that we got to grips with this issue and the issues that lie beneath it. I assure the Member that I am committed to working with Executive colleagues and everyone required so that we can deal with the issue in a comprehensive and lasting way."},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"I welcome the Minister to her role. As a fellow park runner, I know she will succeed. I thank her for her response. Does she agree that the erection of flags and emblems can be used to mark out territory? What is the status of the flags protocol that is in place? How is that being implemented?"},{"speaker":"Ms Mallon","text":"Yes, I agree that flags can be used to mark out territory. As I said in my response, it is a problem that persists and that we need to comprehensively try to deal with. I believe that the answer to taking the issue forward lies in the commission and that we really need to find a political consensus and show leadership at all levels to try to achieve that. I am committed to doing that in my Department, but I am realistic. I understand the nature of the problem, so I also understand that, if we are to genuinely deal with it, we must all work together."},{"speaker":"Mr Storey","text":"I welcome the Minister to her post and wish her well. Unfortunately, for many years in my constituency in the village of Rasharkin, illegal signs have been put up on top of directional signs. That is intimidating. They have been put up in support of republican prisoners, and, repeatedly, the police and your Department have failed to address the issue. When will you allow the Protestant minority in the village of Rasharkin to live free from the intimidation caused by that type of activity?"},{"speaker":"Ms Mallon","text":"I thank the Member for his question. I firmly believe that everyone should live free from intimidation. I do not see this as an issue of one side or the other. I accept that my Department has a role to play. It is clear that, under article 87 of the Roads Order, it is an offence to fix certain attachments to the surface of a road, tree, structure or other works in or on a road. It is that legislation that my Department seeks to rely on. I want to work with the PSNI; I want to work with communities; I want to work with every single Member in the House, because that is the only way that we are going to genuinely tackle this issue in a sustainable and lasting way."},{"speaker":"Ms Ní Chuilín","text":"I, too, welcome the Minister to her first Question Time and wish her well. The Department has been working on revised guidance to staff around this issue for some time. Will she ensure that robust measures are taken through legislation to deal with illegally erected flags? I am sure that she will agree that everyone, regardless of who they are or where they live, has to live free from sectarian harassment."},{"speaker":"Ms Mallon","text":"I absolutely agree with the Member. I have asked for a detailed submission on the guidelines. As I have said consistently in answering the questions, we need to deal with this robustly, but we need to do it in a way that tackles the underlying issues as well. It is not just a simple issue of erecting an illegal flag or a banner on a lamp post or a bit of street furniture. We need to get to grips with the underlying issues. We all need to show leadership, and that means that we should be as vociferously opposed to illegal paramilitary flags representing loyalist paramilitaries going up as we should be for issues to do with dissident republicans. We need to approach this in a very equal way. I want to work with everyone in the House, and I want to play my part in tackling the issue."},{"speaker":"Mr Allister","text":"I agree with Mr Storey's comments to the Minister and I trust that she will take them on board. In respect of her Department, we not only have the issue of flags but the issue of permanent structures on departmental lands and those of arm's-length bodies in the form of memorials glorifying terrorism. What action is being taken in that regard? A predecessor of hers told me that there were 34 such memorials in place. Has any action been taken, and does she agree that until we get to zero tolerance of the physical force tradition, then we are going round in circles on this matter?"},{"speaker":"Ms Mallon","text":"I thank the Member for his question. If he has details of any structures that are on DFI land, I will be happy to look at them. Yes, we should have a zero tolerance approach, but we should do so universally. We should not accept signs or structures in some places while not accepting them in others. I look forward to working with the Member and with others as we take that universal zero tolerance approach."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%2098%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=292773","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2020-02-10&docID=293242#AQO%2098/17-22","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=292773"}},{"id":"292746","reference":"AQO 71/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-01-30","answerBy":"2020-02-10","answered":"2020-02-10","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether a transitional relief scheme will be put in place before non-domestic rates bills are issued for the financial year 2020-21.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Murphy","text":"Frequent revaluations are in line with policy directions already set by the last two Finance Ministers. Also, business organisations have long called for frequent and regular revaluations. At the last revaluation, in 2015, transitional relief was not considered necessary, even after a period of 12 years, so it would be difficult to justify it now after just five years. The transitional relief scheme that operates in Britain delays the decreased liability for those whose bills go down, as well as the increased liability for those whose bills go up. Any scheme which only worked in one way, suppressing any increases, would be very difficult to justify financially, not least alongside the very many other competing priorities facing the Executive. Therefore, I have no plans to implement a transitional relief scheme for 2020-21."},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"The Minister will be aware of the impact of Reval 2020, particularly on the hospitality sector. I ask the Minister to outline what other measures he is considering to assist those businesses? The rises that have been effected to some organisations could result in closure. It is important that the Minister outlines what measures are being considered to assist the businesses affected by this."},{"speaker":"Mr Murphy","text":"I am aware that any reval will throw up people who are satisfied. I think some 75% of retail properties will see no change or a decrease in valuation. Obviously, those who see an increase, particularly those in the hospitality sector, have an opportunity to challenge and make an appeal to Land and Property Services (LPS). There is also a factor, particularly in relation to the hospitality sector, where there is a need for information sharing with LPS about turnover. I appeal to people in the hospitality sector to do that as quickly as they can, because it allows a more accurate assessment of their rates liability. Generally, there are small business rate relief schemes for businesses, but I understand that businesses are struggling. The economic circumstances are not good, and that is why there was a significant consultation undertaken last autumn. The results are being analysed by me and my Department, and we will make decisions and bring those to the Executive in the coming time."},{"speaker":"Mr Frew","text":"Yes, it is correct that we should do revaluations more often to allow businesses to change in a smaller way. Given the fact that some in my constituency could well see rate increases of 600%, is it too soon to roll out a transitional relief scheme? Could it be used in order to remove the shock and trauma that businesses will face if they experience increases like that?"},{"speaker":"Mr Murphy","text":"Again, I am not aware of the specifics that the Member mentions. I will say that there are significantly more businesses that have either no change or a reduction than have an increase. Now, if there are people who have substantial increases, they should engage with LPS. If it is people in the hospitality sector, there are agreed methodologies that use evidence from receipts and expenditure in order to come to a fair assessment of rental value. It is the rental value that is used for the rates bill. I appeal to people who are suffering as you have outlined to engage with LPS. We have conducted a review and consultation. It was an extensive consultation, and it was well responded to. That has given us much information to allow us to make an assessment. However, businesses that are suffering what they consider to be a very substantial increase need to engage with LPS to see how that can be worked through."},{"speaker":"Mr Catney","text":"The hospitality trade can be fickle, and those who find themselves invested in their premises will find themselves much levied upon. I agree with what Mr Frew said about increases in the sector. There must be a fairer methodology available to look at the rates, Minister. I, for one, am not sure that the current rating system is fit for purpose. I hope that the Minister will agree with me and look at ways in which to change it to make it fairer."},{"speaker":"Mr Murphy","text":"There are standard methodologies for assessing rental values for properties. There are different valuations for some in the hospitality sector, and, as I said, people can use evidence of receipts and expenditure to come to a fairer assessment. There has been a fairly low uptake in providing that type of information to LPS. I understand that people in the hospitality sector have good and bad times. They have quiet periods of the year and, like all businesses, are struggling. I encourage those who face particular pressures to engage, with the full information required, in order to get the fairest possible assessment of their rate liability."},{"speaker":"Mr Nesbitt","text":"Given that the draft Programme for Government targets the promotion of \"longer, healthier, more active lives\", notwithstanding rates relief in the sports sector, how do you square that with NAV increases of 30% to 40%? Belfast Indoor Bowls Club has gone up 30·35%; Banbridge Rugby Football Club has increased by 42·16%; and, perhaps, close to the Minister's heart, the Athletics Grounds in Armagh has a 21·75% NAV increase."},{"speaker":"Mr Murphy","text":"I understand entirely. As a visitor to the Athletics Grounds, I get asked about those matters. Properties such as sports clubs are rarely rented, so an indirect approach has to be found to establish a rental value. There is a substantial sports rate relief programme. Any part of an overall facility that is used solely for sport can get up to 80% relief, which means only 20% of the rates bill is being paid. If there is a social club or another use with a more commercial outlook, the facility is subject to full rates. I get it. We want to encourage more people to be active, but, where they use premises or facilities purely for sports, they are entitled to substantial rate relief."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%2071%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=292746","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2020-02-10&docID=293242#AQO%2071/17-22","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=292746"}},{"id":"292551","reference":"AQW 1196/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-01-29","answerBy":"2020-02-03","answered":"2020-02-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether consideration has been given to exploring the use of Ireland’s National Car Testing Service in border areas to carry out MOTs for cars and light vehicles.","answerText":"In line with Directive 2014/45, a vehicle can only be tested in another Member State for the purposes of re-registering that vehicle in that Member State.","answerHtml":"In line with Directive 2014/45, a vehicle can only be tested in another Member State for the purposes of re-registering that vehicle in that Member State.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201196%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=292551","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=292551"}},{"id":"292364","reference":"AQW 1136/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-01-28","answerBy":"2020-01-31","answered":"2020-02-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) the number of parking charge notices issued in error; and (ii) the number of incorrect bills issued, as a result of problems with the JustPark app.","answerText":"JustPark has processed over 85,000 successful transactions through its app since going live. Of the customers who experienced problems with the app, 23 were issued with a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) in error and all of those PCNs have been cancelled by my Department. A further 286 parking sessions, covering 261 customers, resulted in 169 cases being invoiced incorrectly however JustPark has assured us that all customers’ accounts have been credited. JustPark has also apologised to affected customers and publicly for its mistakes. While I understand that initial teething problems can and do occur when new contracts take effect, my senior officials have made clear to the company that the Department will not tolerate any further errors and I have also asked for a full and urgent report from the company.","answerHtml":"JustPark has processed over 85,000 successful transactions through its app since going live. Of the customers who experienced problems with the app, 23 were issued with a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) in error and all of those PCNs have been cancelled by my Department. A further 286 parking sessions, covering 261 customers, resulted in 169 cases being invoiced incorrectly however JustPark has assured us that all customers’ accounts have been credited. JustPark has also apologised to affected customers and publicly for its mistakes. While I understand that initial teething problems can and do occur when new contracts take effect, my senior officials have made clear to the company that the Department will not tolerate any further errors and I have also asked for a full and urgent report from the company.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201136%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=292364","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=292364"}},{"id":"291860","reference":"AQW 904/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-01-23","answerBy":"2020-01-28","answered":"2020-01-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on (i) faults identified on car lifts at Armagh Vehicle Test Centre; (ii) the number of appointments cancelled at vehicle test centres as a result of similar faults; and (iii) her assessment on the impact on customers obtaining an MOT appointment.","answerText":"The health and safety of all staff and customers visiting MOT centres is my first priority. In ensuring their safety, there has been disruption to services and inconvenience caused to customers due to a fault identified with vehicle lifts in MOT centres, including the Armagh test centre.\n\nThis situation has led to around 10,680 tests being cancelled across the network of 15 test centres from Tuesday 21 to Tuesday 28 January. During this period, DVA has continued to conduct over 17,000 vehicle tests.\n\nI am very mindful of the impact this disruption is having on the public and their working and daily lives. On Friday 24 January, I instructed the DVA to begin issuing Temporary Exemption Certificates (TECs) as soon as practically possible. TECs are being issued to those customers who have expired MOTs as a result of the DVA cancelling their tests. The exemptions will apply for four months, allowing DVA customers to continue to go about their daily lives without further disruption. However four year old cars cannot get a TEC because they do not have an MOT to extend and the legislation does not permit the DVA to issue TECs for taxis. Therefore the heavy duty lanes are being used to prioritise taxis, 4 year old car customers and car dealership as well as testing heavy goods vehicles and buses.\n\nI have also instructed DVA to pay the maximum amount of compensation that is permissible under the relevant legislation. All customers who have their test cancelled by the DVA will receive a free retest and a refund of half of the cost of the test.","answerHtml":"The health and safety of all staff and customers visiting MOT centres is my first priority. In ensuring their safety, there has been disruption to services and inconvenience caused to customers due to a fault identified with vehicle lifts in MOT centres, including the Armagh test centre.
This situation has led to around 10,680 tests being cancelled across the network of 15 test centres from Tuesday 21 to Tuesday 28 January. During this period, DVA has continued to conduct over 17,000 vehicle tests.
I am very mindful of the impact this disruption is having on the public and their working and daily lives. On Friday 24 January, I instructed the DVA to begin issuing Temporary Exemption Certificates (TECs) as soon as practically possible. TECs are being issued to those customers who have expired MOTs as a result of the DVA cancelling their tests. The exemptions will apply for four months, allowing DVA customers to continue to go about their daily lives without further disruption. However four year old cars cannot get a TEC because they do not have an MOT to extend and the legislation does not permit the DVA to issue TECs for taxis. Therefore the heavy duty lanes are being used to prioritise taxis, 4 year old car customers and car dealership as well as testing heavy goods vehicles and buses.
I have also instructed DVA to pay the maximum amount of compensation that is permissible under the relevant legislation. All customers who have their test cancelled by the DVA will receive a free retest and a refund of half of the cost of the test.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%20904%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=291860","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=291860"}},{"id":"291859","reference":"AQW 903/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-01-23","answerBy":"2020-02-07","answered":"2020-02-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the timeframe for completion of the A1 Junctions Phase 2 scheme.","answerText":"I am very aware how important the A1 Junctions Phase 2 road improvements are for the many people who have expressed their support for the scheme, especially those who have lost loved ones and I want to move to the next stage as quickly as possible after the completion of the statutory processes.\n\nI am committed to working to find solutions that deliver better for our communities and improve lives across Northern Ireland. I will be assessing the pressures across my department reflecting on my priorities, the commitments in \"New Decade: New Approach\" and the budget made available for the period ahead.\n\n.","answerHtml":"I am very aware how important the A1 Junctions Phase 2 road improvements are for the many people who have expressed their support for the scheme, especially those who have lost loved ones and I want to move to the next stage as quickly as possible after the completion of the statutory processes.
I am committed to working to find solutions that deliver better for our communities and improve lives across Northern Ireland. I will be assessing the pressures across my department reflecting on my priorities, the commitments in "New Decade: New Approach" and the budget made available for the period ahead.
.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%20903%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=291859","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=291859"}},{"id":"291858","reference":"AQW 902/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-01-23","answerBy":"2020-02-07","answered":"2020-02-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in light of the number of accidents on the road, to detail (i) any additional safety measures being considered in advance of A1 Junctions Phase 2 scheme; and (ii) timescales for implementation.","answerText":"In advance of the main A1 Junctions Phase 2 road improvement scheme, approximately 6.5km of central reserve safety barrier has been installed along the A1 over the past few years. That scheme represents the best way forward in terms of further safety measures and I am keen to see it progress but precise timescales for implementation will depend on the outcome of the public inquiry and the wider budgetary context.\n\nIn the meantime, I can assure the member that my officials are continuing to explore opportunities and timescales for other safety measures on this route.","answerHtml":"In advance of the main A1 Junctions Phase 2 road improvement scheme, approximately 6.5km of central reserve safety barrier has been installed along the A1 over the past few years. That scheme represents the best way forward in terms of further safety measures and I am keen to see it progress but precise timescales for implementation will depend on the outcome of the public inquiry and the wider budgetary context.
In the meantime, I can assure the member that my officials are continuing to explore opportunities and timescales for other safety measures on this route.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%20902%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=291858","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=291858"}},{"id":"292177","reference":"AQO 9/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-01-23","answerBy":"2020-02-03","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister how the Office of Identity and Cultural Expression will seek to represent and engage with people identifying as neither Irish, British or both.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%209%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=292177","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=292177"}},{"id":"293766","reference":"AQO 9/17-22","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-01-23","answerBy":"2020-02-03","answered":"2020-02-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister how the Office of Identity and Cultural Expression will seek to represent and engage with people identifying as neither Irish, British or both.","answerText":"The New Decade, New Approach agreement sets out the strategic aims of the new Office of Identity and Cultural Expression.\n\nThese include the promotion of:-\n\ncultural pluralism and respect for diversity, including Northern Ireland’s ethnic, national, linguistic and faith communities;\n\nbuilding social cohesion and reconciliation so that everyone has a sense of belonging;\n\nbuilding capacity and resilience on how we address our unresolved cultural identity issues; and\n\ncelebrate and support all aspects of Northern Ireland’s rich cultural and linguistic heritage, recognising the equal validity and importance of all identities and traditions.\n\nConsideration is currently being given to the arrangements to bring forward the Rights, Language and Identity proposals in the ‘New Decade, New Approach’ agreement, including the creation of the Office of Identity and Cultural Expression.\n\nFurther details will be made available to Members in due course.","answerHtml":"The New Decade, New Approach agreement sets out the strategic aims of the new Office of Identity and Cultural Expression.
These include the promotion of:-
cultural pluralism and respect for diversity, including Northern Ireland’s ethnic, national, linguistic and faith communities;
building social cohesion and reconciliation so that everyone has a sense of belonging;
building capacity and resilience on how we address our unresolved cultural identity issues; and
celebrate and support all aspects of Northern Ireland’s rich cultural and linguistic heritage, recognising the equal validity and importance of all identities and traditions.
Consideration is currently being given to the arrangements to bring forward the Rights, Language and Identity proposals in the ‘New Decade, New Approach’ agreement, including the creation of the Office of Identity and Cultural Expression.
Further details will be made available to Members in due course.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%209%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=293766","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=293766"}},{"id":"291181","reference":"AQW 449/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-01-16","answerBy":"2020-01-31","answered":"2020-01-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail the overall increase in the Draft Schedule of Values as a result of Non-Domestic Rates Revaluation 2020 for the Ards and North Down Borough Council area.","answerText":"In the Ards and North Down Borough Council area the total Net Annual Value in the Draft Schedule of Values has increased by £5.9 million from £94.9 million to £100.8 million, an increase of 6.2%. The table shows the growth for each Council area.\n\nCouncil\tTotal NAV £m Current Valuation List\tTotal NAV £m\nDraft Schedule\tGrowth\nAntrim & Newtownabbey\t£123.4\t£132.1\t7.0%\nArds & North Down\t£94.9\t£100.8\t6.2%\nArmagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon\t£134.3\t£141.5\t5.4%\nBelfast\t£478.5\t£520.7\t8.8%\nCauseway Coast & Glens\t£87.9\t£94.7\t7.6%\nDerry City & Strabane\t£117.7\t£126.0\t7.0%\nFermanagh & Omagh\t£98.9\t£102.7\t3.9%\nLisburn & Castlereagh\t£120.5\t£126.4\t4.9%\nMid & East Antrim\t£97.5\t£98.4\t0.9%\nMid Ulster\t£93.3\t£101.8\t9.1%\nNewry, Mourne & Down\t£111.9\t£119.5\t6.7%\nNorthern Ireland\t£1,559\t£1,665\t6.8%","answerHtml":"In the Ards and North Down Borough Council area the total Net Annual Value in the Draft Schedule of Values has increased by £5.9 million from £94.9 million to £100.8 million, an increase of 6.2%. The table shows the growth for each Council area.
| Council | Total NAV £m Current Valuation List | Total NAV £m Draft Schedule | Growth |
| Antrim & Newtownabbey | £123.4 | £132.1 | 7.0% |
| Ards & North Down | £94.9 | £100.8 | 6.2% |
| Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon | £134.3 | £141.5 | 5.4% |
| Belfast | £478.5 | £520.7 | 8.8% |
| Causeway Coast & Glens | £87.9 | £94.7 | 7.6% |
| Derry City & Strabane | £117.7 | £126.0 | 7.0% |
| Fermanagh & Omagh | £98.9 | £102.7 | 3.9% |
| Lisburn & Castlereagh | £120.5 | £126.4 | 4.9% |
| Mid & East Antrim | £97.5 | £98.4 | 0.9% |
| Mid Ulster | £93.3 | £101.8 | 9.1% |
| Newry, Mourne & Down | £111.9 | £119.5 | 6.7% |
| Northern Ireland | £1,559 | £1,665 | 6.8% |
My predecessor, Paul Givan MLA, decided against progressing this in the previous mandate. This is something the Department is considering and will be engaging with key stakeholders in due course.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%20448%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=291180","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=291180"}},{"id":"291179","reference":"AQW 447/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-01-16","answerBy":"2020-01-31","answered":"2020-01-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for an update on the timeframe for tabling the outcome of the recent Review of the Non-Domestic Rating System.","answerText":"The public consultation closed in late November and my officials have been examining the extensive range of responses received and are developing findings into short, medium and long term policy objectives.\n\nI will meet officials in the near future to discuss this work and explore the policy options that may be available to me.","answerHtml":"The public consultation closed in late November and my officials have been examining the extensive range of responses received and are developing findings into short, medium and long term policy objectives.
I will meet officials in the near future to discuss this work and explore the policy options that may be available to me.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%20447%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=291179","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=291179"}},{"id":"291178","reference":"AQW 446/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-01-16","answerBy":"2020-01-31","answered":"2020-01-31","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any plans for the provision of funding to (i) facilitate the upgrade of existing; and (ii) development of new greenways.","answerText":"Greenways have the potential to bring significant benefits to us all in terms of more physically active lifestyles, active travel, improved mental and physical health and wellbeing, social inclusion, tackling climate change, the strengthening of the local economy and tourism.\n\nOver the coming weeks I want to carefully consider how provision of greenways can assist as part of my vision to enable greener infrastructure and greater sustainable transport that connects communities and improves lives.","answerHtml":"Greenways have the potential to bring significant benefits to us all in terms of more physically active lifestyles, active travel, improved mental and physical health and wellbeing, social inclusion, tackling climate change, the strengthening of the local economy and tourism.
Over the coming weeks I want to carefully consider how provision of greenways can assist as part of my vision to enable greener infrastructure and greater sustainable transport that connects communities and improves lives.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%20446%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=291178","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=291178"}},{"id":"291177","reference":"AQW 445/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-01-16","answerBy":"2020-01-31","answered":"2020-01-31","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) which areas are under consideration for residents' only parking schemes; (ii) the timescales for introduction.","answerText":"The first residents’ parking scheme in Rugby Road / College Park Avenue, Belfast, came into operation during April 2018. A review of the scheme, which will reflect the needs, experiences and feedback of residents, is currently underway. I will want to make sure that any lessons learnt from this scheme inform wider policy on implementing residents’ parking schemes.\n\nSince the implementation of the Belfast scheme, the Department has received requests for many residents’ parking schemes across the north. I can assure the Member that my officials are assessing all these in the context of developing a new approach to residents’ parking schemes that incorporates the learning from the first scheme, in advance of considering rolling out schemes to any other areas in Northern Ireland. At this stage, we are not in a position to advise on timescales for considering future schemes, as this is dependent on successful evaluation of the performance of the initial scheme.","answerHtml":"The first residents’ parking scheme in Rugby Road / College Park Avenue, Belfast, came into operation during April 2018. A review of the scheme, which will reflect the needs, experiences and feedback of residents, is currently underway. I will want to make sure that any lessons learnt from this scheme inform wider policy on implementing residents’ parking schemes.
Since the implementation of the Belfast scheme, the Department has received requests for many residents’ parking schemes across the north. I can assure the Member that my officials are assessing all these in the context of developing a new approach to residents’ parking schemes that incorporates the learning from the first scheme, in advance of considering rolling out schemes to any other areas in Northern Ireland. At this stage, we are not in a position to advise on timescales for considering future schemes, as this is dependent on successful evaluation of the performance of the initial scheme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%20445%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=291177","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=291177"}},{"id":"290958","reference":"AQW 264/17-22","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"17-22","tabled":"2020-01-14","answerBy":"2020-01-29","answered":"2020-02-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline the plans that are in place to bring forward a single equality bill in order to harmonise and simplify legislative equality protections whilst ensuring they are fit for purpose.","answerText":"There has been no agreement on a single Equality Bill; however, a number of statutes have been enacted here over the last decades which provide protection against discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, race, religion and political opinion, sex and sexual orientation.","answerHtml":"There has been no agreement on a single Equality Bill; however, a number of statutes have been enacted here over the last decades which provide protection against discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, race, religion and political opinion, sex and sexual orientation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%20264%2F17-22","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=290958","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=290958"}}]}