https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/ An independent tracker of the questions asked by Andrew Muir, Alliance Party MLA for North Down, in the Northern Ireland Assembly – with answers, search, filters and downloads. en-gb Tue, 20 Oct 2026 01:44:52 GMT https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/385166/ 385166-answered Fri, 28 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether departmental officials have conducted an impact assessment regarding fuel consumption and the switch to E10 petrol. Answer (28 October 2022): 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. https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/384917/ 384917-answered Fri, 28 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure 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. Answer (28 October 2022): 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. https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/384185/ 384185-answered Fri, 28 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure 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. Answer (28 October 2022): 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… https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/384184/ 384184-answered Fri, 28 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the identified risks which could endanger the delivery of planned (i) network maintenance; and (ii) network developments, in the Ards and North Down Council Area by the end of 2022-23 financial year. Answer (28 October 2022): 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… https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/384611/ 384611-answered Thu, 27 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the appointment of a replacement contractor for Priory and Springhill GP Surgeries. Answer (27 October 2022): 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… https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/384404/ 384404-answered Tue, 25 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure 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. Answer (25 October 2022): 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… https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/384790/ 384790-answered Mon, 24 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what work has been carried out by his Department to facilitate the creation of car sharing clubs. Answer (24 October 2022): 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… https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/383764/ 383764-answered Mon, 24 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for the Economy 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. Answer (24 October 2022): 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… https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/383459/ 383459-answered Mon, 24 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure 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. Answer (24 October 2022): 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 https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/384156/ 384156-answered Fri, 21 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department of Finance 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. Answer (21 October 2022): (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… https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/383258/ 383258-answered Fri, 21 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline the planned spend during the current and future financial years on the York Street Interchange Scheme. Answer (21 October 2022): 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. https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/383257/ 383257-answered Fri, 21 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure 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. Answer (21 October 2022): 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… https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/383256/ 383256-answered Fri, 21 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline the further actions and timescales for the York Street Interchange Scheme. Answer (21 October 2022): 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… https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/383255/ 383255-answered Fri, 21 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure 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. Answer (21 October 2022): 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… https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/384163/ 384163-answered Thu, 20 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure 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. Answer (20 October 2022): 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. https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/383763/ 383763-answered Tue, 18 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for the Economy 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. Answer (18 October 2022): 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… https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/382855/ 382855-answered Tue, 18 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure 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. Answer (18 October 2022): 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… https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/382854/ 382854-answered Tue, 18 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure why public consultation has not yet commenced on the new draft Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan. Answer (18 October 2022): 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… https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/382853/ 382853-answered Tue, 18 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the Belfast Distillery Company Ltd contract and works at Crumlin Road Gaol. Answer (18 October 2022): 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. https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/382852/ 382852-answered Tue, 18 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure 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. Answer (18 October 2022): 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. https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/381613/ 381613-answered Mon, 17 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure 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. Answer (17 October 2022): 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. https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/381616/ 381616-answered Thu, 13 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what rights arise from the special share held by the Department in respect of Belfast International Airport. Answer (13 October 2022): 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. https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/381614/ 381614-answered Thu, 13 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure 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. Answer (13 October 2022): The Active Travel Centre officially opened on Wednesday 26th September 2022. https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/381612/ 381612-answered Thu, 13 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department of Finance To ask the Minister of Finance what preparatory work has been undertaken concerning the Public Bodies (Representation from Devolved Nations) Bill. Answer (13 October 2022): 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. https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/381611/ 381611-answered Thu, 13 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline the timescales for commencement and implementation of Reservoirs Act (NI) 2015. Answer (13 October 2022): 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. https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/382983/ 382983-answered Wed, 12 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health how his Department monitors the number of Dental Surgeries in Northern Ireland that accept new NHS patients. Answer (12 October 2022): 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. https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/382982/ 382982-answered Fri, 07 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health 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. Answer (7 October 2022): 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… https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/380492/ 380492-answered Wed, 21 Sep 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health 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. Answer (21 September 2022): 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… https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/380491/ 380491-answered Wed, 21 Sep 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health 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. Answer (21 September 2022): 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. https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/380219/ 380219-answered Tue, 20 Sep 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure 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. Answer (20 September 2022): 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. https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/380217/ 380217-answered Wed, 14 Sep 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure 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. Answer (14 September 2022): 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. https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/380216/ 380216-answered Wed, 14 Sep 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure 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. Answer (14 September 2022): 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… https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/380218/ 380218-answered Mon, 12 Sep 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure 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. Answer (12 September 2022): 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… https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/380215/ 380215-answered Fri, 09 Sep 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure 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. Answer (9 September 2022): 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. https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/374859/ 374859-answered Mon, 15 Aug 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Communities 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. Answer (15 August 2022): 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. https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/379841/ 379841-answered Thu, 11 Aug 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure 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. Answer (11 August 2022): 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. https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/379838/ 379838-answered Wed, 10 Aug 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure 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. Answer (10 August 2022): 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… https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/379834/ 379834-answered Wed, 10 Aug 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure 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. Answer (10 August 2022): 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. https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/379835/ 379835-answered Tue, 09 Aug 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure 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. Answer (9 August 2022): 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… https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/379833/ 379833-answered Mon, 08 Aug 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the timescale for delivery of the proposed flood alleviation schemes in the North West. Answer (8 August 2022): 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… https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/377710/ 377710-answered Tue, 19 Jul 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education to detail how many children across Northern Ireland are in receipt of free school meals. Answer (19 July 2022): 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 https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/377357/ 377357-answered Fri, 15 Jul 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure 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. Answer (15 July 2022): My Department does not maintain records of the location of dropped kerbs and tactile paving. https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/377941/ 377941-answered Thu, 14 Jul 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure 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. Answer (14 July 2022): 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. https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/377705/ 377705-answered Thu, 14 Jul 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the timescale for the publication of the Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan. Answer (14 July 2022): 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. https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/377501/ 377501-answered Thu, 14 Jul 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for the Economy 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. Answer (14 July 2022): 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.… https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/377711/ 377711-answered Mon, 11 Jul 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure 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. Answer (11 July 2022): 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. https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/377706/ 377706-answered Mon, 11 Jul 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the timescale for updating the Highway Code. Answer (11 July 2022): 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… https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/377708/ 377708-answered Wed, 06 Jul 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education 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. Answer (6 July 2022): 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… https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/377089/ 377089-answered Wed, 06 Jul 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure 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. Answer (6 July 2022): 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… https://askedbyandrewmuir.nidata.fyi/questions/376373/ 376373-answered Wed, 06 Jul 2022 12:00:00 GMT Department for the Economy 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. Answer (6 July 2022): 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.